Once you've ticked off the obvious Tokyo must-sees – walking through the buzzing streets of Shinjuku, strolling the famous Shibuya Crossing and taking in the view from atop the Tokyo Skytree – you'll be ready to dig deeper into the city's huge cultural scene. For inspiration on where to start, check out our guide to Tokyo culture – designed for every type of traveller.
If you’ve got kids in tow, a trip to one of Tokyo’s many aquariums is a must. As an island country Japan is slightly infatuated with the sea, and Tokyo has more world-class aquariums than you have fingers on your hands. If you’re looking for an effortless family day out, Shinagawa Aquarium – centrally located near many hotels and transportation hubs – is the place to go. Dive into this aquatic wonderland that boasts over 450 species of marine life and marvel at its 500-ton tank, which is home to green sea turtles, giant rays, and more. Little daredevils will love walking through the 22 metre-long submerged acrylic glass tunnel as sharks loom above and schools of iridescent fish flash by. When visiting, make sure to check out the jellyfish aquarium that’s illuminated with hundreds of tiny, flickering lights. It’s sure to keep everyone wide-eyed and entertained. Shinagawa Aquarium is fairly small and houses 28 exhibitions, which leaves you with time to continue exploring the city.
Ruby Room is where Tokyo’s experimental clubbing scene converges with the indie crowd. This American-owned nightclub is located in the heart of Shibuya and is famous for its lineup of international artists and affordable entrance fees. The music played here is unapologetically alternative, suffused with a uniquely Japanese underground vibe that’ll have your fist pumping and body swaying before you even get a drink in. This is the ideal place to gather the gang for an unforgettable night out in Tokyo – or to dance away the night with someone special. Shibuya has an array of experiences for night hawks, ranging from neon-lit pub crawls with friends to traditional izakaya that you can sneak away to with someone special. The latter is a type of gastropub where you stand shoulder to shoulder with locals while enjoying saké and small bites such as yakitori and grilled meats. For an authentic izakaya experience, check out Tenku no Tsuki, located just a five-minute walk from the Ruby Room.
If you’re travelling solo, you might want to take a break from meeting new people and chasing your itinerary at Tokyo’s green heart, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Countless cascading waterfalls and blooming cherry trees await in this city garden that could give Central Park a run for its money. Its history dates back to 1590 when the land was given to the feudal Naitō family during Japan's Edo period. Now, the gardens are accessible to everyone for ¥500 – that's around the price of a coffee. Grab a book, pack a picnic and wander along Shinjuku Gyoen’s meandering waterways, wooden footbridges, and tree-lined boulevards until you find the perfect clearing to rest. Remember to gaze upwards while exploring the gardens – patches of blue sky punctuated by the tops of skyscrapers are the only reminder of the hustle and bustle that exists outside of this quiet oasis.
Perfect for every traveller type, Toyosu Fish Market is a must-do in Tokyo if you love sushi and seeing modern-day culture come to life. This renowned fish market is famous worldwide for its daily tuna auctions that start and end before sunrise. Situated at the southeastern edge of the city in a busy industrial harbour by Tokyo Bay, Toyosu Fish Market is a feast for your eyes and your belly. Early birds can witness the daily catch being brought in and perhaps try their luck at the auction, but be prepared to shell out if you win – a bluefin tuna sold for 20.8 million yen ($202,197) in 2021. If anyone in your travelling party is squeamish about live seafood and fish markets, fret not, for Toyosu Fish Market is ranked as one of the cleanest markets in the world. Locals often dip in for lunch here, and the sushi is among the freshest you'll find – you literally tuck into sea-to-table fare!
Asakusa Temple is the most culturally important site in Tokyo, and one of the only two buildings in the Taitō ward to survive World War II. This Edo-era shrine was built when, according to legend, two brothers fished out a Guanyin statue from the nearby Sumida River. Guanyin is the goddess of mercy and the Chinese translation of the bodhisattva – Buddha – in female form. Entrance to the temple is free, but you're welcome to make a donation. This is an active place of worship for locals, and you can observe traditional rituals being performed any day of the week. Enjoy a silent saunter through the temple's hallowed hallways and airy gardens while admiring the ancient architecture and iconic red lanterns that line the path towards Nakamise shopping street. If you manage to rise and shrine before the crowds flock to Asakusa, you'll have most of the temple to yourself for exploring.
The heartwarming repertoire of Studio Ghibli and its key creator, Hayao Miyazaki, shouldn’t need an introduction – but if you're totally new to the world of animation, this is one of the most acclaimed studios in the world. It brought the movies Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle to our screens, and gave us emblematic characters such as the giant cat-like spirit, Totoro. Known for being heartachingly wholesome, profoundly artistic and saturated in melancholy undertones, Studio Ghibli will entertain children and rekindle forgotten memories in adults. The studio is so deeply entrenched in pop culture that its museum was recently saved from closure thanks to record-setting crowdfunding efforts. Studio Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, just a 38-minute metro ride from Shinjuku. It provides a meditative exploration of childhood fantasies experienced through tactile artworks, massive indoor mazes, studio sets and more. There's also a garden inhabited by Ghibli characters and an on-site restaurant where you can rest and regroup.
Japan is only second to France for having the most number of Michelin star restaurants in the world, so relishing delicious food comes easily. Even the tiniest, hole-in-the-wall establishment promises to delight your taste buds thanks to the country’s celebrated food culture. If you're looking for the best dining experience to share with a loved one, look no further than kaiseki-ryōri. Considered to be one of the world’s most refined cuisines, kaiseki is characterised by its explosion of taste, texture, appearance, and colours presented through austere and fresh ingredients. It consists of many thoughtfully crafted small dishes stacked delicately upon traditional trays and specially-made ceramic bowls. Nanzenji Hyotei Hibiya is the oldest and most sought-after kaiseki-ryōri experience in Tokyo. At this restaurant, food is only half of the experience. Special attention is paid to every detail, from the tablecloth to the very plates upon which these precious fares are served. Depending on the menu you choose, you’ll dine in a private room or alcove surrounded by screen doors that open up to little tsubo-niwa, or pocket gardens. Between the food, the sights and the culture, you’ll find yourself wanting more of what Tokyo has to offer as soon as your 48 hours are up.
