28 Unique Things to do in Tokyo (2025)

Tokyo is one of the most vibrant and unique cities we have ever visited. We have heard that even if you stay in Tokyo for over a year, you will still have countless things that you will not have had the chance to experience. After having explored through Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and the Izu Peninsula, we spent over 5 days exploring everything Tokyo had to offer. This included the eclectic wards of Tokyo, searching for the best gastronomical experiences, immersing in the culture, and venturing off-the-beaten path to discover activities that are truly unique to Japan.

Rather than simply listing the most popular tourist spots, towers, and shrines in Tokyo, this list instead focuses on unique and unforgettable experiences you can have in Tokyo. For the most part, these are experiences and hidden gems where you actually get to participate in the activity as we feel that is the best way to experience the culture of Japan. Without further ado, here are our top 26 unique things to do in Tokyo. 

27 Unique Things to Do in Tokyo

From unique racing experiences, becoming a samurai, dressing in a kimono, to some of the best dining experiences in Japan, check out our 27 unique and hidden gem experiences in Tokyo.

1) Mario Kart Racing in Shibuya

Growing up, Mario Kart was the ultimate video game of our generation. While you won’t be tossing green or red shells at rivals, you can still dress up as your favourite Super Mario character and zip through the bustling streets of Tokyo in a real-life go-kart. Though we wouldn’t call it the safest activity—navigating through Tokyo’s traffic in a tiny kart—it’s undeniably one of the most unique experiences the city has to offer.

Just make sure not to drop any banana peels to throw off the other drivers behind you!

What’s more is that on this Mario Kart racing tour, you will also get to race through the famous Shibuya Crossing! You should account for about 1 hour for this activity and make sure to bring your cellphone and action camera to record your experience. 

Also, make sure to book this activity early as they tend to sell out at least 2 weeks in advanced! 

2) Omakase Experience with All-you-can-drink Sake!

Omakase is a Japanese dining experience where the customer entrusts the chef to select and prepare their meal. The word “omakase” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese. Typically found in sushi restaurants, omakase allows the chef to create a 12-18 multi-course meal tailored to the freshest ingredients of the day. The Chef delicately prepares each course which highlights the specialties of the region, which is usually seafood. 

In our opinion, an Omakase is a must-do when visiting Japan. There are hundreds of omakase options available in Tokyo, ranging from 10,000 yen to 40,000 yen per person.

We did an omakase experience at Sushi Muku in Roppongi and really loved our experience there. Not only was it on the more affordable end, but there was also all-you-can-drink sake from a menu of over 8 sake choices. 

3) See Mount Fuji from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building

For a chance to take in the Tokyo skyline, and possibly catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Although there are other more popular rooftop observatories, including Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree, and Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s Observatory is the only one that is FREE!

What’s more is that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s Observatory is located 243 meters high on its 45th floor, which provides a very comparable view to the other options. If you get lucky, you might also catch a live piano performance there.

Make sure to go there early to avoid a long lineup. We visited around 11 am and had to wait around 45 minutes, which we found very reasonable. 

The one main advantage with Shibuya Sky is that they have a fully outdoor observation deck where you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo Skyline! Whereas the Tokyo Metropolitan building is fully indoors. If you are planning to see Shibuya sky, make sure to reserve around one week in advance!

If you want to see Mount Fuji amongst some of the most incredible coastal views surrounded by small Japanese finishing villages, then you have to go check out the Izu Peninsula. 

4) Wagyu Tasting Experience

Wagyu beef is a premium beef from specific breeds of Japanese cattle that is renowned around the world for its intense marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour. The term “Wagyu” literally means “Japanese cow” (和牛), and it refers to four main breeds: Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled.

This can include Wagyu beef Yakiniku-style (grilled), pan-seared, Sukiyaki-style (cooked in sweet savoury broth), Shabu-Shabu Style (hot-pot), as a Wagyu Sushi, and as a Wagyu Steak, all within one meal. We highly suggest also choosing an experience where you get to pair sake tasting with the wagyu tasting. 

Although the ultimate experience would be to visit Kobe and taste their Kobe beef, Tokyo offers amazing Wagyu Tasting experiences where you get to taste Wagyu beef prepared in over 7+ different ways. 

Wagyu Tastings, like omakases, can be quite pricey but we would say that it is a must-do experience at least once!

Check out these two highly recommended Wagyu + Sake Tasting experiences. We participated in the first tour but both are very highly rated!

5) See the Godzilla at Shinjuku

Japan is packed with quirky nods to popular video games, TV shows, and anime from years past. One iconic example is the towering Godzilla figure looming over the buildings in Shinjuku.

For the best view, stroll down Central Road in Kabukicho, facing the Shinjuku Toho Building. We found this to be especially impressive at night when all the buildings are lit up in bright colours and you can see the glowing figure of Godzilla at the top. 

You can also head to the top of the building for a close-up view of Godzilla. However, access is limited to guests of Hotel Gracery or those dining at the restaurant on the 8th floor. The best part? The hotel offers Godzilla-themed rooms and the restaurant offers Godzilla-themed drinks and desserts!

6) See Shibuya Scramble from above

The Shibuya Scramble is one of those touristic things that we kept on seeing recommended online! Having experienced it ourselves, we recommend two ways of visiting that will help you optimize your experience. It is difficult to fully appreciate just how massive this intersection is by simply crossing the street amongst the hordes of pedestrians.

Instead, we recommend either Go Karting through Shibuya Crossing, or going high up to get a bird’s eye view. Shibuya Sky is one of the best viewpoints but if you prefer seeing it for free, head over instead to the 7th floor viewing platform in the Shibuya 109 mall. 

7) Visit a Themed Café

Tokyo is renowned for its imaginative and quirky themed cafés, where visitors can immerse themselves in entirely different worlds. Popular options include Maid Cafés, Owl Cafés, Hedgehog Cafés, Puppy Cafés, and various Anime-themed cafés.

These spots go beyond just decor—everything from the music to the menu is crafted around the chosen theme. Take, for instance, the Vampire Café, where you can enjoy dishes like blood-coloured beet salad, Vampire Steak, and Dark Chocolate Coffin Cake, all designed to enhance the eerie, gothic experience.

If you would like to experience an animal cafe, we recommend doing some research beforehand to make sure it is ethical and that the animals are treated well. 

8) See an Imax 4DX Movie

While this experience isn’t exclusive to Japan, it’s a delightful way to spend a rainy day or simply relax. Head to TOHO Cinema in Roppongi, or any of the other cinemas offering IMAX 4DX, and check the schedule for movies available in English.

Look for films being shown in IMAX 4DX to enjoy an even more immersive experience, complete with motion seats and environmental effects like wind, fog, scents, and flashing lights. We chose to see Ghostbusters, which perfectly showcased all these additional sensory elements!

9) Learn to play Taiko Drumming

Taiko refers to the traditional Japanese drums and the art of playing them. It is known for its powerful, rhythmic beats and dynamic performances, often involving highly synchronized movements in groups and a strong physical presence.

Traditionally, Taiko drumming was used in religious festivals, ceremonies, and even to signal a battle.

Having spent several years learning Taiko drumming back home, we highly recommend trying a Taiko drumming experience during your visit to Japan. It’s an immersive and powerful way to connect with the country’s rich cultural traditions, and it is also incredibly fun! You’ll be amazed by the sheer power and volume of the drums, as well as the hypnotic effect of striking them in perfect synchrony.

There are a couple of options for Taiko classes available in Tokyo.

Taiko Lab offers 1 hour lessons in a professional Taiko Studio, where you will get to play some of the bigger drums.

This 50 minute Taiko group class allows you to play some of the smaller drums, and is conveniently located in Shinjuku.

Finally, this ultimate Taiko drumming experience also includes a Premium Wagyu Yakiniku dinner! This combines two of our most recommended activities in one: Wagyu tasting + Taiko drumming!

If you will be visiting Kyoto, then you can also join this Kyoto Japanese Taiko Class. 

10) Experience TeamLab Planets or TeamLab Borderless

You’ve undoubtedly seen the almost ethereal-looking photos on Instagram of people sitting in what appears to be a floating garden of flowers, or walking through a dark room filled with mesmerizing multi-colored light projections.

These surreal experiences can be found at TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless, two immersive digital art museums in Tokyo. Both locations offer a sensory journey where you become part of the artwork itself, surrounded by ever-changing, interactive displays.

It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day or if you’re looking to capture unique and stunning photos in a one-of-a-kind setting!

11) Explore the Ghibli Museum

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli or just love Japanese culture, the Studio Ghibli exhibit in Tokyo is a must-see. It brings the magic of films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke to life with detailed sets, character models, and original artwork.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how these incredible worlds were created, and even interact with some of the exhibits. It’s the perfect way to dive into the whimsical universe of Ghibli and experience the charm that makes these films so special—definitely a fun stop for all ages!

12) Train like a Samurai

One of the first things that comes to mind when imagining Japan is the samurai! So why not immerse yourself in history by trying out a Samurai training workshop?

You’ll learn the fundamentals of sword handling, traditional stances, and even practice a simple chambara (sword fight), all while dressed in authentic samurai attire.

Guided by experienced instructors who have appeared in major Japanese films, this hands-on experience allows you to step into the shoes of a real samurai! Plus, the instructors will help you take awesome photos and videos for you so you can prove to everyone back home that you were a samurai! 

If you would like a Samurai training workshop that is combined with Ninja techniques such as the Shuriken (ninja star) and Ninja Blowgun, within a small-group setting, then check out this 2-hour hands-on Samurai lesson.

13) Learn to make the Fake Food of Japan

While walking through the streets of Tokyo, you will undoubtedly notice the delicious-looking fake food examples displayed in restaurant windows to show what their specialty dishes are.

Did you know that you can actually take a workshop where you get to create your own fake food? In Tokyo, there is a workshop for everything! In this 1-hour Japanese Sampuru (sample food model) workshop, you will have the choice of learning to make a ramen bowl display, tart charm food sample, or a real-size ice cream parfait sample!

This is an amazing activity for families and kids, or if you want to bring back a unique souvenir. Definitely make a Ramen bowl so you will be reminded of eating more ramen when you are back home.  

14) Join a Japanese Tea Ceremony

A Japanese tea ceremony tour is a unique cultural experience that offers much more than just drinking tea—it’s a window into Japan’s deep-rooted traditions and values. The ceremony is a highly ritualized practice that emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and simplicity.

By doing this Japanese Tea ceremony experience, you will learn the symbolic significance behind each step of preparing the tea, from the purification of the utensils to the presentation of the tea. 

This 90 minute Japanese tea ceremony tour is in Taito city whereas you can also do this other Practicing Zen Japanese Tea Ceremony experience which is held in Minato City, close to Tokyo Tower. 

15) Grill your own Yakiniku meal

In addition to doing the omakase experience, another very fun and unique dining experience is doing a Yakiniku dinner. Yakiniku (焼肉) is a Japanese style of barbecue where diners grill bite-sized pieces of meat, typically beef, pork, or chicken, over a charcoal or gas grill at their table. The term “yakiniku” literally means “grilled meat” in Japanese. You’ll be seated at a small table with a built-in grill, typically with a vent overhead. 

Once you’ve chosen your selection of raw meats and vegetables, you can cook them directly on the grill right at your table, creating a hands-on, interactive dining experience!

Grilling your food this way is surprisingly fun, and we’ve found it to be the perfect activity for enjoying a meal while catching up with friends and family.

16) Rent a Kimono and stroll through Asakusa

Kimonos are traditional Japanese garment that dates back centuries. Historically, they are worn by both men and women during special occasions, tea ceremonies, festivals, and other cultural events. Each element of the kimono, from the colour to the pattern that is worn, holds a cultural significance.

During our trip through Japan, we rented kimonos twice, and it was a fun, unique, and deeply immersive cultural experience. Be sure to bring your camera, or consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the perfect shots for you! 

Check out this Kimono rental place in Asakusa where you can choose from a selection of beautiful kimonos for both men and women, and also you can add on a photography service!

While in Asakusa, you can go visit the famous and beautiful Sensoji Temple.  

17) Learn how to make Sushi

Sushi is practically synonymous with Japan.

Some unique ways to enjoy it include visiting a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, indulging in exquisitely crafted sushi at an omakase experience, or even taking a workshop to learn how to make sushi yourself!

Back home, we used to gather with friends and turn sushi-making into a fun night, even though we were total beginners with no idea what we were doing! So when we arrived in Japan, we knew we had to take a sushi-making class to learn how to do it the right way!

Here are a couple of options for Sushi making classes:

This 3 hour Sushi making Class in a small group setting located in Shinjuku

This 2 hour Asakusa Sushi making class will teach you how to make Nigiri Sushi, and Maki Sushi

This 4 hour Sushi class will not only teach you how to make sushi, but also give you an in-depth tour of the famous Tsukiji fish market.  

If you want a truly unique experience, I highly recommend this Sushi-making class taught in Nobu’s restaurant. This class is provided through AirKitchen where you get to try authentic Japanese experiences led by locals.

18) Watch a Sumo Wrestling match

When I think of Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is sushi, the second is samurais, and the third is sumo wrestling. Maybe it was from my young days playing Street Fighter and seeing the character E.Honda.

Nonetheless, Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport and a centuries-old tradition that holds great cultural significance. It’s more than just a competitive sport—sumo is deeply rooted in Japanese history and Shinto rituals, with each match beginning with ceremonial purification and prayers for victory.

While in Japan, we highly recommend catching a sumo wrestling tournament if the timing works out, or at least attending a sumo practice to get a glimpse of this fascinating sport.

This post is part of our series about Japan. If you want to learn more about Japan, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

30 Things To Do in Japan: Ultimate Bucketlist

Best Things to do in Izu Peninsula, Japan (2024)

Day Trip to Nara, Japan: Ultimate Travel Guide (2024)

One day in Osaka: Itinerary Guide (2025)

36 Essential Tips For Traveling in Japan: First-time Visitors Guide

2 Days Kyoto Itinerary: Exploring off the Typical Tourist Trail

10 Day Japan Travel Itinerary: First Timer’s Complete Guide

Izu Peninsula Itinerary: Planning & Tips for the Perfect Izu Peninsula Road Trip

19) Watch the Tuna Auction at Toyosu Market

Did you know the world record for the most expensive Tuna Sold in Japan was set in 2020, when a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna was sold at Tsukiji market for a staggering $3 million USD? If you’re interested in seeing first-hand the bustling morning fish market where the freshest catches are put under auction, then make sure to check out the Toyosu fish market. 

Tsukiji fish market used to be the most famous but the inner market was closed in 2018 and moved to the newer Toyosu market. Here, everything is more structured and organized so if you want a chance to score one of the 100 tickets each day that allow you to watch the auction from the observation deck, then make sure to visit the official Toyosu market website and apply for the lottery at least 1 month in advance! 

Also, keep in mind that the market starts at 5:30am so you will need to arrive there even earlier!

Alternatively, if it sounds too complicated, you can also join this Toyosu + Tsukiji market private guided tour. But make sure to book at least 2 months in advance as it is incredibly popular!  

20) Take Selfies at Tokyo’s Purikuras

If you are looking for a quick and fun activity to do, then check out some of Tokyo’s Purikuras. Purikura is short for ‘purinto kurabu’ – Japanese pronunciation for ‘Print Club’, which are essentially big selfie picture machines! 

You’ll often find these photo booths in malls, and for just a few dollars, you can snap fun group selfies that the machine will print out for you. What’s even better is that after taking the photos, you have complete control over customizing them with filters, accessories, facial modifications, and personalized messages! If you want to look your best, do this Purikura experience while you have your kimono rental! 

21) Do a Tokyo E-bike Tour

One of the biggest complaints I heard from people traveling to Japan was how tired their feet were after the 20,000+ steps they did each day!

If you think that might be you, then make sure to check out this Tokyo E-bike tour. By riding on these E-assisted bikes, you will be able to cover a lot more ground than on foot, all the while enjoying the ride exploring off-the-beaten path.

This tour will bring you to spots like Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Asakusa, Imperial Palace, and Ryogoku, and is offered both in the morning and afternoon. It’s a 3 hour tour and is led by an experienced guide who can help you better understand Japan’s history and culture. 

22) Bring comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and sliding shoji doors. Staying at a ryokan offers guests a unique experience of Japanese hospitality, where attention to detail and service is paramount.

Ryokans often include multi-course seafood kaisekis (a multi-course dining experience), and most include natural volcanic geothermal hot springs (called Onsens). 

Soaking in an Onsen is not only relaxing, but is believed to have significant health benefits due to the mineral rich waters. There are countless Ryokans and onsens in Tokyo, however, if you have the time, we would highly recommend trying to go more into the countryside to maximize your enjoyment. 

Hakone, nearby Mount Fuji, is one of the famous onsen towns closest to Tokyo. During our trip though Japan, we did several Ryokans as well as enjoyed some of the most incredible coastal landscapes during our road trip through the Izu Peninsula, located only 50 minutes from Tokyo on their high speed Shinkansens. 

23) Visit the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo

If you didn’t have time doing the Samurai or Ninja workshop, then make sure to at least check out the Ninja Trick House in Tokyo. One of the highlights here is the chance to try your hand at traditional ninja skills, such as throwing shurikens (ninja stars) and practicing stealth techniques.

The house is designed to resemble a classic ninja hideout, complete with secret passages, trapdoors, and hidden mechanisms that engage guests in a playful way. Visitors can also explore a variety of themed rooms filled with ninja-related puzzles, challenges, and tricks. The experience lasts around 1 hour in total and is available in English.

24) Eat Conveyor Belt sushi

Conveyor belt sushi is a unique dining experience in Japan where you sit at a table next to a conveyor belt filled with various sushi dishes. As the plates of sushi glide by, you can easily grab whatever catches your eye, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. Each plate is colour-coded, which indicates its price, so you can keep track of your orders effortlessly. Normally, each dish includes only 2-4 sushi pieces which gives you the freedom to try as many types of sushi as you would like.

Be careful though, because this also means that even after you are full, you may see that delicious piece of Tuna Toro gliding by, and it may be hard to resist!

At the end, the waitress will come by with a machine that scans all the dishes and sums up the total of your bill. The conveyor belt sushi is a super fun way of eating sushi and a must-do experience while you are in Tokyo and Japan.  

25) Play the Taiko Arcade Game

While in Tokyo, bring out your inner child and go check out their arcades. In particular, I would recommend trying out the Taiko drumming game.

As kids, we loved playing Dance Dance Revolution, so trying this experience was a no-brainer for us! Essentially, a series of drumming notes scroll across the screen, and you use two drumsticks to hit the taiko in time with the music.

It’s an incredibly fun activity, especially to do right after the Purikura selfie experience, as they’re usually located nearby! One round of the game, which consists of 3 songs, only costs about 100 yen per person.

26) Go Sake Tasting

If you still haven’t had enough sake after the omakase experience and the Wagyu + Sake Tasting experience, then head over to one of the Sakaguras where you can learn about the intricate process of sake-making while sampling some of Tokyo’s best sakes.

You can do this experience independently by visiting one of the Sakaguras, and normally it costs only 200-300 yen per tasting of sake. We did this while in traveling through Osaka and Kyoto, but the owners of the Sakaguras only spoke limited English.

For this reason, we would highly recommend checking out this 2-hour Sake Tasting experience led by a professional sake sommelier. 

27) Explore the Harry Potter Studio

If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, then visiting the Tokyo Harry Potter Studio is a must! Even for those who haven’t read the books, it is truly fascinating to be able to walk through the true Hogwarts and Diagon Alley movie sets and marvel at the painstaking details they went through to create this fascinating world.

You get to see the costumes, how they created all the magical creatures, and even walk through and interact with the potions lab. I had read all the books but Nan did not but we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Keep in mind that the studio is massive, and it took us around 4-5 hours to see the whole thing. Also, make sure to pick up a Butterbeer at the midway point and they give you a free Beer chalice with different Hogwarts house emblems! 

28) Learn Wagashi Confection

Dive into the enchanting world of traditional Japanese wagashi sweets with renowned confectioner Makumi Suzuki. In this hands-on experience, you’ll craft stunning Nerikiri creations inspired by seasonal flowers and elegant Heian-era kimono colors.

Learn the rich history behind wagashi, then indulge in freshly made sweets and tea while marvelling at a mesmerizing demonstration of the intricate hasami-giku (“scissor chrysanthemum”) technique.

Conveniently located near Shibuya and Harajuku, this unforgettable experience blends artistry, culture, and flavor into one perfect outing!

How to get from Tokyo Airport to City Centre

The instructions for how to get from Tokyo airport to the city centre will depend on whether you land at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.

It takes between 30 minutes from Haneda airport to around 60-80 minutes from Narita airport, and you can either ride the designated airport bus/trains, or arrange for a private transportation.

We go into full details on all the available and best routes to get from Tokyo Airport to the city centre in our 10 day Japan itinerary post.  

Using WISE card in Japan

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Where else to explore in Japan?

Japan is filled with so many incredible experiences! If you need help getting an overall idea of how to travel through the country, check out our 10 days Japan travel Itinerary Guide! There we delve into some of the highlight spots of Japan including exploring Kyoto, day trip to Nara, experiencing the best that Osaka has to offer, going off-the-beaten path road tripping through the Izu Peninsula and seeing some of the most amazing coastal views and having Ryokan experiences, and much more in-between! Also, don’t forget to check out our essential travel tips in Japan so you can make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!

Recap: 27 Unique things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city brimming with an incredible array of activities. As we mentioned, even if you spent a year there, you’d still find endless new experiences waiting for you. This list of 27 unique things to do in Tokyo will inspire you to explore some of Japan’s finest experiences, immerse yourself in its rich culture, and savor some of the best cuisine the country has to offer!

We hope you have an amazing trip to Tokyo!

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