The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List

With its futuristic architecture and cutting-edge fashions, ancient temples and cultural traditions, it’s easy for your list of things to do while in Tokyo to seem never-ending. Experience the highlights with this ultimate Tokyo bucket list.

Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples

Tokyo’s Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are more than just mere monuments to an earlier time. These religions still play a role in modern society, and virtually all temples and shrines have active communities. They host many special events, rituals, and ceremonies throughout the year and are a must-see during any Tokyo trip.

Recommendations: Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine

2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan / 1-1 Yoyogi-kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

1. Shopping in Shibuya

Shopping Mall, Store

Hachiko dog statue outside Shibuya station

Outside Shibuya Station you’ll find the landmark pedestrian scramble and the Hachiko statue along with droves of stylish youth shopping for the latest trends. If that isn’t enough, the fashion forward trio of districts Harajuku, Aoyama, and Omotesando are within walking distance.Recommendations: Shibuya 109

2. Architecture along Omotesando

Building

Omotesando, seen from the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku

Trendy and upscale Omotesando is known for its shopping, from one-of-a-kind vintage finds to the latest luxury fashions. It’s also an open air gallery featuring the work of some of the world’s best contemporary architects. Prada, TOD’s and Tokyu Plaza are some fan favorites.Recommendations: Prada Building

3. Nightlife

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub, Japanese

Shops with signs hanging in the streets of Golden Gai, Shinjuku

The Japanese love to work hard and play harder. Drink up at one of the city’s famous micro-sized, pre-war era bars at Golden Gai, be seen at some of Asia’s hottest nightclubs, or check out the underground music scene at a live house or DJ bar.Recommendations: Sound Museum Vision

4. Pop culture in Akihabara

Market

Cityscape of Akihabara district in Tokyo with its brightly coloured advertisements lining the walls and cars passing by

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a must for lovers of Japanese pop culture and particularly anime. Grab the latest branded merch or be treated like a “master” at one of the many maid cafés. Many shops selling used goods including PVC figurines can be found just south of Suehirocho Station on Chuo-dori.Recommendations: Animate

5. Relax in an onsen

Health Spa, Spa

If you don’t have have any tattoos, head to an onsen or sento (public bath). Visiting onsen is very common and often a social activity, so expect relaxation, but not absolute serenity during your visit. For tatted or shy hot spring goers, check for facilities that can offer private baths for an additional fee.Recommendations: Saya-no-yudokoro

6. Stay in a ryokan

Hotel, Ryokan

A modern Japanese-style room in a traditional ryokan, Shibuya

Ryokan are cozy guesthouses where Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) and traditional culture reign. Ryokan are usually small, family-owned and inexpensive, but there are ryokan-style resorts like Hoshinoya which can cost more than a luxury hotel.Recommendations: Sawanoya Ryokan

7. Cherry blossom viewing

Park

Cherry blosson, Midtown Roppongi district in spring

Gazing at the cherry blossoms, otherwise known as hanami,is a tradition going back thousands of years. These days, it’s also Tokyo’s busiest tourist season, and after one look at the photos it’s easy to see why. Places like Chidori-ga-Fuchi and Naka-Meguro are great for strolling under the blossoms, while the city’s many public parks fill up with friends and families picnicking beneath a sea of pink.Recommendations: Naka-Meguro

8. Matsuri (Festivals)

Shrine

Period costumes and bright red umbrellas at the Gion Matsuri festival in Kyoto

Tokyo is always celebrating something. Local shrine festivals are your chance to experience part of the Shinto tradition and sample popular street foods. Most are held during summer and fall, but there are seasonal festivals all year round.Recommendations: Sanno Matsuri at Hie Shrine

9. Tokyo food culture

Restaurant, Market, Ramen

In Japan, local specialties are taken very seriously, and you would never visit a region without trying their famed local cuisines. In Tokyo, these are the sushi and sashimi prepared with fish delivered fresh from Tsukiji Fish Market (soon-to-be moved to Toyosu) as well as Kanto-style ramen. And with more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, award winning dishes should be added to that list as well.Recommendations: Nakiryu (Michelin-starred ramen)

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.