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Tokyo is one of the few cities where spotting a life-size anime figure, a centuries-old gate and a conveyor belt of perfect sushi in a single hour feels completely normal. That blend of tradition and whimsy makes searching for things to do in Tokyo surprisingly easy and especially fun. Each district has a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy the fashion-forward Harajuku one minute and the spiritual calm around Senso-ji Temple the next. Guests aboard Princess® can dive into these areas with excursions that highlight the city’s most distinctive sights. Below are twelve of the top things to do in Tokyo, Japan.
Key takeaways
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Tokyo offers a wide range of things to do in Tokyo: vibrant districts, revered temples and striking city viewpoints.
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Food markets, gardens and cultural landmarks introduce guests to both modern energy and deep tradition across the capital.
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Princess excursions provide a simple way to explore the top things to do in Tokyo with local guidance and smooth transportation.
Why Tokyo is one of the world’s most dynamic cities
Tokyo feels alive in a way few capitals do. A quiet garden can sit steps from a lively shopping street, and a historic shrine might appear just as the skyline opens into a sweep of glass towers. That contrast gives guests a generous mix of things to do in Tokyo, where you can enjoy old, new, calm, exciting, urban and natural in one destination.
Visitors often arrive with a single highlight in mind, then discover new favorites as they wander through neighborhoods, sample local dishes or pause at viewpoints tucked above the city. With Princess, cruises to Japan make exploring these layers simple through excursions that introduce both iconic attractions and places that feel pleasantly unexpected.
Explore Tokyo’s iconic districts and neighborhoods
Experience the energy of Shibuya
Wander Harajuku and Takeshita Street
Harajuku has a playful streak that shows up the moment you turn onto Takeshita Street. Colorful signs, crepe stands and fashion stalls stack close together, each one competing for attention in the best way. It’s lively without feeling overwhelming.
The side streets maintain the same personality, with character shops and trend-driven boutiques. If you want a shift in pace, Meiji Jingu sits just beyond the shopping area, and its quiet forest paths offer a welcome breather before you rejoin the crowds.
Downtown Tokyo
Don’t ditch Tokyo without going downtown. Tokyo Tower rises above the district with a bright red frame that feels almost nostalgic, especially once the city lights turn on for the evening. It’s simple but striking, and many guests are surprised by how charming it looks in person.
Not far away, Hama Rikyu Garden slows everything down with ponds, tucked-away teahouses and seasonal flowers that soften the skyline around it. Ginza adds a polished finish with wide streets and carefully curated storefronts. You can hit this trio of activities together on the Rikyu Garden, Tokyo Tower and Ginza excursion.
Step back in time in Asakusa
Asakusa knows how to make an entrance. The massive lantern at Kaminarimon hangs like it’s ready for its close-up and the neighborhood behind it feels wonderfully alive with color, steam and chatter.
Nakamise Shopping Street lines the path to the main hall with snack stalls and shops selling handmade fans, sweets and souvenirs that have been part of Asakusa’s character for generations. It’s one of the standout things to do in Tokyo, Japan for guests curious about the city’s history. If you want to pair Senso-ji with another cultural highlight, Princess offers a visit to both on the Meiji Shrine and Asakusa excursion.
Visit Tokyo’s most memorable temples and historical sites
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji has an energy that stays with you. The bright red gate, the scent of incense and the soft shuffle of visitors create something that is distinctly Tokyo. It’s the city’s oldest temple, yet nothing about it feels frozen in time. Small rituals still unfold here, from cleansing hands at the fountain to drawing an omikuji fortune.
Guests who want an easy introduction to this landmark can join the Highlights of Tokyo excursion, which includes a stop at Senso-ji along with other key sights.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu could not feel more different from the busy streets around it. Once you step through the towering wooden torii, the noise fades and the forest takes over. The gravel path winds through cedar trees that make the air feel cooler and calmer, even on a warm afternoon.
The main hall offers quiet moments that contrast beautifully with nearby Harajuku. Guests can explore both on the Meiji Shrine and Asakusa excursion.
The Imperial Palace & East Gardens
The Imperial Palace sits at the heart of the city, yet its grounds feel generous and open. Stone walls and calm moats frame the entrance — the East Gardens in particular create a peaceful space to wander past seasonal flowers and manicured lawns. It’s a favorite spot for photography, especially when the light catches the old guard towers.
The gardens shift with the seasons, which makes them a pleasant stop for guests who enjoy slower, scenic walks. They round out the picture of Tokyo’s history in a way that complements its temples and shrines.
When the lights change at Shibuya Scramble, the whole intersection moves at once. It feels like watching a living mosaic, everyone heading somewhere with quick steps and a bit of purpose. The energy hits you before you even cross.
Many guests ride up to Shibuya Sky for a fresh look at the city. The rooftop feels surprisingly calm compared to the crossing below, and you can trace the skyline in every direction. Shops and cafés fill the streets around the tower, so it’s easy to wander until something catches your eye.
Enjoy nature and outdoor escapes in and around Tokyo
Ueno Park
Ueno Park has a welcoming, everyday charm. Families spread out picnics, musicians practice near the walkways and the ponds catch reflections of the surrounding trees. It feels relaxed and familiar, which is why guests often linger longer than planned.
The area also brings together museums, a small zoo and some of the city’s prettiest cherry blossoms in spring. It’s an easy choice when you want a calmer break without leaving central Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen often surprises guests because of its scale. You step in expecting a small oasis, then find yourself in a sprawling garden stitched together with quiet trails, reflective ponds and cafés where you can rest your feet. It’s like being in a verdant paradise in the middle of a city, with skyscrapers peeking out just beyond the trees.
Each part of the garden has a distinct personality, too. Some areas lean traditional with wooden teahouses and sculpted pines, while others feel open and airy. If you want to explore more hidden green spaces, our guide to Tokyo’s gardens highlights even more options guests enjoy during cruises to Japan.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is popular for good reason. The trails are friendly, the air feels cleaner the moment you start climbing and the views open up in a way that makes you forget the city is just a short train ride away. On clear days, you can even spot the distant outline of Mt. Fuji.
A small temple near the summit adds a cultural moment to the hike, and the cable car makes the return easy if your legs decide they’ve done enough for the day. For active guests, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Tokyo when you want a quick nature fix.
Taste Tokyo’s world-famous cuisine
Visit Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Outer Market wakes up early and never really slows down. Seafood vendors call out the day’s catch, steam rises from grills and the smell of fresh tamagoyaki drifts through the alleys. It’s one of the best places in Tokyo to snack your way through local flavors without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Many guests start with a warm skewer of grilled eel or a paper tray of just-cut tuna, then explore the side lanes for kitchen knives, ceramics and specialty teas. If you’re always excited to try the local cuisine, Tsukiji will reward you with something new around every corner.
Try ramen, tempura and local favorites
Tokyo’s comfort foods are a highlight all on their own. Ramen shops perfect their broths for hours, sometimes days, to create bowls that feel rich and deeply satisfying. Tempura stands offer crisp vegetables and seafood fried so lightly that the batter barely clings. You can find both in neighborhoods across the city, where many places still rely on recipes passed down through families.
Guests who want a helpful introduction can join the Highlights of Tokyo excursion, which includes stops for local bites along with key sightseeing spots. It’s a great way to learn what you like before diving deeper into the city’s food scene.
Try Princess Cruises excursions to elevate your Tokyo experience
Tokyo is an adventure all on your own, but tagging along with a local expert adds a layer of insight that makes the city even more thrilling. Guides share the small details you might otherwise breeze past, like why a stone lantern sits in a particular spot or which viewpoint reveals the skyline at its most flattering. It turns a busy day in Tokyo into something that feels more connected and meaningful.
Guests often gravitate toward excursions that mix signature sights with a few pleasant surprises. Some follow tree-lined paths in Hama Rikyu Garden before heading up for sweeping views at Tokyo Tower. Others wander through Asakusa’s temple grounds or dive into the buzzier districts with someone who knows the shortcuts. You’ll find plenty of options on Princess Tokyo excursions, each designed to help you see the city with fresh eyes.
Plan your Tokyo adventure with Princess Cruises
Every Tokyo neighborhood brings its own personality and sites, and it’s easy to build a day around whatever sparks your curiosity the most. If you don’t even know where to start or how to pack it all in, let Princess do the heavy lifting. Guests sailing with Princess get a smooth introduction to the city through thoughtfully planned excursions, comfortable transportation and itineraries that highlight Japan’s cultural depth.
If you’re dreaming about wandering temple paths, tasting fresh market snacks or catching that first glimpse of the skyline from the water, cruises to Japan offer an effortless way to make it happen. Ready to start planning? View cruises from Tokyo to get started.
