tiqets blog
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • Madrid
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome
    • Rotterdam
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    Classic view of historic traditional Cable Cars riding on famous California Street in morning light at sunrise with retro vintage style cross processing filter effect, San Francisco, California, USA

    Your Itinerary for San Francisco: What to Do, See, Eat and More

  • Destinations
    • All
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • UK & Ireland
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    • Venue Guides
    Famous Van Gogh Paintings and the Stories Behind Them

    Famous Van Gogh Paintings and the Stories Behind Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Photo by Laurie Byrne on Unsplash

    Museums & Attractions Need You: How to Support Local Tourism

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    Hope the blue whale at the natural history museum London

    The Best Natural History Museums in the World: Bones, Stones, & Questionable Taxidermy

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

  • Travel tips
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    the Roman forum in Rome

    An Archaeologist Breaks Down Historical Tourism – And How We Can Be Better at It

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Hikers at the Grand Canyon

    USA Bucket List: 37 Iconic Experiences and Hidden Gems

    Jellyfish at one of the best Aquariums in the world

    The Best Aquariums in the World and Where to Find Them

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Easter bunny

    Eggs, Bunnies, and Ogres: How to Spend Easter in the UK

    Valentine's day at home on a rooftop with candles

    6 Stay at Home Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2021

    European Easter eggs.

    Easter in Europe: The Most Eggcellent Easter Holiday Destinations & Traditions

    Flowers at Keukenhof park

    Keukenhof 2021: The Full Guide

    29 Unusual Christmas Traditions, New Year Rituals and Festive Activities

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

No Result
View All Result
tiqets blog
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • Madrid
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome
    • Rotterdam
    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    The Best Things to Do in Miami for Couples, Singles and Families

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    9 Romantic Things to do in Berlin

    Classic view of historic traditional Cable Cars riding on famous California Street in morning light at sunrise with retro vintage style cross processing filter effect, San Francisco, California, USA

    Your Itinerary for San Francisco: What to Do, See, Eat and More

  • Destinations
    • All
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • UK & Ireland
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    • Venue Guides
    Famous Van Gogh Paintings and the Stories Behind Them

    Famous Van Gogh Paintings and the Stories Behind Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Famous Animal Paintings and Where to Find Them

    Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US

    Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    13 Famous Women Artists and Where to Find Their Work

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Celebrating Women in Art: Curators On Their Favourite Women Artists

    Photo by Laurie Byrne on Unsplash

    Museums & Attractions Need You: How to Support Local Tourism

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    11 of the Best Black History Museums in the US and Where to Find Them

    Hope the blue whale at the natural history museum London

    The Best Natural History Museums in the World: Bones, Stones, & Questionable Taxidermy

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

    One World Observatory: An Insider Guide

  • Travel tips
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    Paella, a famous food in valencia

    Food in Valencia According to Tapas Tours Guru Suzie Añón y García

    Statue in Botero Park Medellin

    What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

    Emily-Lush-Tbilisi-Abanotubani

    Wonder What the Life of a Travel Blogger Looks Like? Meet Emily at Wander-Lush

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    That Nomadic Life: Long-term Travel Advice From the Broke Backpacker’s Will Hatton

    the Roman forum in Rome

    An Archaeologist Breaks Down Historical Tourism – And How We Can Be Better at It

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Inside Xcaret: An Insider’s Guide to Mexico’s Most Exciting Ecotourism Development

    Hikers at the Grand Canyon

    USA Bucket List: 37 Iconic Experiences and Hidden Gems

    Jellyfish at one of the best Aquariums in the world

    The Best Aquariums in the World and Where to Find Them

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

    Easter bunny

    Eggs, Bunnies, and Ogres: How to Spend Easter in the UK

    Valentine's day at home on a rooftop with candles

    6 Stay at Home Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day 2021

    European Easter eggs.

    Easter in Europe: The Most Eggcellent Easter Holiday Destinations & Traditions

    Flowers at Keukenhof park

    Keukenhof 2021: The Full Guide

    29 Unusual Christmas Traditions, New Year Rituals and Festive Activities

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    12 Christmas City Breaks for Singles, Couples, and Families

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

    40 Halloween Amusement Parks and Activities to Celebrate the Ghoul-est Day of the Year

No Result
View All Result
tiqets blog
No Result
View All Result

The best things to see in Tokyo, according to Tiqets

Liam McGarry by Liam McGarry
May 23, 2019 - Updated on October 29, 2019
in Asia, Destinations
Reading Time: 6min read

A foreign face in Tokyo was once met with inquisitive looks from locals. Not anymore! The number of gaijins visiting Japan has skyrocketed since 2012. The fact you’re reading this suggests you’re one of the millions of culture-hungry explorers ready to experience the Land of the Rising Sun. That said, you can still enjoy an authentic Tokyo adventure without feeling too much like a tourist. Here are a few tips on things to see, do and eat during your stay in Japan’s neon capital.

Skip to a section

  • Ghibli Museum
  • The National Museum of Modern Art
  • Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
  • Yanaka Cemetery
  • Asakusa
  • Odaiba Cruise

Ghibli Museum

Few Japanese exports, apart from its glorious food, have entrenched themselves in the hearts of westerners quite like anime. Studio Ghibli has long churned out heart-warming animated classics, and the Ghibli Museum, nestled out in Tokyo’s western suburbs, is a whimsical celebration of the world dubbed ‘Japan Disney’.

You’ve probably seen classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke or, everyone’s favourite human/goldfish love story, Ponyo. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the pretty colours, it’s impossible not to be enamored by the Ghibli universe.

Explore life-size recreations of the beautiful movie locations, ride the famous Catbus, watch an animated short exclusive to the museum, and scale the roof to enter a garden realm, home to the giant Robot Soldier from Laputa. Your ticket is even made of original 35mm film prints that were used in theatres – hold it to the light to see a scene from a Ghibli classic. Now that’s a memento!

Tickets aren’t available on site and can be hard to come by (even in advance), so make sure to book your adventure well ahead of time because this is high up there on the list of best things to see in Tokyo.

The National Museum of Modern Art

If you’re into modern art, this one’s for you. If you’re not into modern art, this one’s also for you.

Tokyo’s National Museum of Modern Art – MOMAT for short – is loaded with more than 13,000 works, in both Japanese and Western styles. It’s the only exhibition of its kind in Japan, comprising paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs, and curated by time period.

If artsy terms like Japanese Avant Garde and Constructivism don’t mean anything to you, then the museum’s Let’s Talk Art tour is the perfect introduction to modern art.

There’s nothing high-brow here, just a conversational guided tour of the museum, focusing on three key pieces and their historical context. Your English-speaking expert is there to show you around, answer questions, provoke discussion and help you gain a better understanding of the art on display. A cross-cultural exchange with an artistic twist. For under ¥2,000, that’s not bad!

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Meiji Shrine is a bento box of traditional Japanese culture. From the moment you pass through the iconic torii gates, the lights and sounds of the streets drift away and you’ll hardly believe you’re in the heart of the city.

The walkways are lined with luscious greenery – 365 species of trees, which were sourced from all over Japan, surround your walk to the city’s grandest Shinto shrine. Pass a wall of decorated sake barrels as you stroll towards the centerpiece, where there’s a good chance you could witness a traditional Shinto-style wedding in progress. Kimonos and all!
Entrance to Meiji Jingu is free. However, if you’re encapsulated by the unique Nihon vibe, you can see a trove of Japanese art in the Treasure House – and walk the charming Inner Garden for around ¥500 each.

Yanaka Cemetery

Okay, cemeteries aren’t your regular wanderlust locations. But hear us out. Yanaka Cemetery is one of the most serene spots in the city, and it’s alive with history… for want of a better phrase.

Retreat into 25 acres of woodland and shrubbery, and admire aged graves and shrines – some of which have been there for 150 years. There are many notable occupants of Yanaka’s 7,000 graves, from famous artists and sportsmen, to writers, scientists, and even the last Shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.

Get wonderfully lost (with only the many resident cats for company), as you explore tranquil Tokyo, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s also an ideal place to stroll underneath the cherry blossom in early April, if you don’t fancy the fight with the army of photo-hungry tourists in Ueno Park.

Asakusa

One of the most popular districts among both foreign and Japanese tourists, Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s most famous temple: Sensoji. But it’s not just the 7th-century Buddist shrine that makes the Shitamachi district thrive.

The short 200-meter walk between the Kaminarimon entrance and the reconstructed five-story pagoda is crammed with stalls, which have been enticing visitors for centuries. Nakamise Street, as it’s known, is a must if you’re looking to take home zany Japanese souvenirs. From reasonably-priced kimonos and handy Japanese swords, to lucky cat figurines and colorful sweet treats, this is the place to cram that second suitcase full of goodies.

Nakamise Street also houses an array of street food vendors. Walking and eating can be a bit of a no-no in Japan (see also wearing shoes indoors and blowing your nose in public), but you’ve got nothing to worry about here. Tabearuki (meaning “eat and walk”) is actively encouraged, so take a look around and chow down on some super-sweet ningyo-yaki (cake) and kibi dango (more cake).

Asakusa

Odaiba Cruise

An evening cruise down the Somida might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your best things to see in Tokyo itinerary, but that’s why we’re here, right? Plus: unlimited sake. Unlimited. Sake.

A relaxing float through the city is a great way to get a different perspective of Japan’s Electric City. Meander past iconic city sights on a traditional boat, including the man-made island at Odaiba, Tokyo Tower, the giant Skytree, and the vibrant Rainbow Bridge.
It’s also a great place to tuck into some traditional Japanese grub, and endless glasses of plum wine, Japanese lager and soft drinks. Maybe don’t take that too literally, for everyone’s sake.

Odaiba Cruise

For more ideas on what to do in Japan, check out a few of our other posts on the subject. Had an experience in Tokyo you’d like to share? Mention it on our Instagram or Facebook pages!

Tags: JapanTokyo
Liam McGarry

Liam McGarry

Liam is a London-born writer who recently escaped Brexit Britain. Hobbies include photography, hanging out with lifelong pals Ben & Jerry, and daydreaming of Scandinavian road trips.

Related Posts

5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome
Destinations

5 Responsible Tourism Examples That Make Sustainability Awesome

10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go
City Guides

10 Facts About New Orleans to Know Before You Go

Statue in Botero Park Medellin
City Guides

What to Do in Medellín: Culture, Nightlife and Hot Tamales

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a historical site in the US
Culture

Mounds, Plantations and Battlefields: 10 Historical Sites in the US You Should Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
City Guides

The 12 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago
City Guides

Three Days in Chicago: The Best Things to do in Chicago

Next Post
Meet Tiqets: Product and Partners

Meet Tiqets: Product and Partners


Get featured on our Instagram

Follow us

  • Explore Villa Gregoriana 🏛 with Italian actor Andrea Piovan
Join this FREE #EarthDay virtual experience #GreatExplorations 🏔

🌳Enjoy a short documentary on @parcovillagregoriana narrated in Italian 🇮🇹 (subtitles in English) by Andrea Piovan, the Italian voice for BBC documentaries, followed by a Q&A live from Villa Gregoriana with Andrea and the staff at the iconic estate. 

⏱When: 22 April,13:00 Central European Summer Time / 7:00 AM USA EDT

📸: @faidelegazioneroma

🌎Let the outdoors in this #EarthDay2021 with one (or more!) of our free virtual experiences. 🔗in bio.
  • Join this FREE #EarthDay virtual experience and dive into a tropical lagoon with @planetenausicaa
  • Join our #EarthDay2021 celebration with our #GreatExplorations Special 🌍! This Earth Day, schedule a date with the outdoors and discover your inner explorer with a free virtual Earth Day activity or book a visit to one of your favourite outdoor attractions with Tiqets. 

Let the outdoors in this Earth Day, 22 April, with one (or more!) of our free virtual experiences:

🐒 Experience the picturesque Trossachs National Park with @goapeusa 🇺🇸
🐟 Dive into a tropical lagoon with @planetenausicaa
  • Get up close to first division Dutch football at @johancruijffarena ⚽️

🏟You can experience a 75-minute guided tour of the Amsterdam Johan Cruijff ArenA, home of AFC Ajax, and the location for concerts from One Direction, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, and more.

🏆See the Gallery of Fame and learn everything you
  • Visit a waterside medieval castle and museum, close to Amsterdam: @muiderslot 🏰🇳🇱

⚔️Learn about the castle
  • Great news for people in the Netherlands! 🌷 Keukenhof will be open to the public on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 of April. This is part of a government test program to gradually reopen the Netherlands.

@visitkeukenhof is in full bloom and we are happy to let you experience the beautiful flowers. 💐🌷

☀️ Would you like to take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit?

Click the link in our bio to learn more.

📸: @sarchetrit
  • Step into this delightful timesink: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Amsterdam 🔮

🙀At @ripleysamsterdam, you can see more than 500 nearly unbelievable exhibits, from actual shrunken human heads to one of the swords used by Mel Gibson in the epic ‘Braveheart’.

🗺Explore 19 themed galleries packed full of curious delights and wax figures of real people that Mr. Ripley encountered in the 201 countries he visited.

🧠Interact with dozens of attractions, like the brain-twisting vortex tunnel, the shooting gallery, and the rage-inducing mystery gate.

📸: @isnefashion

🏆 Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Amsterdam won the Best Onsite Experience Award in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 during the @Tiqets #RemarkableVenueAwards.
  • The famous Scheveningen Pier just got a lot more exciting! 🎡Now you can enjoy panoramic views from the luxury ferris wheel, or test your nerve on the gigantic zipline and vertiginous bungee platform with @skyviewdepier! 🙌

🌊Prepare to be swept away – literally – as this luxury Ferris wheel carries you high above the North Sea. This isn
  • Happy Easter, everyone! 🌷 And thanks to everyone that participated in the @Tiqets Easter Egg Hunt 🐰 We will be announcing the lucky winners in our Stories in the coming days! ✨

Remember that to be eligible for the draw, you need to follow us. Get ready for a summer full of thrill and culture. ☀️
  • Pose, play, & explore along an hour-long tour through 30 eye-catching installations. At @youseum.art, ✨you✨ are the artwork, the artist, & the critic. 

🤳🏼Youseum is Amsterdam’s Social Media experience all about you and your world. Take eye-catching photos for Instagram and create unforgettable content for TikTok, solo or with a group. 

🦄It has become one of the most sought-after things to do in Amsterdam for visitors and locals alike.

📸: @deathd0tt99 @suziealshoman @shannaaan @kreati0n

🏆 Youseum won the Best Hidden Gem Award in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 during the @Tiqets #RemarkableVenueAwards.
  • Visit the second most popular attraction in Amsterdam: @vangoghmuseum. See more than 200 paintings, drawings and letters from Vincent van Gogh - it
  • Everyone gets something with Efteling tickets! From gentle rides for the little ones and haunted houses and rollercoasters like Baron 1898 (one of Efteling
Tiqets logo, more ways to culture

Culture at home

Virtual Museum Tours
Get Creative at Home with Social Media
Kew Gardens Video Tour

Video Games with Real-World Locations
Art Activities for Kids

Cities we're dreaming of

Barcelona
Paris

Amsterdam
London
New York City

Trending

Prado Museum Highlights
Gladiators and the Colosseum
Borghese Gallery Highlights
Famous Art in Advertisements
What to See at MoMA

No Result
View All Result
  • City Guides
  • Destinations
  • Culture
  • Travel tips
  • Things to Do

© 2020 Tiqets

en English
en Englishes Spanishit Italiannl Dutchpt Portuguesefr Frenchde Germanja Japanesezh-CN Chinese (Simplified)