Leisure activities in Tokyo
What to do in Tokyo when it rains? Where to go for a walk? What are the nice activities to do during the week or on weekends? Here is an overview of Tokyo's leisure activities.
Indoor activities in Tokyo
Museums and art galleries
- Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo has a very large number of museums. The Tokyo National Museum is one of the most famous. Located in the large Ueno Park, it is the oldest museum in Japan.
- Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum gathers the private collection of Kaichiro Nezu. The businessman made his fortune in the industrial sector in the middle of the 19th century. The museum, a few steps away from Omotesando, also has a garden.
- Ghibli Museum
For nature lovers and those who appreciate the work of the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, the Ghibli Museum offers a journey to the heart of the famous studio. The museum is located a few steps away from the beautiful Inokashira Garden.
- MOMAT and MOT
Make way for contemporary art, with the MOMAT and the MOT. MOMAT is the National Museum of Modern Art. The MOT is the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Miraikan
The National Innovation Science Museum (Miraikan) plunges visitors into tomorrow's world. Located on the equally modern artificial island of Odaiba, Miraikan is a visual, sensory and tactile experience.
- Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science
Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science, in Ueno Park, features the history of mankind.
Good to know:
Museums in Tokyo offer student rates and free access to permanent collections for people under 18 and over 70 at certain times of the year. Please check with the appropriate museum for more information.
Shopping malls
- Ikebukuro
Sunshine City, in East Ikebukuro, is a large shopping complex that hosts fashion stores, restaurants, toy stores, and even an observatory, and an aquarium. It is also where the famous Pokemon center and Namja Town are located.
- Shinjuku
Another commercial zone, yet another mood. In South Shinjuku, you can head to the train station. From there, you can go on a fun adventure around the luxury stores, make-up and fashion areas, chic cafes, cake tasting, etc.
- Shibuya
When it comes to shopping, it is impossible to miss the famous 109 tower, which is entirely dedicated to women's fashion. It also has a men's version, the 109 men tower.
Game centers
Usually crowded during the week and on weekends, games centers are a favorite place to relax for young people and adults. You can find them everywhere. Whether you are looking for Fighting games, DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), skill games, horror, music, racing simulators, or VR (virtual reality), they are the place to be!
Karaoke
Karaoke is one of the most popular leisure activities for all generations in Tokyo. From discounter Uta Hiroba to the trendy Karaoke Kan, Big Echo or Pasela Resorts, there is a multitude of karaoke bars and clubs around town to have fun in. People go there alone, with friends, or as a couple, at any time of the day or night, to sing and have fun with their favorite tunes.
Outdoor activities in Tokyo
Parks and gardens
The parks and gardens of Tokyo are green bubbles in the middle of the hyper-urbanized city, and they are genuine moments of relaxation. In spring, people gather for the hanami (flower viewing) to enjoy the sakura, the Japanese cherry blossoms. Hanami is a centuries-old tradition and social activity in Tokyo. People picnic under the cherry trees, meet people and chat. It is a moment of sharing and conviviality. In autumn, it is the kôyô (red leaf). You can contemplate the tree leaves as they take on beautiful red colors. The momiji (Japanese maple leaves) are particularly appreciated.
Rikugien
Located in Honkomagome, Rikugien garden is a traditional park in the style of Edo gardens. During the koyo (Japanese autumn), it features a special night exhibition with light effects that highlight the trees and their red hues.
Meiji-Jingu
Only a few steps away from the fashionable districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, the Meiji-Jingu Imperial Garden is one of the most famous green parks in Tokyo. The imperial garden is a vast park divided into several areas, namely one bordered by very tall trees, creating a forest-like atmosphere. Another one, more open, includes a lake, a spacious lawn, and a museum. The great Meiji-Jingu shrine is located in the heart of the imperial garden.
Yoyogi
Not far from Meiji-Jingu, lies Yoyogi park, which offers a completely different setting. Here, the atmosphere is family-friendly, with a first area dedicated to fun activities like dance shows, festivals and more. The park is divided into several zones, the first of which is ideal for a picnic. Further on, a fountain surrounded by a vast garden welcomes the residents for a new relaxing break.
There are many gardens beside the imperial Shinjuku Gyoen, the Kôrakuen garden, the great Ueno park, or the gardens of the imperial palace. Overall, the parks and gardens of Tokyo are a good way to enjoy the Japanese capital from a different perspective.
Matsuri
In Tokyo, matsuri, "festivals", are known to mark the seasons. In spring, the Japanese celebrate the sakura season, and in summer, culture, music, food, dance, etc., are celebrated. The number of matsuri simply increases, and they are a good opportunity to have fun. Among these festivals, let's mention the very beautiful Tanabata, the "festival of stars". It is held on July 7th and pays tribute to the impossible love of Vega and Altair, who can only see each other only once a year (the seventh day of the seventh month).
Other activities in Tokyo
There are many other activities for children and adults alike in Tokyo. Zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and batting centers are among the numerous indoor and outdoor activities all year round.
Useful links:
Museums
MOMAT; National Museum of Modern Art
Edo-Tokyo Museum (currently closed for renovation)
Karaoke (links in Japanese)
