Yes! Tokyo definitely has great quality, great tasting, bona fide espresso coffee. In fact they're getting so hipster-craft-cult about it that Japan placed 2nd in the 2016 World Barista Championships. Click on the Tokyo Coffee title above for details of our Top 10 coffee spots in Tokyo.
This is basically every child of the 80's dream come true. "Race" go karts through the mean streets of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka dressed as your favourite Mario character. Yoshi is the best! Go Yoshi!!!
Tokyo's famous animation museum featuring the incredible work of Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. A work of art in itself, the museum is west from central Tokyo and requires tickets to be booked in advance. Head here or try here or here with JTB Australia to make sure you don't miss out.
One of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. If you love some fancy foliage, this has to be on the itinerary. It is beautiful in every season and features 2 lovely tearooms to really get in the zen spirit.
Visit Tokyo’s oldest, most colourful and popular temple. Enter through the ‘Thunder Gate’, stroll down a centuries-old shopping street before entering the grand Buddhist masterpiece. It’s nearby the Tokyo Skytree, Edo-Tokyo Museum and Sumo area if you want to make a day of it
Gain rare access to Sumo Stables to watch the Sumo in training. While you won’t get the pomp and ceremony of the grand tournaments, this is a gritty, authentic, unique experience that shouldn’t be missed
This is simply one of best ground-shaking, chest-pounding, culturally-astounding experiences in Japan. Book tickets well in advance to the Grand Tournament in Tokyo in Jan (or Osaka in March) or special events such as the Retirement ceremony in Feb. Great for the whole family, especially in a box seat (yes, it's totally worth it).
Day or night, get up high in the sky(tree), the tallest structure in Japan, for a magnificent birds-eye view of Tokyo. If you pick the right day you’ll see the grand Mount Fuji and bring your passport if you want to skip the queues on a Fast pass.
Immerse yourself in the geisha world of art and ambiguity. For the first time in history, a Westerner was accepted as a geisha and, as an expert social anthropologist, is helping open the doors to this ancient culture. Join Sayuki and her geisha sisters for a traditional dinner in Tokyo (bookings essential via the Contact form).
Another great place to get away from the hubbub of Tokyo. The inner grounds are only open twice a year (23 Dec, 2 Jan) but you can take a tour or gaze upon the greatness from a distance (including visiting the palace East Gardens).
Immerse yourself in Japanese Samurai culture. Battle with swords and see ancient Samurai artefacts and costumes. If you're not careful you may come away with your own Samurai Sword from the gift shop.
As the light changes, join 2,500-odd people crossing the road at the same time. It can be even more fun when its raining when heads are down and umbrellas join the mix. Ultimate Japanese mind-blowing madness.
A school for exploring the traditional arts of Batto (Samurai Sword), Waso (Kimono Dressing), Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) or Sado (Tea Ceremony). They welcome overseas visitors for day 'experiences' in one or all arts.
Immerse yourself in the delectable delights of Tokyo, ranging from sweet treats to top Shibuya sushi to “real” residential food and traditional yokocho and izakaya experiences. Yum.
Kabuki is an ancient cultural tradition of over-the-top dance drama theatre. If you don’t have the time (or patience) for a full performance, arrive 60-90 mins before a show to snap up a one-act ticket (and a translation device). Cheap, quick, great for kids. And awesome.
Scattered over the vibrant cityscape – from fetish basements to renovated bathhouses – these are the best of Tokyo’s alternative galleries and spaces worth taking a trip to Japan for.
Tokyo has a vibrant contemporary art community featuring cutting-edge offerings from local and international artists. Click the link for 10 of Tokyo’s top galleries and museums.
Whether you’re into smoky jazz, hard rock or J-pop, Tokyo dishes up a mega mix of music to satiate the gabillions of people in this music-mad metropolis. Check the local rag from Disk Union music stores for gigs or hit the link to 55 of Tokyo's best music spots.
Get the lowdown on the best shops in Tokyo. This top 100 list covers off everything from big brand bucket list stuff to secret hot spots hidden at the back of the 7th floor in that place you would NEVER find on your own.
Tokyo is famous for is shopping 'districts'. Obviously the 'ski' district is the best but basically if you can think of a genre you will find a city block or 2 dedicated to it... antiques, kimono, electronics, golf, toys, kitchenware, etc etc etc...
Tokyo is a meca for cutting-edge design, fashion and indie shops. Head to Shibuya and Harajuku for the pick but look out for new hot spots such as Nakameguro, Kōenji, Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama.
If you have a fashion obsession and a wad of yen, why not support the local economy and check out the top Japanese clothing brands making fashion waves throughout the world.
This colour-crazy kiddie paradise features Miniland (a small lego version of Tokyo), games, factory tour, café, lego building, shop and a 4D cinema (you know, moving seats, wind blowing in your face, that kind of wacky thing).
The title says it all. Peruse and buy stunning examples of restored authentic Samurai armour and artefacts. With an international reputation, expect to see avid samurai dealers, collectors and investors in the store.
This is more like an underground shopping centre than a street. If you need to haul home a bunch of Hello Kitty or Pokémon gifts, this is the place to be.
Cat cafes are so last year. Head to Ra.a.g.f. to enjoy petting these softest and sweetest of cuddly bunnies. Or google Harry Hedgehog Café. Because MAX CUTENESS.
Treat or torment your traveling companions with Karaoke! The Japanese are always willing participants so if you meet any on your travels ask them to take you to their favourite haunt and get ready for a cultural sing-off!
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and enter the peaceful grounds of the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, this is one of the most serene places to while away an afternoon.
A very brash, loud, intense Japanese version of pokies. Gambling in Japan is illegal so you win Pachinko balls, trade them for a prize then trade the prize for cash. And the industry rakes in about 200 BILLION dollars (20 trillion yen) every year.
Immerse yourself in Japan's One Piece world, located at Tokyo Tower. For die hard manga fans it is totally epic! If you don't know One Piece, you may still enjoy checking out the ultimate in classic kid-teen manga culture.
This enormous Star Wars-like museum focuses on what life would have been like for Tokyoites during the Edo period and it is legitimately wonderful. Located next to the Sumo stadium and nearby Tokyo Skytree, it makes for a great triple-bill day.
Welcome to Japan’s version of every kid’s dream – Tokyo Disneyland! DisneySea is the pick of the 2 resorts (right next door to Disney Resort) and if you’re heading on the weekend or on a public holiday check out the fantastic Starlight Passport for entry at 3pm and embrace the dream and the madness as the lights go down.
The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is a savoury treat! It celebrates the invention and phenomenon of this cheap eat with various attractions, exhibitions and (of course) a tasting room. And yes, you will learn the connection to the famed Momofuku restaurants.
