Even for the biggest theme park fans, visiting Tokyo should be more than just visiting Tokyo Disney Resort. While those two parks are an integral part of the experience, at least to us, there’s so much more to explore in the biggest city in the world. In this post, we’re taking a break from the theme parks and sharing our favorite places in Tokyo.

I’ve added the ‘so far’ misnomer to the title because we’ve barely scratched the surface of Tokyo. We’ve spent plenty of time there but the city is vast and offers so many possibilities that it’s hard to feel like you’ve made any progress. For a mark things off the checklist traveler, that can be frustrating. But if you’re a fan of just seeing cool stuff, Tokyo is thrilling.

I fall somewhere in the middle of those types of travelers and have had to shift my mindset while visiting Tokyo. Kyoto is easier for me to grasp and I actually prefer that city (here’s our post about our favorite spots there). Paralysis by analysis can be very real here, as the literal or metaphorical neon lights can pull you in any direction. I’ve enjoyed the city more as I’ve just let myself be pulled instead of sticking to a strict itinerary. Don’t get me wrong, Melissa and I usually plan a meal and activity per day. But we leave lots of time for walking and stopping in whatever catches our eye.

This list of places is a little counterintuitive to wandering. But there’s a balance to be struck. With so many districts and different spots in Tokyo, coming in without at least a little bit of a plan can be overwhelming and end up feeling like a waste of a day.

Our list, which will grow over the years, includes a mix of food and activities. There are some Tokyo tourist areas that we’ve been to that didn’t make the list. We liked Tokyo Skytree but not enough to highly recommend it. Senso-ji Temple isn’t far from the Skytree and I wouldn’t recommend going, especially if you’re visiting temples in Kyoto. Takeshita Street in Harajuka is interesting but felt more like a tourist trap than other crowded spots in Tokyo. That said, everyone has different preferences and there hasn’t been a spot in Tokyo that I actively dislike. Let’s get to my favorites!

Shinjuku

I’m starting with Shinjuku, which is neither a restaurant or activity but rather a whole district of Tokyo. If I could only visit one district in the city, this would be it. The Kabukichō area is a specific favorite, with niche shops and great restaurants around every corner of this close quartered street. Godzilla rests above it all, keeping watch of everyone (or being menacing, depending on your lore preference). Steps away from the monster is Golden Gai, even tighter streets with over 200 tiny bars and restaurants.

Going broader, Shinjuku is home to some of the best shopping and dining in the world. There’s museums, over-the-top shows and gardens (more on that below). The area is certainly crowded but has always struck me as more lively than overwhelming. Pop into an arcade to play some games, have the best meal of your life or explore some beautiful nature areas. There’s even a 37,000 seat baseball stadium somewhere in there! Shinjuku has it all.

TeamLab Planets

This interactive and immersive art museum can be seen as Instagram fodder for some. I mean, you’ll certainly want to post pictures of this place on Instagram. The experience was far more than that to us though. Being lovers of immersive design in theme parks, the different exhibits were right up our alley. Whether that was millions of hanging lights or projections into the ankle deep water you’re walking in, we were swept up in the experience. Don’t miss the orchid room!

Seirinkan

This restaurant offers some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. While you may think it’s a little strange to go to Japan and have pizza, the city is so large that quality restaurants rise to the top regardless of style. Seirinkan specializes in Neapolitan pizza with an emphasis on the delicious crust. The restaurant, which resides in Meguro City, has a steampunk design with nods to The Beatles all over. That all makes for a strange, delicious combo. Get there a few minutes before Seirinkan opens, as the restaurant doesn’t offer reservations.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Once home to the famous tuna auctions (those have moved to Toyosu), the gigantic Outer Market in Tsukiji is still very much alive. A word of warning – this place will likely be packed and walking through the tight alleys can be claustrophobic. But the reward is an exciting market with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever try. The flame broiled scallops are a favorite of mine but it’s hard to go wrong with anything you eat here.

Shopping!

I don’t know if I should be proud or ashamed of being one of those people that’s gone to Japan with a half empty suitcase. There’s not a better place in the world to fill that suitcase up than Tokyo. I’ve already mentioned the shopping in Shinjuku. Parts of Shibuya and Harajuku have a similar vibe with thrift shops, luxury brands and everything in between. Ginza is home to high-end shopping and Akihabara has more tech shopping than anyone could imagine. The list could keep going but you get the point. If you want something, Tokyo has it. My favorite spot is the 12-story UNIQLO in Ginza, where I’ve spent an entire afternoon.

Sushi!

Whether you love sushi before going to Japan or not, forgoing it in Tokyo would be a mistake. The fish quality is a step above and the artistry in hand-crafted rolls, nigiri and sashimi is something to behold. You could spend as much or as little as you want on sushi in Tokyo. Even the conveyor belt locations generally offer some good options. But paying a little more might be worth your while. My favorite spot we’ve visited in Tokyo so far is Yoshino Sushi Honten in Nihonbashi, which opened in 1879. Bullpen is another favorite. There are countless options though.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

If you’re looking for a nice escape from the hustle and bustle, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is beautiful. There’s a lot of space to walk around or relax for a while. This is one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms or fall colors. The grounds are a 10 minute walk away from Shinjuku Station, convenient for an afternoon break from shopping.

Tokyo Dome

I couldn’t decide whether to title this one ‘Tokyo Dome’ or ‘Baseball Game’. Going to a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome has been one of my favorite experiences in Japan so far. The crowd interactions are different from what you’ll find stateside and the Tokyo Dome infrastructure and food are fun to explore. I think it’d be a blast to go to a game in Shinjuku, as well. But I loved the event enough to think that seeing anything in the Tokyo Dome would be fascinating. Tokyo Dome City (the surrounding area) is fun, albeit a little heavy on the tourist side of things.

Ukiyo

In the relatively quiet streets of Yoyogi Uehara is where you’ll find this modern restaurant. Ukiyo’s design is minimalistic and sleek to pair with incredible flavors. We went for lunch, which offers an incredible deal of 4 courses for 6,000 yen. Dinners are more elaborate (10 courses). This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. From the service to the quality of the food, everything was exemplary. If you’re looking for a quieter meal with exceptional food, Ukiyo is a great way to go.

Shibuya Crossing

You’ve probably heard of this one! For all of the anxiety that Shibuya Crossing (also known as Shibuya Scramble) induces, there’s something about the famed crosswalk that I can’t help but love. Maybe it’s the controlled chaos of so many people crossing a street without running into each other. Maybe it’s because I like to see if I can do a full loop in one green walking light. Whatever it is, I love Shibuya Crossing. The surrounding area features a bunch of restaurants and shopping that are worth exploring too!

Higuma Doughnuts

Everyone loves a good doughnut, it doesn’t matter what country you’re in! Higuma Doughnuts has a few locations throughout Tokyo. Our favorite location is Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights, because then I can add in a latte to the order! These are no frills to their doughnuts, sourcing the simple ingredients from Hokkaido. But they taste so fresh and melt in your mouth. Plus, they have a bear in their logo so I love them all the more!

What Tokyo spots are you most interested in? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below. Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? Check out our planning guide to help you along the way! If you enjoy what you’re reading here on Wandering in Disney please subscribe to the blog and like our Facebook page. You can find both of those on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!