Asia Chevron. Japan Chevron. Tokyo Chevron. Deciding on the best things to do in Tokyo depends how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. This megacity has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a word of advice: Arrive with a game plan, but give in to getting lost along the way in a good way.
These are the very best things to do in Tokyo, according to a local expert. Read our complete Tokyo travel guide here , which includes:. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Once home to Edo-period rice granaries that drew wealthy merchants to its streets, Kuramae has evolved into Tokyo's newest creative hub.
The riverside neighborhood maintains its craftsman spirit while welcoming a new generation of designers, distillers, and culinary innovators who are transforming former warehouses into buzzing creative spaces. The vibe is distinctly local and laid back, with narrow streets where traditional workshops sit comfortably alongside sleek, modern boutiques.
Unlike Tokyo's more hectic districts, Kuramae moves at a gentler pace, perfect for leisurely browsing. Don't miss Tokyo Riverside Distillery, where innovative spirits like their "Revive" gin distilled from leftover beer can be sampled at the sophisticated upstairs bar, Stage, or from the street-side counter.
This place is perfect for creative souls who prefer discovering emerging neighborhoods to checking off tourist destinations. A year-old wooden bartop salvaged from a Nagano temple anchors the space, while a disco ball and panther-print Gucci wallpaper behind the banquettes set a playful tone. Colorful maneki-neko lucky cats stand guard among the bottles; a custom Godzilla sake dispenser looms above the antique bar.
