Tokyo is a huge, vibrant and colourful city where you don't just go for the sights, but for the experience.

If you're wondering what to do in Tokyo, the options are endless - from traditional temples to neon streets and the best food in the world.

Here are my picks for the best activities in Tokyo worth experiencing on your first visit.

Read more on our website too:

• 👉 O ur tips on where to stay in Tokyo
• 💸 What are the prices in Japan?
• ❌ What to skip in Tokyo if you're short on time

Modern Tokyo - neon, anime and sightseeing

Tokyo is primarily a city of modern buildings and neighborhoods with quirky neon signs.

Vibrant and colourful neighbourhoods

In my opinion, some of the best things to do in Tokyo are walking around the futuristic neighborhoods full of color and signs in Japanese. What could be more Tokyo?

I was excited about Shinjuku, a lively place full of bars, restaurants and shops with the most vibrant streets.

Anime, cosplay and arcade game lovers will then head to the Akihabara district.

But my favourite neighbourhood was one of the world's most famous - Shibuya - made famous by Shibuya Junction.

View the best hotels in Shibuya

Observatories

While Tokyo doesn't have the iconic skyline of, say, Hong Kong or New York, it's definitely worth visiting the most famous observation decks.

I visited a total of 3 lookout points:

• Tokyo Tower - an iconic orange and white observation tower with an outdoor staircase to walk up.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - a free observation deck with the best view of Mount Fuji
• Tokyo Skytree - the 3rd tallest building in the world

Traditional Japanese experiences

You'll also find historical sites in Tokyo, and you can travel here for typical Japanese experiences that span many centuries.

Temple complexes and shrines

Although the greatest concentration of shrines and temples can be found in the city of Kyoto, which I was absolutely captivated by, there are also several temples and shrines in Tokyo.

I have personally visited these religious buildings.

• Senso-Ji Temple - the most famous, but also extremely crowded (I wouldn't go here next time)
• Zojo-Ji Temple - the most authentic and great to combine with a visit to Tokyo Tower, which creates a modern contrast to the history (I liked it best here!).
• Meiji Shrine - a beautiful shrine in the middle of the very large Yoyogi Park, but it's already very crowded

Sumo wrestling

There are usually 6 tournaments each year, each lasting 15 days. Of these 6 tournaments, only 3 are held in Tokyo, in the months of January, May and September.

They are held at Kokugikan, which is also home to the Sumo Museum.

The main objective of these matches is to get the opponent away from the center of the circle or to force him to touch the dojo spot with any part of his body other than the flat of his foot.

However, various sumo shows are also held at other times across Tokyo.

As the official website is in Japanese only, we recommend booking sumo experiences through GetYourGuide, for example.

The usual price is around 10 000 jpy for a 1.5-hour experience, but the main sumo-tournament at Kokugikan Hall costs from 45 000 jpy upwards.

Book your sumo experience here

Japanese cuisine

You shouldn't miss out on sampling Japanese specialties when you visit. The Japanese love food, so it's no wonder there are countless restaurants in Tokyo.

I wondered if there are any specialties that are purely unique to Tokyo and found these dishes:

• Monjayaki - liquid and savoury pancakes, the main ingredient is cabbage
• Edo-mae sushi - modern sushi with marinated fish
  • 💡 Try the fish specialties at Tsukiji market
• Tempura - fried fish, meat or vegetables extremely popular all over Japan originally from Tokyo

It wasn't in our power to try all the highly rated restaurants.

So I wrote an article where I personally ate in Tokyo.

• 👉 My 5 favorite restaurants in Tokyo

Capsule hotels

These bizarre types of accommodation, where you sleep in de facto closed boxes on top of each other, originated in Japan.

So it would be a shame not to try a capsule hotel in Japan's biggest city for at least 1 night, right?

I tried one and wrote a detailed review.

• 🏨 Tomariya Ueno capsule hotel - how did I sleep?
• 👉 Choose from all capsule hotels on booking.com

Shopping

Tokyo is home to all types of shops, from well-known department stores to flea markets. People looking for the latest gadgets in the form of hi-tech toys and all sorts of electronic devices will also find their way to Tokyo.

One of the most famous shopping districts in the world, Ginza is full of luxury flagship stores from brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Rimowa and Tiffany & Co., as well as cheaper department stores such as Uniqlo.

A similar district is Shinjuku, where you can find many shops in one place. Tourists looking for discounted products will find the Ikebukuro district appealing.

If you're looking for handicrafts, head to Asakusa.

The 10 most luxurious hotels in Tokyo

Parks and gardens

Japan's capital may be a concrete jungle, but it boasts some beautiful parks.

These are pretty all year round, but are of course at their absolute best in autumn when the trees are in colourful leaf, and in spring when the sakura are in bloom.

• 👉 When do sakura bloom in Japan - approximate dates

I liked these gardens the best and would recommend a visit:

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - for me a must-see and one of the most peaceful experiences in Tokyo
• Kōkyō Imperial Palace - you are not allowed to enter the palace, but its East Garden is beautiful
• Ueno Park - a great place for many activities, lots of museums, parks, fountains and food stalls

Entertainment and lively nightlife

In addition to the Shinjuku and Akihabara districts mentioned above, you can also have fun in Kabukicho, known as Tokyo's red-light district.

This is where you can head if you want to experience the atmosphere of a tech-savvy city. Here, robot attendants are nothing special.