13 Unique Things to Do in Tokyo: Temples, Food & Culture

Tokyo is a city that never stops surprising you. Beyond the neon lights and futuristic skyline, Tokyo hides a world of temples, quiet alleys, and cultural treasures. Each corner is waiting to be explored. From centuries-old shrines to playful and unexpected KitKat flavors, every corner of the city offers something that feels uniquely Tokyo. This guide takes you from tranquil tea houses to the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing. You’ll experience both the calm and the chaos of the city. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, these experiences will help you see Japan’s capital in a fresh and unforgettable way.

1. Senso-ji Temple – A Journey Through Time

Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, is a place where history and spirituality come alive. Passing through the giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate feels like stepping back centuries. The bustling Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple tempts with traditional snacks and souvenirs. At the temple, join locals in lighting incense or drawing fortunes to feel part of something timeless. It’s a unique blend of sacred calm and lively energy you won’t forget.

💡 Senso-ji Temple Mindful Tip: Visit Senso-ji Temple in the late evening or at night for a quieter, more peaceful experience. Most visitors just rush to snap the iconic red lantern. You can take a moment to notice the intricate dragon at its base. This is a hidden detail that is very often missed.

2. A Hidden Gallery Near Senso-ji Temple That Only a Few Know About

Tucked in the narrow streets around Senso-ji Temple is a secret world most tourists miss: the painted shutters of local shops. These hidden artworks come alive only early in the morning, late evening, or at night, when the crowds are gone. The designs – from traditional Japanese motifs to playful modern patterns – glow softly under lantern light, creating a quiet, magical atmosphere. One of the truly unique things to do in Tokyo.

Wandering these alleys, you’ll notice small, deliberate details. Delicate brush strokes, vibrant colors, and whimsical patterns tell stories of the neighborhood’s culture and creativity. It’s a moment to slow down and reflect. You’ll experience Tokyo from a different perspective – a side of the city that only appears to those who look beyond the crowds.

3. Join a Traditional Tea Ceremony at Maikoya – A Peaceful Pause in the Heart of Tokyo

If Tokyo’s energy ever feels overwhelming, a visit to Maikoya is the perfect way to pause and reconnect. Here, you’ll wear a traditional kimono of your choice, with your hair beautifully arranged. You’ll be guided step by step into the mindful world of the Japanese tea ceremony. The hosts explain every detail with warmth, helping you appreciate tea not just as a drink, but as a grounding ritual that invites you to be fully present.

One of the most touching discoveries is how hot and cold water make different sounds when poured. These tiny details remind you to slow down and listen. There’s time for photos in the serene tea room and the charming garden. But there’s also time to put your camera aside and fully embrace the moment.

Unlike Tokyo’s bustling streets, Maikoya is calm and intimate. Solo visitors can have photos taken by the staff, making the experience relaxing and memorable. Tickets sell out quickly due to small group sizes. Book in advance – a 24-hour free cancellation policy included.

I must say that out of all the unique things to do in Tokyo joining the traditional tea ceremony at Maikoya was my absolute favorite experience. It still warms my heart long after my return, reminding me how precious it feels to slow down, breathe, and simply be present.

💡 Mindful Tip: Don’t rush. Listen carefully during the ceremony – notice how water, whisk, and silence create a rhythm that feels both grounding and magical.

👉 Ready to experience peace in the heart of Tokyo? Book your Maikoya Tea Ceremony here and ensure your spot before it sells out.

4. Tokyo Skytree – Catch a Glimpse of Mount Fuji – unique things to do in Tokyo

Soaring 634 metres, the Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest building and the world’s tallest broadcasting tower. From its observation decks, the city stretches endlessly beneath you. On a clear day, you can even see the majestic Mount Fuji rising in the distance.

But here’s the reality: prepare to queue, and then queue again. Even with a timed ticket, you may wait before entering, then ride the lift packed in tightly like sardines in a can. Once at the top, expect another wait just to reach the window, and yet another line to continue up to the higher deck. In Tokyo, where every day is busy, this is the norm – so patience is key, and tickets should always be booked in advance.

And yet, when the sun begins to set and Mount Fuji appears against the glowing horizon, the moment feels unforgettable. Personally, I believe it’s an experience worth doing at least once in a lifetime – because some views stay with you forever, even if the journey to them tests your patience.

💡 Mindful Tip: Watch how the light changes as day slips into dusk – Tokyo transforms slowly, and witnessing that shift reminds you to be fully present.

👉 Don’t risk missing out – book your Tokyo Skytree tickets here with a 24-hour cancellation policy, so you can plan with peace of mind.

5. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – A Free Skytree alternative – unique things to do in Tokyo

If you’d love to see Tokyo from above without spending a yen, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. This twin-tower landmark offers two observation decks (one in each tower, North and South) on the 45th floor, and they are completely free to visit. From up here – 202 metres high – you’ll see sweeping views of the city skyline, and on a clear day even Mount Fuji in the distance.

Getting there is simple. From Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, it’s just a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, you can get off at Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line. From there, head to the 1st floor of Main Building No. 1 and take the Observatory Elevator straight up to the viewing decks.

In comparison to Tokyo Skytree – where admission costs extra, queues are often long, and the visit can take more time and money – this spot feels much more relaxed and budget-friendly. However, just like Skytree, the crowds do grow around sunset. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead and arrive with some buffer time to truly enjoy the view.

💡Insider Tip: Learn from our mistake – check ahead that the observatories are open and the elevators are working. Occasionally, they may be closed for maintenance or inspections, even on regular days. Use the official website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s observatory or their Twitter account to confirm before going.

6. TeamLab Planets Tokyo – Walk Through Digital Dreams – unique things to do in Tokyo

If Tokyo had a dreamscape, it would look like TeamLab Planets – a digital art museum where you walk barefoot through water, mirrored halls, and glowing interactive spaces that respond to your every move. It’s playful, futuristic, and surprisingly grounding. It invites you to slow down and let your senses guide you.

A quick tip: even with timed tickets, expect to wait in line before entering. Like most popular Tokyo attractions, demand is high, so it’s best to book well in advance – same-day tickets are almost never available. Once inside, the wait doesn’t matter. Each room opens like a new world, and patience becomes part of the experience.

We chose TeamLab Planets over TeamLab Borderless for its water rooms and barefoot, sensory journey. It felt more immersive. That said, Borderless has recently reopened. We haven’t been yet, so if you have, share your thoughts in the comments to help others compare.

Take your time here. Instead of chasing the perfect photo, notice how digital flowers bloom around you. See how light moves with your steps. Feel the silence in a space alive with color. This isn’t just an exhibition – it’s an invitation to slow down and be fully present.

💡 Mindful Tip: Pause barefoot in the water room. Close your eyes and notice the warmth, the gentle flow, and how sound shifts in the space – it’s a grounding pause you’ll remember.

👉 Plan ahead – book your TeamLab Planets Tokyo tickets here with a 24-hour cancellation policy so you can adjust your plans if needed.

7. Shinjuku Kabukicho – Tokyo’s Neon Jungle – unique things to do in Tokyo

At night, Kabukicho explodes into life with glowing signs, buzzing izakayas, and endless entertainment. Wander the streets and feel the energy of Tokyo’s most famous nightlife district. Tucked between the lights, tiny bars serve yakitori and drinks in cozy spaces. And then – look up! A towering Godzilla head peers down, roaring at intervals, adding to the surreal atmosphere. It’s Tokyo at its quirkiest and most unforgettable.

8. Spot Godzilla in Shinjuku – unique things to do in Tokyo

In Tokyo, even monsters have their place. On the eighth floor of Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku, a massive Godzilla head towers above the streets. Fans of Japanese cinema will love this playful nod to pop culture. Moreover, it’s not just impressive – it’s also a quirky and one-of-a-kind Tokyo photo spot that you won’t want to miss.

9. Shibuya Crossing – Tokyo’s Pulse in Motion

Few places capture Tokyo’s energy quite like Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people stream across from every direction at once. It’s chaotic, beautiful, and strangely synchronized – like watching a living heartbeat of the city. Standing in the middle of it, you feel part of something larger than yourself, swept along in the rhythm of the crowd.

According to Japan Travel, during peak moments, 1,000 to 2,500 people cross Shibuya Crossing every time the light turns green. On the busiest days, that number can reach up to about 3,000 people at once.

If you’d rather watch than walk, head to the Starbucks overlooking the crossing. It’s one of the most popular viewpoints, and it can be almost as crowded inside the café as it is on the crossing itself. Still, if you can find a spot by the window, it’s worth lingering with a drink to watch the endless waves of people flow below.

💡 Mindful Tip: Try crossing once with the crowd, then step back and observe from above. Notice how the chaos turns into patterns, a reminder of how even the busiest places have hidden harmony.

10. Hachiko Statue – Tokyo’s Most Loyal Friend

Just outside Shibuya Station, near the famous crossing, stands one of Tokyo’s most beloved landmarks – the Hachiko Statue. Hachiko was an Akita dog who, in the 1920s, waited every day at Shibuya Station for his owner to return from work. Even after his owner passed away unexpectedly, Hachiko continued to wait -faithfully, for nearly 10 years – until the very end of his life. His story of loyalty and love touched the nation, and the bronze statue was erected in his honor.

Today, the statue is more than just a meeting point; it’s a symbol of devotion that warms the heart of everyone who visits. But here’s what to expect: the statue is so popular that even on a regular weekday, you’ll likely find a long line of people waiting to take a photo. Don’t be surprised if around 50 visitors are ahead of you, each patiently queuing for their turn with Tokyo’s most loyal companion.

11. Omoide Yokocho – Dining on Memory Lane

As twilight falls and lanterns glow, Omoide Yokocho, tucked just outside the west exit of Shinjuku Station, feels like stepping into a living postcard of old Tokyo. Tiny yakitori grills, roadside izakayas, and red lanterns create warmth and nostalgia in every narrow water-smoke-tinged alley.

When you sit down in one of the cozy eateries in Omoide Yokocho, expect a table or seating charge (“otoshi” / cover fee). It’s usually around ¥300 (~US $2-3), but in many places it’s more – ¥400 (US $3-4) or even ¥500 (US $4-5) per person. Sometimes, the fee is clearly stated; other times, you see it only when the bill arrives.

Also, many of them allow smoking inside, which adds to the atmosphere (and smoke) – just something to be aware of if you’re sensitive.

12. Try Japan’s Unique KitKat Flavors – unique things to do in Tokyo

Forget plain chocolate – Tokyo turns KitKats into a culinary adventure. You’ll find flavors like matcha, sakura, wasabi, and even sake. Hunting them down in convenience stores or specialty shops becomes part of the fun. Each bite is a quirky, delicious piece of Japanese creativity.

13. Meiji Jingu Shrine – Serenity in the Heart of the City

Step from trendy Harajuku into a forest sanctuary at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Wide gravel paths shaded by tall trees lead to the shrine’s peaceful grounds. Here, visitors offer prayers, write wishes, or simply sit in stillness. The contrast with the busy city outside is striking. It’s a uniquely serene retreat in the middle of modern Tokyo.

Final Thoughts – unique things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that stirs every sense – its neon lights, ancient temples, hidden alleys, and moments of unexpected stillness all weave into an unforgettable journey. We knew it was one of the most popular destinations in the world, but nothing truly prepared us for the reality of the crowds. Everywhere we went, from Skytree to Shibuya Crossing, the sheer number of people was on a different level – exceeding anything our own “crowdometer” had ever measured before.

And yet, in the midst of this energy, Tokyo offers something rare: countless opportunities to slow down and be present. Breathing in the incense at Senso-ji, savoring matcha at a tea ceremony, or catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance, the city has a way of grounding you even in its busiest moments.

Traveling here teaches patience, curiosity, and appreciation for contrasts – chaos and calm, modern and ancient, crowded streets and quiet gardens. Tokyo may test your energy, but it also fills your heart with moments that linger long after you return home. And perhaps that is the beauty of it: discovering that even in the world’s busiest city, you can still find space for wonder.

Tokyo Travel Q&A – Your Essential Guide – unique things to do in Tokyo

What to Do When Your Heart Says Tokyo but Your Travelling Partner’s Says Thailand instead

Planning a trip with a travel partner can sometimes be tricky – perhaps you dream of Tokyo’s vibrant streets, while your partner prefers Thailand’s serene beaches. This is a classic conflict of interest when traveling together. Here’s a clever “third solution”: combine both destinations in one trip.

Flight Costs Comparison:

• Bangkok to Tokyo (Return): Flights start from as low as £74 one-way, with round-trip fares averaging around £146
• London to Tokyo (Return): Return flights typically range from £422 to £615, depending on the airline and booking time

By flying London → Bangkok → Tokyo → London, you can explore both vibrant cities without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the bustling streets of Bangkok, visiting attractions like things to do in Bangkok, taking 1-day trips from Bangkok or enjoying beautiful beaches and nature of Krabi province, and then immerse in the serene beauty of Tokyo, creating a balanced, win-win experience. Later, you can continue your adventure together exploring more of Thailand, or choose to go to China on your way back, including iconic sights like the Great Wall of China in Beijing or Shanghai city highlights.

This approach isn’t just smart financially – it’s also a mindful way to travel, respecting each person’s desires. If you’re interested in personal growth and finding solutions that benefit everyone, check out our Personal Development section or dive into the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, which explores the power of the “third solution.”

💡 Mindful Tip: By planning strategically, you can turn potential travel conflicts into opportunities for richer, more fulfilling adventures together.