What to do and see in Tokyo: How I spent a week in Japan’s iconic capital

Tokyo: After spending a week in this amazing city, I totally get why everyone raves about it. It’s a top-notch destination, and the locals really know how to treat it right.

I flew in from Toronto, and wow, I fell head over heels for Tokyo and its culture. Places like Shinjuku and Shibuya reminded me of New York City, but way quieter. No honking horns or loud videos blaring from phones. Then there’s Asakusa, which gives you a real taste of Japan’s history.

Seven days was just enough to scratch the surface of what Tokyo has to offer. I even took a couple of day trips to Kamakura and Hakone to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Here’s what I picked up along the way:

First off, let’s talk about the subway. It’s all about etiquette here. Everything runs like clockwork, and you won’t see anyone chatting on their phones. Eating or drinking on the subway? Not really a thing, and that goes for walking around too.

If you’re not a fan of crowds or have a lot of luggage, steer clear of rush hour, which is from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. That’s when you’ll see station staff in white gloves helping people squeeze onto trains.

The subway runs from 5 a.m. to midnight and can take you anywhere, whether you’re coming from Narita or Haneda Airport. Just a heads up, though: figuring out the fare can be a bit tricky with all the different subway companies.

To make life easier, grab an IC Card. They’re rechargeable and work almost everywhere in the Tokyo area. The Welcome Suica Card is a popular choice among tourists.

You can also use these cards at vending machines and some shops, like convenience stores.

Speaking of convenience stores, they’re a big deal in Japan. Fried chicken is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food options.

It’s not just 7-Elevens; places like Lawson’s and Family Mart are also fantastic. I got a bit too hooked on the fried chicken. For breakfast, I loved grabbing onigiris—rice triangles with all sorts of fillings—and a can of Suntory Boss Coffee.

You can even buy alcohol at these stores, from Sapporo beer to Suntory Whiskey. If you’re planning a long night out, don’t forget to grab an anti-hangover drink like Hepalyse.

In Tokyo, drinking on the street is legal, but you rarely see it. Smoking in public is a no-go, so you’ll need to find designated areas.

Garbage cans are pretty scarce on the streets, so it’s smart to carry a plastic bag. Some convenience stores even have public restrooms with heated toilet seats and bidets.

And don’t forget about the ATMs with low fees. Tokyo still loves cash, so it’s handy to have some yen on you. Just for reference, ¥1,000 is about $9 CAD or $6 USD. Overall, I found that living in Tokyo was about 20% cheaper than in Toronto.

Now, let’s talk about Shinjuku. It’s a massive playground filled with great food, drinks, and fun activities. I was blown away by how much there is to do in such a small area.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Shinjuku was my favorite. Everything is within a kilometer, so I could hit up:

• Bowling alleys open until midnight, then head to batting cages that stay open until 4 a.m.
• All-you-can-drink karaoke spots with private rooms for about ¥2,000 per person. If you miss the last subway home, karaoke is a great way to pass the time until the trains start running again at 5 a.m.
• The Golden Gai area, packed with cozy bars, each with its own theme across six alleyways. As a metal fan, I loved Deathmatch in Hell, where all drinks are ¥666. Just outside this touristy area, Rock Bar Mother was a hit too, where you can request a song with your drink order.

Another cool spot is Omoide-Yokocho, which is all about dining. It’s filled with izakayas where you can enjoy meat skewers, snacks, and draft beer. Just keep in mind there might be seating fees and minimum spend requirements.

For a quick bite, I loved Gyoza No Antei Shinjuku for their dumplings and lively vibe. If you’re craving ramen, Ramen Zundou-ya is open 24/7.

Shinjuku is also known for its red-light district, Kabuki-Cho. You’ll find love hotels and host clubs. If you want to learn more about how these clubs fit into Japanese society, I recommend a night walking tour with Tokyo Localized.

In Kabuki-Cho, you’ll see ads for popular hosts and hostesses. They provide companionship, and host clubs are especially popular.

If you’re after a slower pace, Asakusa is the place to be. It used to be Tokyo’s entertainment district, but now it’s famous for shopping, food, and religious sites.

To really soak in the experience, especially at the Sensō-ji Temple, I suggest joining a free walking tour with Tokyo Localized.

The Sensō-ji Temple is stunning and gave me a real introduction to Buddhism.

You start at the Kaminarimon, with its giant red lantern. After passing through the “Thunder Gate,” you’ll hit Nakamise Shopping Street, where you can find tons of traditional snacks and souvenirs. Keep walking, and you’ll reach the Sensō-ji, the oldest and most popular temple in the city, dating back to the 7th century.

Make sure to participate in the customs, like getting an Omikuji (written fortune) and purifying yourself at the Jokoro, where incense burns in a large vessel. There’s also Temizu, a purification ritual where you cleanse your hands and mouth before entering the main hall, a tradition you’ll also see at Shinto shrines.

Outside the temple, there’s plenty to do. Along with the Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street, you’ll find a unique Uniqlo with cool graphic tees. If you want something more traditional, check out Kimono Oriden for second-hand kimonos. There’s also Asakusa Rox, a nine-story shopping complex, and an underground shopping street.

For foodies, Kappabashi Kitchen Street is a treasure trove for chefs and offers reasonably priced Japanese ceramics. My favorite meal was at Ramen Hayashida, where they serve slow-cooked chicken. For tempura, Akimitsu is a must-try, with traditional seating.

One of the highlights of my trip was taking a sushi-making class in Asakusa. I booked it through Get Your Guide and learned how to make maki and nigiri while enjoying views of the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.

Speaking of the Skytree, I had to check it out since I’m a big fan of the CN Tower. It’s the tallest freestanding tower in the world at 634 meters.

This part felt the most touristy, with packed viewing areas. If you want to avoid the crowds, go early or an hour before sunset for the best views of Tokyo’s skyline. On rare days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

If you’re looking for a free option to see the skyline, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku is a great choice.

Asakusa is also a perfect spot to unwind in an onsen, which are traditional bathhouses with hot spring water. I visited ROX Matsui-yu Spa and felt amazing afterward.

Just a heads up, many onsens don’t allow tattoos due to Yakuza concerns. Plus, you’ll need to be fully naked, which feels like a rite of passage in Japan.

For a solid introduction to Japan’s history, I joined the Original Free Walking Tour Of Tokyo. It starts in Akihabara and goes through Ameyoko, both areas rich in post-World War II history.

The tour takes you to Kanda Myojin, a shrine built in 730 A.D., and then to Ueno Park and Yushima Seido, a former school for Tokugawa officials—basically a samurai university.

I learned that Japan was isolated for nearly 300 years during the Edo period (1603-1868) to block Western influence. Even today, you can see samurai influence, like walking on the left side of the street to avoid sword clashes.

If you’re into anime, manga, and video games, Akihabara is a must-visit. It’s the heart of Japan’s otaku culture and has tons of electronic stores. Even if you’re not into that stuff, the vibe is otherworldly.

One of my favorite spots was the arcade towers like GiGo and Hey, where you can find all kinds of video games spread across multiple floors.

Akihabara also has small shops where you can snag vintage items. I picked up a Blue-Eyes White Dragon Yu-Gi-Oh! card as a souvenir.

And let’s not forget about “kawaii,” the Japanese obsession with cuteness. A fun custom is flashing the peace sign in all your photos.

Shibuya is another lively area, especially at the famous Shibuya Crossing. It’s known for fashion, entertainment, and nightlife.

Shibuya is packed with trendy shops, especially on Takeshita Street, where you’ll see people dressed as anime characters. If you’re a gamer, don’t miss Nintendo Tokyo and the Pokemon Center in the Shibuya Parco building.

As a fan of Tokyo Drift, I had to check out the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. For the best experience, go during rush hour. Nearby, you’ll find the Hachikō Memorial Statue, honoring Japan’s most loyal dog.

For a break from the hustle, visit Meiji Jingu, a serene Shinto shrine nestled in a forest, or Yoyogi Park, a popular cherry blossom spot.

If you’re deciding between Shibuya and Shinjuku for nightlife, Shibuya is more club-oriented, while Shinjuku leans towards bars.

For a day trip, Kamakura is a fantastic option. It’s about an hour from Tokyo and rich in history, being the birthplace of Japan’s first military government.

The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple is a must-see, standing at an impressive 11.4 meters. The Kuzuharaoka Daibutsu Hiking Trail offers stunning views of the city and coastline.

Don’t miss Zeniarai Benten Shrine, where people wash their money, believing it will double. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the city’s most important Shinto shrine, founded by the first shogun of the Kamakura government.

Hokokuji Temple features a beautiful bamboo grove, and Shichirigahama Beach is a popular spot for sunsets, though I missed seeing Mount Fuji due to clouds.

Getting around Kamakura is easy with a solid bus and train system that accepts IC Cards. If you’re up for it, you can also walk, but your feet might regret it later.

Finally, I wrapped up my trip in Hakone, a perfect spot for viewing Mount Fuji. I grabbed sushi, Sapporo, and coffee from a 7-Eleven and enjoyed the view of the mountain, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine.

It was my last day in Tokyo and my three-week adventure in Asia. After a slow morning, I knew I had to make the most of my time and see Mount Fuji one last time.

Hakone is a popular destination for that, and after a 2.5-hour trip to Lake Ashi, I was lucky enough to see the mountain. For a great view, I went to the roof of Hakone’s Branch Office.

Though I didn’t have enough time to explore all of Hakone, it’s a lovely hot springs town with plenty to do, from visiting the Owakudani crater to riding the Hakone ropeway. I’ll definitely have to come back.

Overall, I can’t wait to plan my next trip to Japan. I want to ski in Sapporo, dive deeper into samurai culture in Kyoto, and keep getting lost in the streets of Tokyo, which might just be my new favorite city.

And of course, I’ll be back to climb Mount Fuji someday.