Things to Do in Tokyo for a Journey to Remember

Tokyo is one of the best cities to explore in Japan. For Filipino travelers, it is a great place for city views, temples, shopping, food, anime spots, gardens, museums, photo areas, and fun day trips. Many attractions are connected by train, so you can enjoy Tokyo even with a short itinerary.

Things to Do in Tokyo: Quick Guide

1. Take Photos at Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is one of the most famous spots in Tokyo. It is a busy pedestrian crossing surrounded by big screens, shops, cafés, and restaurants. For first-time visitors, it is a good place to feel Tokyo’s city energy and take photos. You can also visit the Hachiko Statue nearby. Japan’s official tourism site says around 1,000 to 2,500 people may cross here every two minutes during busy times.

About Shibuya Crossing

Opening Hours: Open all day
Location: Near Shibuya Station, Shibuya, Tokyo
Cost: Free

2. Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Senso-ji Temple is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Tokyo. You can take photos at Kaminarimon Gate, walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, buy local snacks, and visit the main temple area. It is a good stop for Filipino travelers who want to see the traditional side of Tokyo. Senso-ji is also known as Tokyo’s oldest temple.

About Senso-ji Temple

Opening Hours: Temple grounds are usually open all day. Main hall hours may vary
Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Cost: Free entry

3. Enjoy City Views at Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is one of the best places to see Tokyo from above. You can visit the Tembo Deck and, if you want a higher view, the Tembo Galleria. It is also connected to Tokyo Solamachi, where you can find shops, restaurants, souvenirs, and character stores. Tokyo Skytree’s official site provides daily opening and last entry updates, so check before going.

About Tokyo Skytree

Opening Hours: Usually around 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, depending on the day
Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo
Cost: Ticket required. Price depends on deck, age, day, and booking method

4. Visit Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s most classic landmarks. It is a good place for skyline views, night photos, and sightseeing around Minato. You can visit the Main Deck, add the Top Deck Tour, or take photos from nearby spots like Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park. Tokyo Tower’s official business information lists Main Deck hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with last entry at 10:30 PM.

About Tokyo Tower

Opening Hours: Main Deck, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, last entry 10:30 PM
Location: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
Cost: Ticket required. Main Deck adult ticket is around ¥1,500

5. Walk Around Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a peaceful shrine near Harajuku and Yoyogi Park. It is a good place to take a break from the busy city streets. You can walk through the forest path, visit the shrine buildings, and learn about Japanese shrine culture. The shrine is open daily, free to enter, and opens around sunrise and closes around sunset, with exact hours changing by month.

About Meiji Jingu

Opening Hours: Opens around sunrise and closes around sunset. Hours change by month
Location: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Cost: Free entry. Some facilities inside may charge extra

6. Explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Takeshita Street is a popular shopping street in Harajuku. It is known for fashion shops, cute desserts, crepes, accessories, character goods, and youth culture. It can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so visit earlier if you want a smoother walk. Opening hours vary by shop, but the area is generally open daily.

About Takeshita Street

Opening Hours: Street is open all day. Shop hours vary, many open around late morning to evening
Location: Takeshita Street, Harajuku, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Cost: Free entry. Shopping and food costs depend on each store

7. Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the best parks in Tokyo for a peaceful walk. It is popular during cherry blossom season, but it is also nice for autumn leaves, garden views, and quiet breaks. The garden has seasonal opening hours and is usually closed on Mondays, except during special open periods. Adult entry is ¥500.

About Shinjuku Gyoen

Opening Hours: Usually from 9:00 AM. Closing time changes by season, from around 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Cost: Adult ticket around ¥500. Children 15 and under are free

8. Spend Time at Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a good place for museums, nature, family activities, and cherry blossoms. You can visit Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, Shinobazu Pond, and nearby shopping streets. It is a useful stop if you want to mix outdoor walking with indoor attractions. The park itself is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

About Ueno Park

Opening Hours: Park grounds, 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Location: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo
Cost: Free entry to the park. Museums and zoo require separate tickets

9. Explore Akihabara

Akihabara is a must-visit area for anime fans, gamers, collectors, and electronics shoppers. You can find anime shops, manga stores, game centers, gachapon machines, figure shops, cafés, and electronics stores. It is also a good area for buying souvenirs related to Japanese pop culture. Go Tokyo describes Akihabara as a place for electronics, manga, anime, and high-tech shopping.

About Akihabara

Opening Hours: Area is open all day. Shop hours vary, many open around 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Akihabara, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Cost: Free to explore. Shopping, cafés, and arcades cost extra

10. Eat at Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market is a good place for seafood, sushi, grilled snacks, tamagoyaki, mochi, street food, and breakfast. It is best to visit in the morning because many shops close by early afternoon. The official Tsukiji Outer Market website lists public buyer hours from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with flexible opening hours depending on the shop.

About Tsukiji Outer Market

Opening Hours: Best time to visit is morning to early afternoon. Many shops operate around 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo
Cost: Free entry. Food prices depend on each shop

More Things to Do Near Tokyo

If you have extra time, you can add nearby places outside central Tokyo. These are good for Filipino travelers who want theme parks, Mt. Fuji views, seaside towns, cultural streets, or nature trips.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are in Urayasu, Chiba, but they are easy to visit from Tokyo. They are good for families, couples, Disney fans, and first-time Japan travelers. Park hours and ticket prices change by date, so check the calendar before booking. The official Tokyo Disney Resort calendar shows example park hours such as 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with ticket prices changing by day.

About Tokyo Disney Resort
Opening Hours: Usually around 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but hours change by date
Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba
Cost: Ticket required. Adult 1-day passport price changes by date

Moominvalley Park

Moominvalley Park is a cute theme park in Hanno, Saitama, and it is a nice day trip from Tokyo. It is inspired by the Moomin stories and has Moominhouse, photo spots, shows, shops, cafés, and nature views. It is best for families, couples, Moomin fans, and travelers who want a slower day outside busy Tokyo.

About Moominvalley Park

Opening Hours: Usually 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours may change by date or event
Location: 327-6 Miyazawa, Hanno, Saitama, Japan
Cost: Ticket required. Prices may vary by date and booking platform
Special Offer: Buy one get one free adult ticket for a limited time. The offer is valid from July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026, and the ticket must be purchased by 7:00 PM local time on the date of use.

Yokohama

Yokohama is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo. You can visit Minato Mirai, Yokohama Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse, Cup Noodles Museum, and waterfront areas. It is good for food, night views, shopping, and relaxed city walks. Japan Travel highlights Minato Mirai as a waterfront area with museums, arts venues, and attractions.

About Yokohama

Opening Hours: Outdoor areas are open daily. Attraction hours vary
Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Cost: Free to explore. Attractions, food, and transport cost extra

Mt. Fuji and Hakone

Mt. Fuji and Hakone are popular day-trip options from Tokyo. Hakone is known for hot springs, Lake Ashi, ropeway views, and Mt. Fuji scenery on clear days. It is a good choice if you want nature, views, and a break from Tokyo’s busy streets. Hakone is described as a nature and hot spring destination near Tokyo with Mt. Fuji views.

About Mt. Fuji and Hakone

Opening Hours: Outdoor spots are open daily. Transport and attraction hours vary
Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture and Mt. Fuji area
Cost: Depends on train, bus, ropeway, cruise, tour, or attraction ticket

Kamakura

Kamakura is a seaside day trip south of Tokyo. It is known for temples, shrines, the Great Buddha, Komachi Street, beaches, and the Enoden train. It is good for culture, photos, snacks, and a slower travel day. Japan’s official tourism site says Kamakura is less than an hour south of Tokyo and is famous for temples, heritage, beaches, and hiking trails.

About Kamakura

Opening Hours: Outdoor areas are open daily. Temple hours vary
Location: Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Cost: Free to explore the city. Temples, transport, and food cost extra

Kawagoe

Kawagoe is a good nearby trip if you want an old-town feel. It is known as “Little Edo” because of its traditional warehouse-style streets, sweets shops, temples, and retro atmosphere. It is also easy to reach from Tokyo by train. Japan’s official tourism site says Kawagoe is less than an hour from major Tokyo stations by express train.

About Kawagoe

Opening Hours: Outdoor streets are open daily. Shop and temple hours vary
Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
Cost: Free to explore. Shopping, food, and attraction fees cost extra

Important Tips for Filipino Travelers

Check your Japan visa: Philippine passport holders need to check Japan visa requirements before the trip. The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines lists tourism under Temporary Visitor visa for stays within 90 days.

Prepare your documents early: For Japan tourist visa applications, requirements may include passport, passport copy, visa application form, photo, and PSA documents, depending on the applicant’s situation. Always check the latest embassy or accredited agency requirements before applying.

Complete eTravel before your flight: Filipino travelers departing from or arriving in the Philippines should register on eTravel within 72 hours before the trip. Save a screenshot or download your QR code before going to the airport.

Use Visit Japan Web: Visit Japan Web lets travelers complete Japan arrival procedures such as immigration and customs online. It is useful before landing in Japan.

Buy a Suica, PASMO, or IC card: IC cards are useful for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. They help you move around Tokyo faster without buying single tickets every time.

Stay near a train station: For first-time travelers, staying near Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Tokyo Station, Asakusa, or Ginza can make sightseeing easier.

Wear comfortable shoes: Tokyo involves a lot of walking, stairs, train transfers, and long shopping streets. Comfortable shoes are very important.

Bring a power adapter: Japan commonly uses Type A and Type B plugs, with 100V supply voltage. Check if your device supports 100V to 240V before plugging it in.

Keep some cash: Tokyo is card-friendly, but some small shops, food stalls, shrines, and local restaurants may still prefer cash.

Book popular attractions early: Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, teamLab Planets, Ghibli Museum, and Tokyo Disney Resort can sell out or have busy time slots, especially during holidays and peak seasons.