What to Do in Tokyo: Best Places to Explore

Tokyo is one of the most interesting cities in the world, not only in Japan. There are endlessly entertaining and intriguing things to do in this enormous metropolis. I've wanted to write a trip guide to Tokyo for a while. And finally, I have been putting it off for your better understanding. With so much to see, do, eat, and experience in Tokyo, I wanted to create a travel guide that would do this amazing city justice. It will also make any first-time visitor's trip enjoyable and memorable. So if you are coming to Tokyo, read this out and plan a proper journey right from reaching here to wrapping up your excursion.

How to reach Tokyo?

The busiest airports in Japan are Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda does have some international flights, but it's mostly a domestic airport. Thus the majority of foreigners will be arriving through Narita.

Best time to visit Tokyo 

Tokyo travel is often most enjoyable in the spring and fall. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring and the vibrant leaves in the fall thanks to the perfect weather. Next, one of the most picturesque periods of the year to visit Japan is typically in the autumn (SEPT-NOV). It's my favorite; the weather is ideal, and I adore the fall colors.
 

Insider Tips

• Budget 8,000 JPY each day if you're traveling on a budget in Tokyo. This implies you're using public transit, staying in a hostel dorm, and preparing the majority of your meals. You should buy food from 100 yen stores, attend free museums and temples, and cook the majority of your meals to stick to your budget.
   
• In Japan, there are numerous 100 yen stores where you can buy prepared meals, groceries, water, toiletries, and household goods. Here is where you want to stock up on necessities so you can eat and buy on a tight budget.  
   
• Sleep in a manga/internet café. If you merely need to kill some time but don't want to spend a lot on a hostel or hotel, think about a cafe. They rent by the hour. 
   
• Many stores provide fresh food discounts after 8 o'clock. You can save up to 50% on most of your fresh food purchases if you take advantage of the evening deal.

Places I explored in Tokyo

I was fortunate enough to cover so much in just one trip. I'll mention all these places and will also recommend you keep them on the priority list.
 

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

Since it was the evening time when we reached Tokyo, we wanted to check out a nearby place to our hotel. Also, we first wanted to go to Hanami because when we got there, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is a beautiful place, and we enjoyed ourselves there for at least three hours. It is among the top locations to view cherry blossoms. It's nice to feel as though you've traveled to a different region of Japan while you're in this lovely garden.
 

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is conveniently located close to the well-known Meiji Shrine. It is identified by the Yoyogi National Gymnasium and its unique architecture. Here, when the weather is great, purchase a picnic blanket from the 100-yen shop on Takeshita Dori. Then, stock up on delectable treats and beverages at the closest convenience store, and lastly relax on one of the park's expansive lawns for a lovely little picnic! I did a hanami picnic here with thousands of other people during the cherry blossom season. I took in the pink blooms while eating and drinking there.
 

Ghibli Museum

We were set to experience the world as Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli depicted it after pre-purchasing Ghibli Museum tickets. This slightly otherworldly art and animation museum needs to be on the bucket list of any fan of the Ghibli film series traveling to Japan. The Ghibli Museum is a little to the west of central Tokyo, so we had to plan a half-day visit.

Tokyo Disney Resort

You will undoubtedly enjoy a trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort, where you may select between the traditional Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. It is a little more aimed toward older children and adults (you can purchase alcoholic beverages there as well). We were unable to decide which one to explore, so we visited both parks. We purchased two full days' tickets because that’s how we may easily spend a whole day at either park. And let me tell you, in this iconic amusement park, you can never be too old to enjoy the fun.

Senso-ji Temple

When visiting the big city, you just must pay a visit to Senso-ji temple. It is in the historic district of Asakusa and is one of Tokyo's most well-known attractions. The temple, which has been present for many years, is breathtakingly gorgeous and contains a wealth of intriguing elements. The Nakamise street that leads to the temple caught our attention and we started buying souvenirs. This place is dotted with stores selling traditional Japanese mementos.
 

Tsukiji Fish Market

Although Toyosu now houses the wholesale portion of the Tsukiji fish market, the so-called outer market is still very much operational. We went there before noon for the complete selection of alternatives because some places close or sell out later in the day. Next, we enjoyed the slightly chaotic side streets that make up this famed food market area. We also ate our way through a wide variety of delicacies coming from Japan's abundant oceans. 

Harajuku

True fashionistas visit Harajuku to see what is in style among Tokyo's younger population. This French village-inspired area is a visual feast for lovers of Japan's well-known charming kawaii culture. I spend a fun-filled afternoon shopping here, admiring the perfectly coiffed youngsters that populate the streets, and indulging in some vibrant confections. I recommend you visit on a weekend or a holiday to observe high school students and other young people roaming the streets in search of entertainment, Instagram photo opportunities, and shopping. You can also visit on a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience.

Takaosan

With its hiking routes, natural hot spring bathhouses, natural parks, and ecological museums, Takaosan, or Mount Takao is an adventurous spot. For travelers like me who love to hike, Takaosan is a paradise for the daring. Up to the mountain's peak, there is a network of numbered hiking routes. Additionally, it features a cable car line, and next to which station at the peak is an observation platform from where visitors may take in a beautiful aerial view of Tokyo. Here, we also came across Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu not far from the mountain's foot. A pleasant experience may be had at this hot springs bathhouse, which has tubs for each gender. 

Bottom Lines:

All of these were the best locations I was able to visit on my previous trip to Tokyo. It was a lovely journey, and I heartily encourage you to visit the city if you are also considering traveling there.