City lights and alluring sights can be found throughout the entirety of Tokyo, and there is nothing quite like it. Not only are there vast areas in Tokyo to explore, but each type of traveler can surely find an unforgettable experience perfectly tailored to them.
Tokyo is the heart of Japan and its capital city. While Tokyo-to (Tokyo metropolis) has a current population of 14.2 million, and Greater Tokyo (the surrounding urban areas) has approximately 37 million people, tourists are constantly swarming in. Even as a massive pop culture and entertainment hub, Tokyo ranks among the safest cities and offers relatively affordable prices.
Factors like these are exactly why people come from across the world to see what all the rage is about, and as one of these people, I can confidently say it is worth the visit. With that being said, I’ve found that there is an overwhelming abundance of activities to fill your time, so to help lessen the anxiety of choosing, here are my top five favorite paid and free activities in Tokyo.
Coming in at No. 5 is Tokyo Disneyland with its colorful amusement park rides, parades, dream-like entertainment and themed cafes. Marked as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, the popular theme park offers a plethora of unique attractions for ¥7,900 to ¥10,900 (about $55–$76) per adult ticket.
As for getting to the park, following Google Maps proved to be helpful when navigating through the train stations. It may take you on a few different routes, but the last train will drop you right at the entrance to Disneyland. Be sure to plan for a full day here, as wait times for rides can be up to two hours. Despite this, the overall park was not too crowded, and at the gift shops and cafes, lines lasted at most 10 minutes during my visit.
No. 4 is the Studio Ghibli Museum. Although it is notoriously difficult to get tickets, as they sell out quickly, I highly encourage you to visit if you are a Ghibli fan. Tickets can be secured either by visiting the online Lawson ticket website or by purchasing them at the in-person Lawson store in Japan. Since securing tickets is first come, first served, it is recommended to arrive at the website early, use multiple devices to ensure you get the best queue number and purchase your ticket a month prior to the intended visit at 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time (JST) on the 10th day of the month. Tickets are surprisingly only ¥1,000 (about $7), which is quite the deal! The museum features various attractions, from interactive art pieces and original sketches from Ghibli movies to outdoor greenery and a short film screening in its very own theater. The museum also offers a unique Ghibli-themed café where you can dine and admire the whimsical atmosphere. The Studio Ghibli Museum showcases works from many popular movies such as “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro” and even “Ponyo,” making this a must-do activity.
No. 3 on my list is Tokyo Skytree. This activity, like the others so far, requires a ticket priced at ¥1,800, or about $11. Sightseeing takes a whole new level when you peer down at the massive Tokyo skyline from the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world. I recommend visiting at sunset, as the transition to nighttime offers the most breathtaking view. An observation deck, free and paid photo options, and occasional animations are projected across different floors, making it a unique and exciting experience.
Coming in hot No. 2 on my list of my favorite activities in Tokyo has to be none other than the hidden gem of photo booths around Shibuya. Specifically, Photoism at the MODI shopping mall in Shibuya was a fun and unforgettable activity. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to hop into one of Photoism’s booths and take photos that will hold lasting memories for years to come. It is the perfect way to capture your vacation in a single moment. This photobooth provided a selection of props customers could use in their photos, as well as makeup for touch ups. Lip gloss, eyeshadow, headbands and sunglasses are available for use.
To finally top off the list, my No. 1 activity everyone must do when coming to Tokyo is not one that requires any sort of ticket. Simply put, my favorite activity is to explore. With no specific plan or location in mind, I think you should wander into every spot in sight that piques your interest. My favorite experiences are not those that I planned in advance but walking into random shopping streets and restaurants. This is the best way to truly experience unforgettable moments, as you may come to find things you never expected to stumble across. Follow this guide, and trust that you will not be disappointed.
Tokyo’s ever-glowing lights continue to shine, and it expects every visitor to leave with newfound memories. While visiting its many attractions, such as Tokyo Disneyland, the Studio Ghibli Museum or Tokyo Skytree, may be worth the visit, sometimes it is the unplanned explorations that create the most worthwhile memories.
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