Tokyo unlocked: from Ginza to Golden Gai, these are the 5 best things you must do in Tokyo Japan

Embarking on a journey to Tokyo, Japan is not just a vacation; it’s a plunge into a kaleidoscope of culture, innovation, and tradition – but with so much to see and do, where to start?

In this guide, we unveil our top 5 things to do which embrace both the traditional and the cutting edge, ensuring your Tokyo adventure is nothing short of extraordinary…

Visit teamLabs Planets immersive art museum

Unexpected and joyous, teamLab Planets is an immersive art museum where boundaries blur, and art comes to life. A fully sensory experience, you’ll wade into pools of water and interact with projections of AI powered fish, before having an olfactory overload within a hanging garden.

It was busy when we visited, but there was no waiting around. You’ll need to remove shoes and socks before entering the changing area, where you can leave belongings and clothes in a locker – but keep your smartphone with you.

You’ll be advised to roll jeans and trousers up before entering. Take this advice seriously, as parts of the experience involve walking through knee deep water. You can rent shorts in the locker area, which is well worth doing. Pre-book tickets to avoid long queues at this popular attraction.
teamLabs Planets, 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-su, Tokyo

Bar hop in Golden Gai, Tokyo’s nocturnal soul

Tokyo’s nightlife is legendary, and Golden Gai is its beating heart. Nestled in Shinjuku, this labyrinth of narrow alleys, virtually unchanged since the 1950s,  hosts over 200 tiny bars, each with its unique theme, from retro gaming dens to jazz havens

We wanted to visit Deathmatch in Hell, a thrash metal bar that plays horror movies. Unfortunately, so did everyone else, and it was packed out all night. 

Some bars levy a cover charge, typically ¥1000 per person, and these are invariably easier to find a berth in, but many bars do not. It’s potluck. We found English to be widely spoken by the (usually) single bartender/owner.  

Venture beyond your comfort zone, and you might find a new favourite haunt!

Go on an anime pilgrimage to Hakone, eat black eggs and witness Mount Fuji

Escape the urban hustle to Hakone, a picturesque town nestled near Mount Fuji. Revel in hot springs, traverse Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, and soak in breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak

Less than an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, onsen hotspot Hakone provides a unique opportunity to get a close up view of Mount Fuji from the sulphur fields at Owakudani. Alight at Odawara, then travel to Togendai Station to take the Hakone ropeway cable car to the Owakudani observation deck, which offers spectacular views of both the eerie sulphur fields, as well as Mount Fuji. 

Hakone is not just a local beauty spot, it’s also a mecca for anime fans, as the location doubles asTokyo-3 in the legendary anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The spot has become a mecca for fans; the station is decorated like NERV HQ, and there’s a 2m Evangelion Unit-01 on display.

The Hakone Ropeway, which connects Lake Ashi and Owakudani, appears in the TV show.  Be sure to buy and try some of Owakudani’s famous black eggs, which are boiled in sulphurous waters, giving the eggs shells their distinctive black colour. They’re delicious when eaten warm with a sprinkling of salt.

If you’re staying for more than a day, invest in a discounted Hakone Free Pass for seamless transportation and access to major attractions.

Attend a Kintsugi workshop with Taku Nakano

Discover the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold-infused lacquer. The process results in a uniquely beautiful repair, one that enhances the original pottery.

This 90 minute workshop, conducted by new wave Kintsugi sensei Taku Nakano, is a unique opportunity to learn the basic techniques of Edo Komonzu plate Kintsugi, in his own artisan pottery workshop. You get to take home your Kintsugi masterpiece, a cherished souvenir and a symbol of resilience.
Taku Nakano Ceramic Arts
3-8-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tour Ginza and visit the Nissan Crossing /Sony showroom

The upscale district of Ginza is where high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and cultural gems converge. Stroll down Chuo-dori, Ginza’s main street, for a shopping spree in designer boutiques. 

Best seen at night,  when it can be experienced in its full neon glory, the area is home to a plethora of luxury brands, and is most notable for the often astonishing modern architecture that distinguishes the various towering buildings.

Department stores like Mitsukoshi, Wako and Matsuya are a revelation, but also look out for the Nissan Crossing Sony showroom, where you’ll see the latest concept EV hypercar alongside cutting edge 4k displays and home entertainment.

Visit Ginza during weekends and the main road transforms into a pedestrian paradise.  If home electronics are your bag, also plan to visit Yodobashi in Akihabara and Bic Camera in Yurakucho.

Navigating Tokyo and savouring local delights

Getting around Tokyo is a breeze with its efficient subway system and English signage. Consider purchasing a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card for hassle-free travel on trains and buses.

For food enthusiasts, Tokyo is a culinary haven. Indulge in cheap, delicious ramen in the cosy alleys of Ikebukuro, and experience traditional kaiseki dining. Remember, many local gems don’t have English menus, so a translation app can be your best companion (pick up a tourist sim for the duration of your visit, for cheap data).

As for beverages, delve into Tokyo’s thriving coffee culture with a visit to its trendy cafes, try sake in an izakaya, or relax in a rooftop bar with a classic whisky Highball and a view of the city lights.