Top 8 things to do in Tokyo

The sun is rising over Japan and Tokyo is slowly waking up… The first rays signal the start of a new day of activities for your holiday. Japan’s rich and deeply-rooted culture is evident in every attraction on offer. Note the omnipresence of anime, culinary rituals and ancient sports!

The best activities in Tokyo exude authenticity. That’s right, even the most seemingly childish experiences are an integral part of the national culture.

When you’re enjoying Tokyo, you’ll sometimes feel like immersing yourself in a bubble of zenitude. Stop time at a tea ceremony, visit the parks during the cherry blossom season or escape for a day to Mount Fuji.

There’s no doubt that the activities in Tokyo will take you from extreme tranquillity to high stimulation. So, whether you prefer to stay outdoors or deep in the temples of entertainment, here are our ideas for activities and experiences in Tokyo.

What to do in Tokyo? 8 ideas for activities

Have you noticed how gastronomy is such a big part of Tokyo’s entertainment scene? That’s because so much of the country’s history is hidden in a bowl of ramen. Tokyo’s culinary heritage is a testament to centuries-old know-how and preserved recipes. For this reason, culinary tours are multiplying and traditional cooking classes are becoming more popular every year. From street food to upmarket restaurants and fresh produce markets, every dish in Tokyo has a story to tell!

1. Dress up for go-karting in central Tokyo

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: Put on the costume of your favourite character for a unique go-karting session! This open-air experience will take you to the centre of Tokyo, through the iconic districts of Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya. Your guide will lead the way and make sure you don’t miss any of the ‘must-sees’ along the way. Because an experience like this in Tokyo deserves to be immortalised. That’s why your guide will take plenty of photos of your unusual excursion and give them to you at the end of the tour. This activity is one of the most iconic and popular with travellers in central Tokyo. You’ll never get the chance to feel like you’re in a video game again!

Good to know: To drive in Japan, you’ll need an international driving licence. Make sure you apply for one before you take off for the Land of the Rising Sun.

2. Take an excursion to Mount Fuji

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: One of Japan’s great icons is Mount Fuji. This majestic, snow-capped mountain is one of the most iconic in the world. Take advantage of this day trip from Tokyo to reach Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll explore the surrounding tourist sites, several lakes and various parks… All with the almost immaculate mountain as a backdrop.

3. Go on a special culinary ramen tour

Category : €€€ / Unusual / Gastronomic

Description: A trip to Japan is bound to be synonymous with great culinary discoveries. Take advantage of this gourmet tour of Tokyo to discover ramen recipes in three of the city’s unique districts, including Shibuya. Enjoy ramen with light fish, curry or fusion pork. You’ll also discover new flavours, different types of ramen and preparation methods during this tasting of 6 exclusive mini-bowls. This excursion promises to be full of authentic flavours.

4. Experience samurai in a dojo

Category: €€€ / Sensations / Sporty

Description: Enter a real dojo to immerse yourself in ancient Japanese culture. You’ll take part in an authentic workshop with several adrenaline rushes. Put on a training suit and learn various samurai sword techniques. With clean, precise strokes, you’ll slice through a pole like a Japanese warrior!

5. Relax with a tea ceremony

Category : €€ / Cultural

Description: The Japanese tea ceremony is a rich cultural experience. Performed in the purest tradition, this artistic ceremony will also open the doors to Zen Buddhism. You’ll taste matcha green tea and a range of Japanese sweets. After the first demonstration, try your hand at recreating the ceremony yourself, with step-by-step guidance.

6. Taste the flavours of Tsukiji market

Category : €€€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: In Tokyo, don’t miss exploring this temple of seafood! This cultural and gastronomic tour will take you through the aisles of two emblematic markets: the Tsukiji fish market and the Uogashi wholesale market. The few hours of your visit will be punctuated by stories. You’ll gradually get a taste of Japanese food, prepared on the spot using fresh produce. To whet your appetite, you’ll take a big bite out of sushi, fresh tuna and perfect omelettes.

7. Sword handling in a samurai kendo class

Category : €€€ / Sports

Description: Feel the “way of the sword” during this traditional activity in Tokyo. Kendo is the martial art of the samurai and one of the few to include real combat. Even beginners won’t break the rule! Explore a dojo of tranquillity, where respect for Japanese etiquette is de rigueur. You’ll be pitted against each other with bamboo swords, and you’ll be able to let off steam in complete safety with your friends and family.

8. Learn to cook many Japanese dishes

Category: €€ / Gastronomic

Description: Here we go for a 3-hour traditional cooking session! Thanks to your friendly and educational culinary instructors, you will be introduced to the preparation of 8 recipes, including a main course based on wagyu meat. Prepare and enjoy a Japanese menu from A to Z, using seasonal ingredients with surprising colours, flavours and textures. As you prepare each dish, you’ll also learn about the culture that surrounds it.