The 5 best things to do on a Tokyo holiday
- 1. Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in spring - Home to over 1,000 cherry trees, this garden is one of the best spots to see Japan’s iconic pink and white blossom; “sakura”. Unlike the often-crowded Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a more tranquil “hanami” experience. Hanami is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms, often through picnics and gatherings beneath the trees. Easily reached from Shinjuku Station, it’s perfect for enjoying alfresco eats with friends while admiring the fleeting beauty of the “sakura”. Sakura refers to cherry blossoms, celebrated for their delicate beauty and short blooming season in Japan.
Check the local Cherry Blossom Forecast before planning your trip.
- 2. Explore Tokyo’s Electric Town - Anime, gaming, and tech fans won’t want to miss Akihabara. Dive into neon-lit arcades, manga cafés, and collectables shops, take a quirky street-kart tour, or visit a themed maid café. For a calmer pace, explore 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan alley or the historic Kanda Myojin Shrine, where tradition meets tech.
- 3. Soak up the scenery - Japan’s tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree, offers two enclosed observation decks with unrivalled views. While Shibuya Sky’s open-air deck gives 360-degree panoramas of the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the city beyond. For a more active adventure, hike sacred Mt. Fuji and catch breathtaking sunsets over Tokyo’s skyline. Afterwards, unwind in urban “onsen” (hot springs) like Tokyo Dome City, or escape to the lakeside towns of Hakone and Kawaguchiko for mineral-rich onsen amid the stunning Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
- 4. Take in a museum - Covering a variety of topics, from art and history to science and anime, Tokyo has hundreds of museums to inspire curious minds. Popular museums in Tokyo include teamLab Planets TOKYO digital art museum on the Koto Ward waterfront, the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park in Taitō City, and the Studio Ghibli Museum in Inokashira Park, Mitaka. For a quirkier take on museums, make your way to Odaiba, Ebisu, and Yokohama.
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- 5. Day out at Tokyo Disneyland - Just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea promise non-stop family fun at Japan’s largest theme park. Enjoy classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain, plus experiences you can only have here, including the trackless dark ride Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek. All thrills, no live animals - just pure rides and fun.
🎌⛱️ Best beaches with top Tokyo hotels nearby
Offering warmer and safer waters for beach activities, Japan's official swimming season falls between July and August. Odaiba Beach is the closest "beach" in Tokyo Bay, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, walking, sightseeing, and beach sports - however swimming is banned due to water quality concerns. You'll also find a replica of the Statue of Liberty here, perfect for Insta-worthy photos with the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline behind.
You don't need to go far for safe surfing, swimming and diving experiences, though! See a different side of Tokyo with a day trip (or longer) to one of these beautiful "bīchi"; beaches.
- Enoshima Beach, Kanagawa - Just an hour from Tokyo, this island blends sandy shores and ocean views with cultural charm. Swim or surf, wander past coastal shrines, and snack on local favourites like shirasu (whitebait) and tako senbei (octopus crackers). Explore the Iwaya Caves, stroll lush gardens, or soak in hot springs, then climb the Sea Candle tower for sweeping views - with Mount Fuji on the horizon on clear days. And discover marine life up close at the aquarium for a full day of seaside adventure.
- Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura - An hour by train, Yuigahama is a lively seaside hotspot, famed for its clean waters, beach huts, and laid-back surf scene. Visit the iconic Great Buddha and Jojuin Temple overlooking the coast, or explore nearby scenic hiking trails for stunning views of the shoreline - a perfect blend of sun, surf, and culture.
- Zaimokuza Beach, Kamakura - A short walk from Yuigahama Beach, Zaimokuza’s gently sloping shores offer relaxed beach vibes and calmer waves - perfect for families looking for peace and quiet. It also hosts the annual Kamakura Fireworks Festival in summer, including Kamakura's must-see "underwater fireworks" display.
- Southern Beach, Chigasaki - Just an hour by train, this Honolulu-twinned seaside spot blends surfing culture with easygoing Hawaiian vibes. Relax on the sands, catch views of Eboshi Rock with Mt. Fuji behind, or head to Chigasaki Park for family-friendly sports, shaded pine forest and open green space.
- Isshiki Beach, Hayama - Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Isshiki is a calm escape with crystal-clear waters and gentle waves. Less crowded than other beaches, it’s perfect for young families, swimmers and paddle boarders. At low tide, kids can explore rock pools and the tiny Koisonohana Shrine, while beach houses and cafés make it easy for adults to unwind.
Are you ready for Japan's dark volcanic sand? It can get very hot in August. Cool off with a refreshing kakigori (shaved ice treat), pack light, seek shade and look out for jihanki (vending machines) to stay hydrated.
