Tokyo Travel Guide – The Best Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo Travel Guide – The Best Things to do in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo. This city has an endless list of things
to see and experience. It can all be a bit overwhelming to
know where to even begin. I’ve been lucky enough to explore
this city on multiple trips, and I’ll be sharing it all in this video. From iconic sites to hidden gems, from street food to sushi bars, this guide is here to help you plan
the perfect Tokyo adventure. If you’re ready, then let’s dive into one of the most exciting cities
on this planet. First things first, how to
get around the city. Tokyo has one of the most efficient public
transport systems in the world, and we’re going to take full
advantage of it. The best way to get around
is with an IC Card, a rechargeable travel card you can use on pretty much all trains,
subways and buses. You can get a physical one or go digital
like I did and add it to your phone. Just top it up through Apple Pay or
at stations around the city. Super convenient and you can easily
track your spending as you go. For navigation, Google Maps
is your best friend. It works great in Japan and gives you step-by-step directions, train
routes and transit times. If you’re exploring on your
own, it’s a must-have. For language help, Google Translate
comes in clutch. Just point your camera at signs or
menus to have them translated or use it when communicating with locals. But for all this to work, you will
need data on your phone. Which brings us to today’s
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keep making videos like this one. Let’s get a quick overview of Tokyo. The city’s made of 23 special wards, kind of like districts with their own
centers, attractions and feel. You don’t need to know all of them, so let’s focus on the main
areas worth visiting. This includes the wards of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Minato, Chiyoda, Chuo,
Taito and Sumida. Let’s talk about where to stay in Tokyo. Here are a few areas I usually recommend. Shibuya is one of the most iconic
spots in the city. Home to the busiest crosswalk
in the world, it’s a busy high-energy area packed with
shops, restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a lively
atmosphere and plenty to do at night, Shibuya
is a solid choice. Shinjuku is another popular
area known for Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district. Think near-lit back streets, hidden
bars and loud late-night fun. It’s great if you want a memorable
nightlife experience, but it might not be the best
fit for families. Asakusa is the old town district,
centered around Senso-ji Temple. It’s quieter, more traditional
and a good option if you’re into culture or want
a slower-paced stay. Just keep in mind it’s a bit further
out from the city center, so do account for some added travel time. And finally, Ginza. It’s Tokyo’s upscaled shopping
and dining district. It’s centrally located, which makes it
convenient for getting around, but the area itself is more
refined and low-key. If you’re after something
with more energy, then the other neighborhoods
might be a better fit. As for hotel recommendation, I really like
staying at the Muji Hotel in Ginza. I stayed there on a previous
trip and found the rooms super comfortable
and nicely designed. You also get to use Muji-branded amenities,
which is a nice touch. So if you’re a Muji fan or just
want a clean, cozy place to stay, it’s definitely
a place to check out. Let’s head to Shibuya and begin
at the Shibuya Crossing. You can’t visit Tokyo without experiencing
the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian
intersection. It’s estimated that around 300,000 people
pass through it every single day. It’s chaotic, but in the
best way possible. For a great view of the crossing,
head to the Mag’s Park rooftop for a unique
top-down perspective. Another spot with a stunning
view is Shibuya Sky, a rooftop observatory with 360 degrees
view of Tokyo’s skyline. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse
of Mount Fuji in the distance. The place is especially popular
around sunset hours, so if you want to visit during that time, booking a few weeks in advance
is a good idea. Next, check out the Miyashita Park, a modern
urban space built above a train line. It blends shopping, dining, and
a rooftop park all in one. Below deck you can browse
the many stores. One of my favorite ones is GBL, which
sells limited edition Ghibli merch. As a fan, I couldn’t resist adding
to my small collection. If you’re into gaming or anime, Shibuya
Parco is worth a visit. It’s home to the official Nintendo
store and the Pokemon Center, both great spots
for exclusive merch. On the other side of Shibuya,
you’ll find Yoyogi Park. It’s the main park of Shibuya and a
peaceful retreat from the city. It’s especially beautiful during
the cherry blossom season. Within the park, you can also
find the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine tucked into a forested
area with peaceful walking paths. Right next to the street is Harajuku, Tokyo’s hotspot for youth culture
and colorful fashion. The main draw here is the
Takeshita Street. The street is packed with street food
offerings, quirky fashion boutiques, and themed animal cafes like the Mipig Cafe, where you can hang out with adorable micro pigs. If animal cafes aren’t your thing,
try some of the fun street snacks instead. We then move into Omotesando, a stylish, tree-lined avenue known for its luxury boutiques and
sleek architecture. One spot I always return to
here is Higuma Doughnuts a small, cozy cafe that combines
two Tokyo favorites, handmade donuts and specialty coffee. They use high-quality Hokkaido
ingredients, which gives their donuts a super
light and fluffy texture. And honestly, it might just be the
best donut shop in Tokyo, at least in my opinion. If you’re craving sushi, then check out
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera, a more casual branch of the Michelin-starred
Onodera group. You order from a tablet like most
other conveyor belt places, but the quality here really stands out. It’s high-end, Edomae-style sushi at
a more approachable price. My personal favorites was the Chutoro and the Otoro Nigiri. This is by far the best conveyor
belt sushi spot in Tokyo. Next, we head to Shinjuku
and make our way to Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s neon-splashed sleepless town. Cramming in well over 3,000
bars, clubs, and love hotels, it’s Japan’s largest
entertainment district. Stick to the lit main drags, ignore aggressive promoters, and soak
up the electric signage that inspired the movie Blade Runner, or try to find the Godzilla head
located above the Gracery Hotel. Just around the corner, look
up at the 3D giant cat. It usually shows up every few minutes
between 7am and 1am. Next, head to Omoide Yokocho. A small narrow alleyway,
often referred to as “piss alley” due to the
lack of toilets back in the day. It’s now packed with tiny smoky izakayas
and busy 8-seat noodle joints. Expect narrow passages, hanging lanterns,
and mostly a cash-only service. Drop by after 5pm for peak hours. Towering above it all is Tokyo Kabukicho tower, a 48-story entertainment
complex that opened in 2023. On the ground floor, you’ll
find lively food hall with a mix of casual
eateries, and just above is the arcade floor,
which is packed with video games, crane games, and rhythm machines. Later in the evening, hop
over to Golden Gai. Here you’ll find six alleyways crammed with roughly 200 microbars, many seating fewer than 10 patrons. Each spot has its own theme, punk, jazz, and movie posters, and a small
cover charge is normal. Things don’t really get going until
9pm, so do pace yourself. For a breather, slip into Hanazono Shrine, The shrine is open 24 hours,
but go by day to admire the bright vermilion
torii gates, especially during the cherry
blossom season. Next, head to Shinjuku Gyoen. In late March and early
April, about 1,000 cherry trees burst into bloom, giving you a longer sakura window than most parks. It’s extremely popular amongst locals and tourists,
so make sure to book tickets in advance if you want to visit during
the cherry blossom season. Finally, refuel at Fuunji, a
legendary tsukemen shop. A queue of 30-45 minutes is typical
for this place. As a reward for your waiting,
you’re offered a plate of noodles and a
deeply-rich chicken and bonito dipping broth. Every slurp the flavors intensify, until you’re wondering why you’re
ever going to settle for regular ramen ever again. Next, we head to the Taito Ward. More specifically, the area of Asakusa where
we begin with the Senso-ji Temple. Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and
most iconic temple. Your visit starts at Kaminarimon, the Grand Thunder Gate,
marked by its massive red lantern. It’s one of the most photographed
spots in the city. This past the gate is Nakamise Street, a lively shopping lane packed with
traditional snacks, souvenirs, and speciality shops. One unique stop here is Yoroshi
Cosmetics, a 90-year-old beauty store where
you can literally buy a hand cream for every
day of the year. As you walk deeper into the temple grounds, you’ll pass through
a cloud of purifying incense smoke, rising from
a giant cauldron. You’ll find locals wave it toward their heads
and bodies for good luck and health. Don’t miss trying your luck with an omikuji,
a traditional paper fortune. Just shake the metal box,
pull out a stick, and match the number to your
fortune drawer. Remember to tie up any bad fortunes
before leaving. For a completely different experience, consider
coming back to Senso-ji at night. During the evening, the crowds disappear
and the lanterns glow softly. After Senso-ji, explore the nearby side
streets for a bite to eat. There are tiny eateries around serving grilled unagi onigiri, a smoky
eel rice ball. Or you can try a curry bread, deep-fried with
a golden crunch and savory filling. And finally, make sure to visit Kappabashi
Street, Tokyo’s legendary kitchen town. Whether you’re looking for
pro-grade knives, handmade ceramics, or those
ultra-realistic plastic food models, it’s a treasure
trove for anyone who loves cooking. We managed to pick up a couple of bowls
and plates to bring home with us. If you’re in the area, Tokyo’s Skytree is
worth a visit, especially for the view. Standing at 634 meters, it’s the tallest structure in Japan and offers
sweeping panoramas of the city from its two
observation decks. Next door from the Skytree, we visit Kaiten Sushi Toriton, another top-rated
conveyor belt sushi spot Next, we head to the northeastern part of Chiyoda Ward, specifically
for Akihabara. Akihabara is Tokyo’s mecha for all things
anime, gaming, and otaku culture. It’s a hypersaturated playground for character goods, multi-level arcades, and maid cafes. If you’re into pop culture even a little,
it’s easy to spend an entire day here. Start at the iconic Radio Kaikan, one of
the district’s landmark buildings. This 10-floor building is packed with collectible figures, model kits,
training cards, and rare merch. It’s chaotic, colorful, and dense
with fandom energy. You can easily spend hours in here,
exploring every nook and cranny. A few steps away is Kotobukiya, another
must-visit spot for figure lovers. The store sells high-quality, licensed goods from franchises like
Final Fantasy, Zelda, and Studio Ghibli. They also often carry unique Japan-exclusive
items you won’t find anywhere else. Next, dive into the GiGO arcades, which dominates the main street with
floor after floor of crane games, rhythm machines,
and fighting games. Even if you’re not planning to play, it’s worth stepping inside just
to experience the noise, the lights, and pure sensory
overload that defines Akihabara. For a theme break, visit one of the
neighborhood’s concept cafes. For me personally, there are
two standout options. The Monster Hunter bar, styled after Capcom’s
monster-slaying fantasy world. Here you can find menu items inspired by
the in-game foods and monsters. The space is decorated with
Monster Hunter relics, character armors,
and you can even play the game if you want to. There’s also the Eorzea
Cafe, themed after Final Fantasy XIV, with detailed interior design and dishes based on the massive
multiplayer online game. Reservations are recommended, especially
on the weekends. If you’re a retro gaming fan, then
Super Potato is unmissable. This nostalgic shop is stacked
wall-to-wall with Famicom catridges, Game
Boys, and early PlayStation titles. It almost feels more like
a museum for the golden age of gaming than
a retro arcade shop. On the fifth floor, you’ll find a tiny arcade where you can play pixel-era
classics like Metal Slug or Street Fighter. And you can even refuel yourself
with some Japanese candy. In the morning, head to the southern
edge of the Chiyoda Ward. Here you’ll find the Hie Shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the Oyamakui no
Kami, the mountain deity of Mount Hiei. It features a captivating
back entrance, a tunnel of around 90 vermillion torii gates that mirrors Kyoto’s iconic
Fushimi Inari Shrine. We then head to the Chuo Ward and visit the Tsukiji Outer Market. The market is a maze of street food
stalls and restaurants. You weave through narrow lanes lined with
sizzling grills and fresh sashimi. It’s the kind of place where
you simply follow your nose and stop when something
smells good. We start at Yamocho, where
the tamagoyaki comes hot off the griddle, sweet, fluffy, and perfect for a breakfast on the go. If you stall down, grab a
strawberry daifuku, a whole berry wrapped in
red bean paste, and cloud soft mochi. Keep wandering until you spot the press that turns an entire octopus
into a crispy Tako Senbei, the size of a dinner plate, salty,
smoky, and unexpectedly addictive. However, the main reason we’re here
is to grab lunch at Seagen. Order the ultimate tuna bowl and watch the chef layer lean,
medium fatty, and minced tuna in a bowl with rice underneath. It’s a meal that could easily feed two it’s generous, filling, and totally
worth the wait. Next, hop over to Ginza. If you’re in the mood to splurge, then browse the flagship stores along
the main street. Or head over to the Art Aquarium Museum. You’ll find hundreds of goldfish
drift through kaleidoscopic tanks that feels
more like modern art than actual aquariums. For the best view of Tokyo
Tower, ride the lift to the Sky Lobby on
the 33rd floor of Azabudai Hills. It’s no longer free entry, and you’re required to order at least one
drink from one of the cafes at the Sky Lobby, but
there’s no other observatory that offers a
better view of the iconic tower. While you’re in Azabudai Hills, don’t
miss out on Team Lab Borderless. The new location spreads its interactive light installations across multiple
floors, rooms blend into one another
so you can wander for an hour and feel like
you stepped inside a living painting. If you intend to visit, then booking ahead
is smart, especially on the weekends. From there, make your way to
Tokyo Tower itself. Step inside Red Tokyo Tower. Inside you’ll find VR Rides, Sim Racing
Rigs, and Esports Arenas. Basically an adult playground wrapped
in the tower’s iconic red steel. Cap the evening off with a world-class
yakiniku experience at Yoroniku. You’ll be seated in a private
room, where a staff member expertly grills
each cut tableside. The highlight of the meal was the Katsusando, an ultra-tender wagyu
cutlet with a light barely-there panko crust. Nestled between soft crustless
white bread, the beef was so buttery and
rich, it practically melted the moment you took a bite. Alright that’s a wrap on our whirlwind
tour of Tokyo. If you made it this far, thank you. I know these videos can be super dense so the fact that you stuck around
means a lot. From dodging the crowds at
Shibuya Crossing to taking that peaceful late-night
walk through Senso-ji, every stop gave me one of those
“wow, I’m really here” kind of moments. I hope the way I shared it helps
you find a few of your own. If any of these spots end up on your trip,
let me know in the comments below. And if you got any hidden gems that
I missed, drop those too. I’m always planning the next Tokyo visit. Thanks again for watching this video. This is Allan, safe travels, and I’ll
see you guys in the next one.

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• Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:33 What you need to know
01:23 Sponspor
02:50 Overview of Tokyo
04:42 Shibuya
09:43 Shinjuku
13:53 Asakusa
17:38 Akihabara
21:38 Ginza/Tokyo tower
28:10 Outro

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