Tokyo cityscape

アクティビティ

Activities & Places

Neighborhoods, temples, experiences, and trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is massive and endlessly explorable. Here's a curated guide to the best neighborhoods, iconic spots, and worthwhile trips beyond the city.

Neighborhoods

Shinjuku
Where you're staying

Shinjuku

Tokyo's bustling heart — towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and endless entertainment. The world's busiest train station connects you to everywhere.

Don't miss the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (free!)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Shibuya Crossing
Iconic

Shibuya

Home to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Youth culture, fashion, and nightlife collide in this energetic district.

Watch the crossing from Starbucks or the Shibuya Sky observation deck
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Harajuku
Fashion & Culture

Harajuku

Tokyo's fashion capital. Takeshita Street is packed with quirky shops, crepes, and street style. A window into Japanese youth culture.

Walk Takeshita Street, then escape to nearby Meiji Shrine
Takeshita Street
Asakusa
Traditional

Asakusa

Old Tokyo charm with traditional shops, street food, and the iconic Sensoji Temple. Walk Nakamise shopping street for snacks and souvenirs.

Visit early morning to avoid crowds at Sensoji
Kaminarimon Gate
Ginza
Upscale

Ginza

Tokyo's most upscale shopping district. Designer boutiques, department stores, art galleries, and high-end dining. Elegant and polished.

On weekends, the main street closes to cars — perfect for strolling
Ginza Station
Akihabara
Otaku Culture

Akihabara

Electric Town — the global capital of anime, manga, and gaming. Multi-story arcades, electronics shops, and maid cafes.

Try a retro arcade or browse the massive Yodobashi Camera
Akihabara Station
Ueno Park
Museums & Park

Ueno

A large park surrounded by world-class museums, a zoo, and historic temples. Great for a relaxed cultural day.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum for Japanese art and history
Tokyo National Museum
Odaiba
Waterfront

Odaiba

A futuristic island in Tokyo Bay. Shopping malls, the teamLab museums, a giant Gundam statue, and views of Rainbow Bridge.

Take the Yurikamome monorail for scenic bay views
DiverCity Tokyo (Gundam statue)

Temples & Shrines

Sensoji Temple
Must See

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, founded in 645 AD. The iconic Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and Nakamise shopping street lead to the main hall.

Go at night when the crowds thin and the lanterns glow
Sensoji Temple
Meiji Jingu
Serene

Meiji Jingu

A serene Shinto shrine surrounded by 170 acres of forest, steps from Harajuku's chaos. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) and hang it at the shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine

Parks & Gardens

Shinjuku Gyoen
Walking distance

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks — just steps from the apartment. Japanese, French, and English gardens. Stunning during cherry blossom season.

Bring a picnic! No alcohol allowed, but food is fine
Shinjuku Gyoen
Yoyogi Park
Local Vibe

Yoyogi Park

Tokyo's Central Park. Wide open spaces, weekend picnics, street performers, and a favorite hangout for locals. Adjacent to Meiji Shrine and Harajuku.

Visit on Sunday to see rockabilly dancers near the entrance
Yoyogi Park

Experiences

teamLab
Immersive Art

teamLab Planets / Borderless

Mind-bending digital art museums where you walk through (and wade through) immersive light installations. A must-do Tokyo experience.

Book tickets in advance — they sell out! Wear shorts (you'll wade in water)
teamLab Planets
Golden Gai
Nightlife

Golden Gai

A maze of tiny alleys packed with 200+ micro-bars, each seating just 5-10 people. An atmospheric slice of old Tokyo. Walking distance from the apartment.

Some bars have cover charges — check before entering. Be respectful of the regulars.
Golden Gai
Tsukiji Outer Market
Food Market

Tsukiji Outer Market

The famous inner market moved, but the outer market remains — fresh seafood, tamagoyaki, street food, and kitchen goods. Go hungry.

Arrive early (before 10am) for the freshest items and fewer crowds
Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo Skytree
Observation

Tokyo Skytree

The world's tallest tower (634m) with observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Go at sunset for both day and night views
Tokyo Skytree

Sanrio & Pokémon

For the fans! This section is dedicated to Kristen (Hello Kitty) and Skylar (Pokémon).

Hello Kitty
For Kristen

Sanrio Puroland

The indoor Hello Kitty theme park! Meet your favorite Sanrio characters, see musical shows, and explore cute themed attractions. A must for any Sanrio fan.

Book tickets online in advance. The character boat ride and live shows are highlights!
Keio Line from Shinjuku → Tama Center (~35 min, ~¥350)
Sanrio Puroland
Pokemon
For Skylar

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

The flagship Pokémon store in Ikebukuro with exclusive merchandise, giant Pikachu displays, and a Pokémon Cafe next door. There are also locations in Shibuya and Tokyo Station.

The Pokémon Cafe requires reservations — book online a month in advance!
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Nintendo
Gaming

Nintendo Tokyo

The official Nintendo store in Shibuya Parco. Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing merchandise and exclusive items you can't find elsewhere.

Lines can be long on weekends — try going on a weekday
Nintendo Tokyo
Studio Ghibli
Animation

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical museum dedicated to Studio Ghibli (Totoro, Spirited Away, etc.). Feels like stepping into a Miyazaki film. In Mitaka, west of Shinjuku.

Tickets MUST be purchased in advance and sell out fast — plan ahead!
JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku → Mitaka (~20 min), then bus or 15 min walk
Ghibli Museum

Day Trips from Tokyo

Kamakura & Enoshima
Beach + History

Kamakura & Enoshima

A coastal town with ancient temples, the iconic Great Buddha statue, and the beach island of Enoshima. Perfect for combining culture and ocean views.

See the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, then take the charming Enoden tram to Enoshima for sunset
JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku → Kamakura (~60 min, ~¥950). Enoden tram connects Kamakura to Enoshima.
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
Hakone
Mountains + Onsen

Hakone

Hot spring resort town in the mountains with views of Mt. Fuji, volcanic valleys, Lake Ashi, and the famous Open Air Museum. Great for a relaxing escape.

Take the ropeway over Owakudani volcanic valley and try the black eggs (said to add 7 years to your life!)
Odakyu "Romance Car" from Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto (~85 min, ~¥2,500). Consider the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited transport in the area.
Hakone-Yumoto Station
Mt. Fuji
Iconic

Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko

Japan's iconic mountain is stunning from the Fuji Five Lakes region. Kawaguchiko offers classic Fuji views, shrines, and the Chureito Pagoda.

Check the weather! Fuji is often hidden by clouds. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chances for clear views.
Highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal → Kawaguchiko (~2 hrs, ~¥2,000). Book in advance on busy weekends.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Nikko
UNESCO Heritage

Nikko

A UNESCO World Heritage site with ornate shrines and temples set in forested mountains. The elaborate Toshogu Shrine is the main attraction.

Find the "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" monkeys carved at Toshogu
Tobu Railway from Asakusa → Nikko (~2 hrs, ~¥1,400) or JR Shinkansen to Utsunomiya + transfer (~50 min, ~¥5,000).
Toshogu Shrine

Overnight Trips

These cities deserve at least 1-2 nights. The Shinkansen (bullet train) makes them easily accessible from Tokyo.

Kyoto
Must Visit

Kyoto

Japan's cultural heart — ancient temples, traditional geisha districts, stunning gardens, and preserved wooden architecture. The must-see city beyond Tokyo.

Fushimi Inari (thousands of torii gates), Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Gion district
Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station → Kyoto (~2 hrs 15 min, ~¥14,000 one-way). Consider a JR Pass if visiting multiple cities.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Osaka
Food & Fun

Osaka

Japan's kitchen — known for street food, nightlife, and a more laid-back vibe than Tokyo. Great base for visiting Kyoto and Nara.

Dotonbori (neon-lit food street), Osaka Castle, and eat takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki
Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station → Shin-Osaka (~2 hrs 30 min, ~¥14,500 one-way). Just 15 min from Kyoto by train.
Dotonbori

JR Pass Tip

If you're planning to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and other cities, a JR Pass can save money. It covers unlimited Shinkansen and JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 days. Must be purchased before arriving in Japan (available to tourists only).