Top 10: Things to Do in Tokyo

Think of the world’s most extravagant, massive, and curious city. You might imagine strolling through the neon-filled streets of Tokyo. The capital of Japan is a unique place in the world and a city full of contrasts. In Tokyo, anything you imagine can become a reality… Even toilets with colorful lights and a selection of music! Aside from incredible inventions, this city offers endless entertainment for all tastes. That’s why, at Civitatis, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Tokyo. Here, you’ll find 8 experiences you won’t want to miss on your next trip!

1. Grab a Ticket to a Sumo Training Session

We can’t start a list of the best things to do in Tokyo without mentioning sumo. Japan’s national sport is one of the most authentic ways to immerse yourself in the culture. What better way to do so than to attend a live training session?

With a ticket to a sumo training session, you’ll get to participate in an actual session and gain an insight into what it takes to become a sumo wrestler. Learn all about the numerous rituals before and after the actual tournament.

You’ll get to know the day-to-day life of professional sumo wrestlers, their strict routines, and training protocols. As an added bonus after attending the training, you’ll enjoy an authentic Chanko Nabe lunch. This dish, typically associated with sumo wrestlers, consists of a hearty stew with rice, meat or fish, potatoes, and vegetables. Bon appetit!

2. Make Your Way Through Tokyo’s Geekiest District

Next on our list of the most interesting things to do in Tokyo: a private tour of the geekiest side of the city. A surprising route through the unique corners of Akihabara! Ever heard of Super Potato? At this store, you can see video games from every era, including the very first Nintendo consoles. Another stop on the tour is at Don Quijote, a store where you can find the most random items. From false eyelashes to original handbags of exclusive brands, the inventory is endless!

The route also passes through Cosplay Purikura, an out-of-this-world photo booth. You can retouch parts of the photo, like the color of your face, or resize your eyes. Of course, you can’t leave without visiting the Maid Café! This bar, where waitresses dressed as maids, serve you as if you were nobles from another era – a truly unique experience!

3. Sing Your Heart Out on a Karaoke Tour

If you’re in Tokyo, a karaoke tour is a must! As one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Japan, there’s no doubt about it. Microphone in hand, you’ll have a blast singing at the top of your lungs in pure Japanese style.

During the tour, you’ll walk along Memory Lane, one of the liveliest areas of Tokyo’s nightlife. There, you’ll visit an izakaya, a typical Japanese bar. Conveniently enough, also the perfect place to learn first-hand about the history of karaoke. The tour continues to Shinjuku Station, home to a karaoke bar where you’ll sing, dance, and have fun to the beat of some of the most popular songs.

4. Discover Kawaii Culture

Ever heard of Kawaii culture? If you’re in the Japanese capital and you want to discover this world for yourself, don’t miss this Kawaii culture tour. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Tokyo. On the tour, you’ll dive headfirst into the world of Kawaii, a Japanese aesthetic characterized by its cuteness and innocence. Fans of Kawaii are usually easily distinguishable by their vibrantly colorful clothing.

Then, enjoy a Purikura photo session, visit the Togo Shrine, and Tokyu Plaza to stop at various Kawaii food stalls. Even the food is decorated in bright colors! The tour then visits several Maid Cafes and, to round off the experience, you’ll have time to explore the typical Kawaii shops. Where else could you snag the perfect souvenir to commemorate your dive into Tokyo’s captivating subculture?

5. Relax in Japanese Hot Springs

The onsen, or hot springs, are one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo. And not only that – it’s also one of the best and most relaxing! In this traditional experience, you’ll enjoy the hot springs of Oedo Onsen Monogatari. Home to over 13 types of thermal pools, take a seat and disconnect from the daily grind.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari is located on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The baths, separated by gender according to Japanese tradition, are in a unique setting. Surrounded by greenery, bridges, and colorful lanterns, you’ll find the space very tranquil. Dressed in a yukata, a sort of casual kimono, you can decide which pools you want to try. Remember there are 13 to choose from! Or go on a leisurely stroll through the site’s recreation of Shitamachi, a neighborhood of ancient Tokyo.

6. Go Kart Through the City Streets

Still looking for the most unique activities in Tokyo? Why not join a go kart tour? You’ll feel just like Super Mario speeding through the streets of the city!

For 1-2 hours, you’ll ride through the streets of the Japanese capital like real video game characters. Plus, you can do it dressed as your favorite! Take in the city’s energy and excitement as you zoom past skyscrapers, sanctuaries, parks, and markets. Can you think of a more fun plan in Tokyo?

7. Learn to Make Traditional Gyozas

If food is your thing, don’t miss out on some delicious gyozas during your visit to Tokyo. And what better way to learn how to prepare them than in a traditional cooking workshop? Roll up your sleeves and sink your hands into the doughy experience.

These dumplings, filled with meat and vegetables, have absolutely made their mark on the world. Learn the secrets of the traditional recipe, the ingredients for the filling and the dough, and how to properly fold them. As if that weren’t enough, after the theoretical part of the class, you’ll be able to taste your own creations. Yum!

8. Spend a Night in a Capsule Hotel

One of the most unique activities to do in Tokyo and in Japan, is to sleep in a capsule hotel. These spaceship-like pods are intended for travelers passing through the city, tourists, and even locals. In fact, many just stay a few hours for a nap!

Sleeping in a capsule hotel in the Japanese capital is a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience. As per tradition, your stay will start by taking off your shoes as soon as you enter the facilities. If you’re looking for something fun and unique, a night in a capsule hotel is definitely the way to go!

9. Go on a Day Trip to Mount Fuji

One of the most famous symbols of Japan is Mount Fuji. This incredible active volcano rises 3,776 meters (12,388 ft), making it the tallest peak in Japan. Today, Mount Fuji is ingrained in the country’s cultural and religious beliefs, making it a terrifically enriching day trip when visiting the capital city.

Many will opt to view the volcano as part of a day trip to Hakone, which offers fantastic vistas depending on visibility. Perhaps the best views, however, can be achieved on a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi. This serene lake is beautiful in its own right, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

10. Enjoy Tokyo’s Famous Nightlife

The final entry on our list, Tokyo is also famed for its vibrant and eclectic nightlife. With everything from bustling themed bars to pulsing nightclubs to sophisticated lounges on offer. Golden Gai is one of the most famous districts, a maze of various different styles of bars. Some play movie soundtracks, others are anime-themed. If you’re a film fanatic, you might want to visit the famous bar from Lost in Translation—located in Shinjuku’s Park Hyatt Hotel on the 52nd floor.

Another must-visit is the famous Harmonica Alley, home to a number of themed bars, which date back to the 1950s. On this Tokyo Bar Crawl, you’ll make your way to a few of the fan favourites, and try traditional drinks such as umeshu (plum wine), blue tea and apricot liqueur.

So there you have it, our top 10 things to do in Tokyo. This massive city has endless amounts to do, though we couldn’t mention it all! If you’re making the trip, be sure to check out our Tokyo guide, and more of our activities in Tokyo with Civitatis.