Where neon meets temples, sushi meets robots, and your camera roll will thank you.
Top things to do in Tokyo in 2025? Pretty much everything. Japan’s capital is where ancient temples meet neon skyscrapers, and where you can go from peaceful gardens to buzzing arcades in minutes.
Whether you’re chasing anime dreams in Akihabara, exploring Shibuya’s chaos, or simply trying not to get lost in Shinjuku Station (good luck), this guide mixes personal picks, insider tips, and a bit of humor to help you make the most of your Tokyo adventure.
Tokyo isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you dive into and fall in love with, usually halfway through your first bowl of ramen. Safe, clean, efficient, and endlessly surprising, it’s a city where every corner offers something new.
If you’re an anime or Nintendo fan, you’re in for a treat—Pokémon Centers, themed cafés, the Nintendo Tokyo store, and more await. Just don’t expect perfect English—learning a few Japanese phrases will go a long way.
Table of Contents
📂 Quick Links
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🗓️ Sample 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1: Shibuya Crossing, Hachikō statue, shopping in Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, dinner at Pokémon Café
Day 2: Sensō-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori, Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Aquarium, Kura Sushi
Day 3: Imperial Palace, Akihabara anime shops, Nintendo Store, TeamLab Borderless
Day 4: Half-day trip to Kamakura – Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, beach walk, evening drinks in Golden Gai
Day 5: Day trip to Chureito Pagoda (Mt. Fuji view), Kawaguchiko Lake, onsen or hoto noodle lunch
🏙️ Shibuya – Lights, Shopping, Youth Culture
Shibuya is Tokyo’s pulse—a collision of youth fashion, pop culture, and neon-lit chaos. Your first stop? The legendary Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where hundreds of people flood the intersection from all directions in a perfectly orchestrated burst of movement. Snap a photo from the Starbucks overlooking the crosswalk or, better yet, head to Shibuya Sky—a rooftop observatory with glass railings and jaw-dropping 360° city views.
Beyond the scramble, dive into the Shibuya 109 building, an iconic department store filled with trendy fashion, bold accessories, and Japanese streetwear. Around the area, you’ll also find quirky cafés, ramen joints, and some of the best dessert stops in Tokyo—like matcha parfaits and taiyaki stuffed with custard.
And of course, Nintendo Tokyo and Pokémon Center Shibuya await inside the Shibuya Parco complex, perfect for fans and collectors alike.
🌆 Shinjuku – Chaos, Culture & Nightlife
Shinjuku is the ultimate Tokyo experience—vibrant, crowded, a little chaotic, and utterly addictive. It’s home to Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest transport hubs in the world, and once you emerge from its maze of platforms, a whole new world opens up.
Start with Kabukicho, Tokyo’s most famous entertainment and red-light district. Here, flashing signs, robot-themed bars, karaoke booths, and arcades compete for your attention. Don’t miss the Godzilla head roaring atop Hotel Gracery—yes, it moves and growls!
For a step back in time, wander down Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley packed with yakitori stalls and izakayas (Japanese pubs). The sizzling aroma of grilled skewers will draw you in instantly.
As night falls, head to Golden Gai. This block of tiny, themed bars—each seating maybe six people—is where Tokyo’s nightlife gets intimate and unforgettable. Whether you’re sipping whiskey in a jazz-themed den or chatting with locals in a horror-themed nook, it’s a must-do.
For sweeping views without the price tag, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building‘s free observatory. It’s especially stunning at sunset.
🗼 Tokyo Skytree – Touching the Sky
Standing at a staggering 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world and gives unmatched views of the city—and beyond. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji.
Inside, you’ll find souvenir shops, Tokyo Banana stalls, and the Sumida Aquarium. Head up just before sunset to catch both day and night views.
🛕 Sensō-ji Temple – Old Tokyo’s Spiritual Heart
Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in Asakusa, is a favorite among tourists and locals. Walk through the Kaminarimon Gate and browse the vibrant Nakamise-dori street lined with snacks and souvenirs. The main temple, incense burner, and fortune-telling stalls give you a peek into the spiritual traditions of Japan.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or at night when it’s beautifully lit and far less crowded.
🎮 Akihabara – Otaku Heaven
Gamers, manga lovers, and collectors—this is your Disneyland. Hit up Animate, Mandarake, and Super Potato for rare finds and nostalgic gems.
Akihabara is also home to maid cafés and themed arcades where you can challenge locals or just people-watch with a boba tea.
🤖 DAWN | Avatar Robot Café
Forget what you know about robot cafés—DAWN is meaningful. The servers are robots controlled remotely by people with physical disabilities. The food is delicious, and the message is powerful: tech can empower and connect.
Book in advance, and be ready to smile the whole time.
🖼️ TeamLab Borderless – Immersive Art Redefined
This is more than a museum—it’s a full sensory immersion. Wander through light shows, digital waterfalls, and rooms that respond to your movement. A must-see.
Located in Azabudai Hills, tickets sell out quickly, so book early.
🎮 Anime, Nintendo & Pokémon Culture
If you’re an anime or Nintendo fan like me, Tokyo is a wonderland. First up, the Pokémon Centers. You’ll find them in several districts—Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Nihonbashi, and more—each packed with plushies, exclusive merchandise, and life-sized Pikachus perfect for selfies. These stores are designed to overwhelm (in the best way), and you’ll likely walk out with more than you planned.
Then there’s the must-visit Pokémon Café. It’s not just about the food—it’s a full-on themed dining experience. Expect Pikachu pancakes, latte art too cute to drink, and exclusive meals that change with the season. Be sure to reserve weeks in advance!
Just upstairs from the café in Shibuya Parco, you’ll find the Nintendo Tokyo store. Whether you’re a Mario Kart champion or a Zelda completionist, there’s something here to geek out about—think game-inspired homeware, exclusive apparel, and hard-to-find collectibles.
And then there’s the anime scene. Akihabara is the spiritual home of otaku culture, overflowing with shops selling manga, figurines, cosplay gear, and Gachapon machines. Don Quijote in Akihabara has several floors dedicated to anime goods, while Animate (in multiple locations) is your go-to for everything new and trending.
The Japanese are absolutely obsessed with anime and gaming culture—it’s integrated into everyday life. Don’t be surprised if you see salarymen reading manga on the train or schoolkids in Pokémon gear at 7-Eleven. Even snacks come in limited-edition anime packaging!
🍜 What to Eat in Tokyo
- Ramen: From Ichiran’s solo booths to Michelin-starred tsukemen joints, you’re spoiled for choice. Try Afuri for yuzu ramen or Ichijo for tonkotsu lovers.
- Sushi: Visit Kura Sushi for a fun conveyor-belt experience with gachapon prizes. For serious sushi fans, book a seat at Sushi Dai or a standing sushi bar like Uogashi Nihon-Ichi.
- Yakiniku & Wagyu: Grill premium cuts at Han no Daidokoro or enjoy wagyu beef sets at Gyukatsu Motomura. You can find affordable lunch deals with high-grade meat.
- Convenience Store Food: 7-Eleven and Lawson meals are fresh, cheap, and addictive. Bento boxes, onigiri, and custard buns are lifesavers during sightseeing.
- Street Food: Head to Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno for takoyaki, grilled squid, sweet potatoes, and melonpan. Or explore Nakamise-dori near Sensō-ji for rice crackers and mochi skewers.
🌊 Kamakura – Zen & Surf Vibes
Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is a coastal town full of history, temples, and chilled-out surf vibes. Once the political center of Japan, Kamakura today is known for its relaxed atmosphere, quaint streets, and temple-lined hills.
Start at the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu), standing 13 meters tall and open to visitors who want to peek inside. Then head to Hasedera Temple, a beautiful hillside retreat known for its hydrangeas, caves, and panoramic views.
From there, make your way down to Yuigahama Beach. It’s not the Caribbean, but it’s a refreshing spot to dip your toes, relax with a drink, or watch surfers glide across the waves.
The Komachi-dori shopping street is great for traditional snacks, souvenirs, and some of the best matcha ice cream in the region.
🗻 Mt. Fuji & Chureito Pagoda – Iconic Day Trip
A must-do day trip from Tokyo is visiting the Fuji Five Lakes region, especially Chureito Pagoda near Fujiyoshida. The climb to the top is a bit of a workout, but the payoff is that unbeatable view of Mt. Fuji framed by the five-story red pagoda.
While in the area, explore Lake Kawaguchi, one of the most scenic of the Five Lakes, with options for boat rides and lakefront strolls. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Mt. Fuji’s full silhouette reflecting on the water.
Stop by a local onsen (like those in Fujikawaguchiko) for a soak with Fuji views, then enjoy a bowl of hōtō noodles, a regional miso-based stew packed with thick noodles and veggies—especially satisfying in cooler months.
There’s also the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, offering views from above the lake and straight toward the summit.
🗣️ Useful Japanese Phrases
While many signs in Tokyo have English translations, most locals speak limited English—especially outside tourist areas. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can really enhance your trip and show respect for the culture. Here are some handy ones to get you started:
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
- ありがとう (Arigatou) or ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry (also used to get someone’s attention)
- はい (Hai) – Yes
- いいえ (Iie) – No
- 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?
- どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?) – Where is it?
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) – Please / I’d like this
- 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – It’s okay / No, thank you
Having these in your back pocket (or on your phone) can make simple interactions smoother—whether ordering ramen, asking for directions, or navigating a train station.
📲 Travel Essentials
- 📱 eSIM: Get Airalo here – Easy, reliable internet in Japan
- 🛏️ Book travel with Kiwi – Flights, hotels, everything in one place
- 🚄 Grab your Shinkansen ticket on Klook
- 🎟️ Book Pokémon Café and TeamLab tickets in advance
- 💸 Cash is still king – especially in smaller shops
🇯🇵 Final Thoughts
Tokyo in 2025 is alive with color, sound, flavor, and culture. Whether you’re bowing at ancient shrines, buying rare anime figures, or sipping sake at a hidden bar, there’s never a dull moment.
This is a city that respects its past while rushing toward the future—with a vending machine every ten feet and a surprise around every corner.
So charge your camera, learn a few Japanese phrases, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
🧳 Ready? Tokyo awaits.
