88 things to do in Tokyo

Hop aboard a swimming bus… and 87 other great things to do in Tokyo. Whether you're watching bikini-clad women battle it out with robots or seeing the sights from the sky, there's always something going on in the neon city. Time Out Tokyo has your ultimate guide.

1. Celebrate an icon’s centenary…

December 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of Tokyo Station whose red-brick facade is a prominent reminder of Japan’s rush to modernisation in the early 20th century – and it’s looking even better after its six-year restoration, completed in 2012.
Tokyo Station map and details

2. Buy a small piece of Shibuya…

Only have eyes for Shibuya? Express your feelings with a Hachiko-themed souvenir or pick up other fun knickknacks at this shop that also sells stuff like brilliant shuriken-shaped earrings.
Shibuya Souvenir Shop map and opening hours

3. Climb Tokyo's tallest tower...

Opened in May 2012, the 634m Tokyo Skytree currently ranks as the world’s tallest tower, and its 450m observatory – not coincidentally – is the capital’s most in-demand tourist destination.
Tokyo Skytree map and opening hours

4. Learn to speak the language…

This innovative school offers one-off survival Japanese classes for beginners, in addition to their standard fare of intensive courses and cultural experience classes like tea ceremony, manga and pottery. Book the day before.
GenkiJACS map and opening hours

5. Shop till you drop...

Nestled inside Marunouchi’s glittering new Japan Post Tower, the Kitte complex features a wealth of restaurants, fashion and lifestyle stores, as well as a rather lovely rooftop garden.
Kitte map and opening hours

6. Tuck into some plastic food…

In the heart of Asakusa’s Kappabashi ‘Kitchen Town’ district, you’ll find this shrine to the art of plastic food replicas – also available in keyrings and phone straps that make great gifts.
Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya map and opening hours

7. Play ‘80s video games…

Longing for some good ‘ol Super Nintendo action? This Shinjuku café is heaven for every ‘80s video game fan. Besides the classic consoles, it serves drinks like ‘Princess Peach’s Temptation’ and ‘Dr Mario’.
8bit Cafe map and opening hours

8. Pick up a trendy tenugui…

Tenugui – traditional Japanese hand towels made from dyed cotton cloth – have been coming back in vogue and here you’ll find classic patterns and seasonal motifs like traditional dolls, flying carp pennants and fireworks.
Kamawanu map and opening hours

9. Put your beer goggles on…

If you want to explore the world of Japanese craft beer, the ever-convivial Popeye is the place to start – though with 70 microbrews on tap, you may find the choice a little overwhelming.
Popeye map and opening hours

10. Browse 10 million books...

It’s easy to lose a few hours (if only that) rummaging around in Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighbourhood, a bibliophile nirvana that’s home to some 180 second-hand bookshops.
Jimbocho Book Town map and opening hours