8 Cultural Adventures in Tokyo You Have To Experience

Tokyo is a city filled with beauty, eccentricity, and culture. Whether you are looking for pretty places to sightsee and take photos, delicious restaurants to try, or events to attend, there is a little something for everyone.

Here are eight adventures in Tokyo to keep in mind for your trip to Japan.

Tokyo Adventures

1. Explore Harajuku – the Heart of Fashion

Harajuku is the heart of fashion in Tokyo. It is the perfect place to go shopping and to see what styles are popular. There are many trendy boutiques and shopping malls filled with clothing and accessories.

The best news is that the shopping centers are affordable, so you won’t break the bank becoming a fashionista. Beyond the shopping, there are terrific cafes and restaurants to experience as well.

If you're into fashion and pop culture, you can take a guided tour of the area to learn more. If you're traveling with teenagers, chances are they'll enjoy this adventure.

2. Take Part in Cultural Cooking Classes

If you have traveled to Tokyo to eat yummy food and learn about the culture, then consider taking a cooking class.

Even though it is nice to go to a restaurant and have a meal prepared for you, you could learn how to cook and bring some of that culture back home.

There are many different types of classes you can take. You can take a class on making sushi, Ramen, Udon noodles, and even Japanese dumplings. If you are tired of eating out, this can be a fun way to create and enjoy an exciting meal.

3. Visit the Busy Shibuya Crossing

This will undoubtedly be an adventure. Shibuya Crossing is one of the most unique places for pedestrians to visit.

It is thought to be the busiest intersection in the world, a place where people cross the street from all directions at once. It sounds like it would be chaos, but it is very organized chaos.

Visit the Starbucks near the intersection to capture a neat picture of the intersection. At peak times, there can be up to 3,000 people crossing at once. Want even more of a thrill? Go there at night!

4. Check Out Ryokan – A Historical Rest Stop

If you are wondering where to stay in Tokyo, consider checking out a Ryokan.

Not only will you have a great stay at a historic hotel, but you will also get treated to traditional Japanese hospitality, which might be better than a regular hotel stay. It might be cheaper than staying in a more modern hotel.

You can learn a lot about the culture while experiencing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. One of the best Ryokans to stay in is the Sawanoya, which has been voted #1 in the Top 5 on TripAdvisor.

Even if you decide to say somewhere else, going there to learn about Japanese culture and history can be a unique adventure!

5. Take a Tour or Walk Around the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is a well-known tourist attraction you can’t miss while visiting Tokyo. This is where the Royal family lives, but it also has a rich history as it was once the point of defense at Edo Castle.

While many of its buildings were destroyed throughout the years, it is a beautiful place to visit. You have the option to walk around the grounds and take a tour, however before visiting, make sure both are open and available.

6. Enjoy Natural Japanese Entertainment at the Kabuki Theater

If you love theater or are just looking for a fun cultural adventure in Tokyo, check out a Kabuki theater.

Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese entertainment that tells stories by using dramatic expressions of the body.

It is usually accompanied by music, which adds to the storytelling. Many of the plays tend to be histories, dramas, tragedies, and conflicts. 

7. See The Sights From The Tokyo Tower

What you may not know about the Tokyo Tower is that it was constructed in 1958 after WWII and is a symbol of the country’s rebirth.

It is 33 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, and from it, you can see the city from heights of 150 meters and 250 meters.

The view is quite good on a clear day. During the night time, it is lit up, which is a whole different experience. The Tokyo Tower is usually open from 9 am to 11 pm; the view will take your breath away.

8. Suck Up Some Luck at the Gotokuji Temple

If you are looking for some good luck, you can visit the Gotokuji Temple to see all the lucky cats. These cat figurines hold one paw up and are thought to bring luck to those who visit. If you love cats, this is also an exciting adventure to take.

The temple is dedicated to the Maneki-neko cats that are part of a legend. You can learn about the legend by visiting the temple. It is a calm and peaceful place that will leave you feeling serene. Better yet, it is free, unless you would like to buy a lucky cat for yourself!

Traveling to Tokyo is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but if you are lucky enough to go there more than once, there are plenty of things to see and do. It is filled with rich history and culture, and the Japanese are very proud of their heritage.

Be sure to check out some of the etiquette guidelines to ensure you are respectful when out in public and visiting historical buildings and landmarks. Most of all, take lots of pictures and enjoy your cultural adventures in Tokyo.

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