Must Do in Tokyo: The Ultimate First-Timer's Checklist for an Unforgettable Trip

Tokyo hits you all at once. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible—neon lights, the quiet hum of a subway, the smell of yakitori grilling down a tiny alley. But that same energy can make planning your trip feel impossible. With so many options, how do you know what’s truly a must-do in Tokyo and what’s just overhyped? After countless visits and a few misadventures, I’ve distilled the essence of Tokyo into this actionable checklist. This isn’t just a list of places; it’s a framework for experiencing the city’s soul, from its serene temples to its pulsing, modern heart.

Tokyo’s Iconic Landmarks You Can’t Miss

Let’s start with the postcard views. These spots are famous for a reason, but visiting them smartly is the difference between a magical memory and a crowded photo op.

Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa

Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku. Open: Main temple buildings 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from 6:30 AM Oct-Mar). Cost: Free to enter the temple grounds. Getting There: A 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line).

Walking through the giant Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and down the packed Nakamise-dōri shopping street is a rite of passage. The temple itself is beautiful, but the real magic happens early. Get there by 7:30 AM. The stalls are still closed, the tour buses haven’t arrived, and you can hear the monks chanting. It feels ancient. Most people just visit the main hall and leave. Walk to the left side—there’s a quieter garden, the Asakusa Shrine, and you can get a unique view of the five-story pagoda without a hundred people in your shot.

Shibuya Crossing

It’s a crosswalk. But it’s the crosswalk. The sheer orchestrated chaos of it is mesmerizing. Don’t just cross it once and check the box.

Experience it from three angles: 1) Be in the swarm. Wait for the light, then get swept across. 2) Watch from above. The second-floor Starbucks in the Tsutaya building is the classic (and perpetually packed) spot. A better, free option is the walkway connecting Shibuya Station to the Mark City complex. 3) See it at night. The neon glow transforms it completely. The crossing is right outside Hachikō Exit of Shibuya Station.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku. Open: Sunrise to sunset (varies seasonally). The inner garden has a 500 yen fee. Getting There: A 1-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or a 5-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda Line).

This is Tokyo’s green lung. You walk through a massive torii gate and are instantly in a forest. The noise of Harajuku just… disappears. It’s a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The vibe is solemn and peaceful. I like coming here in the late afternoon when the light filters through the trees. It’s a perfect counterbalance to the craziness of Shibuya or Harajuku, which are literally next door.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is another stellar green space, especially for cherry blossom or autumn foliage viewing. It’s more of a curated park with distinct Japanese, French, and English gardens. Entry is 500 yen.

How to Experience Tokyo’s Food Scene Like a Local

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, but its culinary soul is often in the small, specialized shops. You don’t need to spend a fortune.

Sushi: Skip the Fancy Omakase (For Your First Trip)

Yes, a $300 sushi omakase is an experience. But for most first-timers, the equally authentic and far more accessible joy is a solid kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) or a standing sushi bar. The fish quality at good chains is exceptional by global standards.

Try Sushi Dai in the Toyosu Market (the successor to the famous Tsukiji shop). Be warned: the line is legendary (think 3-4 hours). For a fantastic, less painful alternative, head to Uogashi Nihon-Ichi in Shibuya. It’s a standing sushi bar where plates are 100-150 yen each. The tuna is brilliant, and the pace is exhilarating. Address: 23-7 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku. Open 24 hours.

Ramen: Find Your Perfect Bowl

Ramen shops are temples to specificity. They often serve only one type of broth. Don’t just walk into any place. Decide what you want.

• Shoyu (Soy Sauce): The Tokyo classic. Clear, savory, elegant. Try at Harukiya in Ogikubo (1-4-6 Kamiogi, Suginami).
• Tonkotsu (Pork Bone): Creamy, rich, and white. Ichiran is a famous chain for this, with private booths—great for solo travelers. Multiple locations.
• Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles): Noodles and thick, intense broth served separately for dipping. A meal and a half. Rokurinsha in Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street is iconic.

Most good ramen shops use a ticket vending machine at the entrance. Put in cash, press the button for what you want, get a ticket, hand it to the staff. No language needed.

Izakaya & Yakitori Alleys

This is non-negotiable for a true Tokyo night. An izakaya is a Japanese pub. Find a tiny, smoky one down an alley. Memory Lane (Omoide Yokochō) in Shinjuku, or Nonbei Yokochō in Shibuya. Point at what other people are eating or at the skewers on the grill. Order a beer (nama biru) or sake. Let the salarymen next to you show you how it’s done. A plate of grilled chicken skewers (yakitori) and a cabbage salad here beats a stiff, expensive restaurant meal any day.

Navigating Tokyo: Essential Travel Tips and Itinerary Ideas

Tokyo’s efficiency is a marvel, but it has its own rules.

Getting Around: The Metro is Your Best Friend

Buy a Suica or Pasmo card immediately at any major station from a ticket machine (there’s an English option). Tap in, tap out. It works on almost all trains, subways, and even in convenience stores and vending machines. Google Maps is 99% accurate for train routes and timings. A crucial tip: stand on the left on escalators (the right side is for walking), except in Osaka where it’s the opposite. This is a social contract you don’t want to break.

Taxis are clean and safe but expensive. The meter starts around 500 yen. Only use them for short trips when the trains have stopped (usually after midnight).

Crafting Your Tokyo Itinerary

Group activities by neighborhood. Tokyo is a collection of cities, and crossing from one to another takes time.

The 3-Day Classic Blitz:
Day 1: Asakusa (Sensō-ji) → Ueno Park (museums) → Akihabara (electronics/anime) in the evening.
Day 2: Meiji Jingu (morning) → Harajuku (Takeshita Street) → Shibuya (crossing, shopping, dinner).
Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market (breakfast) → Ginza (window shopping) → Shinjuku (skyscraper views, Omoide Yokochō at night).

The 5-Day Deeper Dive: Add a day trip to Kamakura (for the Great Buddha) or Nikko. Dedicate a full day to exploring lesser-known neighborhoods like Yanaka (old Tokyo vibe) or Daikanyama (Tokyo’s chic, quiet corner).

Where to Stay in Tokyo: A Neighborhood Breakdown

Your hotel location defines your trip. Here’s the real deal on Tokyo’s main areas for visitors.

I often recommend Shinjuku or Shibuya for a first trip. You’re in the middle of the action, and the Yamanote Line loop runs through them, making everything accessible. A pro tip: check the proximity to a specific station exit. Shinjuku Station is a labyrinth; being close to the correct exit (like the West Exit for the Gracery) saves 15 minutes of confused walking daily.

Your Tokyo Trip Questions, Answered