10 Must Do Activities in Tokyo, Japan
Japan has been one of my favorite places to visit! Full of culture, delicious food, and so many fun activities! Here are the 5 activities I would definitely recommend not missing out on:
teamLab Borderless (Instagram: teamlab)
teamLab Borderless is located in Minato City (about 25 minutes from the Tokyo City Centre) and is a museum filled with interactive, beautiful and photo-worthy exhibits. All of these pieces are art were created by art collective teamLab. Guests are free to roam around the entire museum with no path to follow. Majority of the exhibits do not have any lines, except for the lantern exhibit. Our favorite part? The En Tea House where you are served delicious tea that also becomes digital artwork that creates digital flowers inside the teacup.
2. Explore Harajuku
Harajuku is a great place to spend the afternoon shopping and enjoying photo-worthy treats. Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuka is known for their Takeshita Dori shopping district. We stopped at an adorable ice cream shop with absolutely delicious ice cream. The doggie ice cream was milk tea flavor and absolutely delicious. I also loved the quote on the wall - “Count the memories not the calories.” I’m in!
3. Sensoji Temple
Another must see spot we recommend is the Sensoji Temple. Located 22 minutes from the Tokyo City Centre, Sensoji Temple is full of beautiful architecture, interactive cultural activities, and lots of shops to explore. The shopping street runs all of the way up to the Sensojii and has a variety of items to buy from souvenirs to snacks.
4. Disney Sea
There are two Tokyo Disney parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. We opted only to go to Disney Sea since we only had one day to spare. We had the best time riding rides that don’t exist at Disneyland (in California) and trying new snacks and dining experiences. The Toy Story mochi was something I knew I wanted to try before arriving and it did not disappoint. I definitely recommend them as a sweet treat! We also dined at Magellan's which is an exploration themed restaurant that features food from around the world (you will definitely want a reservation!). It is a very upscale restaurant with excellent service and tasty food. It almost feels like you left the theme park as you enter the beautiful space! We ended the day at The Teddy Roosevelt Lounge for a cocktail before heading out.
5. Shibuya Crossing
You have most likely heard of the Shibuya crossing (the world’s world’s busiest pedestrian crossing) and it is definitely not a sight to miss! You can even watch the cross walk from the Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks Coffee.
6. Visit a stationary store
Do you love the sight of colorful pens and beautiful stationary? No, just me? All jokes aside, this is the best stop after watching the Shibuya crossing for a few minutes (or hours?). It will be hard not to purchase a pen or two. My favorite pen manufacture is Zebra.
7. Stop by a 7-Eleven
7-Elevens in Japan are unlike any other. They are full of so many delicious and fresh snack and food options! Most of our nights ended by grabbing a delicious onigiri. We still think about it regularly.
8. Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market is full of a variety of traditional Japanese foods from sushi to desserts to premium beef. We’re still dreaming about the A5 Waygu Beef Stewer at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Beyond food, the market also has beautiful plates and cookware. Unfortunately our bags were already stuffed, or else I definitely would have made some purchases.
9. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Are you ready for amazing views of Tokyo that are unlike any other? The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory is the place to visit. It has breath taking skyline views of Tokyo all with free admission.
10. Shinjuku Gyeon National Park
Picture-esq backgrounds, nature landscapes, and stunning bridges? Yes please. Shinjuku Gyeon National Park is a must visit on your trip to Tokyo. The backgrounds almost look unreal!
