Tokyo is a vibrant city overflowing with world-famous landmarks, hidden neighbourhoods, and unforgettable experiences. While its bustling streets, towering skyline, and incredible food are attractions in their own right, hands-on cultural experiences have become one of the city’s biggest draws. From traditional crafts and tea ceremonies to sushi-making classes and samurai lessons, these activities allow visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture rather than simply observe it. Best of all, many of these experiences end with a handmade souvenir or a new skill, creating lasting memories that are uniquely Japanese and far more personal than anything you could buy in a shop.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The Shibuya Crossing, or the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is a pedestrian crossing located outside of Shibuya Station known the sheer number of people who cross it at any given time. It is estimated that up to 2,500 people cross the intersection simultaneously during peak hours (Peak hours are usually around 5:00-7:00 pm). The Shibuya Crossing has a unique, electric atmosphere, with crowds of people moving in all directions and the surrounding buildings and billboards lighting up the area, comparable to Times Square in New York. Crossing Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic experiences in Tokyo, and no trip to Tokyo would be complete without crossing at least once.
Cruise through the streets on a Go-Kart
Few experiences in Tokyo are as memorable, or as unusual, as driving a go-kart through the city’s bustling streets. Imagine cruising past famous landmarks, weaving through neon-lit districts, and stopping at traffic lights alongside taxis and commuters, all while sitting just inches above the pavement.
Whether you love quirky attractions or simply want a unique perspective on Japan’s capital, a Tokyo go-kart tour offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Tokyo go-kart tours allow visitors to drive small street-legal go-karts on public roads while following a guide. Rather than racing around a track, participants navigate actual city streets, passing some of Tokyo’s most famous neighbourhoods and landmarks. Most tours depart from central Tokyo and travel through districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ginza, depending on the route selected. For more information on routes, rules & important things to know, click here.
Omakase Sushi Dinner
Sushi is the pride and joy of Japanese food. Enjoyed globally, this simple dish is a staple of Japanese cuisine. While sushi can be bought anywhere from convenience stores to high-end restaurants, one of the best ways to enjoy Sushi is with an Omakase Sushi course. Omakase translates to “I’ll leave it up to you”, or more simply, “Chef’s Choice” where the chef prepares a personalised multi-course meal. At Omakase, diners relinquish control of ordering off a menu, trusting the chef’s palate and creativity.
Enjoy a mutli-course meal from the counter, enjoying the chef watching and preparing meals meticulously and with great attention to detail.
Make your Own Chopsticks
When most people think of souvenirs from Tokyo, they picture keychains, magnets, or boxes of Japanese snacks. Not many think about taking home something they made themselves. In recent years, however, social media has inspired travellers to seek out more personal and memorable experiences, with many visitors choosing to create their own handmade Japanese souvenirs during their trip.
One of the most popular souvenir-making experiences right now is learning how to make your own chopsticks in Tokyo. The experience uses traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques in a fun, hands-on activity. A chopstick-making workshop allows you to create a unique keepsake that you’ll actually use long after returning home.
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a beloved theme park located just outside of Tokyo city in the greater Tokyo Area. It is one of the most popular attractions in the country, drawing millions of visitors each year, including locals and international travellers. Tokyo Disneyland offers a magical and immersive experience for people of all ages, featuring enchanting attractions, lively shows, colourful parades, and beloved Disney characters.
Walk through to famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market is Tokyo’s infamous food district located just outside the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market site in central Tokyo. While the famous tuna auctions moved to Toyosu Market in 2018, the outer market remains very much alive, consisting of narrow lanes lined with seafood vendors, produce stalls, kitchenware shops, and casual eateries. It continues to serve professional chefs and everyday visitors alike despite the tuna auctions relocating across the city.
A great way to see the market is through guided tours with tour guides who know the market like the back of their hands. The Tsukiji Outer Market can certainly be chaotic at times, so it’s helpful to have a guide who knows the best spots.
Sumo Wrestling Experience
Watching a live sumo tournament is a bucket-list experience for many visitors to Japan. However, with only six official tournaments held each year and fixed schedules that may not align with your itinerary, securing the opportunity to see a professional bout can be difficult. Add in the unique traditions, etiquette, and rules of Japan’s national sport, and it can be challenging to fully appreciate the spectacle without some prior knowledge
That’s why we highly recommend participating in a sumo experience held in Tokyo. Designed specifically for visitors, these interactive sessions provide an entertaining and informative introduction to the world of sumo. Learn about the history, rituals, training methods, and rules that have shaped the sport for centuries before watching demonstrations by former professional wrestlers. Many experiences even give you the chance to step into the ring yourself, test your strength against a retired rikishi, and enjoy a traditional chanko nabe meal—the hearty hotpot famously eaten by sumo wrestlers.
Explore Tokyo
Top Attractions
Where to Stay in Tokyo
lyf Ginza Tokyo
Highly Recommended
The lyf Ginza Tokyo is a hip, modern hotel with funky wall art and artistic rooms. The rooms are well laid out, and designed with travellers in mind, often offering great places to ample room to store luggage - a true luxury in Tokyo. For hotels near Tokyo Station, the Lyf Ginza Tokyo is priced more affordably than other nearby hotels.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Highly Rated
Popular and famous Hotel in Shinjuku, with rooms overlooking the Shinjuku Godzilla Head statue.
APA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita
Perfect for solo travellers
Modern and fresh economy hotel with all the common amenities, centrally located only a few minutes from JR Akihabara Station.
