Look, planning things to do in Japan - Tokyo feels like ordering sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant. Too many options flying by, right? I remember standing at Shibuya Crossing feeling completely paralyzed by choice. Should I hunt neon signs in Shinjuku? Join salarymen at tiny ramen joints? Or just get lost in ancient temples?

After visiting Tokyo six times over the past decade (yes, I'm obsessed), let me save you the overwhelm. This isn't some AI-generated listicle. It's the real deal - the good, the crowded, and the "why did I wait so long to try this?" moments.

Tokyo's Heavy Hitters: Iconic Things To Do

You can't talk about things to do in Japan - Tokyo without hitting the classics. But let's be real - some are tourist traps unless you know how to approach them.

Senso-ji Temple: Ancient Vibes Meet Street Food

Yeah, it's crowded. Like, really crowded. But walking through that giant Thunder Gate at sunrise? Pure magic. Pro tip: Hit Nakamise Street before 9am if you hate crowds. Best street snack? Ningyo-yaki (¥300) - mini cakes filled with red bean paste.

Personal gripe? The souvenir shops sell identical mass-produced trinkets. For authentic crafts, walk 10 mins to Kappabashi Street instead.

Shibuya Scramble: Controlled Chaos

Crossing Shibuya intersection feels like being in a human pinball machine. Best viewing spot? Magnet by Shibuya 109's rooftop (¥500 entry, drink included). Avoid weekends - it's pure madness.

My first time? I got stuck mid-crossing when the light changed. Mortifying. Learn from my fail: Walk diagonally towards the Starbucks if you get caught!

Food Adventures: Tokyo's Edible Playground

Seriously, deciding what to eat might be the hardest part of planning things to do in Japan - Tokyo. Forget Michelin stars - the magic happens at street level.

Tsukiji Outer Market: Seafood Wonderland

The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's still buzzing. Go hungry. Must-tries:

• Tamagoyaki (sweet omelette) at Marutake (¥400) - life-changingly fluffy
• Grilled scallops with butter (¥800) from any smoky stall
• Uni don (sea urchin rice bowl) at Sushi Daiwa (¥4,500) - pricey but worth it

📍 Location: 4 Chome-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City
⏰ Hours: 5AM-2PM (most shops close by noon)
🚇 Nearest Station: Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line)

Warning: Some tourist traps sell mediocre sushi at premium prices. Look for queues of Japanese office workers.

Ramen Wars: My Personal Rankings

After 50+ bowls (it's research, okay?), here's my brutally honest take:

Honestly? Skip the famous chains if you see hour-long queues. Random back-alley shops often surprise you.

Quirky Tokyo: Offbeat Things To Do

Beyond temples and sushi, Tokyo's weird side is where memories are made.

Golden Gai: Tiny Bars, Big Stories

Imagine six alleys crammed with 200+ bars, each seating maybe 8 people. My favorite? Deathmatch in Hell (heavy metal bar) and Albatross (chandeliers and cheap wine). Cover charges range ¥500-¥1,500 - always ask!

📍 Location: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
⏰ Hours: 8PM-5AM
🚇 Nearest Station: Shinjuku Station

Pro tip: If a bar has English menus outside, it's tourist-friendly. Others might refuse foreigners - don't take it personally.

Ghibli Museum: Miyazaki Magic

Getting tickets feels like winning the lottery. They sell out months ahead. Why bother? Seeing original animation cels and the giant Catbus will make you tear up.

📍 Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City
⏰ Hours: 10AM-6PM (closed Tuesdays)
🎟️ Tickets: ¥1,000 - MUST BOOK ONLINE MONTHS AHEAD
🚇 Nearest Station: Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line)

Disappointing reality: No photos allowed inside. Total bummer.

Practical Stuff: Tokyo Survival Guide

Nobody tells you these things until you're stuck at Shinjuku Station holding a useless paper map.

Transport Hacks I Learned Hard Way

• SUICA/PASMO cards work everywhere - even vending machines (charge ¥2,000 at stations)
• Google Maps estimates train times perfectly - trust it blindly
• Taxis cost a kidney - ¥700 just to start the meter!
• Last trains leave around midnight - miss it and you're paying ¥5,000+ for taxi

Cash is Still King (Sometimes)

Despite tech reputation, many places only take cash:

• Smaller restaurants
• Temple donations
• Market stalls
• Cover charges at bars

Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs (accept foreign cards) - avoid those sketchy currency exchanges.

Tokyo Neighborhood Deep Dives

Each district has its own personality. Pick based on your vibe:

My personal favorite? Yanaka Ginza. Feels like 1950s Tokyo with stray cats and ¥100 senbei crackers.

Tokyo Burning Questions Answered

These kept popping up when I researched things to do in Japan - Tokyo:

"Can I do Tokyo on a tight budget?"

Absolutely. My broke student trip proved it:

• Business hotel chains like APA Hotel (¥6,000/night)
• Convenience store meals (¥500 bento boxes rock)
• Free attractions: parks, temple grounds, window shopping
• Walk instead of taxi - neighborhoods are closer than maps suggest

"What's the biggest rookie mistake?"

Overpacking your itinerary. Tokyo needs breathing room. My first trip had me sprinting between sights. Now I max out at two major things per day plus wandering.

"Should I get a JR Pass for Tokyo?"

Only if doing day trips outside Tokyo (e.g., Kyoto, Hakone). Within city limits, subway passes are cheaper. Math breakdown:

• JR Pass 7-day: ¥33,000
• Tokyo Subway 72-hour pass: ¥1,500

JR Pass only pays off with long-distance Shinkansen rides.

Seasonal Highlights: When Tokyo Shines

Surprise winner? Winter. Seeing Tokyo with holiday lights while sipping hot amazake beats sweaty summer crowds any day.

Final Reality Check

Look, Tokyo won't be perfect. You'll get lost. Probably overpay for mediocre sushi once. That's okay. The magic happens when you ditch the checklist and follow curiosities.

Like that time I stumbled upon a tiny jazz bar behind Shinjuku Station where salarymen were crying into highballs. Or when an obaa-san taught me proper tea ceremony moves in Ueno. That's the stuff you remember.

So bookmark this for logistics, but leave room for getting gloriously lost. That's the real Tokyo.