25 Things You MUST Do in Tokyo | Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

25 Things You MUST Do in Tokyo | Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

In today’s video, we’re sharing 20 must-do things in Tokyo—the absolute best experiences you shouldn’t miss! Tokyo’s got way too much to do.
It’s seriously hard to choose. So just grab our 20 picks and mix them into your trip! Hi everyone! We’re Samurai Travel, your local Japanese travel concierges. Here to help you plan the perfect trip to Japan. We’re total pros when it comes to Japan travel. This video’s guaranteed to help you out—well, except maybe our English… but hey, we try! Let’s start with Tokyo Station. This red-brick station was built in 1920, damaged in World War II, and rebuilt in 2012. Now it’s a symbol of Tokyo and an important cultural site. And just a short walk from Tokyo Station is one of the city’s top spots: the Imperial Palace. Yeah, you can actually go inside the grounds! It used to be Edo Castle, so it’s packed with history—and it’s a super easy way to soak in some classic Japanese vibes. Exactly. While the palace itself, where the Emperor lives, is off-limits, visitors can enjoy the gardens, spacious plazas, and even a museum. It’s incredibly open and peaceful—something you wouldn’t expect right in the middle of Tokyo. And best part? It’s totally free. Can’t beat that! You’ll even find a detailed model of Edo Castle inside. It’s a great place to slow down and wander around while imagining what Tokyo looked like hundreds of years ago. Tsukiji used to be Japan’s biggest fish market until 2018. Even now, the outer market is full of shops, energy, and tourists. Just walking around is fun—old-school Tokyo vibes everywhere. Plus, it’s super close to Tokyo Station and Ginza. You can hit them all in one trip. Tsukiji is most famous for its food. Because of its fish market history, there are tons ofgreat sushi and seafood bowl places, plus lots of fun street food too. Honestly, everything’s good—but come on, it’s gotta be sushi or seafood bowls, right? Don’t tell me you came to Japan and can’t eat raw fish! One of our favorite spots is Sushidokoro Tsukijiya. It’s a bit hidden, so not too crowded. And both the sushi and seafood bowls are amazing. Just look at this sushi! Tuna, ikura, sweet shrimp, sea bream, eel… perfection. Here’s the seafood bowl. It has the same fish as sushi, but you can mix everything up and enjoy it in a different way. It’s like a jewel box of seafood! The price is around $20 , making it a good value for such high-quality seafood. I recommend giving it a try. Street food is also a must at Tsukiji. First, try the tamagoyaki—Japanese rolled omelet. Check this out! The chef’s moves are insane. And it’s like under a dollar? Wild. You should also try grilled eel skewers and strawberry skewers—they look cute and taste great. Japan puts everything on a stick… but I’m not mad about it! Tsukiji is a great place for souvenirs too. You’ll find shops with local foods, cooking tools, and Japanese pottery. Japanese pottery is awesome. Super stylish. Just make sure to pack it tight—your suitcase might not be as gentle as the shop staff. Knife shops are also popular with tourists. Japanese knives are very sharp and have a great reputation. How sharp? As sharp as my jokes. Right next to the Tsukiji Market is Tsukiji Hongan-ji, a truly impressive and beautiful temple. It’s worth taking a quick look if you’re in the area. You can go inside for free, and there’s even a souvenir shop! Just a 10-minute walk from Tsukiji is Ginza, the most luxurious area in Japan. Here, you can enjoy high-end shopping and dine at fancy restaurants—it’s a top-class experience. On weekends, the main street turns into a pedestrian zone, so you can walk right down the middle. A lot of people stop here to take photos too. One of our top picks is the UNIQLO Ginza store. It has 12 floors, each with unique interior designs that feel like an art gallery. There are even items you can only get here. You’re coming to Japan? Forget Chanel—go to UNIQLO. Next is Asakusa, Tokyo’s most famous tourist spot. If you’re visiting Tokyo, this place is a must. If you don’t get a pic in front of Kaminarimon, did you really come to Tokyo? Exactly. Kaminarimon is the main gate of Senso-ji Temple, and it’s known for its huge red lantern and the statues of Fujin and Raijin on either side. It’s a super popular photo spot. Hey bro, check out that giant lantern! It’s about 3.9 meters tall, 3.3 meters wide, and weighs around 700 kilos. That’s heavier than the Hulk. Oh, and by the way—Kaminarimon literally means “Thunder Gate.” Pretty badass, right? After passing through Kaminarimon, you’ll reach Nakamise Street. It’s lined with shops on both sides, offering a wide variety of souvenirs. One of Asakusa’s classic treats is kaminari-okoshi, a traditional sweet made with rice, sugar, and peanuts. Sounds like a weird snack, right? But trust me—it’s actually really good. No strong flavors, just tasty. At the end of Nakamise Street, you’ll go through Hozomon Gate and arrive at the main hall of Senso-ji. Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, built in 628. It’s hard to believe this main hall was first built almost 1,400 years ago—it’s seriously impressive. Hey, what’s that smoke in front of the temple? Everyone’s walking into it… Wait, is this some kind of Tokyo high?! That’s called a jokoro, a large incense burner. It’s believed that bathing in the smoke helps heal your body, especially the areas you focus on. I aimed the smoke straight at my head. Hoping it helps, y’know? Inside the massive 30-meter-tall main hall, you’ll see beautiful ceiling paintings like “Dragon” and “Heavenly Beings.” Photography isn’t allowed, so you’ll have to come see them with your own eyes. For nightlife in Asakusa, Hoppy Street is a popular spot. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Senso-ji, filled with casual food stalls and izakayas. Hoppy Street is a lively, retro-style alley with a traditional downtown Tokyo feel. You’ll find local dishes and drinks at every spot—it’s a must-visit for dinner in Asakusa. We recommend two places: Yamaka Shoten and Totoya. Both offer tasty, authentic dishes at reasonable prices. The motsu nikomi ,braised beef tripe stew at Yamaka is super soft and rich. I didn’t know stew could be this good! At Totoya, go for the sashimi. The fish is super fresh and comes straight from the Toyosu Market. And when you’re in Asakusa, you gotta try Hoppy—the drink that gave this street its name. What does it taste like? You’ll have to come and see for yourself. After Hoppy Street, check out the Asakusa Underground Shopping Street. It has a nostalgic vibe and feels like stepping back in time. The drinks here look cheap, which is great. And since it’s connected to the station, it’s perfect—even if you’re a little too tipsy. Welcome to Shibuya, the busiest and most exciting area in Japan. Just look at this crowd—and it’s a regular weekday! Are you kidding me?! What are all these people doing here? What’s in Shibuya anyway?! Let’s start exploring. Our first stop is the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station, marked by the famous statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog. And right in front is the Shibuya Scramble Crossing! All the lights turn green at once, and people charge into the intersection like it’s some kind of samurai battle! If you want a good view of the scramble, head to the Starbucks on the 2nd floor of the TSUTAYA building across the street. You can film the crossing from above. But hey—buy a coffee if you’re gonna do that, alright? Don’t just stand there filming for free. That’s not cool. After checking out the crossing, head across to Center Gai. This street is the heart of Shibuya’s youth culture—fashion, music, trends—everything’s here. There’s a shop for everything. If something catches your eye, go in and explore! And of course, my top pick is Don Quijote. Don Quijote is Japan’s largest discount store chain. The Shibuya branch is huge—it has 8 floors, from B1 to the 7th. They sell everything from daily goods and snacks to electronics, toys, and even luxury watches. If you need anything—souvenirs, trip essentials, random fun stuff—this is your one-stop shop. Here are three things we recommend: First, Japanese snacks. Especially the peach or matcha flavored Kit Kats—super popular with tourists. Next up: alcohol! They’ve got a huge selection of Japanese beer and sake. Grab some snacks too and have a chill drink back at your hotel. So worth it. And finally, character goods—Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and more. If you’re an anime fan, this place is heaven. You’ll find everything here. It’s like a treasure hunt—Donki-style! When you think of Japan’s most famous pop culture export, it has to be Pokémon. Just a short walk from Don Quijote, inside Shibuya PARCO, you’ll find the Pokémon Center—a must-visit spot. Yo, check this out—Mewtwo welcomes you at the entrance! He’s sleeping in a capsule like in a lab, and… wait, is that a voice coming from it?! Inside, you’ll find tons of cute Pokémon merch—most of it exclusive to Pokémon Centers. Take your time browsing—you’re bound to find something you love. On the same floor, you’ll also find the Nintendo Store, Capcom Store, and the Jump Shop—perfect for fans of anime, manga, and games. Man, all these characters were born right here in Japan. Japan’s otaku culture is seriously next-level! At the Jump Shop, they’ve got merch from top series like One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Dragon Ball. Some items are exclusive, so if you’re a fan, definitely check it out. They sometimes have collab cafes and pop-ups for trending anime too. What’s featured depends on when you go—but if you love anime, don’t miss it. Meiji Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines. It’s near Harajuku Station, but you can also walk there from Shibuya. Can you believe this massive forest is right in the middle of Tokyo? It’s like stepping into another world. After walking about 10 minutes through the woods, you’ll reach the main shrine. There’s a beautiful building and a shop where you can draw an omikuji Their omikuji isn’t like a lucky/unlucky thing—it’s more like a wise message. And don’t worry, there’s an English translation too—definitely give it a shot! Did you know that Shibuya is home to some incredibly unique public toilets? Yeah, no joke—17 toilets designed by 16 world-famous architects are scattered around the area. Each one is like a cutting-edge art piece! They’re so popular that there are even guided tours for them. One of them even has a golden toilet inside. Bro… how are you supposed to relax in a toilet like that?! We’ve got a separate video all about this Toilet Tour, so make sure to check it out! Next up is Miyashita Park, just a minute’s walk from Shibuya Station. It’s a modern shopping complex filled with popular fashion brands and great food spots—a hit with young people. The rooftop plaza is awesome too! You get a great view of Shibuya from up there—it’s super chill and a great photo spot. There’s also a bouldering wall, a skate park, and various seasonal events. If you’re lucky, something fun might be going on when you visit! Inside Miyashita Park is Shibuya Yokocho, a food alley lined with izakayas serving famous dishes from all over Japan. It’s a great place to casually try local Japanese flavors. Perfect if you don’t have time to visit every region. Why not sample dishes from places you won’t get to on this trip? If you’re not sure where to start, go for Nagoya’s miso katsu or Fukuoka’s tonkotsu ramen. You won’t regret it. Let’s hop from stall to stall and conquer all of Japan—one bite at a time! Shibuya’s skyline at night is beautiful, with all the tall buildings lit up. Most people go to Shibuya SKY in Scramble Square for the view, but it’s expensive and often has long lines because it’s so popular. Yeah, that’s why we’re not recommending it. Instead, here’s a hidden gem: the Hikarie Sky Lobby—and guess what? It’s free. Hikarie is a multi-use building connected directly to Shibuya Station’s east exit. It has offices, restaurants, and shops—and on the 11th floor, there’s a free observation lobby called the Sky Lobby. Look at this view! If you can see something this awesome for free, why waste money and time waiting in line at Shibuya SKY? This is the perfect way to enjoy Shibuya’s magical night view—without spending a yen. If you’re looking for great food and drinks, we highly recommend Sangenjaya. It’s just a 5-minute train ride from Shibuya and packed with amazing izakayas covering all kinds of cuisines. Check out the Sankaku Chitai near Sangenjaya Station—it’s got a cool, underground vibe just walking around, and the food is next level! One of our favorite spots is Kiura, where you can enjoy authentic Japanese food and sake in a relaxed setting. This place is legit. Carefully selected sake from all over Japan, plus fresh sashimi—if you’re in Japan, you gotta try this combo! Our second recommendation is Gyoza Shack Danro. Here, you’ll find a variety of creative gyoza and craft drinks you won’t see anywhere else. This place is all about weird-but-delicious gyoza. They’ve got stuff like tomato-cheese gyoza, and even berry rare cheesecake gyoza for dessert. Sounds crazy, right? But it works! Now we’re in Shinjuku, and tonight we’re showing you one of its most famous nightlife spots—Omoide Yokocho. Yo, this place is a must. It’s a narrow alley packed with tiny old-school bars and izakayas. Total retro vibes—it feels like stepping into the past! Most of the places here are affordable and super casual. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them, but we recommend these three: Kabuto, Motsuyaki Ucchan, and Asadachi. Kabuto is all about grilled eel skewers. They serve every part—the head, liver, tail—you name it. If you’re into eel, this is the place. Ucchan is one of the most popular spots in Omoide Yokocho—there’s always a line. Their specialty? Motsuyaki, or grilled offal. And the motsu stew here? Unreal. That soft, melt-in-your-mouth flavor with rich broth and a cold beer… it’s a legendary combo. Like Jordan and Pippen—a perfect team. Then there’s Asadachi, where you can try some super rare and adventurous dishes. Frog, pig testicles, uterus, salamander—I swear, I’ve never seen this stuff anywhere else. If you’ve got guts, give it a shot! Golden Gai is another famous nightlife area in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, known for its tiny themed bars and nostalgic charm. It’s especially popular with international visitors. No kidding—these narrow streets have a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Though honestly, these days it feels like half the crowd is tourists! Drinks typically range from $3 to $8, depending on what you order. It’s pretty affordable overall. But keep in mind—many bars have a cover charge, It’s pretty affordable overall. But keep in mind—many bars have a cover charge, kind of like a tip, usually around $5. Also—bring cash! A lot of these bars don’t take cards, so having at least ¥10,000 on you is a smart move. We’d love to give you a specific bar to check out, but honestly, every place has its own charm. The fun part is wandering around and picking whatever catches your eye. Yeah bro, don’t overthink it—just drink, explore, and have an epic night out in Shinjuku! Next is the one and only Kabukicho. Now, we’re not necessarily recommending you party here—but it’s an interesting area to explore. This place is wild. Host clubs, hostess bars, neon signs everywhere… It’s like stepping into a different Japan. If you’ve ever played Yakuza (Ryu ga Gotoku), it’s basically that—for real. Also, don’t miss the Toho building with the Godzilla head! Every hour, Godzilla lets out a roar from the rooftop. It’s kind of awesome. Yeah… Kabukicho’s got its dark side. Unlike most of Japan, there’s definitely a bit of shady energy here. We cover all that in another video, so check it out if you’re curious! So, what did you think of our tour through Tokyo’s must-see spots? We just don’t want you to miss out—so trust us and check out all the places we showed you today. We’re your Japan travel concierges, so if you’ve got any questions about visiting Japan, drop a comment—we’ll reply with everything we’ve got. And hey, don’t forget to like and subscribe! We’ll catch you in the next one! Peace out!

Discover the absolute best of Tokyo with our ultimate 2025 travel guide—25 must-do experiences you simply can’t miss! Join Samurai Travel, your trusted local Japanese travel concierges, as we guide you through iconic sights, hidden gems, and unforgettable culinary adventures. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for more, this comprehensive itinerary covers everything essential to experience Tokyo to the fullest.

🇯🇵 Top Highlights from the Video:

Tokyo Station & Imperial Palace: Dive into history at the iconic red-brick Tokyo Station and explore the serene Imperial Palace grounds.

Tsukiji Outer Market: Indulge in Tokyo’s freshest seafood and sushi, explore vibrant street food, and shop for authentic souvenirs and kitchen essentials.

Ginza Shopping District: Enjoy luxury shopping, unique finds at UNIQLO’s flagship store, and stroll along the weekend pedestrian paradise.

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Experience traditional Tokyo with visits to Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Street, and historic Senso-ji Temple.

Shibuya’s Iconic Spots: Cross the world-famous Scramble Crossing, visit the loyal Hachiko statue, and immerse yourself in youthful culture at Center Gai and Don Quijote.

Anime & Pop Culture Hotspots: Explore Shibuya PARCO’s Pokémon Center, Nintendo Store, Capcom Store, and Jump Shop.

Meiji Shrine & Unique Toilets: Wander through Meiji Shrine’s tranquil forest and discover Shibuya’s quirky architectural toilet tour.

Nightlife in Shibuya & Shinjuku: Enjoy izakayas at Miyashita Park, the spectacular view from Hikarie Sky Lobby, and explore the retro charm of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.

🍣 Foodie Favorites:

Sushi at Sushidokoro Tsukijiya

Street food in Tsukiji Market

Nagoya’s miso katsu, Fukuoka’s tonkotsu ramen at Shibuya Yokocho

Adventurous eats at Asadachi in Omoide Yokocho

✨ Why Watch This Video?

Insider tips and local secrets for the ultimate Tokyo experience.

Comprehensive itinerary suitable for every type of traveler.

Helpful travel hacks, recommendations, and essential insights for your 2025 visit.

📢 Engage with Us:

Comment below: Which Tokyo attraction are you most excited to visit? Have any special requests or questions?

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