The first time you visit Tokyo it can feel a little overwhelming and disorientating, and hard to navigate initially due to its size. But if you spend some time planning your trip beforehand, you will definitely make the most of your time there!
If you’re planning your first trip to Tokyo and don’t know where to begin, look at this Tokyo Bucket List for 2024 for inspiration. Here you’ll find lists of things to see, experiences not to miss, food and drink you have to taste, along with seasonal experiences you can try depending on the time of year that you’re planning to visit.
Planning a trip to Japan this year? Check out my 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary article for ideas on what to see and do in Japan’s capital!
Don’t have time to read the article now? – Download the entire list below!
Tokyo Bucket List – Best Experiences & Attractions in 2024!
Skip to:
- Must See Sights
- Must Do Experiences
- Must Eat & Drink
- Spring Must Dos
- Summer Must Dos
- Autumn Must Dos
- Winter Must Dos
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Tokyo Bucket List – Must-See Sights
1. Take a Picture of the Famous Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions and can be found outside the Hachikō exit of Shibuya Station. Take a snap of yourself as you walk across the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, but be careful not to linger too long and block the path of busy commuters, it is a working crossroads after all!
- WHERE: Shibuya-eki Hachiko-guchi (Shibuya Station Hachiko Entrance)
2. See Tokyo Tower Lit up at Night
Inspired by Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower, the 1,000-foot tower is the second tallest in Japan. Its striking orange and white colored frame makes it stand out against the Tokyo skyline, but it’s not until the sun sets that the tower really comes alive with brilliant white lights.
- WHERE: The perfect place to view the tower is the nearby Shiba Park in Minato Ward, which is open to the public 24 hours a day.
3. See the Rainbow Bridge from the Beach at Odaiba
Cross the 800-meter suspension bridge from the mainland Tokyo side, via the driverless Yurikamome Line train and then step off at the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. Turn right and follow the shoreline until you reach the nearby sandy beach, then stand back and enjoy incredible views of the bridge across the Tokyo skyline. Night or day, it’s a truly unforgettable sight – but the bridge is only lit up at certain times – you can check in advance here.
- WHERE: Exit the JR Yurikamome line at Odaiba-kaihinkōen Station and walk in a straight line for five minutes. Odaiba Beach will be in front of you.
4. See the Giant Godzilla Head in Shinjuku
Fifty meters above street level, looking down over the city with glowing eyes and smoking jaws, the giant head of Japan’s favorite monster looms large. Fun fact: the head is positioned at a height that matches the monster’s actual height as represented in the earlier Godzilla films. The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku next to the head also has Godzilla-themed rooms you can stay in!
- WHERE: Go to the Shinjuku Toho Building, 1 Chome-19 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, then look up!
5. Gaze up at the Tokyo Skytree
At 2,080 feet tall, the Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest tower, third-tallest structure, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. Visit Skytree Town at the foot of the tower for some shopping, a cup of coffee, and the best view of the tower at night when brilliant and colorful light shows decorate the patterned white exterior.
- WHERE: The Tokyo Skytree has its own railway station which can be reached on the Ryomo Line or the Tobu Skytree Line, and exits into Skytree Town. You can purchase a ticket to the Skytree here at Klook.
6. Meiji Shrine
Explore the grounds of this 100-year-old Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The shrine’s entrance, and surrounding park area are located close to the south exit of Harajuku station. The wide stone footpaths and dense population of tall manicured trees offer a relaxing break from the crowded and noisy Takeshita Street.
- WHERE: Take the South exit from Harajuku station and turn right. The entrance is just a few minutes’ walk from the station and the path to the shrine is straight and clear.
7. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Walk under the famous Thunder Gate and browse the market stalls along Nakamise-dori Street, passing a five-storey pagoda and the Weeping Cherry Tree, until you reach the Hōzōmon Gate lined with guardian statues. Take a moment to bathe in the healing smoke of the incense burner before finally reaching the 1,400-year-old temple.
- WHERE: Take the Ginza line to Asakusa station and walk across the street towards the crowded Kaminarimon, also known as the Thunder Gate, then begin your walk towards the temple.
Must Do Experiences
8. Visit A Maid Cafe in Akihabara
Maid cafes are a uniquely Japanese experience and Akihabara is home to the largest concentration of maid cafes in Tokyo. Waitresses dressed in maid costumes serve customers a range of kawaii desserts and drinks, and sing and dance for the audience. It’s worth visiting once for the novelty, but don’t expect too much from the food!
- WHERE: Akihabara station in Chiyoda ward can be reached via the Yamanote line. You can book a maid cafe experience in Akihabara here.
9. Take a Photo of Hachiko in Shibuya
The bronze statue of Hachikō, the famous Akita dog known for its loyalty to its master can be found just outside the aptly named Hachikō entrance of Shibuya station.
Due to the large footfall from the station, and its proximity to Shibuya Crossing, there is always a crowd around the statue of visitors waiting for their few minutes to snap a selfie next to the famous dog. Be patient and wait in line, you’ll get your turn.
- WHERE: Shibuya-eki Hachiko-guchi (Shibuya Station Hachiko entrance).
10. Watch a Sumo Match or Catch a Morning Practice
Few things encapsulate Japanese culture more than sumo wrestling, and what could be more memorable than catching a sumo wrestling match during your trip?
Official sumo tournaments, known as basho, take place in Japan six times a year. You can catch the tournaments in Tokyo during January, May, and September.
Outside of these months, you also have the opportunity to see sumo wrestlers during morning practice. Tickets for tournaments or practices go on sale a month in advance of each tournament and can be purchased online at Viator.
- WHERE: Sumo tournaments are held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena in Sumida City, which is walkable from Ryogoku station on the Chūō-Sōbu line.
- MORE INFORMATION: A schedule breakdown for the tournaments can be found at Sumo.or.jp
11. Take a Rickshaw Ride in Asakusa
Another relaxing and enjoyable way to view the city is to jump on a rickshaw for a tour of Asakusa. Many different rickshaw operators in the area offer views of local modern and historic sites which can be booked online, or you can usually see them parked close to popular tourist areas, such as by the footpath close to Sensoji’s Thunder Gate.
12. See a Baseball Game at Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is an air-supported indoor baseball stadium and the home ground of the pro baseball team Yomiuri Giants. Baseball culture is huge in Japan, so catching a live game is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Japanese baseball season runs from March to October, so keep an eye on the venue’s schedule for ticket availability and prepare to learn the Giants anthem!
- WHERE: The Tokyo Dome is located in Tokyo Dome City in Bunkyo. It can be reached via the Marunouchi line of the Tokyo Metro and exiting at Korakuen Station, or Suidōbashi Station via the Chūō-Sōbu line. The Dome is a short walk across the street from either station.
13. Rent a Karaoke Room in Shinjuku
In Japan, a favorite pastime is to book private rooms at a karaoke bar with friends. Karaoke rooms can be found all over Shinjuku and vary in price depending on the room size, time of day etc.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to party into the night with friends, or if you’re traveling as a couple and looking for somewhere fun to spend your evening, private karaoke rooms are the perfect place for a few hours of entertainment.
- WHERE: Some recommended karaoke bars with private rooms around Shinjuku include Karaoke Land, Karaoke Kan, & Big Echo.
14. Visit Teamlab Planets or Borderless
TeamLab produces immersive sensory art exhibitions all over the world and two of their most popular exhibitions are in Tokyo. TeamLab Planets is a sensory museum where visitors can immerse themselves in large-scale light installations and walk barefoot through water, whilst Borderless allows visitors to move between rooms without boundaries as if exploring a unique light-filled world.
- WHERE: TeamLab Borderless, MORI Building Digital Art Museum, Minato City, TeamLab Planets, Tokyo DMM, Toyosu, Koto City.
15. Go on a 100-Yen Shopping Spree in Daiso
Daiso is a national chain of 100-yen stores that offer an endless range of good quality products at low prices and is a great place to pick up drinks, snacks, or a cheap souvenir from your time in Japan. Whether you’re looking for a set of sake cups, Japanese snacks, a set of chopsticks, or some innovative gadget you would only find in Japan, Daiso just might be your new favorite store!
- WHERE: Daiso is one of the largest shopping chains in the country and can be found almost anywhere in Tokyo. Some notable store locations include Daiso Harajuku, Daiso Giga Funabashi, & Daiso Ikebukuro.
16. Visit Shibuya Sky at Sunset
If you enjoy breathtaking city views then the best view of Tokyo can be found at the open-air observation deck at Shibuya Sky. The best time to visit the 230-meter-high panoramic viewing platform is at sunset, however, you will need to book this in advance.
As sunset can vary depending on the time of year, the safest bet would be to check the sunset times in advance and book entry for around one hour before.
- WHERE: Shibuya Shy, Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12, Shibuya City.
17. Browse the Vintage Stores in Shimokitazawa
Get off the tourist trail and explore trendy Shimokitazawa. With its laid-back atmosphere and bohemian vibes, you’ll find many Tokyoites browsing the vintage clothing stores and record shops, or meeting friends at one of the many independent cafes tucked away in the backstreets.
- WHERE: This neighborhood can be found in the southwestern corner of the Kitazawa district. One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory, home to the famous Totoro cream puffs!
18. Go Shopping in Ginza
Ginza is one of the most luxurious, expensive, and famous shopping districts in Tokyo, bursting with international boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Visitors can spend hours window shopping through the multilevel department stores before stopping for a coffee at a classic coffee house. On weekends in the afternoon, the roads are closed and the entire district becomes a pedestrianized zone.
- WHERE: Ginza can be easily reached from Ginza Station Marunouchi Line of the Tokyo subway.
19. Walk Along the River in Nakameguro
Stroll along the quiet footpaths on either side of the Meguro River and browse the selection of cafes, boutiques, and other independent stores. If you’re visiting during spring, you’ll need to brave the crowds as thousands of Tokyoites flock to the area to view the incredible cherry blossoms that reach across the water.
Outside of blossom season, the area is still worth a visit along with neighboring Daikanyama. Be sure to check out the flagship Don Quiote Store, the world’s largest Starbucks roastery, and the beautiful Haute Couture cafe!
- WHERE: The 8km river flows through several neighborhoods in Tokyo but can be easily reached after a few minutes’ walk from Nakameguro Station.
20. Shop for Snacks & Other Things in Don Quijote
This huge multilevel discount store has more than 160 locations throughout Japan, including 55 in Tokyo. It sells a little of everything, from limited edition flavors of Kit Kat to miniature retro game consoles. You can buy clothing, gadgets, electronics, alcohol, home essentials, and souvenirs. You can spend hours navigating the narrow aisles of this huge store and will almost certainly come out with something you hadn’t planned on buying!
- WHERE: Check out the MEGA Don Quijote in Shibuya Center Street, Shibuya City.
21. Pose for Pictures in a Purikura Booth
Purikura are a special type of photo booth that focuses on kawaii culture by creating photo stickers with exaggerated cuteness. They are popular among Japanese teens who can often be found posing for photos with their friends. These large booths can be found in shopping centers and game arcades and are identified by their brightly colored and decorated exteriors. Harajuku is also home to many purikura booths.
- WHERE: Check out Purikura no Mecca at 29-1 Udagawacho, in Shibuya City.
Must Eat & Drink
22. Wander Down a Yokocho Dining Alley
Take advantage of the nightlife in Tokyo and explore the smaller traditional alleys between the main streets that contain countless small restaurants, bars, and izakayas packed with locals enjoying a meal and a few drinks among friends after a hard day at work.
You won’t find a better atmosphere while you eat and drink the night away than in a Yokocho alley. Some popular spots in Tokyo include Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, Ebisu Yokocho, and Kichijoji’s Harmonica Alley.
- WHERE: Nonbei Yokocho, located in Shibuya, is a popular show-era-style yokocho alley filled with traditional izakayas. It can be located at 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, 150-0002.
23. Have Dinner Aboard a Traditional Yakatabune Boat in Tokyo Bay
Grab dinner and a cruise onboard a yakatabune boat as it cruises lazily across Tokyo Bay for a memorable evening. These traditional Japanese boats became popular during the Edo period for sailing the waterways and rivers of Japan for cherry blossom viewing.
Today, they can be identified by their red lanterns and offer guests views of the city’s iconic landmarks while they enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
24. Try Rainbow-colored Street Food in Harajuku
Tokyo’s center of youth culture is well-known for its interesting selection of rainbow-colored street foods. Whilst it may not necessarily be good for you, the selection of multi-colored sweet and savory dishes on display makes for great photos! Look out for rainbow-colored grilled cheese sandwiches at Le Shiner, rainbow candy floss at Totti Candy Factory, and rainbow roll ice cream at Rainbow Sweets Harajuku.
- WHERE: You will see the main shopping street of Harajuku directly in front of you as you take the Takeshita exit of Harajuku station, which can be reached via the Yamanote Line on the Tokyo subway.
25. Visit a Themed Restaurant or Cafe
There are no shortage of themed restaurants and cafes in Tokyo, from cafes based around popular characters, maid cafes, to ninja-themed or even vampire-themed restaurants!
There are so many amazing cafes to choose from but some of my favorite quirky places include the Pepper Parlor in Shibuya staffed by robots, and the stunning Aoyama Flower Cafe in Omotesando.
- WHERE: Looking for a fun restaurant? Try Ninja Tokyo in Chiyoda City, accessible from exit B3 from Otemachi Station on the Tozai line. How about a cafe? Try the popular 2D cafe in Shinjuku which looks like one big 2D drawing. The cafe is a 5-minute walk from Shin-Ōkubo Station on the Yamanote Line.
26. Try Fresh Sashimi at Tsukiji Fish Market
Once home to the famous early morning tuna auction which has since been moved to a new site in Toyosu, the narrow streets of Tsukiji Market are filled with seafood stalls and tiny restaurants that are still well worth a visit.
Begin with a walk around the outer market area and explore the shops and stalls before taking your pick of the local restaurants where you can try the freshest sashimi in the city for breakfast.
- WHERE: The market is just a 5-minute walk from Tsukijishijo Station.
27. Go Barhopping in Ginza Corridor
Ginza Corridor is a lively street filled with small bars and restaurants that runs under the train tracks between Yurakucho and Shimbashi. One of the best ways to explore the area is to just walk around until you find somewhere inviting. You can find all kinds of bars here, from traditional Japanese izakaya to wine bars and Western-style restaurants.
- WHERE: Ginza corridor street runs alongside the Tokyo Metro Yamanote Line and is just a few minutes’ walk from either Shimbashi Station or Yurakucho Station.
28. Explore Trendy Daikanyama
Daikanyama is one of the trendiest districts in Tokyo. It is perhaps best known for its stylish modern architecture and luxury boutiques, as well as a range of independent coffee roasteries, delis, and craft breweries and is also a good spot for a date if you are traveling with your partner.
- WHERE: The neighborhood is a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station, or you can take the Tokyu-Toyoko line and exit at Daikanyama Station.
29. Dine in a Traditional Izakaya
If you want to experience a classic Tokyo night out like a local, find a cozy izakaya for some cheap dinner and drinks before heading to a karaoke booth to sing and drink the night away. Izakaya are a popular type of Japanese establishment that serves a range of drinks and small plates, similar to tapas bars. Typical menu items include a little bit of everything from charcoal-grilled meat skewers to sushi.
- WHERE: A popular izakaya chain in Tokyo is Hanbey, with locations across Tokyo, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. Alternatively, try a group izakaya food tour to experience a range of Japanese dishes across different izakayas.
30. Visit the World’s Biggest Starbucks in Nakameguro
If you’re visiting the area for a walk along the river, you’ll want to take a short detour to see the incredible Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the largest Starbucks in the world. Design features include a huge copper cask that reaches through four floors, a teacup wall, and an origami-style ceiling. The four-storey coffee house serves a wide range of coffees, teas, cocktails, and sweet and savory eats.
- WHERE: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is less than a 10-minute walk from Nakameguro Station, located at 2-19-23 Aobadai, Meguro City.
Spring Must Dos
31. Have a Hanami Party Under the Blossoms
Hanami is the popular custom of flower viewing in Japan, which is closely tied to viewing cherry and plum blossoms during spring. It usually involves bringing drinks and snacks to a cherry blossom site to enjoy with others under the pink trees and can take place during the day or night. For tips and more information on how and where to hold your hanami party, check out my article on how to hanami like a local.
- WHERE: Popular hanami-friendly spaces in central Tokyo include Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen (Alcohol is prohibited), Sumida Park.
32. Stroll Through Ueno Park
If you have some time to visit Ueno, you should also check out some of the local attractions, mostly found around the park location. Ueno Park is a popular spot during cherry blossom season and is also home to six museums, including Tokyo National Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Spend a few hours exploring the museums, before stopping for coffee and cake at one of the parkside cafes.
- WHERE: Ueno Park is large and can be reached and accessed from various stations and entrances, but one of the easiest points of access is from the Park Exit at Ueno Station on the Yamanote Line.
33. Visit the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
If you have time for just one spot to view sakura in spring, make it a trip to Nakameguro for a magical stroll along the Meguro River. This central Tokyo neighborhood is particularly well known for its cherry blossom viewing event which runs either side of the river between late March and early April. The scenic riverside stretch is lined with approximately 800 pink and white sakura trees with plenty of food and drinks stalls along the way.
- WHERE: The Meguro River can be easily reached just a few minutes walk from Nakameguro station on the Hibya line.
34. Try Sakura Themed Desserts or Snacks
You will find many sakura-flavored foods around Japan throughout March and April. Delicate sweet treats such as sakura mochi are popular, as well as different kinds of sakura cakes, and pink sakura-flavored ice cream. And don’t forget to try one of the many sakura-themed drinks that Starbucks Japan offers this time of year.
- WHERE: Many high-end hotels regularly offer elegant strawberry and sakura-flavored all-you-can-eat dessert buffets during springtime. These include Grand Hyatt, Hilton, The Westin, Conrad.
35. Rent a Swan Boat Among Cherry Blossoms in Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji is a nice spot to stroll around during the spring as it’s one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom viewing spots. The park offers visitors plenty to do and has its own shrine and a boating lake where you can hire rowing boats and paddle out into the water to enjoy the pink and white petals floating around the edge of the lake.
- WHERE: The park is just a 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station at the following address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino. It can be easily located as the main road which leads away from the train station goes right through the park.
Summer Must Dos
36. Wear a Yukata & Attend a Local Festival
A yukata is a type of summer kimono worn in casual settings such as a hot springs resort, or outside at firework displays and summer festivals when temperatures run high. They are lighter than regular kimono, and easier to wear, and it is common in Japanese culture to see men and women wearing them as they stroll between the food and drink stalls of local summer festivals.
- WHERE: Purchasing yukata can be intimidating for visitors who aren’t sure what they’re looking for, so why not try this kimono/yukata wearing experience with Viator to take the stress away.
37. Watch a Fireworks Display
The summer months see large crowds of people heading towards Tokyo’s beaches and river banks to admire incredible displays of fireworks. There are many festivals and other celebrations throughout the capital during the summer, so take some time to research what’s happening during your visit.
- WHERE: Check out my Japan in August article for several ideas of fireworks festivals available to attend this summer.
38. Visit a Rooftop Beer Garden
Many cities in Japan, especially Tokyo, open seasonal rooftop beer gardens during the summer months. They offer great opportunities to enjoy a cold beer and eat delicious food with the best view of the city skyline.
They usually offer all-you-can-eat-and-drink packages that include a buffet or BBQ for the guests. You’ll find them on the rooftops of department stores and open-top skyscrapers between May and September, weather permitting.
- WHERE: Wild Beach Shinjuku Tokyo Sky Resort on the rooftop of the Lumine Est building in Shinjuku is open until 10 PM every day from the end of March.
39. Take a Day Trip to the Beach
August is a good time to head to the beach as temperatures continue to rise during the peak of summer. Odaiba Beach is a lovely spot in the city to chill out and enjoy a nice walk across a pristine sandy beach, pick up some snacks and drinks from the convenience store, and relax whilst admiring the views of the Rainbow Bridge and the city across the bay. You can’t swim here though – so head out to Kamakura for the day instead if you want to take a dip in the ocean.
- WHERE: The man-made island of Odaiba is best accessed by the driverless trains on the Yurikamome Line that cross the Rainbow Bridge from Shimbashi Station. The beach will be directly in front of you as you exit at Odaiba-kaihinkōen Station.
40. Eat Kakigori (Shaved Ice Flavored With Syrup)
Cool down during the hot Japanese summer with the popular sweet shaved ice dessert kakigori. Similar to a snowcone, but with a much smoother consistency, this famous dessert often comes flavored with syrup or sweetener and can be decorated with fruits, chocolates, or other candies. Popular flavors include green tea, strawberry, grape, melon, and plum.
- WHERE: Kujira no Ouchi is a popular Japanese dessert cafe close to Tsukiji Fish Market at 4 Chome-10-17 Tsukiji, Chuo City.
Autumn Must Dos
41. Admire Autumn Color Leaves in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the most beautiful parks to visit in Tokyo. Just a 15-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, the large, beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful escape from the busy city. From mid-October through to early December, the autumn foliage viewing season reaches its peak in Tokyo, and trees throughout the garden are filled with stunning shades of red, gold, and orange, drawing thousands of admirers.
- WHERE: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Naitomachi, Shinjuku City.
42. Check Out the Golden Ginko Leaves at Meiji Jingu Gaien
Golden colors appear in Tokyo with the arrival of yellow ginkgo leaves in November. One of the best places in the city to enjoy them is Jingu Gaien, the Ginkgo tree-lined avenue close to Gaienmae station and the site of the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival which has been celebrated every year in November since 1997.
- WHERE: Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, Minato City.
43. Indulge in Desserts at a Halloween Sweets Buffet
The runup to Halloween sees amazing all-you-can-eat Halloween-themed dessert buffets in various hotels and restaurants around Tokyo. The buffets have become very popular among couples and groups of young Japanese women, and many require a reservation in advance.
If you’re looking to check out a Halloween dessert buffet, check out the websites of high-end hotels such as the Hilton and Hyatt properties.
- WHERE: Hilton Tokyo, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City.
44. See Millions of Cosmos Flowers in Showa Kinen Park
Between September and October, Showa Kinen Park becomes one of the largest flower displays in the country as hundreds of thousands of colorful cosmos flowers come alive across its three main fields. Visitors can freely explore the park and enjoy the flowers in full bloom, or take part in cosmos flower-picking events that occur during the weeks-long period.
- WHERE: Showa Kinen Park, Tokyo, end of September to late October, 9:30 to 17:00.
45. Watch the Spooky Parade at Tokyo Disney
During 6 weeks around the Halloween season, Disneyland in Tokyo puts on a spooky Halloween parade featuring Disney characters in Halloween costumes, a haunted mansion experience, fireworks displays, and spooky-themed food, drinks, and desserts. Visitors are encouraged to join the fun by dressing up as their favorite Disney character.
- WHERE: Tokyo Disney Resort, Chiba.
Winter Must Dos
46. See the Blue Cave Illuminations in Shibuya
If you’re in Shibuya during winter, explore the Blue Cave illuminations, one of the most popular and impressive light displays in Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath more than 600,000 blue lights which illuminate trees along the avenue for 800 meters between Koen Dori Street and Yoyogi Park.
- WHERE: Between Koen Dori Street and Yoyogi Park Events Square, Shibuya. December 8th to 25th.
47. Marvel at the Roppongi Midtown Winter Lights
Throughout the winter season, you will find two impressive light displays in the stylish shopping and entertainment districts of Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills. Tokyo Midtown’s Starlight Garden puts on an impressive blue light show like an ocean of light across the garden. In Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka Street offers a romantic boulevard lined with sparkling blue and white trees, making it a popular strolling spot for couples.
- WHERE: Starlight Garden, Akasaka, Minato City, late November to late December. Keyakizaka Street, Roppongi, Minato City, mid-November to late December.
48. Eat Warming Dishes like Nabe and Oden
Nabe and Oden are both types of Japanese hot pot dishes. While nabe is cooked in a round clay dish over a flame and mainly includes a combination of meat, noodles, and vegetables, oden consists of boiled eggs, fishcakes, and vegetables boiled in a soy-flavored broth. Both are extremely popular during the cold winter months and are useful dishes to help warm yourself from the inside.
- WHERE: Try the nabe at Nabezo in Shibuya at the following address: 6F Shibuya Beam, 31-2 Udagawacho, Shibuya.
49. Get Cozy in a Kotatsu Cafe
There’s nothing cozier in wintertime in Japan than a kotatsu table, a low square table which contains a built- in electric heater and covered with a thick blanket that covers the tabletop. One example of a kotatsu cafe is Cafe Stay Happy. The cafe offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. Regular or kotatsu seating is available, making it a perfect spot for a bright winter day.
- WHERE: Cafe Stay Happy is less than a 5-minute walk from Shimo-kitazawa Station at the following address: 2 Chome-29-14 Daizawa, Setagaya City.
50. Visit one of Tokyo’s Christmas Markets
Despite not being officially celebrated in Japan, November in Tokyo kicks off the lead-up to Christmas with the arrival of Christmas markets. You can find them at Roppongi Hills, Yokohama, and the base of the Tokyo Skytree, where a European-style Christmas market offers a variety of hot food and drinks, handmade holiday ornaments, souvenirs, and scheduled live musical performances.
- WHERE: Tokyo Skytree, Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo. 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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