Things to do in Tokyo

With breathtaking skyscrapers, contemporary museums, old-fashioned backstreets, and delicious food walks, Tokyo attracts all kinds of people from all over the world. You can fully enjoy this megalopolis with your family, friends, or even by yourself. From the crowds of the city center to the natural suburbs, we will give you tips for a short trip to Tokyo.

Tips

• Most stations have coin lockers, so no need to worry about your luggage.
• IC tickets (PASMO, Suica, etc.) are convenient for transportation. These tickets can also be used for payment at vending machines and convenience stores
• Shinjuku station is the busiest station in the world. Give yourself enough time to change trains and choose an easy-to-understand exit when rendezvousing with your friends at this station
• Take a water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba. You can enjoy the scenery of Tokyo bay.

Day 1: Shinjuku

On the first day, head to Shinjuku, the center of shopping and entertainment. First of all, let’s go to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. You can have a picnic, drink a coffee, or spend your time looking out over the skyscrapers over the beautiful trees.

The Ninja Karakuri Mansion is recommended for families. A ninja guide will explain various gimmicks in the hall. There are also hands-on attractions such as shuriken throwing.

After chilling out in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, visit “Tokyo Mystery Circus“. You can enjoy games such as Escape room and infiltration spy. Advance reservations are recommended as there is a limit on the number of people depending upon the time of day.

At sunset, enjoy the magnificent view from the free observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. There are also many restaurants where you can dine overlooking the night view of Tokyo。

Day 2: Tama

On the second day, have an outdoor experience in the Tama area.

The Tama River flows through a lush valley, and in autumn the surrounding mountains are colored with beautiful autumn leaves. Within 2 hours from Shinjuku station, you can feel the authentic Japanese nature.

Many trails are not so hard that you can hike with your family safely. Mt. Takao, the most popular mountain in this area, has a cable car that runs to the top of it from which you can overlook the whole Tokyo area and see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Mt. Mito and Mt. Kumotori are mountains for advanced hikers.

When it comes to water activities, “Canyons Okutama” offers rafting, canyoning, and pack crafting. They also offer Jibie cuisine at the cafe after the activity.

After enjoying the mountain activities, relax in the hot springs. “Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu” has several types of baths such as an open-air bath.

Day 3: Kichijoji

The third day is Kichijoji, where old and new coexist. The unique atmosphere of this town is perfect for a family outing.

When you arrive at Kichijoji, first head to Inokashira Park. There are many nice cafes and shops on the way to this park. Although just walking around it is great enough but this park has a pond and a zoo and you can take a swan boat as well. It is also a famous place for cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn.

When you return to the center, we recommend shopping while walking and eating. All types of shops are open at “Harmonica Yokocho“, which is right in front of the station. Old school izakayas and standing bars are quiet during the day but magically crowded at night.

Day 4 : Odaiba

Let’s go to Odaiba on the 4th day. You can overlook Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge. For shopping, we recommend “Aqua City Odaiba” and “Venus Fort“, which has European-style architecture.

The museum “teamLab Borderless“, which combines art and technology, is also a popular spot. You can have an interactive art experience in the exhibition room where the ever-changing images are projected on the walls and floor. Don’t forget to book online.

The indoor theme park “Tokyo Joypolis” is recommended for families. Riding a roller coaster, fighting zombies, and lots of attractions.

“Small Worlds Tokyo” is another indoor theme park that exhibits miniatures and is one of the largest miniature exhibition museums in the world.

If you feel tired after sightseeing all day long, head to “Tokyo Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari“. The concept of this hot spring is the streets of the Edo period and it has an indoor bath and an open-air bath.