Things to Do in Tokyo

Ryōgoku Kokugikan

The largest sumo arena in Japan with a capacity for 10,000 spectators, this is where grand tournaments or ''basho'' are held in January, May and September, starting on the second Sunday of the month. These tournaments last for 15 days, and are filled with ceremony and ritual which observe strict hierarchies not just for the wrestlers, but also for the referees and callers. The competition each day begins around 9AM with the amateurs, and from there, wrestlers compete in progressing order of seniority. The professional wrestlers start around 2:35PM, but the excitement begins when the top division ''makuuchi'' (幕内) enter the ring in the ''dohyō-iri'' (土俵入り) ceremony at 3:50PM. The tournament culminates when the high-rank ''yokozuna'' (横綱) and ''ozeki'' (大関) have their bouts, around 6PM. If you have seats far from the ring, but arrive early, it is possible to borrow some seats close to the ring until mid-afternoon, when most spectators begin to arrive. English pamphlets describing the day's program and sumo in general are available, and radios with live English commentary can be rented. Food is available inside, at somewhat inflated prices. There are now signs prohibiting you from bringing in outside food and drink, but enforcement is spotty.

1-3-28 Yokoami

Advance-booking Western-style chairs on the second floor are ¥3,600, ¥4,900 and ¥8,400; Japanese-style box seats on the first floor are ¥9,200, ¥10,300 and ¥11,300. These can be purchased at ticket outlets and convenience stores, starting the month before the match. You can buy unsold seats on the day of the tournament for ¥2,100, but only at the Kokugikan box office

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Namja Town

The Namja Town has many attractions. For example there are some Japanese style haunted houses, interactive 1964 shooting games, egg-raising game(the whole process is quite similar to raising a child, where you will need to take the egg to toilets, restaurants, and hospitals, until after a certain point. Then you can take the eggs to play games. This is quite a 'couply' game to do). And there are big food shops – the gyoza stadium, the ice cream city, and the dessert empire of Tokyo. If customers buy the 3,900 yen(3,300 yen for under 18) "Namja Passport" tickets, they can enjoy 14 attractions and visit food shops. Night passport, which you can get for 2,500 yen(2,000 yen for under 18), is available after 5pm. But if you want to visit the food shops only, you buy the 300 yen "Namja Entry" tickets. The attractions range from 600 yen to 1000 yen in price each. Namja Town is not very friendly to non-Japanese speakers. English translations are only present in few places and most of the game require you to answer a few questions, totally in Japanese. To fully enjoy this unique theme park, proficiency in Japanese language is very important. That being said, you definitely can still have fun even if you only speak English.

Ikebukuro

10:00-22:00

Tsukiji Fish Market

More properly the '''Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market''', the famous market is worth a visit for 1600 stalls of bizarre sea creatures, including large blue fin tuna, live shell fish, deep sea crabs, eels and salmon. As you might expect everything is covered in slippery sea water, so choose footwear accordingly. To avoid obstructing traffic, you should not bring large bags or suitcases. Also, watch out for water (often with blood) splashing from containers being moved. It is very busy but the locals don't mind visitors and photographs (no flash), as long as you stay out of the way and don't get in the way of business. Get here as early as possible, which means a taxi if you want to see the auctions, but much cheaper and quite acceptable alternative is to take the first subway in the morning around 6. Hibiya line Tsukiji station is a short walk away, while O-Edo line Tsukiji-shijo drops you right next to the action. While the market stays open until 1PM, the action drops off after 8AM and many shops close after 10AM or so. Note that the '''wholesale market''' inside Tsukiji is '''off-limits''' to visitors until after 9 AM, although visitors are welcome to visit the outside market when it opens from 5 AM.

5-2-1 Tsukiji

Outer Market 5 AM-1 PM, Wholesale Market 9 AM-1 PM, Tuna Auction 5 AM-6:15 AM; closed Sundays, holidays, and the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Free

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Edo-Tokyo Museum

One of the best museums in Tokyo, and that's saying something, this bizarre multi-story edifice suspended in midair and bearing not a small resemblance to a Star Wars Imperial Walker (meant to be a replica of an old raised warehouse) covers the history of the metropolis, starting from 1590 when it was selected as Japan's new capital Edo, all the way through the Kanto earthquake and firebombings of World War II. The museum is built with the latest technology including life-size replicas of entire buildings and the Nihombashi Bridge. Free informative tours are available in several languages, depending on which volunteers are around; audio guides in several languages always available. Pair it up with a visit to the more intimately sized Fukagawa Edo Museum in nearby Kōtō ward, just a couple of stops away on the Toei Ōedo subway line.

1-4-1 Yokoami

9:30AM-5:30PM Tue-Sun; Sat until 7:30PM. Closed Mondays except during holidays or sumo tournament matches at nearby Ryōgoku.

¥600

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Kabukiza Theater

The best way to see traditional Japanese theater is to go to Kabuki-za for a single act, or ''hitomaku-mi'', which lasts between one and two hours. This costs around ¥800, depending on the length, and seating is on the fourth floor. An English audio guide describes the play while you watch, it is worthwhile at ¥700. You can also see the complete kabuki play, but this is a lengthy affair, and ticket prices can range from ¥4000 to ¥20,000. If it's around mealtime, pick up a ''bento'' at one of the local shops and take it in. The current Kabukiza Theater opened its doors in 2013, replacing the previous building which stood from 1950 to 2010.

4-12-15 Ginza, near the corner of Showa-dori and Harumi-dori

¥4000–¥20,000

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Ōedo-Onsen-Monogatari

Tokyo's newest and largest (artificial) hot spring complex, done up in Edo-era (1800s) style and featuring an endless array of bathtubs of all temperatures and flavors- including: ''uchiyu'' (insidebath), ''iwa-buro'' (an outdoor rock bath), ''ashiyu'' (a foot bath) and ''suna-buro'' (sand bath, separately charged). There are plenty of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops inside, and resting rooms for sleeping too. Unfortunately, there is no way you can get in if you have any tattoo, no matter how small it is. You'll get a wrist tag on entry, which acts as your wallet while inside, so anything you buy is paid when you leave.

2-57 Aomi, Koto-ku

11AM-8AM daily

Entrance a fairly steep ¥2827, discounted to ¥1987 after 6PM, but beware the ¥1575 late night surcharge after 2AM

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Manten

There is a planetarium called Manten in the Sunshine city. This planetarium shows three types of programs and repeats them in a day. These three types of programs are called The Planetarium Program, The CG Planetarium Program, The Healing Program. The Planetarium Program shows some themes of programs with Japanese famous musicians. The CG Planetarium Program shows some science programs, for example the mystery of black hall. The Healing Program shows programs relax people. Some aromas are changed when scenes are changed. These programs are changed regularly.

Ikebukuro

1000-1300 yen

Wadabori Park

is a large park in Omiya that runs along Zenpukuji River. It is a popular place for groups and families to barbecue. There is a small pond, restaurant, and fishing tanks. There is also a children's park for bicycle training in a safe area with street signs and traffic signals. There is a traditional thatched roof house near the park as well. Kingfishers have their habitats in this area which is very rare in a city life. It's a fifteen minute walk from Nishieifuku Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, parking facilities available.

Shiokaze Park

Just next to Nikkō and Le Meridien hotels this park is the largest in the area. The southern corner, close to the ventilation tower of the highway, features a barbecue place highly popular during the warmer season. Barbecue equipment and tools as well as ingredients available for rent, reservation may be required during main seasons (see phone number). The park farther to the south is Higashi-yashio Park (東八潮公園), home to the Fune no kagakukan maritime museum.

1-2 Higashi-Yashio, Shinagawa-ku

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Odaiba Marine Park

Features one of two beaches in mainland Tokyo, but swimming is forbidden and not recommended anyway as the water is rather polluted. Along the beach runs a boardwalk dotted with couples, as this is considered the most romantic spot in Tokyo. The park also contains a copy of the Statue of Liberty, more popular than one might think. Have a picnic on ''Dai-San Daiba'' (第三台場 ''No. 3 Battery''), located nearby and now turned into a pleasant little park.

1-4 Daiba, Minato-ku

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Hikarigaoka Park

One of the larger parks in Tokyo. It was originally left over land from a U.S. military base. The park has extensive open, grassy areas for picnics, frisbee and the like. There is also a large public pool, and a gym, a bird-watching center, a small water play area, tennis courts, archery, a baseball diamond and other facilities. A number of festivals and flea markets and special events are often held in the park (or near it) year round as well.

4-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku

Tsukiji Outer Market + Fishmarket Alley in Inner Market

Both the Outer Market of the Tsukiji Fish Market and the retail area of the Inner Market (''Uogashi yokochō,'' “Fishmarket Alley” – the same set of alleys housing Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi) contain a bewildering array of shops. One shop carries nothing but dried seaweed, another knives, another is just bowls of all shapes and sizes! After you've had your sushi breakfast, wander around these shops and pick up something interesting.

Tokyo SkyTree

Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Sky Tree stands tall over the old Sumida ward as the newest symbol of Tokyo and the world's tallest self-supporting tower. It is the primary location from which digital television broadcast signals in Tokyo are transmitted from. The tower's LED lighting system uses a different color scheme every night. The SkyTree is complemented by a shopping complex, Tokyo Skytree Town.

1-1-2 Oshiage

Daily 8:00-22:00

Adults ¥2060-2570 to the main deck, additional ¥1030 to the upper deck. International visitors can purchase fast track tickets to the main deck from the Fast Skytree Ticket Counter on the 4th floor for ¥2820 (Passport required)

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Virgin Toho Cinemas

If you are going to put down the going rate of nearly ¥1800 for a movie in Tokyo, this is the place to do it. Only ¥1000 every 1st and 14th of the month for normal screens. The nine-screen cinema has futuristic decor, THX and reserved seating. On Fridays and Saturdays this theater is open all night, so you can catch a movie if you are staying out late and are planning to catch the morning train.

Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka

09:00–01:00 daily

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Sanja Matsuri

Organized at Asakusa Jinja yearly on the third weekend in May, this is Tokyo's largest festival (''matsuri'') and attracts up to 2 million spectators. The main event is a procession known as '''Daigyōretsu''', when traditional performers and musicians parade through the streets, while on the next two days portable shrines (''mikoshi'') are carried to and from the temple for purification.

Tokyo Kōenji Awa Odori

The Tokyo Kōenji Awa Odori is held yearly on the last Saturday and Sunday in August. About 1.2 million people show up to eat, drink and watch 188 groups (or 12,000 dancers) perform Awa dance to lively music and parade through the nine routes set up along the Shotengai station-front street. It is the second largest Awa Odori festival in Japan, after Tokushima.

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori & Azabujuban Noryo Festival

Locals dance around drums in Japanese yukata dress in the Arena part of Roppongi Hills, expect Doraemon to make a surprise appearance to the delight of the kids. Continue your walk to the adjacent Azabujuban main street where all of the usually expensive restaurants set up a great variety of stalls and sell delicious food at reasonable prices.

Every year at the end of August 17:00-21:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Free

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Sumo Museum

A small, quirky museum tucked inside the arena's first floor, dedicated to the history of sumo, particularly artifacts and ceremonial clothing — unfortunately, almost entirely in Japanese only. The collection rotates several times a year. During sumo tournaments, it is open daily, but only to tournament ticket holders.

first floor of the Ryogoku Kokugikan

10AM-4:30PM weekdays only; closed weekends and holidays

Free

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Held on the last Saturday of August. The street parade, which features thousands of participants from all over Japan, is held in the afternoon around Sensoji, and there are some stage shows in the evening. The event started in 1981, it's the biggest party of the year for the many Japanese-Brazilian residents of Tokyo.

Niwa-no-yu

A large, upscale ''sento'' adjacent to Toshimaen which features indoor and outdoor baths, Roman steam rooms, Finnish saunas, a large indoor pool (bring your bathing suit), and an upstairs area with food, drinks, massages, and relaxation chairs (food, drinks, and massages cost extra). Children not permitted.

3-25-1 Kouyama, Nerima-ku

10AM–11PM

¥2250 before 9PM, ¥1260 after

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Shinjuku Piccadilly

Shinjuku Piccadilly is the newest movie theater in Shinjuku. The theater features stadium seating and "platinum" seating. Platinum seating ranges from a semi-private room, including a private lounge (¥5000 per person) to a private room, including a relaxation room (¥30,000 for 2 people).

Shinjuku 3-15-5

¥1800

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Karaoke and live stage

A karaoke box in Toshimaen. When you enter the room, choose your favorite songs and sing it. If you look for song and put it's number to karaoke machine, music without voice is being played so you can sing with music. And you can eat many kind of foods and drink.

4-15-15 Nerima, Nerima-ku

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Hanayashiki

Next to the Sensoji temple grounds is this small and somewhat lackluster carnival complex with rides, booths, and games. The neighborhood theatre specializes in showing classic Japanese films, as many of the tourists are elderly Japanese.

Kōen-ji

Has many used clothing and other shops and restaurants, as well as "live houses" where bands play all genres of music. After the war many temples and shrines were moved here and now there are many walking tours to visit them.

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Tollywood

This small theater (46 seats) specializes in independent short films, mostly Japanese. The films aren't dubbed or subtitled of course, but they're so offbeat and often bizarre that you're sure to have a good time anyway.

Daizawa 5-32-5 2F

Fitness Gym ARF

This sport club operates on a ticket system so it is convenient for visitors. Rental sportswear and shoes are available. Notably, this is one gym which allows ''tattooed'' users — a rarity in Tokyo.

141-0031 Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku-Nishi Gotanda 8-4-13, U-Port B1F

Tamagawa River

It stretches from Haneda Airport to Kawasaki city and beyond. A great place for a jog or a bicycle ride with the locals. Best time to see it is in spring when all the cherry trees are in bloom.

Free

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Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau

This center serves foreign residents and long-term visitors. Also houses immigration detention. If going in the morning, get there early because a line forms outside long before opening hours.

M-F 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM

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TV Asahi

Headquarters of the television network that created Doraemon. Visit the mini-museum, complete with full-size models of the Doraemon world and of other popular Japanese TV shows.

Roppongi 6-9-1

10:00–18:00

free

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Fire Museum

Three fire fighting helicopters, ten trucks, and 3 floors of exhibitions. Very popular with kids, who can wear fire fighting clothes and ride some of the helicopters and trucks.

Yotsuya 4-10

09:30-17:00, closed on Mondays

Free

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Kuhonbutsu River Green Street

Take a date, canine friend, or both for an afternoon stroll from Jiyugaoka to Kuhonbutsu. Lined with cherry trees (wonderful in spring), benches, shops and sidewalk cafes.

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Toshimaen

An amusement park aimed at children with a merry-go-round, small roller coasters, and other carnival-type rides, as well as seven swimming pools with water slides.

3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima-ku

Hours vary, see web site; most often 10AM-4PM or 6PM, closed most Tu and W

¥1000, ¥500 children, plus ¥400 per ride; a free pass for all the rides is ¥3800 for adults and ¥2800 for children. Admission to the water park is ¥4000 for adults and ¥3000 for children

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Mandarake

One of the newest in the Mandarake chain of used anime/manga goods stores, the Ikebukuro branch specializes in doujinshi, in particular doujinshi for girls.

Lions Mansion Ikebukuro B1F, 3-15-2 Higashi-ikebukuro

Karaokekan

Karaokekan is a large chain of karaoke shops. They have rooms available from one person up to a large party. All you can drink set menus are available.

Various locations

Cinem@rt

335 seats total. Mondays are Men's Days, when men can watch movies for ¥1000. Wednesdays are Ladies' Days, when ladies can watch movies for only ¥1000.

Shinjuku 3-13-3, Shinjuku Building 6,7F

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Takanawa Catholic Church

This modern church rebuilt on a historic site is handicapped-accessible and has Sunday Mass in English on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1PM.

Minato-ku, Takanawa 4-7-1

KidZania Tokyo

"A land of kids, by kids, for kids" - where children can experience their favorite job and learn about the social system while having fun.

Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu, North Port 3rd floor 33200 2-4-9 Toyosu Kōtō-ku

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Tokyo Toy Museum

An old school filled with toys and fun small houses. Accompanying adults won't get bored, thanks to the variety of toys around.

Yotsuya 4-20

10:00-16:00, closed on Thursdays

¥500 per child, ¥700 per adult

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Wald 9

Part of the new generation of movie theaters in Tokyo. It features stadium seating, a small gift shop, and clean theaters.

Shinjuku 3-1-26

¥1800

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Roppongi Art Night

Modern art invades the whole area from afternoon to the next morning. Many interactive exhibits, fun for kids too.

Every year on a Saturday at the end of March, 17:00-05:00

Free

Epson Aqua Stadium

Aquarium with dolphin and seal shows and hundreds of species of fish. There is also a carousel ride.

Minato-ku, Takanawa 4-10-30

M-F 12-10PM; Sa 10AM-10PM; SU and holidays 10AM-9PM

Adults ¥1,800; Elementary and middle school students ¥1,000; Kids over 4 years old ¥600

Tokyo Kūa

The self-proclaimed first sauna and spa in Japan, still going strong. Open ''for men only''.

right under the Yaesu entrance to Tokyo Station

Daily 6AM-11PM

Entry ¥2300

Tokyo Water Cruise

Plies the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay between Hamamatsucho, Odaiba, Asakusa and other points.

Fares vary depending on routing

Okuraland

Here you can go bowling or practice your golf swing. There are also batting cages.

Sakura 3-24-1

Ikefukuro

A statue of an owl near the east exit. Many people use this as a meeting spot.

Ikebukuro

Tokyo Leisure Land

Another amusement center: arcade games, billiard, bowling, karaoke, etc.

1 Aomi, Koto-ku

Partly open for 24 hours

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Amuse Musical Theater

Musicals in the theater where Blue Man Group did 1400 performances.

Roppongi 5-11-12

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Boy and Girl Mylord

Boy and Girl is a hair salon where you can also get spa treatments.

Nishi-Shinjuku 1-1-3 Mylord 4F

Yoyogi Park

Has a bike path and bicycle rentals are available.

VIRGO

Actresses and models sometimes use this salon.

2-32-3 Jingumae

Animate

Lots of new anime/manga-related merchandise.

Ikebukuro

K-Books

Good selection of anime, manga, and posters.

Ikebukuro

Joypolis

A giant game center / amusement arcade.

1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku

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Kadokawa Cinema Shinjuku

Old cultural history theater.

Shinjuku 3-13-3, Shinjuku Culture Bldg. 4・5F