Things to do
3 Tanabata festivals to check out in Tokyo this July 4-6 weekend
Colourful streamers, lively parades and a candle-lit temple – Tokyo puts on a show for the Star Festival this weekend
Things to Do
Your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Tokyo
Things to do
If you only do three things in Tokyo… as recommended by Time Out Tokyo editors
Here are our personal favourite restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and attractions in this great metropolis
Things to do
7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo
Escape the city for these family-friendly adventure parks, playgrounds and outdoor attractions
Things to do
5 easy origami classes to try in Tokyo
From cranes to kimonos, try your hand at the Japanese art of paper folding
Shopping
9 best regular and weekly markets in Tokyo
Farmers markets, antique markets, flea markets – the best weekly events in Tokyo for fresh produce, great bargains and more
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What's on in Tokyo
What's new in Tokyo
Things to do
The Mt Fuji climbing season has officially begun
An entry fee of ¥4,000 is required for all visitors throughout the season
Things to do
The 55-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this year
Enjoy stunning fireworks around Lake Kawaguchiko near Mt Fuji on August 5
Things to do
Thousands of lanterns will be floating on the Chidorigafuchi Moat at this festival
For two days only in July, a total of 2,000 glowing lanterns will light up the Tokyo Imperial Palace moat
Things to do
Hello Kitty land in Tokyo will be overrun by zombies this summer
A special after-hours immersive horror event will transform the cutesy theme park into a terrifying escape room
Things to do
Grand Hyatt Tokyo is bringing back its Pokémon rooms and meals for summer
Treat yourself to a tropical beach resort sleepover with Snorlax, Lapras and more adorable Pokémon
Things to do
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory has officially reopened
The free observation deck is now open again – complete with a new souvenir shop and café
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Tokyo by neighbourhood
Things to do
17 best restaurants, cafés, shops and things to do in Nishihara and Hatagaya
These two neighbouring ’hoods are packed with cute cafés, cosy eateries and plenty of charm
Things to do
40 best restaurants, cafés, shops and things to do in Nakameguro
All along the sakura-lined Meguro River, the shops, restaurants and cafés here reward exploration at any time of year
Things to do
40 things to do in Shimokitazawa: restaurants, cafés, coffee, shops and more
This west Tokyo neighbourhood is a hub for vintage fashion, vinyl records and independent cafés and restaurants
Things to do
20 best restaurants, cafés, shops and things to do in Nakano
Just one train stop from Shinjuku, this chilled neighbourhood is famous for anime stores, cosy cafés and casual restaurants
Things to do
50 things to do in Harajuku
Where to shop, eat and drink in Tokyo’s capital of kawaii, from the best fashion boutiques to the trendiest cafés
Things to do
20 best things to do in Koenji: restaurants, cafés, coffee, shops and more
Explore this cool 'hood in Suginami City known for its vintage shopping, underground music scene and hip eateries
Things to do outdoors in Tokyo
Things to do
Best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo
Get out and about – escape the city for these family-friendly adventure parks, playgrounds and outdoor attractions
Things to do
7 most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo
Japanese landscape gardens don't just showcase seasonal beauty; they also seek to recreate an idealised version of nature
Attractions
4 best theme parks and amusement parks in central Tokyo
These four amusement parks are right here in the city, with a whole lot of thrills, rides and attractions for a fun day out
Tokyo attractions
Museums
Best free museums in Tokyo
Here are our favourite free museums in Tokyo for art, history and even kids
Museums
Best museums in Tokyo for kids and families
With arts, science, dinosaurs, robots and the opportunity to drive a shinkansen, these Tokyo museums are perfect for the young and old alike
Things to do
Best places to see incredible views of the Tokyo skyline
Want to see Tokyo from the top? Visit these observation decks for the best views in the capital
Things to do
9 best glamping getaways near Tokyo
These luxury campgrounds in neighbouring Chiba and Saitama prove you don’t have to travel far to get back to nature
Things to do
Best indoor theme parks and amusement parks in Tokyo
Have fun while staying warm at these indoor attractions: meet Hello Kitty, play Lego all day, explore virtual reality, and more
Sports & Fitness
Things to do
The most scenic jogging routes in Tokyo
Get in a good run while sightseeing around Tokyo Bay, Imperial Palace, Asakusa and Nakameguro
Things to do
12 best public swimming pools in Tokyo – from ¥200 per entry
Jump into these cool and cheap local pools in the city – they are open to all swimmers
Things to do
7 best super sento in Tokyo with multiple baths, saunas, cafés and more
Spend a spa day (or night) at these luxurious bathhouses with onsen, saunas, cafés, bars, manga libraries and more
Time Out meets the World
Tokyo meets the World
A Time Out Tokyo interview series with the ambassadors to Japan who call Tokyo home
Things to do
Tokyo meets the world: Tunisia
Talking cultural and culinary discoveries, Olympic memories and the many facets of the Japan-Tunisia relationship with Ambassador Mohamed Elloumi
Things to do
Tokyo meets the world, special edition: cycling in Tokyo
Dutch ambassador Peter van der Vliet and architect Manabu Chiba share their ideas on how to make Tokyo a more bike-friendly city and how to turn Japan into a...
Things to do
Tokyo meets the world: Norway
Ambassador Inga Nyhamar on valuing nature and the environment, the keys to a Nordic-style work-life balance, and where to get a taste of Norwegian pastries and...
Things to do
Tokyo meets the world: Malaysia
Ambassador Dato’ J. Kennedy on where to get the best Malaysian food in Tokyo, why having more halal-certified restaurants is a plus for everyone and why...
Things to do
Tokyo meets the world: Argentina
Recently arrived ambassador Guillermo Hunt shares his first impressions of Tokyo, talks up Japan’s tourism prospects and goes into detail on why...