Japan is full of traditions and culture. But Japan also has a completely different side with crazy and colorful food and activities and a weird love for animalcafés. These are in stark contrast to its very modest culture. Let's explore both sides of Japan!
We highlighted the 10 best things to do in Tokyo, with all sorts of traditional activities, but also the crazy and neon side of Tokyo will get plenty of attention. This all together makes it a crazy and cultural bucket list for the magical city of Tokyo.
Rental Go-kart: Drive around Tokyo like your favorite Mario character
Depending on which outing you will book, you can ride a go-kart through Tokyo for 1 to 3 hours. It is always in a group and of course under supervision. You choose which outfit you want to wear by putting on a onesie of your favorite character. You drive along with the major tourist attractions and on some tours, you also go over the real Rainbow Bridge just like in Mario Kart!
Rentals typically include a face-guard mask, shades, and helmet. Additionally, you can rent LED shoes or GoPro. Don't forget to apply for an international driver's license in your home country and bring it with you. You cannot participate without it.
Dine and dance at the Kawaii Monster Café
At first, the Kawaii Monster Café is a bit overwhelming because of the overload of neon colors, disco lights, wild music, and crazy outfits. It seems like a psychedelic nightmare, but the details in the decor and furnishings are amazing, it’s all sóóó kawaii (meaning; cute in Japanese). There’s a DJ and at different times there is a very awesome performance with the cosplay ladies. The performance is by far the highlight of your visit. With these eccentric manga girls taking positions on the Sweets-Go-Round (a huge spinning cupcake), it makes up for a crazy but awesome show!
The whole experience was quite intense but very awesome. This café can’t be missed on your visit to Tokyo. You will feel like a kid again. It is without a doubt a very unique outer-space-experience! We have written more detailed information about the Kawaii Monster Café in this article.
Gaze at the crowded Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, or Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is the busiest intersection in the world. You must have seen this with your own eyes. So many people crossing in all directions at the same time. It's organized chaos, which in the evening hours mainly gets lit up due to all the LED lighting and advertising columns.
Grab a coffee from the Starbucks at Shibuya Crossing and sit on the top floor to watch the crowd. Or buy a ticket for the Shibuya Scrambled Square (a new Skydeck!), preferably around sunset to admire the crossing from 228 meters and a great panoramic view over the city!
We even saw Mount Fuji from there!
@freebirdsmagazineThe view from Shibuya Scramble is epic! — ##tokyo ##japan ##shibuyascramble ##shibuyacrossing ##freebirds♬ Ride It – Regard
Visit one of the many animal cafés
Eat, drink, and relax while having fun with the animals in these unique cafes. Sounds crazy, but not in Tokyo. The Japanese love animals and everything cute. They have a huge variety of different animal cafes, like; owls, cats, pigs, dogs, and hedgehogs. Especially the larger cafes are very nice to go to, where the animals can run free and you can relax.
The animals themselves will come over to you for attention. Of course, there are rules that you must adhere to for the welfare of the animals and hygiene is paramount.
Pro-tip; the cat cafe named Mocha in Shinjuku is quite big, relaxed and so much fun!
Nothing exciting happens staring at screens all day, book a flight and hotel today, and live a little!
Dress up like a traditional Japanese Samurai
One of the best ways to experience the Samurai culture is to dress up in the traditional armor and dresses. In the Samurai Museum in Tokyo, it is possible to dress up like real Samurai and learn about the ancient samurai weapons and sword fighting techniques. The museum is full of relics and more information about the Samurai culture. The enthusiastic staff will tell you everything you want to know with great passion.
We had a guided tour by a lovely man (in his fifties) who truly embodied kindness. Try to get this man for yourselves, because he will make it an unforgettable tour. And he took some pictures of us in the Samurai armor and dress. If you read this sir, you were so great. Arigatogozaimasu sensei!
See the beautiful cherry blossom peak
Spring is Japan’s most visited season. And that is of course not without reason… Besides the pleasant temperatures, the cherry trees also blossom into their beautiful white and pink blossom. Also known as the magical Sakura season! More information about the cherry blossom.
@freebirdsmagazineSakura blossom in Tokyo has begun! @ the East Gardens. – ##tokyo ##sakura ##blossom ##spring ##freebirdsmagazine♬ origineel geluid – freebirdsmagazine
Bade at an Onsen – Japanese Bathhouse
Bathhouses in Japan, aka an onsen, are an important part of Japanese leisure culture. As early as the Middle Ages, Japanese hot springs were already known for their healing properties, and entire temples were sometimes dedicated to an onsen that according to legend even have mythical powers. Mythical powers or not, it is well known that a few minutes soak in a hot bath is very good for the relaxation of your muscles and it stimulates circulation. And it is certainly relaxing after walking the Japanese streets all day ;). In addition, many minerals in the natural spring water of a Japanese bathhouse are good for your skin!
Men and women are separated in the onsen. You will love the showers with the little seat and big cups. And by the way; you will also be very naked!
Pro-tip: Reserve a hotel that has an onsen, it is worth every extra yen!
Source: Japan Talk
Eat delicious ramen at the infamous Ichiran
Ichiran is one of the best noodle chains in Japan. It's like a chain of Mcdonald's restaurants, but without the greasy sloppy burgers and fries. Ichiran is to be found everywhere in Tokyo. They serve delicious ramen that you can fine-tune yourself: the firmness of the noodles, the sharpness of the sauce, the richness of the stock, and so on. You can also add all kinds of toppings, such as Japanese mushrooms, eggs, or spring onion.
Before being seated, you will fill in the order form with all your wishes, and when there is space to sit, you can sit behind an individual stand. That means you truly can eat solo, while still sitting next to many other solo eaters. A bit weird at first, but you will understand the charm of it.
How does it work; you slide your order form under the small window with a bamboo curtain. Your self-composed ramen dish will be given to you piping hot under the same curtain in just a few minutes. There is a water dispenser in your cabin for a drink in order not to spoil the taste experience of the Ramen with other flavored drinks. Dōzo omeshiagarikudasai!
Eat fresh sushi at a sushi bar with a conveyor belt
Eating fresh sushi brought to you via a conveyor belt is a must-do when in Tokyo. You can order anything you would like via a tablet and are then allowed to pick up the sushi from the belt. They then count the dishes how much you have eaten. We were in a more modern sushi restaurant where a small Shinkansen train brought the order to our table via the conveyor belt. All in all a very fun experience and also very oishi (Japanese for delicious).
@freebirdsmagazineWhen you order sushi in Tokyo, a cute little Shinkansen train brings the order. Love it! — ##tokyo ##sushi ##shinkansen ##freebirdsmagazine♬ origineel geluid – freebirdsmagazine
Visit the Senso-Ji Temple and learn the rituals of the temple
By far the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo is the Senso-Ji Temple a.k.a. Asakusa Kannon Temple. The temple complex dates back to the year 628 and has survived the turbulent history of Japan to the present day. The temple is one of the most visited tourist sites in Tokyo. The Senso-Ji temple is dedicated to Buddhism and specifically to the Kannon Bosatsu, the god of compassion in Buddhism. It is a very large and beautiful temple. It's well worth the visit, but keep in mind that it is most likely always busy to visit.
But wait, there's more!
These are just 10 things to do in Tokyo, but we could have made a top 100 list! There is just so much to see and do! If you have the opportunity, also check out the Tokyo Tower (highest building in the city), The Robot Restaurant, all the little atmospheric old alleyways in Shinjuku and Shibuya, the neighborhood of Akibahara (for gamers and otaku fans), eat the freshest sushi in the world at the Tsukiji Outer Market and eat everything you can from the 7/11 mini-markets (very affordable food and drinks).
Don't also forget to walk through Takeshita Street in Harajuku and amaze yourself at the kawaii culture. Also, we highly recommend going to the Hie Shrine (the orange torii gates), shop till you drop in Ginza, and get your mind blown at the Kabuki street in Shinjuku.
Besides all these suggestions for things to do in Tokyo, this one of a kind city is also a very beautiful place to just walk through all the different neighborhoods and get lost… 🙂
Or get a guide that informs ánd entertains you along your trip with Get Your Guide!
More about our epic trip to Japan: Suitcase Story Japan: our trip to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji (+35 best pictures!)
Inspired to also see this bucket list location? Book your flight and hotel here!
More Travel Inspiration: What is the best time to visit Japan? We’ve got a handy overview for you!
