Things to see and to do in Tokyo
There is a lot to see and do in Tokyo, whether with family, friends, as a couple, or solo. Let's have a look at the most popular leisure activities in Tokyo.
Things to do on your own in Tokyo
Are you alone in Tokyo? Head to the karaoke bar to enjoy your favorite tunes. You can also go to a movie, to the theater, or to the museum, for a cultural break. Regarding culture, let's not forget the manga kissa, the manga cafés. These libraries and cafes are very popular and offer individual boxes with computers, Internet connection, comfortable seats, and even showers! If you're looking for sports activities in Tokyo, head to a batting center. Those spots, perched on the rooftops of Tokyo, allow you to play baseball in one-on-one mode. You can also join a golf club.
Things to do as a couple in Tokyo
Tradition and relaxation: the onsen and the ryôkan
For couples, the onsen (hot spring) and the ryôkan (traditional Japanese inn) take on a very special meaning. They are known as “deeto supotto (デートスポット)” or dating spots.
Some spots you can take a look at are:
- Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan: 3-24-9 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo;
- Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa: 3-32-12 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo;
- Centurion Hotel & Spa: 6-8-16, Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo;
- Hotel Coco Grand Kitasenju: 3−40−2 Senju, Adachi City, Tokyo;
- Manyo no Yu Machida: 7-3-1 Tsuruma, Machida, Tokyo.
Love in the air
Sounds so romantic, right? There are many famous sweet places in Tokyo for couples up high, such as:
- Tokyo Tower;
- Tokyo Skytree;
- Tokyo City View on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills.
Karaoke
Karaoke is a must for couples in Tokyo. You can sing, of course, but also eat and drink. Regarding the songs and music, you can choose from a wide variety of playlists, from the latest fashionable tunes to the unavoidable slows.
Thrills and Kawaii: Disneyland and Disney Sea
Although Disneyland sounds more like childhood memories, in Tokyo, it is also a very famous deeto supotto. Couples usually head there on weekdays and on weekends for a romantic and kawaii (cute) time. Tokyo Disneyland is modeled on the classic Disneyland. Disney Sea, on the other hand, is a unique theme park worldwide, based only in Tokyo. As the name suggests, this park's theme is the sea. Disney Sea has a more “adult” feel than Disneyland.
Things to do with your family in Tokyo
It's quite easy to find activities for children and adults in Tokyo.
Amusement parks and playgrounds
Your first stop is in the Sunshine City shopping complex in Ikebukuro East for an exciting adventure in Namja Town. This amusement park is a Namco video game company-owned facility. Namja Town looks quite like a fair. There are games and attractions for people of all ages. Namja Town is also known for its sometimes surprising dishes. In Sunshine City, you can also head to the Pokemon Center. In addition to the store, a play area is always quite popular with children.
Odaiba Beach
After the games, you can take a walk on Odaiba Beach. Families often go there to relax and dip their toes in the water. However, swimming is prohibited, but you can still have fun with beach games. In July, the beach hosts a nice lantern festival.
Museums
Shinjuku is home to an interactive toy museum. Children can not only play games but also learn about their manufacturing secrets. In Odaiba, children can play the role of a scientific apprentice at Miraikan, the Museum of Innovation and Science. At the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Sumida, they will discover the history of their host country. Besides, big studios, such as Fuji TV (in Odaiba), TV Asahi (in Roppongi Hills), and NHK (in Shibuya), opened their doors for immersion in the world of television.
Things to do with friends in Tokyo
The Karaoke nights
Here again, karaoke is one of the most popular activities with friends in Tokyo, along with the games centers. For karaoke, some packages allow you to stay until dawn, with exciting food and drink options.
The Izakaya party
If you want to party, consider the izayaka. These bars are among the best places to hang out with friends. Since accommodation in Japan is often too small to host fun times with many noisy people, parties are often held outside in izakaya.
Nightclubs
If you love to dance with your friends, try the different nightclubs. Tokyo's best nightclubs are Atom Tokyo, WOMB, Club Camelot, Odeon Tokyo, 1 OAK Tokyo, etc.
Hiking
If you are looking to relax in harmony with nature, hiking is a great option. Head to Mount Takao, a very well-known landmark that is easily accessible even for the less sporty. You can go there by cable car to enjoy the breathtaking view of Takao's nature. There are other nature spots, such as Todoroki Valley, in Setagaya, or Nagatoro, in Chichibu (Saitama), where you can have a great time with friends.
Useful links:
Attractions
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea
Nature
