Top 10 Experiences in Tokyo
For many visitors to Tokyo and Japan, they will want to seek out opportunities to have once in a lifetime and hands on experiences for a chance to become connected to Japan’s traditional culture on a deeper level. The good news is that Tokyo has a plethora of experiences you can book and participate in to make your trip more memorable! Here at SMR we have compiled a list of the top 10 experiences you can enjoy during your Tokyo trip, with some of these experiences even being included as part of our Tokyo tours! So read on to find out more.
On this page, you will find the following information :
— Things to Do Near Tokyo : Best Day Trips and Overnight Getaways
TOP 10 EXPERIENCES IN TOKYO
1 / Take part in ‘Sado’ Japanese Tea Ceremony
‘Sado’ meaning ‘the way of the tea’ is an integral part of Japan’s long history and culture. Taking the time to reflect, relax and enjoy the process of making the tea is seen as a spiritual and simple time. Tea ceremony involves a tea teacher usually dressed in kimono, preparing and making your tea for you in a traditional tatami mat room or tea house. The tea served is Matcha, green tea in its purest form. The tea teacher will carefully go through each step of the process which involves cleaning the tea bowl and cups, whisking the tea, as well as serving it. Your tea is often served alongside Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). The pairing of the sweets with the slightly bitter taste of the matcha is a perfect pairing and seen as harmonious. We highly recommend booking a tea ceremony experience during your Tokyo trip to feel a deeper connection to Japanese culture. Areas in Tokyo such as Asakusa and Ginza offer good tea ceremony options, as well as some temples in Tokyo such as Koboji temple in Minato ward. We highly recommend joining our ’Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo’ tour. On this tour, we will take you to a traditional tea ceremony in the heart of the cosy and traditional neighbourhood of Yanaka.
1 Day Tour
| Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10.30 – 17:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Nippori Station WEST exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
2 / Relax in a Japanese garden with tea and sweets
If you don’t want to do a traditional tea ceremony, but you still want to enjoy the tactile experience of holding a beautiful tea bowl whilst enjoying delicious Wagashi, then Tokyo has plenty of options. Tokyo is home to an abundance of stunning traditional Japanese gardens. With many originating from the Edo period, they retain their historic charm and many have their own resident tea houses. The good news is that unlike a tea ceremony which requires making a reservation, you will be able to go to garden teahouses without needing to book. It’s simply first come, first serve. Some of the best garden teahouses in Tokyo include Koishikawa Gardens, Hamarikyu Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. We highly recommend joining our 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems’ tour to visit the beautiful Koishikawa Gardens and tea house, our ’Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower’ tour to visit the picturesque Hamarikyu Gardens and tea house, or join our ’1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both’ tour to experience Shinjuku Gyoen and its tea house.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
3 / Sake Tasting
Japan is world famous for their national drink of Sake, but it is also known for its Shochu and Amazake. Sake is rice wine, Shochu is a distilled liquor which can be similar to Vodka or Brandy, and Amazake is a sweet non – alcoholic rice based beverage. During your stay in Tokyo, you should make time to sample the many varieties of these national drinks! From lower quality to higher quality, aged Shochu to sweet Amazake, fizzy sake to still sake, there is a huge spectrum of flavours and profiles to choose from. We highly recommend either visiting a local bar or Izakaya to sample these drinks, or joining our ’Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum’ tour where we visit a Sake and Shochu Information and Tasting Centre where you will be able to try any of the three drinks mentioned above from all across Japan! It is a great opportunity to try something new!
1 Day Tour
| Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Tokyo Station’s Domed Lobby Area by Green and White Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
4 / Play the National Instrument of Taiko Drums!
Japan has many beautiful and impressive national instruments. From the Koto to the Shamisen, Japan has a rich heritage with its music. However, none pack a punch quite like the Taiko drum! Used across Japan for festivals, musical performances and even at shrines and temples, the Taiko holds an important and special place in Japan. Would you love to be able to have a go at playing this instrument? Well, in Tokyo you can! In Asakusa there is an excellent family owned and run Taiko museum. They have an extensive collection of not only Taiko, but drums from all over the world. You are able to freely play and engage with the Taiko drums, where you can feel their immense power and appreciate the skill to play them for hours on end! You can join our ’1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature’ tour for the opportunity to get up close and play the Taiko!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
5 / Buddhist Sutra Copying at a Temple
Sutra copying is an East Asian practice that involves carefully hand copying Buddhist Sutras. Monks and followers of the Buddha will visit temples to do this and show their devotion to the Buddha. However, it is also about taking the time to empty your mind of any thoughts, be present in the moment and focus simply on your action of copying. So even for those who are not in anyway spiritual, it is a wonderful mindfulness exercise to help you relax. You can visit many temples across Tokyo which allow you to take part in Sutra copying for a small donation to the temple. Our top recommendation is Zojo-ji temple in the heart of Tokyo to enjoy this practice. Don’t worry, the temple provides photo copies of the Sutra that you simply have to trace and colour in with the black ink pen. So you don’t need to be able to write Japanese to enjoy it! You can sit and relax in the gorgeous surroundings of the temple hall, smell the incense and copy. Why not join our ’Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower’ tour where we pay a visit to Zojo-ji temple to do Sutra copying and see Buddhist Monks chanting.
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
6 / Get up close and personal with Robots!
If you’re wanting something more modern from your experience in Tokyo, then why not visit its popular Robot cafe! Situated in Nihonbashi nearby the Imperial Palace, you can have a refreshment break like no other! Here you can order drinks and food, and enjoy being served by robots! As you enjoy your drink or meal, you will have robots serve you! This cafe is unique in that all the robots are controlled remotely by employees who are living with disabilities and therefore can only work from home. The remote staff speak to you through the robots. The cafe gives employment opportunities to those unable to work in physically demanding jobs and helps tackle social isolation, so you can be happy knowing you are helping to support a great cause! You can even have a try at controlling one of the small robots to see what it’s like for the staff who control them remotely! Join our ’Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum’ tour where we pay a visit to this truly unique and amazing cafe for a drink like no other!
1 Day Tour
| Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Tokyo Station’s Domed Lobby Area by Green and White Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
7 / Washi Making
Washi is traditional Japanese paper. A proud craft and resource of Japan, you will find washi everywhere. From beautiful stationary shops, paper decor in traditional buildings and even food menus are made from Washi at some establishments. It has a distinct texture, and the process to make even just one sheet of Washi can be an hour or more depending on the colour, style and patterns. Across Japan and in Tokyo, you can take part in Washi making classes and have a go at making your own! Guided by skilled craftsmen, you can truly get your hands dirty (or in this case, wet!) in these engaging and hands on workshops. We recommend Ozu Washi in Nihonbashi, or Watashino Washi in Asakusa for a fun experience! We do recommend you book these experiences as far in advance of your trip as you can, as they are very popular with locals and tourists alike!
8 / Cooking Classes
For many people, the motivation to travel to Japan and Tokyo is the amazing food on offer! From Sushi to Sashimi, Ramen to Soba, Wagyu Beef to Kobe Beef, your mouth waters just thinking about it. However, if you’re a foodie and want to truly appreciate what is on your plate, why not book yourself a cooking class in Tokyo! We highly recommend trying either a sushi making class where you can enjoy making Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki rolls, or a Wagyu cooking class where an expert Chef will guide you on the best way to cook the perfect Wagyu each time! A fun, engaging and satisfying experience when you get to enjoy eating the fruits of your labour at the end of the classes! There are many options available online, so have a browse to see what takes your fancy and tickles your tastebuds!
9 / Wear Kimono or Yukata
For many visitors to Japan and Tokyo, being able to wear the traditional dress of the Kimono or Yukata is a once in a lifetime experience, and we highly recommend you give it a try! There is a plethora of Kimono and Yukata rental shops across Tokyo which offer reasonable fees for anything from few hours to a whole day rental. You can browse a wide selection of beautiful patterns and colours, and choose your favourite. Most of the time, these rental shops will also include accessories, hair styling and makeup in the rental price meaning you will look very authentic after your transformation. Kimono is most popular in the cooler seasons, and Yukata is most popular in the Summer due to its lighter fabric and less layers, and is fun to wear to the many Summer festivals in Tokyo! So keep the seasons in mind when you decide to try this experience. We recommend heading to Asakusa where you will find many rental shops offering different experiences and price points. Why not book an early appointment, and then come and join our ’1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature’ tour where we explore traditional Asakusa together!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
10 / Samurai and Ninja Experience
This list would not be complete without mentioning the Samurai and Ninja experiences available in Tokyo. For many the mystery and power of the Samurai and Ninja in Japanese history is deeply fascinating, leaving many wanting to learn more about them and gain a deeper understanding of their skills. In Tokyo, you can enjoy learning all about them from fascinating exhibitions, trying on Samurai armour, wielding a ’Katana’ (Japanese Sword), and even throwing Ninja Stars! There is a great Samurai and Ninja Museum located in Asakusa that we recommend you check out!
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic hands on experiences to make your trip extra special. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
THE BEST DAY TRIPS AND GETAWAYS FROM TOKYO
If you want to enjoy more hands on experiences across Japan, why not check out our 30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: The Best Day-Trips & Getaways From The Capital page! This page will give you more information and inspiration on what excursion day trips, overnight stays and multi day trips you could do outside of Tokyo. You could be enjoying a tea experience in a bamboo forest, feeding Koi Carp at a temple, praying at a world famous temples or have a go at throwing clay pottery on top of a mountain to bring good fortune!
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
