If you’re looking for recommendations on things to do, where to eat and places to see in Tokyo, Japan, bookmark this page and save my custom Google Maps (for free!) with all the locations flagged for your trip. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for a few days or a few weeks, there is plenty to do, eat and see for every type of traveler. There are so many fascinating nooks and crannies of Tokyo that you’ll wish you had at least a month to explore the awe-inspiring capital of Japan…and recover from the sensory overload.
To prepare for your Tokyo trip, be sure to download helpful apps like Suica, and bring cash in small bills as most activities and restaurants in Tokyo take payment in cash only.
Jump to my recommendations by type of traveler:
- Where to Eat in Tokyo...
- Things to Do in Tokyo…
Where to Eat in Tokyo for Ramen Lovers
Ramen Yamaguchi 3-chōme-13-4 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan | www.ramen-yamaguchi.com
This Michelin-recommended Bib Gourmand ramen shop turns ramen into art with its exquisite attention to detail and presentation. The broth is delightfully flavorful and not too heavy so you won’t leave with that bloated feeling. Like most ramen shops in Japan, you place your order using the vending machine by the door, give the ramen masters your ticket(s) and take a seat at the bar. The vending machines take cash only, so don’t forget to bring cash. Ramen Yamaguchi does not take reservations and there is usually a line, so be prepared to wait outside. On a weekend afternoon, with a handful of customers in front of me in line, I waited about 20 minutes to be seated.
Ramen Nagi Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−１０ ２階 | n-nagi.com
There is almost always a long line at this cozy ~8-seater ramen shop. It’s located in the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku Golden Gai, making it the perfect place to satisfy munchies after bar hopping in the cozy bar-filled alleyways–and they are open 24 hours! They specialize in using anchovy in their broth base. Like most ramen shops, they take payment in cash only and do not accept reservations, so bring cash and be prepared to wait in line.
Ramen Gossou Japan, 〒162-0041 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Wasedatsurumakichō, ５２２ 森田ビル 1F | https://www.ramengossou.jp/
Ramen Gossou had some of the heartiest ramen I tried in Tokyo, with the most decadent tonkotsu broth. This was actually the first ramen I tried in Tokyo, and it did not disappoint. It was also my first time using the vending machine ordering system and the ramen master was so very kind and patient. The smoked chashu is simply divine.
Oreryushio Ramen Dice神宮前, 1階, 1-chōme-21-13 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan | oreryushio.co.jp
After shopping around in Harajuku, one of Tokyo’s best shopping districts, Oreryushio Ramen is the perfect place to hide out from the crowds with a steaming bowl of hearty ramen. They also have the most amazing karaage (fried chicken) to pair with your ramen. And they even provide blankets to keep you cozy while you slurp. As with almost every ramen shop, they are cash only and do not take reservations.
Ryōma Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 2-chōme−６−１ PORTA 神楽坂 １階 | niboshiyahonpo.com
Looking for the bouncing noodle display to find this amazing ramen shop in Kagurazaka. The ramen master was kind enough to exchange our wrinkly cash bills for crisp ones that would satisfy the vending machine, after a few failed attempts. And he even gave us free bowls of rice to mop up our ramen broth. Everything from the broth to the meat to the wontons was cooked to perfection.
Fuunji Japan, 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2-chōme−14−３ 北斗第一ビル １F | www.fu-unji.com
This place is famous for its tsukemen dipping noodles. It’s a different experience from the regular bowl of ramen, commonly with tonkotsu, shoyu or shio broths, but just as delicious. Fuunji is located in Shinjuku, where there are always crowds, and this place is so popular that there is almost always a long wait in line.
俺流塩らーめん 神楽坂上店 Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 5-chōme−262F 左奥カグラザカ5
There’s no clear English name for this ramen shop in Kagurazaka but on Instagram they go by @oreryu_kagurazaka. You know you’re in for a local experience when there is no English signage or English menus. Their ramen is decadent, hearty and filling, and they have all the delicious accoutrements you could possibly want to top off your ramen.
Honestly, any ramen shop in Japan is superior to ramen in the rest of the world. While some are more memorable than others, every bowl of ramen I tried in Tokyo was delicious. It would be impossible to list them all, so these are just some highlights. Ramen lovers have no shortage of options as far as where to eat in Tokyo.
Sometimes you stumble upon the best eateries in a small alley with no English signage.
The Coziest Curry Shops in Tokyo for Comfort Food Seekers
Rojiura Curry Samurai 3-chōme-31-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan | samurai-curry.com
Rojiura Curry Samurai offers the most delicious (and healthy-feeling) variety of nutrients in their 20-veggie curry with rice. If you’re a meat eater, definitely get the crispy chicken thigh to go with your curry. The types of vegetables featured in the curry are rotated seasonally based on freshness and availability. In the fall, the types of veggies included taro, okra, eggplant, broccoli, wood ear mushrooms, potatoes, onions, beans, carrots and more. Due to the limited space out front, customers are not allowed to wait outside and crowd the door. Simply put your name on the waiting list and browse around the shops in Shimokitazawa until you get the text alert that your table is ready.
Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu 1-chōme-5-9 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan | www.tarekatsu.jp
This curry shop is the perfect place to hide out from the Shibuya sensory overload, tucked away in a quiet alley. The service is fast, friendly and efficient. They serve delicious katsu curry with rice and veggies–simple yet packed with flavor. The shop is small and cozy, with only about 10-15 counter seats, but the operations are so efficient that there is usually not a very long wait.
Where to Eat in Tokyo to Feel Like a Local
Yanagi Japan, 〒162-0041 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Wasedatsurumakichō, ５３８ 1F
Yanagi is a hidden gem and local favorite in Waseda, the quieter university neighborhood of Tokyo. This izakaya spot is only open for dinner and there is no English menu. In fact, the menu changes quite frequently (at least weekly, if not daily sometimes) and it’s charmingly handwritten by the izakaya master. There’s often a local sitting at the bar chatting up the izakaya master and savoring some premium sake for hours. You can try to use Google Translate to translate the menu, but the translations are funny at best, so I recommend simply asking for the dealer’s choice. The izakaya master recommended dishes as well as sakes based on the flavor profiles we prefer and did not disappoint. Bring cash and make an effort to practice some Japanese while dining here.
源八沢の茶屋 2-chōme-18-5 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
The way I discovered this place is by wandering down an alley and following the irresistible smell of yakitori. I’m not sure what this restaurant is called in English, if they even have an English name. It was filled with locals enjoying freshly grilled skewers with sake and beer. This yakitori spot is on the bigger side compared to some of the tiny 8-seater yakitori places because it has dining tables in addition to bar seats. The dining tables are low to the floor Japanese-style seating with patrons sitting cross-legged and shoes off. If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with omakase, which means you’ll get dishes based on the chef’s curation. For about 6,556 yen, we got omakase for two featuring skewers of chicken thigh, neck, shishito peppers, liver, teba (chicken wing), chicken skin, and meatballs, plus sake and beer.
Wazakura 16 Wakamiyachō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0827, Japan
This yakitori spot was highly recommended by a local bartender in Kagurazaka. He said it’s a popular place for locals to unwind after work and enjoy several courses of yakitori along with an abundance of sake and beer.
Where to Eat in Tokyo for an Interactive Dining Experience
Shabusen Ginza Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5-chōme−7−１０ イグジットメルサ ８階 | www.zakuro.co.jp
If you enjoy the experience of cooking your food at your table and transforming it into something yummy with all the accoutrements and sauces (like at Korean BBQ, Japanese yakinikus, Chinese hotpots, etc.), then you will love shabu shabu. You choose the selection of meats, veggies and sides, which are then brought to you raw for you to plop into your boiling pot of broth at your own pace. Ginza is always crowded with shoppers so be prepared to wait in line at almost any restaurant (if they even accept walk-ins). You can put your name on the waiting list on the iPad and wait for your number to be called.
Where to Grab a Quick Budget-Friendly Bite in Tokyo
Harajuku Gyozaro 6-chōme-2-4 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan | www.harajukugyozaro.com
The Harajuku district is full of unique shops and restaurants. If you need a break from all the action on Takeshita Street, Harajuku Gyozaro is the perfect place to stop for a budget-friendly bite. There are usually crowds in this area so be prepared to wait in line, although it moves quickly. The gyozas come in plates of six, either steamed or fried (you won’t regret trying both). We gobbled down 12 gyozas, cucumber salad, stir-fried bean sprouts in meat sauce and a couple of beers for roughly 2,000 yen. The service was fast and efficient so we had plenty of time to continue our adventures in Harajuku.
Like ramen, it’s pretty hard to get bad gyozas in Japan. All the gyoza shops are delicious and vary in flavor options and fanciness, so you can’t really go wrong with trying any of them.
Where to Satisfy Late-Night Munchies in Tokyo
CoCo Ichibanya Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−18−１０, Kabukicho Yoshikawa Bldg., 1F | tenpo.ichibanya.co.jp
While CoCo Ichibanya is indeed a chain restaurant, don’t knock it til you try it. Japanese chains are far superior to Western chains and typically have higher food standards. If you find yourself desperate for some comforting cheap curry, some CoCo Ichibanya locations are open 24 hours. And if you’re an introvert, you’ll appreciate being able to order on an iPad at your table. The food is tasty, consistent and oh-so-satisfying for late-night munchies.
Sukiya 3-chōme-32-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan | maps.sukiya.jp
Sukiya is another famous Japanese chain that is open 24 hours. Similar to Coco Ichibanya, introverts can order on an iPad and avoid human interaction. Something about a hot bowl of gyudon with sipping broth on the side. Gyudon is served as a bowl of rice topped with protein and veggies (typically beef and onions), accompanied by varying sauces and other toppings like eggs, cheese or kimchi. Sukiya became my go-to 3 a.m. comfort meal after a night out.
Where to Catch the Best Sunsets in Tokyo
The Peak Lounge Japan, 〒163-1055 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 3-chōme−7−１−２, Shinjuku Park Tower, 41F | restaurants.tokyo.park.hyatt.co.jp
At 41 floors above ground, The Peak Lounge rooftop cafe and bar delivers some of the most magical sunset views. It’s located inside the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and is a surprisingly quick elevator up to the glass-walled atrium at the top. They have an elegant afternoon tea service featuring decadent platters of tea cakes and snacks. If you’re not a tea drinker, there is also champagne for the boozier type. It’s a bit of a splurge but well worth the majestic sunset vibes.
Shibuya Sky Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ 14階・45階・46階・屋上
For one of the most famous sunset views of Tokyo, check out Shibuya Sky, an open-air observation deck 47 floors above ground, connected to Shibuya Station. Tickets for entry cost 2,200 yen for adults and tend to sell out quickly so look into making reservations well in advance if you want to secure this on your Tokyo itinerary.
Where to Go in Tokyo for the Best Views
The Mint Ginza Rooftop Cafe & Bar Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5-chōme−2−１ 東急プラザ銀座 11階/ルーフトップ | the-mint-ginza.com
The Mint Ginza Rooftop Cafe & Bar in Ginza is where you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Tokyo. It’s located near all the hustle and bustle of the luxury shopping district but hasn’t gotten so popular yet that there are constant crowds. The bar offers simple yet satisfying cocktails and it’s such a peaceful environment.
Odaiba Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Located in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is an island and popular district for entertainment, shopping and restaurants. There are plenty of museums, theme parks and viewpoints. Depending on the season, you can catch a vibrant fireworks show. If you enjoy being on the water and soaking in views, you can catch a beautiful sunset in Odaiba.
Where to Go in Tokyo for Sensory Overload
Shibuya Scramble Crossing 21 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
This is probably one of the most touristy things anybody can do in Tokyo, but it’s worth it. Nothing feels quite like ‘being in Tokyo’ than crossing the Shibuya Scramble. This indescribable experience of sensory overload from all directions is something that needs to be crossed off your Tokyo bucket list. It’s beautiful chaos.
Underrated Speakeasys in Tokyo for Whiskey Lovers
Bar Socius Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 3-chōme−２−６ 神楽坂 越後屋ビル B1F
This speakeasy isn’t super visible from the street as it’s tucked in the basement floor of a commercial building. We stumbled in before the bar was officially open and the bartender was kind enough to welcome us in anyway while he set up for the night. It felt like we were getting our own private whiskey tasting and we discovered our new favorite Japanese whiskeys based on the bartender’s recommendations. He even recommended restaurants and lesser-known spots to check out in town.
Bar & Under Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 2-chōme−6−４ 外神田金村ビル B１| bar-andunder.tokyo
Located near Akihabara, Bar & Under is a cozy little whiskey bar that makes a perfect hideout from the crowds on the streets. They even have a handwritten (in Japanese only) graph hung on the wall to help you choose your whiskey based on the flavor profile ranges. We were the only foreigners at the bar next to a few locals enjoying their whiskey to a hilarious Japanese game show on TV.
Where to Go in Tokyo for Shopaholics
Don Quijote 1-chōme-12-6 Ōkubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan | www.donki.com
Don Quijote is Japan’s famous discount chain store with nearly everything, from food to beauty products to home supplies. You can find amazing deals here, especially on Japanese skincare products, and they often have great seasonal supplies for cheap. If you show your passport, you can get your purchases tax-free. The Shinjuku location is open 24 hours and it’s so easy to lose several hours on each visit. The Donki song will get stuck in your head.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi 3-chōme-23-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan | www.matsukiyococokara-online.com
One of the most famous drugstore chains in Japan, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, is where you can find some of the best deals on Japanese skincare and beauty products. Unlike Don Quijote, which has a huge variety of products, Matsumoto Kiyoshi is more focused on drugstore products and often has more variety and stock of popular skincare and makeup. You can also show your passport here for a tax-free purchase.
Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa, Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Shimokitazawa is Tokyo’s best thrifting district, where you can find endless shops and craft markets with amazing thrift deals as well as high-end vintage pieces. There is so much to browse through you could spend all day, or several days, shopping here. Some vintage stores even have bars built-in on the side. As with any thrifting experience, patience is required to dig through all the racks and piles to find hidden treasures.
Takeshita Street Square 1-chōme-16-4 Jingūmae, 渋谷区 Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Takeshita Street Square is my personal favorite shopping district in Tokyo because of its uniqueness, affordability and accessibility. The famous entryway is right across from the metro station. You can find a variety of niche stores here that cater to all kinds of styles from Harajuku looks to goth vibes to cozy kawaii aesthetics. On top of all the shopping, there are some amazing restaurants in this district.
Tsukiji Outer Market Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4-chōme−13, 及び６丁目一部 | www.tsukiji.or.jp
Unlike the previously mentioned shopping districts where you can find an abundance of clothing and accessories, Tsukiji Outer Market is a paradise for food shoppers. This is where you can find unique Japanese ingredients and fresh seafood that you can try there or take home to cook. There are plenty of food vendors at this market to make an enjoyable food-tasting adventure.
Things to Do in Tokyo for Gamers & Anime Fans
Akihabara Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan
Akihabara, Tokyo’s ‘electric town’ is the place to be for gamers and anime fans. It’s home to Tokyo Anime Center and tons of arcades and gaming centers as well as electronics retailers and department stores. This is also where you’ll see a lot of quirky maids promoting nearby maid cafes, where you can enjoy entertainment from girls dressed in maid outfits serving food and beverages.
GiGo Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−11g−１１ ビルディング
Something about Japanese arcades is so exhilarating. The GiGo gaming centers in Tokyo are some of the largest and most lively arcades I’ve ever seen. Whether you like video games or old-fashioned claw games, there is something for everyone to play. The Akihabara location has so many floors that you could spend all day there. Let your inner child run free.
Best Animal Cafe in Tokyo for Animal Lovers
Owl Village Cafe Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingūmae, 1-chōme−21−１５ 原宿Atm 4F | www.owlvillage.jp
Visiting the Owl Village Cafe was one of my favorite experiences in Tokyo. As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted by majestic owls perched along the walls and above the door. During the visit we enjoyed delicious coffee, beer and sweets while surrounded by owls. All of the beverages and treats are intricately prepared and owl-themed. After we finished our drinks we were invited to feed the owls. The cafe gave the best souvenir, which was a comic created by the cafe staff featuring every owl as a story character. The owl caretakers are super friendly and attentive. There is a poster with every owl’s name next to their photo to help you get to know each owl, and you can even vote for your favorite owl in the cafe’s popularity contest. I cannot recommend this activity enough, especially if you love owls.
As with any animal-related tourist activities, be wary of unethical operations. I looked into a few other cafes that did not look like they treated their animals as well, but Owl Village Cafe demonstrated compassionate standards, ensuring that the owls got a break from human interaction throughout the day. Always do your research and refrain from supporting unethical animal cafes.
Tokyo is home to a lot of different animal cafes. There are cafes where you can play with cats, snakes, hedgehogs, shibas, baby pigs and more.
Where Coffee Lovers Can Get a Quality Cup in Tokyo
Sarutahiko Coffee Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1-chōme−1, 新宿区西新宿1-1-5 ルミネ新宿店ルミネ１ 1F | sarutahiko.co
Some of the best coffee I had in Japan was at Sarutahiko. Their menu includes some unique and decadent flavors, like the heavenly pumpkin chestnut latte–and there are multiple non-dairy milk options. There are several locations so look for the one nearest to you–I listed this location because it serves coffee and ice cream.
Things to Do in Tokyo for Nightlife Seekers
Shinjuku Golden Gai 1-chōme-1-6 Kabukichō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan | goldengai.jp
Golden Gai is Tokyo’s iconic district of narrow alleyways and intimately cozy bars. The nostalgic vibes and old-style Japanese architecture transport you back to a different time. Most bars can only seat 6-10 people with one bartender holding down the fort, making it a great environment to get to know some interesting strangers, travelers and locals alike. A lot of these bars have been around forever, and some are for locals only (which will usually have a sign on the door, or they will let you know when you peek in). Yes, nowadays you’ll run into a lot of tourists here (like almost everywhere else in Tokyo), but it’s still worth experiencing a night out in Golden Gai.
If you end up having so much fun that you miss the last midnight train and you don’t want to pay for a taxi, there are some 24-hour ramen shops as well as spas nearby, where you can wait for the first train at 5 am.
Omoide Yokocho 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan | shinjuku-omoide.com
Similar to Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho is famous for its narrow alleyways filled with tiny taverns and hole-in-the-wall eateries. There are barbecue stands and food stalls everywhere to satisfy any munchies. Its old-timey vibes are why it’s fondly referred to as Memory Alley, but it’s also known as Piss Alley thanks to all the late-night drunken shenanigans. Whether you’re looking for food or alcohol, you’ll find plenty of options at Omoide Yokocho.
Shibuya Cyclone Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawachō, 13−１６ コクサイビル A館 B2 | cyclone1997.com
Shibuya Cyclone is a bit different from other typical music venues or clubs in that they feature a lot of indie or underground artists, and for sets as short as 30 minutes, so you can see a variety of performers in a short amount of time. You can find local as well as foreign artists and bands performing here. It hasn’t gotten too crowded yet and is still pretty underrated. If you’re looking for mainstream popular music, go to any club in Tokyo. But if you’re looking for some quirky lesser-known acts, check this place out.
Where to Treat Yourself to Ultimate Relaxation
Rabbicour Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7-chōme−5−１９ 2F | rabbicour.com
If you’ve never received a head massage and hair treatment, you need to try it. It’s not like the simple little head rub you get at the end of a full-body massage. The entire session is dedicated to smoothing out your entire skull with the most relaxing massage techniques while your hair absorbs deep conditioning treatments. To top it off, Rabbicour looks and feels like Never Never Land as soon as you walk in.
The session starts with a survey to understand your hair and scalp needs so they can formulate the best treatment combination for you. Then you get to sit back and enjoy the hair washing and massage. You might fall asleep and that’s ok. After the massage, you get a delicious herbal drink while they blow-dry your refreshed hair. And they even send you home with a sample of the treatment used on your hair! Be sure to make a reservation far in advance as they rarely have availability for walk-ins.
Takumi Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1-chōme−18−７ 博愛堂ビル ８F | headspa-takumi.com
Takumi is another amazing head spa in Tokyo, where you can get healing scalp treatments and amazing head massages. It’s not quite as fancy as Rabbicour in its aesthetic and facilities but they tend to have more availability for appointments–and is a little bit cheaper.
Thermae-Yu Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−２ テルマー湯内 B1F | thermae-yu.jp
Thermae-Yu is a 24-hour public bathhouse, or onsen, in Shinjuku, close to the nightlife districts. It’s a lovely place to seek refuge after a night out if you missed the last train and don’t want to spend money on a taxi or hotel. This spa has soaking pools, lounges, hot springs, saunas, massage treatments, a restaurant and more. Unlike other onsens that turn you away if you have tattoos, Thermae-Yu allows tattooed customers as long as they cover it up with a sticker (up to 100mm x 145mm in size), which can be purchased there. However, you will be denied entry if you cannot cover your tattoo with four sticker sheets.
Where to Go for a Cozy Hideout in Tokyo
Shisha Cafe North Village Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2-chōme−18−５ UPTOWN下北沢 2階 | shisha.tokyo
There is no shortage of hookah lounges in Tokyo, and all over Japan. They can range from very basic couch-filled dark rooms to fancy well-lit bar-like establishments with cocktails and CBD. Most of them will do the job of offering a peaceful area to take a break from the chaos. Shisha Cafe North Village, in particular, has a very cozy vibe, making it feel like you’re hiding out in a tree house. And they make some pretty good cocktails. You can add ice, alcohol, CBD or fruits to some hookahs. There are multiple locations so check for the one closest to you.
Must-See in Tokyo for Art Lovers
TeamLab Planets 6-chōme-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan | www.teamlab.art
Whether you need some iconic photos for your IG grid or just want to fully immerse in trippy art installations, check out TeamLab Planets. This interactive digital art museum evokes wonder while bringing colorful concepts to life. The futuristic vibes are very Tokyo. Entry costs about $25.
Where to Go in Tokyo for Nature Lovers
Gyoen National Garden 11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan | www.env.go.jp
As one of the largest parks in Tokyo, Gyoen National Garden feels like a peaceful zen garden in the middle of the buzziest city. You could spend an entire day here, walking around, soaking in nature, having a picnic or taking a nap. Entry costs 500 yen. Hours can change seasonally so check before you go. Reservations may be required during peak seasons.
Shinjuku Chuo Park 2 Chome-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan | shinjukuchuo-park.jp
Shinjuku Chuo Park is like Tokyo’s Central Park. It’s a massive metropolitan park with peaceful water features, exercise stations, play areas for children and more. This is where you can spot locals on their daily jogs or teens practicing dance and sports. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee with some people watching.
Save my custom Google Maps including all my recommendations for FREE below!
If you find this info helpful and would like to support my work so I can provide even more helpful content, buy me a coffee or shop my Etsy.
This list of recommendations is up to date as of April 2024. Keep in mind that businesses can close temporarily (if seasonal) or permanently, so be sure to check for operating hours, and make a reservation if possible, before adding the destination to your itinerary.
If you have more Tokyo recommendations, please share them in the comments!
