All citiesTokyo Things to do and walking itinerary
Japan Tokyo travel guide
30 things to do in Tokyo, where to stay, airport transfers, 5 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Tokyo
- Tokyo Skytree — tower in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Tokyo Tower — tower in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Tokyo National Museum — art museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Yasukuni Shrine — Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Tokyo Imperial Palace — main residence of the Emperor of Japan (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Edo Castle — castle in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Ueno Imperial Grant Park — park in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 45 min)
- National Museum of Western Art — art museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Sensō-ji Temple — Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Rainbow Bridge — suspension bridge across the Tokyo Bay, Japan (visit ≈ 15 min)
- St. Mary's Cathedral — seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo (visit ≈ 35 min)
- National Art Center, Tokyo — art museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Akasaka Palace — state guest house in Japan (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Ueno Zoo — zoo in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 150 min)
- National Museum of Nature and Science — National Science Museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Shinjuku Gyoen — park and garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 45 min)
- The National Museum of Modern Art — Art museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building — building in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Hamarikyu Gardens — park in Chuo, Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum — museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Artizon Museum — art museum in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Edo-Tokyo Museum — museum in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Holy Resurrection Cathedral — church in Chiyoda ward Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Asakusa Shrine — Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan — museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kabuki-za — Kabuki theatre in Tokyo (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Hibiya Park — park in Tokyo (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Shiba Park — park in Minato, Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Kanda-myōjin — Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Nezu Shrine — Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day Tokyo walking itinerary
Starting point: Shinjuku. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.0 km · 10,790 steps · 1 h 46 min on the way): NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building → Shinjuku Gyoen → Akasaka Palace
- Day 2 (≈ 9.1 km · 12,340 steps · 2 h 2 min on the way): St. Mary's Cathedral
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Tokyo
- Meiji Jingū — Tokyo's best-known Shinto shrine, wrapped in dense forest behind giant torii gates. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Shibuya Crossing — The world's most famous scramble crossing, where thousands surge across at each green light. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Shibuya Sky — Open-air rooftop deck above the crossing; on clear evenings you may spot Mount Fuji. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Takeshita Street — Harajuku's street of colourful youth fashion, crêpe stands and quirky shops. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Yanaka — Old-Tokyo feel with war-surviving wooden houses, temples and a small shopping street. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Kagurazaka — Former geisha district of stone-paved alleys and traditional restaurants, with a French touch. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Inokashira Park (Kichijōji) — Locals' favourite park in Kichijōji with a boating lake and cherry trees; near the Ghibli Museum. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- teamLab Planets — Immersive digital art museum in Toyosu where you wade through water; book tickets in advance. (visit ≈ 90 min)
Where to stay in Tokyo
- Shinjuku: Huge transit hub, nightlife and hotels for every budget.
- Shibuya: Young and lively; shopping, cafés and easy metro links.
- Ginza / Tokyo Station: Polished and central; Shinkansen and Narita Express on the doorstep.
- Asakusa: Old-Tokyo feel, temples and affordable hostels.
- Ueno: Museums, park and a fast Skyliner to Narita.
- Roppongi: Art museums and late-night bars.
Getting from the airport to Tokyo
- Narita (NRT): Keisei Skyliner train ≈ 45 min
- Haneda (HND): Tokyo Monorail ≈ 15 min
Getting around
Metro and JR lines go everywhere; add a Suica or Pasmo card to your phone. Taxis are pricey and can be booked with the GO app.
Classic places to eat
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Go early for fresh sushi, tamagoyaki and seafood stalls.
- Asakusa Imahan: Sukiyaki since 1895; dip the wagyu slices in raw egg.
- Kanda Matsuya: Historic soba shop; try cold zaru soba.
- Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama: Crispy kurobuta tonkatsu in a former bathhouse.
- Omoide Yokocho: Yakitori and beer in a narrow alley of tiny counters.
- Golden Gai: A maze of tiny six-to-eight-seat bars.
- AFURI Ebisu: Light shio ramen with yuzu.
- Toraya Akasaka: Centuries-old wagashi house; yokan and matcha.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Joël Robuchon — 3 MICHELIN stars, French
- Kagurazaka Ishikawa — 3 MICHELIN stars, Japanese (kaiseki)
- Sazenka — 3 MICHELIN stars, Chinese, Japanese
- Narisawa — 2 MICHELIN stars, Innovative
- Den — 2 MICHELIN stars, Japanese, creative
Romantic views
- Sumida River at Asakusa (Evening): Walking by the river, the lights of Tokyo Skytree reflect on the water.
- Rainbow Bridge (Sunset): The walkway gives a wide view of the bay and the city lights.
- Odaiba Marine Park (Evening): From the beach you look across the bay to the lit-up Rainbow Bridge.
- Shinjuku Gyoen (Early morning): A calm garden with ponds and tea houses in the middle of the city.
- Chidorigafuchi (Afternoon): You can row a boat under cherry trees along the Imperial Palace moat.
Football stadiums in Tokyo
- Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium: Home of Kawasaki Frontale
Day trips
- Tokyo Disneyland — 12 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Tokyo
- Fine: Pseudoephedrine cold medicines and some ADHD or opioid medicines are banned or need prior approval.
- Fine: Cannabis and CBD with any THC are illegal; small amounts can lead to arrest.
- Fine: Many cities ban smoking while walking; use designated smoking areas.
- Fine: Some private lanes in Kyoto's Gion ban photography; don't photograph geiko or maiko without consent.
- Fine: Flying drones over densely populated areas requires permission.
- Warning: Always carry your passport; police may ask for it.
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 119, fire 119
- Plugs: A/B, 100V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: There's no tipping; money left behind is often returned.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Japan, Wikivoyage — Japan, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Tokyo travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Tokyo?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Add extra days for day trips (Tokyo Disneyland).
- What are the top things to do in Tokyo?
- Highlights: Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo National Museum, Yasukuni Shrine and Tokyo Imperial Palace. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Tokyo?
- Shinjuku: Huge transit hub, nightlife and hotels for every budget. Other options: Shibuya, Ginza / Tokyo Station, Asakusa, Ueno and Roppongi.
- How do you get from the airport to Tokyo city centre?
- Narita (NRT): Keisei Skyliner train ≈ 45 min · Haneda (HND): Tokyo Monorail ≈ 15 min
- How do you get around Tokyo?
- Metro and JR lines go everywhere; add a Suica or Pasmo card to your phone. Taxis are pricey and can be booked with the GO app.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Tokyo?
- According to the last known data there are 5 starred restaurants: Joël Robuchon (3 stars), Kagurazaka Ishikawa (3 stars), Sazenka (3 stars), Narisawa (2 stars), Den (2 stars). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Tokyo?
- Emergency: police 110, ambulance 119, fire 119.
- Do you tip in Tokyo?
- There's no tipping; money left behind is often returned.
Nearby cities
Kyoto · Osaka · Busan · Seoul · Pyongyang · Shanghai · Beijing · Taipei
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