Walking Tours Tokyo | Explore Tokyo with Self-Guided Tours

If it’s your first time in Japan, there are certain things you simply HAVE to do. Japan is a country thriving with its own culture, amazing people, and excellent activities to participate in. What’s a trip to Japan without a chance to explore some of these unique things to do?

#1 Witness a sumo wrestling match

Sumo wrestling is Japan's national sport and witnessing a live sumo tournament is a thrilling and culturally significant experience. The bouts are held in grand stadiums, and watching the larger-than-life sumo wrestlers showcase their strength, skill, and intense discipline is awe-inspiring. By attending a sumo tournament, you can gain insight into this ancient tradition, appreciate the physicality and rituals involved, and feel the palpable energy of the crowd as they cheer on their favorite wrestlers. Getting tickets can be a little challenging. We recommend you look up guides online, like this one, to make the experience as easy as possible!

#2 Visit the teamLab Planets TOKYO

This is a new exhibit, which is replacing the famous teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum while it undergoes renovation. The teamLab Planets TOKYO offers an extraordinary immersive art experience that merges technology, light, and creativity, with a special focus on space, planets, and stars. This groundbreaking museum showcases stunning interactive digital artworks that respond to your movements and create a sense of wonder and enchantment. By exploring this innovative space, visitors can engage with art in entirely new ways, transcending conventional boundaries and stepping into a world of imagination and innovation.

Experience true Japanese culture in Asakusa.

#3 Experience traditional culture in Asakusa

Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo that provides a glimpse into Japan's traditional past. The highlight of this area is the majestic Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. Strolling through Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs, adds to the charm of the visit. By exploring Asakusa, you can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan, witness traditional ceremonies, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of ancient architecture. There is tons of great souvenir shopping here, so make sure to bring some spending money!

There are some beautiful walking paths at Ueno Park.

#4 Take a stroll in Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a sprawling green oasis in the heart of Tokyo, offering a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Within its grounds, you'll find various attractions such as the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and Shinobazu Pond. The park is also renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring, transforming it into a picturesque wonderland. While visiting, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat, appreciate art and nature, and experience the harmonious coexistence of urban and natural elements. This park can easily take up an afternoon of your time, and if your goal is to relax and enjoy a little people-watching, this is a great spot. Remember to wear good shoes, and bring sunscreen.

Getting up high is the key to enjoying Shibuya Crossing.

#5 Explore Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is a must-see attraction in Tokyo, where thousands of people cross the intersection at the same time, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of human movement. This iconic location embodies the vibrant and energetic spirit of Tokyo, with its dazzling neon lights, towering billboards, and bustling atmosphere. By immersing yourself in this chaotic yet organized crossing, you'll get a taste of the city's fast-paced lifestyle and witness a unique blend of modernity and tradition. While the Starbucks that overlooks the crossing is the most popular vantage point, we also recommend any of these other spots to get a good view from.

Ginza is the best place to shop and eat for its luxe atmosphere.

#6 Shop and dine in Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo's premier shopping district, known for its luxurious boutiques, high-end department stores, and sophisticated atmosphere. It is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts, gadget lovers, and those seeking the latest trends in art and design. In addition to shopping, Ginza offers a wide range of gourmet dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local eateries. You can indulge in a world of luxury, find unique treasures, and savor culinary delights in a refined setting.

Early morning sushi never sounded so good coming from Tsukiji Fish Market.

#7 Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market, previously the largest fish market in the world (now relocated to Toyosu), is a vibrant hub of activity where one can witness the fascinating world of seafood trade in Japan. The market is famous for its early morning tuna auctions, where gigantic tunas are sold at jaw-dropping prices. Exploring the market allows visitors to witness the incredible variety of seafood, taste fresh sushi and sashimi, and learn about the intricate process of procuring and distributing fish in Tokyo. This is a great place to go to get an early morning sushi breakfast.

There are so many fun things to do on the Odaiba waterfront area.

#8 Explore the Odaiba waterfront area

Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront district in Tokyo, offers a blend of modern entertainment and breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Tokyo skyline, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade, and visit attractions like TeamLab Planets, an immersive digital art exhibition, or the Gundam Statue, a colossal robotic sculpture (only open until March of 2024!). With its blend of technology, entertainment, and natural beauty, Odaiba provides a unique perspective on Tokyo's modernity and innovation.

Shinjuku is full of activity in the evening.

#9 Enjoy nightlife in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is Tokyo's entertainment and nightlife district, pulsating with an electrifying energy that attracts visitors from all over the world. It offers an array of experiences, including vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, themed restaurants, karaoke, and lively izakayas (Japanese pubs). Heard of Golden Gai? This is where you’ll find that street of pubs! Immerse yourselves in the city's neon-lit streets, try local cuisine, sing your hearts out, and witness the captivating energy of Tokyo after dark.

Walking is one of the best ways to experience Tokyo!

#10 Go on a free self-guided walking tour!

There is no better way to explore a new area of town than by going on a walking tour. While you usually have to pay for private walking tours, or tip your guide on “free” walking tours, why not download Walking Tours Tokyo’s 100% free, self-guided walking tours? They currently have tours of Akihabara and Ikebukuro, where you can learn all about the subcultures that dominate Japan: otaku life, anime, and manga. Their tours tell you the stories and histories of each area, and include mini-challenges and food and drink stops to keep the energy lively. These tours are perfect for both solo travelers and groups, and take between 1-3 hours to complete on foot, depending on how long you dawdle. All you need is a hand-held device and a good pair of walking shoes!

What do you think about these 2023 must-do Tokyo activities? Let us know in the comments below, and head over to Walking Tours Tokyo today to download your free self-guided walking tours. Or, check out our latest blog post, the Top 5 Things to Do in Ikebukuro.

Tokyo’s Top 10 Must-Do Activities (Updated 2024)