Subjective Tokyo guide: what to do in Tokyo

The most popular time to visit Japan is during spring, in the Sakura season. In Tokyo, the cheery blossom hit its peak at the end of March to the beginning of April. but as we’re not wired for crowds, we chose the second-best season—autumn for Momiji (the Japanese word for the red maple leaves in the fall). For our trip to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto the best time to go was the second half of November to early December. We arrived in Tokyo on 17th November and stayed till the end of the month. But arriving even a week or two after will work just fine too.

What we focused on during the trip to Japan

foooood 🙂 (read what we ate here and here)
Seeing beautiful Japanese nature in the autumn colors
Interesting views from high buildings, panoramic scenery
Shrines and templates
Visit the most recommended places for first-timers: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto.
On my bucket list was seeing Mt Fuji and having an onsen experience, so we also added Hakone and the area around it.
Visit our friends in Osaka. We also choose Osaka to be our starting point to go to Nara.

What we excluded from our trip

Disneylands, Harry Potter worlds, Theme parks, etc.
Animal cafes
Renting a kimono and dressing up
Any cooking classes — it’s not that we didn’t want to, but we simply didn’t have enough time.

Tokyo

We started our trip to Japan in Tokyo and finished it there. In total, we stayed in Tokyo for 5 days, first in Shibuya, then in Ginza. Tokyo is the largest city in the world, and its metropolis is home to over 37 million people—nearly the same as the total population of the country I live in, Poland. Tokyo is a busy, vibrant, and vast city, yet it didn’t feel overwhelming, even in the rush hours.

What to visit Shibuya district?

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is iconic, and probably the busiest intersection in the world, must-have during your visit to Tokyo. To see it from above go to the 12th floor Shibuya Square Scramble, where there is a free viewing point. Alternatively, Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby (haven’t visited) is also recommended.

Shibuya Parco Rooftop Park is a nice free-of-charge rooftop at the top of the shopping center. The views are not as spectacular, but still worth it. On the basement level, there are also quite a few restaurants, including a very nice place for vegan ramen.

Shibuya Sky is a 229m tall, open-air observation deck with an amazing view. On sunny, clear-sky days it’s even possible to see Mt Fuji from there. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for the most popular sunset hours.

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and its unique architecture and peaceful green surroundings make it worth visiting. We even had a chance to see the part of traditional wedding ceremony. But early morning is the most peaceful time to visit it and soak its solemn atmosphere.

Yoyogi Park is located next to the Meiji Shrine. When we visited the trees weren’t fully in the autumn colors, but I can imagine that it’s even more beautiful during the sakura or full autumn season.

Ebisu Yokocho is a street full of small restaurants (izakayas), definetaly worth visiting in Shibuya.

Harajuku district is associated with Japanese street fashion. You can find there lots of boutiques and vintage stores.

What to visit in Minato district?

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a shopping center with a futuristic, very instagramamble entrance. The Omotesando district itself is full of high-end shops with modern and extravagant architecture. For matcha-lovers visit The Match Tokyo.

We haven’t visited much in the Minato district, but for the next trip, Roppongi and the area around Tokyo Tower are on my bucket list.

What to visit Shinjuku district?

Shinkuju Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo’s largest park, is a pleasant escape from the from the city. During our visit, we had a chance to admire the exhibition of impressive flower arrangements art. It’s also one of the best spots to admire blooming cherry trees.

Cross Shinjuku Vision, crossing known for its 3D iconic animation—furry Calico Cat and his tricks.

Omoide Yokocho known as Piss Alley, is a street full of izakayas (small restaurants), which started as an illegal drinking quarter in the 1940s. It quickly became known for cheap yakitori and draining pace with locals so small, that there were no restrooms, hence the name. It’s not the case anymore, as places become more touristic. There might be better places to go out and eat, but it makes great places to capture the essence of Tokyo.

What to visit in Chiyoda district?

Imperial Palace is not easy to visit, as there are just two tours per day with limited capacity. We only visited it from the outside and well-kept gardens around the palace area made it worth exploring around.

Hie Shrine is one of the main Tokyo shrines, located on the hill, but hidden among sounding skyscrapers between the neighborhoods of Akasaka and Nagatacho. The highlights are the. stairs and 90 Torri gates, which almost transport you to Kyoto.

Akihabara Electric Town, also called Akiba, is the area known for its anime and manga stories and retro game machines centers.

What to visit in Taito district?

Sensō-ji Shrine in the Asasuka district is one of the most vibrant and colorful Tokyo temples. Starting with the big Kaminarimon Gate and shopping street called Nakemise (full of typical tourist souvenirs, but from time to there are some unique places like postcards shop started in 1910).

View at Tokyo Skytree, the most iconic viewpoint. Although we didn’t have time to visit, it’s still impressive even from a distance.

Kappabashi Dougu Street next to Sensō-ji Shrine is the best place for kitchen supply shopping, which is much less touristic than other areas. Go there to buy beautiful ceramics, chopsticks, handmade, knives and other accessories.

What to visit in Chuo district?

Tsukiji Outer Market, known for famous tuna auctions, has now moved to another location. It’s now home to over 460 vendors, who offer a variety of traditional Japanese food: seafood, fishcakes, sashimi, vague beef, and many more. Next to the outer market, there is also a market open for everyday grocery shopping (no photography allowed inside), which has stunning terrace on the top. To avoid crowds, visit in the morning.

Ginza is known for its upscale stores and boutiques, trendy restaurants, and cafes. For me, the highlight was the 7-store stationary store Itoya, where you could buy origami papers, postcards for every occasion, beautiful stickers, and all kinds of stationery and art supplies.

Other places to visit in Tokyo

TeamLab Planets is an art collective, housing multi-sensory, immersive art displays. Be ready for a barefoot full-body experience. However, now I would visit the larger TeamLab Borderless, which re-opened in February 2024 at Azabudai Hills.

Gotokuji Temple, the Buddhist template of Maneki Neko cat. It’s a charming place, located in Bunkyō, outside of the city center of Tokyo. Unfortunately, most of the cat’s figures were sold out when we were there.

We’ll definetaly be back!