Tokyo Bucket List: 11 Iconic Experiences You Can’t Miss

Tokyo is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering a thrilling mix of culture, cuisine, and cutting-edge experiences. Whether you’re indulging in a mind-blowing omakase meal, capturing memories in a traditional kimono photoshoot, or karting through its streets, Tokyo never stops surprising. We dove deep into the heart of this vibrant city, uncovering unforgettable moments that range from high-end dining to cultural adventures, ensuring our time here was nothing short of spectacular. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, these experiences will undoubtedly leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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Ichi-U delivers an omakase experience that masterfully balances intimacy and craftsmanship. With just a handful of counter seats, every guest is treated to a front-row view of the chef’s precision and artistry as he prepares each course with seasonal ingredients. From melt-in-your-mouth toro to delicately balanced uni, every bite felt considered, personal, and deeply flavourful.

There are two seatings each night, one at 5:30pm and one at 8:30pm, and reservations can be made here. We even got to take a photo with head chef Koichi Hamano. This experience definitely is up there at the top of the best things we did in our Japan trip!

Capturing timeless memories with a kimono photoshoot in Asakusa is an unforgettable way to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Asakusa’s historic streets, vibrant temples, and traditional shops create the perfect backdrop for stunning photos that blend old-world charm with personal style.

Our photographer Duan made us feel comfortable, suggesting playful poses and capturing unforgettable memories. The staff at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa were very friendly and helpful, and there is are many racks of different coloured kimonos to choose from and find your favourite match. What’s more, you can spend the entire day in the kimono, not just for the 30 or 60 minute photoshoot. Highly recommended fun activity which was one of our top Tokyo experiences!

If you’re looking to experience something truly unique in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of art and technology that’s unlike anything else in the world. This immersive digital art museum is a constantly shifting dreamscape, where every step unveils a new visual wonder. Vibrant lights, interactive installations, and soundscapes blend seamlessly as you walk through flowing waterfalls, glowing meadows, and floating lantern rooms.

The exhibits move around you (and sometimes because of you), creating a deeply personal journey through light and imagination. As a result, it’s not just a museum — it’s an experience that redefines how we engage with art. Don’t miss the tea house, where you can temporarily rest from exploring but can’t escape the visuals, as your tea cup undergoes an immersive experience of its own. It does sell out so reserve your time slot here beforehand.

Perched at the very top of Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Sky offers an observation deck experience that’s breathtaking. However, it’s the “The Roof” rooftop bar sofa seat experience that truly transforms the visit. Booked as a 50-minute, reservation-only experience, this premium ticket (for ¥7000 each) includes admission, two drinks (or champagne), and a snack, all from an ultra-comfortable sofa with sweeping views across Tokyo.

Access the reservation link here and reserve your tickets 4 weeks in advance, with tickets opening at 12am JST. The tickets do sell out pretty quickly, especially if you are after the sunset slots so it’s worth getting in line as soon as your date opens up. Thankfully, Sherry managed to book us the sunset slot on our last night, but sadly, Tokyo was rainy on the day. Finally, as you leave the building, you can spot the famous Shibuya crossing from above, providing a unique experience as you watch the swarm of ant-sized humans cross paths.

If you’re a cat lover planning your Tokyo itinerary, Gotokuji Temple absolutely deserves a spot on your list. This serene temple is widely believed to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat,” Japan’s beloved symbol of good luck and prosperity. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll encounter hundreds of white cat statues, each with one paw raised in eternal greeting.

Beyond the feline charm, the temple also offers tranquil gardens, traditional architecture, and a glimpse into Tokyo’s spiritual side, making it both a cultural and visual delight. On the walk back to Gotokuji station, you’ll pass by RARASAND, a cafe specialising in beckoning cat cakes to, I daresay, put the icing on the cake.

Tokyo’s legendary Tsukiji Market is a must-visit for anyone craving the freshest seafood experience. From vibrant stalls brimming with glistening fish to small sushi counters serving up melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, the market pulses with energy and authentic flavours.

Sampling delicacies like succulent uni (sea urchin), buttery toro (fatty tuna), and perfectly briny oysters straight from the sea creates an unforgettable culinary adventure. Consequently, we loved the fresh scallops, cooked before your very eyes with blow torches.

Tucked away in the heart of Shinjuku, Golden Gai offers an unforgettable dive into the city’s retro nightlife. Stepping into Golden Gai feels like stepping back in time, with low-lit lanterns, vintage signage, and an atmosphere steeped in Tokyo’s post-war charm. This compact network of narrow alleyways is lined with over 200 tiny bars, each with its own quirky theme and character, and many have cover charges.

We went to Plage which didn’t have a cover charge but drinks start at ¥1000. With the bars being so small, it is an intimate affair where you can easily strike up conversation with fellow travellers.

Tucked away in the heart of Shinjuku, Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho) offers one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric dining experiences. As dusk settles, smoke and the scent of sizzling skewers fill the narrow, lantern-lit alleyways, where tiny izakayas and grill stands bustle with locals and visitors alike.

At these intimate counters, you’ll enjoy perfectly charred chicken, pork, and seasonal vegetables, paired with ice-cold beer or a glass of sake. It’s casual, loud, and full of character — an unmissable dive into Tokyo’s old-school food culture.

This minimalist eatery Hikiniku to Come specializes in one thing and does it exceptionally well: perfectly grilled wagyu hamburger patties, made fresh to order and seared on a charcoal grill right in front of you. Diners sit at a counter surrounding the grill, watching the meat sizzle and caramelize to juicy perfection. The highlight? Each patty (you get 3!) is served with fluffy rice, a perfectly cooked egg, and a side of yuzu kosho for a citrusy kick.

Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, umami-packed flavour that’s utterly unforgettable. Therefore, if you’re a meat lover visiting Tokyo, this is a meal you won’t want to miss. Be sure to make a reservation online to not be disappointed.

Akihabara, Tokyo’s legendary Electric Town, is a sensory overload in the best way — buzzing arcades, retro gaming shops, anime megastores, and themed cafés around every corner. But beyond the flashing lights and pop culture treasures lies a surprising culinary gem: French Toast Factory. Tucked just minutes from the action, it serves impossibly fluffy soufflé pancakes that wobble like jelly and melt like clouds in your mouth.

Whether you’re coming down from a gachapon high or taking a break between manga hauls, this sweet stop adds a delicious, decadent pause to your Akihabara adventure.

Experience Tokyo like never before by hopping into a street kart and cruising through the city’s most iconic districts. With the wind in your hair and neon lights zipping past, this go-karting adventure lets you feel the pulse of Tokyo firsthand — from the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing to the towering majesty of Tokyo Tower.

Street karting offers more than just a ride; it’s an adrenaline-fuelled journey through the heart of Japan’s capital, with optional costumes to add a playful twist. You’ll need a valid international driving permit and to make sure you reserve here. I karted through Tokyo in 2017 (before the MariCar/Nintendo lawsuit) as part of my friends bachelor party and it is, to this day, still one of the most enjoyable experiences in Tokyo.

From savoring matcha gelato in Asakusa to racing through the streets in a go-kart, Tokyo is a city that blends tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences at every turn. These 11 iconic adventures are just a glimpse of what this vibrant city has to offer, but they capture the essence of why Tokyo continues to enchant travelers from around the world. Whether you’re exploring historic temples, indulging in culinary delights, or marveling at cutting-edge digital art, each experience adds a unique story to your journey. So pack your bags, embrace the energy of the city, and start checking off your Tokyo bucket list—these moments are memories you’ll treasure forever!