10 Things to Do in Tokyo (According to People Who’ve Been There)

I’ve only been to Kyoto so far, but I wanted to create a list of things to do in Tokyo from people who have actually been there.

That way when I (or you) are ready to book tickets, we know exactly what we’re doing.

Because it’s actually nice to get advice and know what’s worth visiting instead of just reading about touristy Tokyo attractions on a random website. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of tourist spots do live up to the hype, but sometimes it’s helpful to see what made someone else’s trip so much more memorable.

And down below, I curated what I personally believe to be some of the best things to do in Tokyo. I went on Reddit to see what others loved when wandering around busy Tokyo. It really didn’t disappoint.

So if going to antique flea markets, taking an early morning train ride to Mt. Fuji, or exploring Senso-ji in the morning sound good to you, then definitely keep scrolling.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

“I went to Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and there was this spot where people were just lazing on grass. I joined them and it was one of the most memorable things for me, because I come from Singapore and the weather and fauna makes this sort of outdoor activity intolerable. If I visit Tokyo again, I will definitely allocate more time to just laying down flat on grass.” – art_dragon

Maybe the art museum idea?

2. Antique Flea Markets

“I went to an antique flea market. You can find SUCH AMAZING STUFF for great prices.” – AnomalyAardvark

Another Reddit user asked for specific ones to check out and got some good answeres:

“I just spent some time googling around and looking at sites like this until I found one I liked: https://tokyocheapo.com/shopping-2/fashion/top-tokyo-flea-markets/” – AnomalyAardvark

“Not OP, but fmfm is a nationwide database of flea market events. I’d suggest googling the (Japanese) name of event and looking at images will give you an idea of the size of the event.” – CherryCakeEggNogGlee

“There’s one going on today until 5pm at Tokyo International Forum. Oedo Antique Market. It’s GREAT” – mightyvvolf

Personal Note: I didn’t do antique flea markets in Japan, but I did explore antique shops in Kyoto and it was on a whole different level than any US antique store. You can find items from the Samurai era and so much more. It actually feels like you’re stepping back in time or doing a bit of a treasure hunt. And if these flea markets are anything like that, then you might wanna put this on your list when figuring out what to do in Tokyo!

3. Early Morning Senso-ji Exploring

“Visiting Senso-ji very early in the morning (thanks jet lag). We were virtually the only ones there and it was our first proper day in Japan so it was a pretty surreal experience walking around the area.” – agaetisbyrjun95

“Same – jet lag had me waking up at 4am and strolling through Senso-ji so early was magical” – cinnamorolla

“Senso-ji first thing in the morning is amazing. I’d argue it’s not worth going to past…. 9 or 10am. Also late at night when everything is closed but the lights are on is equally amazing.” – Unknown Reddit User

4. Exploring Shibuya and Shinjuku

“Honestly just walking through Shibuya and Shinjuku is incredible, there is so much stuff everywhere it blew my mind. Also the extent of development / infrastructure density was incredible, all the underground mall connections, the overground walkways, the massive building developments, just walking around it all taking in the dense landscape was my favourite part” – Halifornia35

“Had a day to myself so I wandered alone to shinjuku and shibuya hitting up all of my favorite places and some new ones eating everything in sight. Grabbed curry bread, Hokkaido soft cream, sushi, ramen, pastries and hit up a bunch of grocery stores to stock up on soy, dashi, soba noodles, coffee beans and a bunch of other stuff.” – kytran40

“One of my favourite memories of Tokyo was our first night. We arrived in the early evening in Shinjuku and was thrown into the mayhem of the lights, people, noises and heat. It was overwhelming but in a great way. We checked into the Hotel Gracery (the one with the huge Godzilla head terrace), and the view out of our window was just amazing!!!!” – Quirky_Thanks_5093

5. Team Lab Borderless

“Team Lab Borderless was my religious experience I nearly cried in the floor to ceiling LED string light room. There was a Belgian pop star filming her music video there and I shamelessly walked up to her asking who she was and her Instagram. Turns out she’s big in Belgium and is a judge on The Voice. Her name is Typh Barrow and the MV finally got released after the Tokyo Olympics. She filmed part of it in the scramble the night before” – makeup12345678

“TeamLab Borderless. Crazy good. Got tickets for opening time and they let us in before the official opening time. Spent over two hours in there and it was getting quite busy by then.” – paulhage

6. Shuto Expressway

“I rent sports cars and drive on the Shuto Expressway at night living a video game fantasy.” – diegoaccord

Personal Note: This is officially on my list of top things to do in Tokyo for when I visit. I love feeling like I’m in a video game or movie, and this kind of activity sounds like a so much fun. 👌

7. Take an Early Train Ride From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji

“But I keep thinking back to the time I left my hotel at 5am and took the train to Mt Fuji. So I would say this was my ultimate favourite thing to do, taking a super early 5.15am 2+ hours local train ride from Tokyo. At that time, the train was still quite empty even at all the station stops and you get to enjoy the changing scenery and the quiet of the train cabin. There is something very peaceful and relaxing about it.” – sassyfashfact

8. Go to a Baseball Game

“Honestly? Watching the yakult swallows play at meiji jingu stadium. i‘ve been to baseball games in the u.s., and the atmosphere in japan was a million times better. probably top 3 in the live sports events i‘ve seen. and it was „only“ a regular season game (but it was against hanshin)” – nikolaer_

“Just watched the swallows play the giants at home and it was so much fun. Baseball culture in Tokyo is very lively and ended up meeting some cool people sitting next to me. Highly recommend catching a game!” – DrPeanutButter40

9. Exploring Temples at Night

“Went to a temple in Shinjuku at like 10pm. No one but me & my friend. Sat down on the steps to have ice cream (bought from a nearby Fami) and chat. Then a few more people come to pay respect or just to escape from the crowd. If you are tired of Kabukicho or Omoide, a temple’s ground at night is the polar opposite.” – depwnz

“Walking through Sensō-ji Temple grounds in Asakusa late in the evening when all the crowds have gone and it’s cool, then finding a small bar for a drink afterwards.” – Shoshin91

Personal Note: I highly recommend this as well! While I did this in Kyoto, just exploring and taking time to relax on temple grounds was one of my favorite things to do. It’s quiet and the light of the lanterns and intricate shrines makes it so beautiful.

10. Join a Really Good Food Tour

“The food tour brought us off the beaten path to places we would have never thought to go into, and at each place the tour guide would order things for us to try. Our Japanese is not so great, so having someone fluent in Japanese to order and teach us about the customs and the food was really amazing. It was so nice to be able to sit back and not worry about making decisions and just soak everything in for the night.

We tried things we would have never ordered on our own, including different parts of a chicken (which we chose to not know what they were until after eating them), gyoza, pork katsu, a bunch of other things i don’t remember, and finally my favorite item- the fall and winter delicacy ankimo. We got to walk through Golden Gai and learn about the history of it, which was really cool.

We were on this tour with a couple other small groups of folks, which was really fun being able to meet new people as well. Overall one of my favorite experiences in Japan, and my favorite experience we had in Tokyo.” – amandabuchanda

Side Note: Ninja Food Tours is the one they joined. It looks like a lot of fun!