Planning your first trip to Tokyo?
You’ve probably already seen the same recommendations over and over—Takeshita Dori, Tsukiji Fish Market, Golden Gai… but after 6–7 trips to Tokyo since my first visit in 2015, I can confidently say most of those spots are way too overhyped and completely overrun with tourists now.
This list is what Papu and I think are actually worth doing, based on trial, error, and seeing Tokyo evolve over the last decade. If you’re looking to skip the chaotic crowds and experience the best of the city with no regrets, this is your real-deal Tokyo bucket list.
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Table of Contents
Try vending machine ramen
Okay, don’t get it twisted. The ramen doesn’t come out of the vending machine (although some vending machines DO have that!).
What you’re really doing is ordering your meal from a vending machine. Here’s how it works: You walk into the ramen shop and instead of sitting down and ordering with a server, you’ll see a vending machine by the entrance with photos or buttons for each menu item.
You pick what you want, pay (usually cash, but some take IC cards), and the machine spits out a paper ticket. You hand that ticket to the chef or staff at the counter, grab a seat, and wait for your ramen to magically appear fresh and piping hot!
This setup is super common at ramen spots around Tokyo like Ichiran, Afuri, and Ippudo, and it’s especially handy if you don’t speak much Japanese—the machines often have English or at least pictures to help you out.
Go souvenir shopping at Loft
Loft is a one-stop shop for everything you didn’t know you needed—Japanese stationery, skincare, bento boxes, quirky home goods, thoughtfully designed coffee cups, and even travel essentials. It’s especially great if you’re looking for thoughtful souvenirs that aren’t just cheap keychains.
Floors are organized by category, so it’s easy to navigate and not overwhelming (unlike the average Don Quijote). The Shibuya and Ginza locations are both solid options, with the Shibuya one being bigger and more central if you’re already sightseeing nearby.
Another lifestyle store you could check out is Hands–there are various locations all over Tokyo as well!
Cross Shibuya Scramble
Set foot into the world’s busiest intersection, feeling like just one baby fish in a school of fish.
Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s one of those things you’ve just got to do once. The energy when the lights turn red and hundreds of people move in every direction is totally chaotic in the best way possible.
For the best experience, time your crossing with the green light and then go up to the second floor of the nearby Starbucks or the rooftop of the Shibuya Sky building to watch the mayhem unfold.
👉 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or late at night if you want a less-crowded version for photos.
Enjoy a live music club in Shimokitazawa
Skip the crowded, tourist-heavy Golden Gai and head to Shimokitazawa for a more local, laid-back vibe. Known for its indie spirit, the area is packed with cozy bars, live music venues, and craft beer spots.
Given that ~8% of all of Tokyo’s music clubs are located in this part of town, you’re certain to find a club that suits your music tastes.
Many venues double as casual bars, making it easy to grab a drink while soaking in the tunes. Some places may have cover charges, but that’s because they feature live music.
For a unique jazz-meets-speakeasy experience, check out No Room For Squares, hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge door. There’s no menu here—just tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll craft something on the fly.
Another cool spot is Shimokitazawa Daisy Bar, a small venue and bar where you can catch independent bands and immerse yourself in the underground Japanese music scene.
Experience one of Omoide Yokocho’s izakayas
Next up is Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane” or “Piss Alley”.
This narrow alleyway is located in Shinjuku (just an 8-10 minute walk from Golden Gai) and is known for its small but mighty businesses, many of which are izakaya restaurants.
Omoide Yokocho is lined with a variety of small bars and restaurants, many of which have been in operation for generations. You can sample a wide range of affordable and traditional Japanese foods, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), ramen, and oden (a hot pot dish).
Our personal favorite place to eat here? The small soba shop called Kameya.
Want to experience nightlife in Shinjuku but don’t know where to begin? Explore with a local on this nighttime bar-hopping tour of Shinjuku.
Tokyo: Bar-Hopping Tour in Shinjuku
Take the guesswork out of your trip and immerse yourself in true local culture. This guided tour takes you barhopping at various izakaya bars in Shinjuku. You can come empty-handed because, unlike other tours, ALL the food and drink are included. There’s even an all-you-can-drink bar stop!
Get a taste of Tokyo at night
Once you power through those first few nights’ jetlag and stop falling asleep at 7pm, Tokyo opens up a whole new world after dark.
If you’re after a low-key night, head to an izakaya for drinks, yakitori skewers, and small plates. Want something more electric? Go clubbing until 3am or spend your time belting out all your favorite songs at a karaoke booth. You can also spend hours playing games at the arcades or hunting for the perfect capsule toy at the gachapon shops.
But our favorite nighttime activity? Getting a taste of Tokyo’s performing arts!
Over in Asakusa, there’s a super cool Japanese dance cabaret show you can find there. This nightly show mixes traditional culture and contemporary music, the only one of its kind in Asakusa.
If you find yourself in the Akihabara area instead, you’ll find a super intimate samurai-themed show here. This 60-min performance features live music and actors reenacting legends inspired by the life and death of a heroic samurai, who, according to folklore, was later reborn as a spirit. They serve dinner, but honestly, you’re better off grabbing a bite nearby before the 8pm show.
Spend a whole day at Tokyo Disneyland
One of the most exciting and entertaining experiences to have in Tokyo is to spend the whole day at Tokyo Disneyland. This iconic theme park needs no introduction!
Disneyland is easily the most magical thing you could do in Tokyo (if you believe in the Disney magic that is!).
Tokyo Disneyland is divided into seven themed areas, similar to many other Disneylands in the world. When you’re here, you NEED to ride the Beauty and the Beast ride, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and The Happy Ride with Baymax. They’re easily the most popular rides here!
And of course, you need to spend at least an hour or two trying all the different snacks there, including the different flavored popcorns! Don’t miss the nightly fireworks, either.
… or at Tokyo DisneySea
For an experience that’s truly unique to Japan, go to Tokyo DisneySea instead!
Unlike other Disney parks around the world, Tokyo DisneySea is not based on traditional Disney characters and stories, but instead focuses on a nautical and adventure theme.
The park is divided into seven water-themed areas, including Fantasy Springs (the hottest area of the park at the moment), Mediterranean Harbor, the Arabian Coast, Mysterious Island, and other unique areas.
While there are fewer rides compared to Disneyland, the theming of this park is incredible. There’s so much to look at!
See digital art at a Teamlab exhibit
We’re personally obsessed with the Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets digital art exhibits.
These immersive installations use cutting-edge technology to create hypnotizingly cool, interactive displays that’ll transport you to otherworldly realms. We first visited teamLab Borderless in 2018 — it was wonderful back then, but it’s probably come a long way since then! They’ve also moved locations since their initial debut.
teamLab Borderless’ theme is that artworks flow between rooms, while teamLab Planets is more sensory; there’s an installation where you walk through water barefoot! I consider both to be must-visits, but if you only have time for one, I’d recommend Borderless.
Here are some other things to know:
- Borderless is bigger and done in more traditional teamLab style, while Planets is more tactile.
- Borderless has a more convenient location (Tokyo Tower/Roppongi area). If you are planning on visiting Odaiba, then Planets is in nearby Toyosu.
Both museums are super popular (especially on weekends and holidays), so book your tix ahead of time. Arrive early and allow plenty of time to explore the exhibits! Both Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets are large and complex installations, and it can take several hours to see everything.
Play all the games at Joypolis
Speaking of Odaiba… there’s another fun attraction to check out here if you’re a gamer!
Joypolis is a massive indoor amusement park by Sega, perfect for video game fans. It’s packed with rides, simulators, VR experiences, and arcade games featuring iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, House of the Dead, and Attack on Titan.
You’ll also find some quirkier interactive attractions, such as a laser maze and a walkthrough haunted house (Japan’s haunted houses are next-level scary). Don’t miss Halfpipe Tokyo if you love thrill rides — this snowboarding-inspired ride is Joypolis’ #1 attraction and is the first-ever “DigitaReal attraction”.
Think you’re going to want to play a lot here? Opt for the Tokyo Joypolis passport — it gives you access to thrilling rides, including 3D attractions and over 20 games.
Why we love it: The Joypolis passport gives you unlimited readmission to the park during the day, so take the time to explore Odaiba, then come back as you please!
See Mount Fuji in all its glory
If you think there’s even a slim chance you’ll only visit Japan once in your life, don’t skip seeing Mount Fuji up close—it’s truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime sights!
It actually took me three trips to Japan before I finally carved out time to spend a few days in the Lake Kawaguchiko area. As soon as I laid eyes on Mount Fuji, I instantly regretted not doing it SOONER.
The view of Fuji, especially when it’s snowcapped (which you’ll catch from fall through spring), is just mesmerizing—it’s so hard NOT to stare at in awe. If you can swing it, staying overnight in a hotel with a direct view of Fujisan will absolutely be the cherry on top for an unforgettable Japan trip.
If all you have time for is a day trip, opt for this one, a full day adventure of exploring Kawaguchi Lake, the famous five-story pagoda, 5th Station, and Oshino Hakkai.
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Tokyo
- 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
- 10 Best Budget Hotels In Tokyo (Near JR Yamanote Line!)
- Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
- The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
- Tired Of The Crowds? 10 Other Places Worth Visiting Near Tokyo
- 20 Fun-Filled Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
- 10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan
- Shimokitazawa: Vintage Shops, Coffee, and The Artsy Side Of Tokyo
- A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary For Kawagoe, Japan (From Tokyo)
Great one… would love to visit once…..