What to See
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Shibuya Crossing — Do It Right
One of the world's most famous intersections, and it genuinely earns the reputation. Use the Hachiko Exit from JR Shibuya Station — you'll emerge directly at the crossing. Before you cross, take 60 seconds to look for the Hachiko Dog Statue just outside the exit — a small bronze Akita who waited at this exact station for his deceased owner every day for nine years until his own death in 1935. Japan turned him into a national symbol of loyalty. Then cross.
For the aerial view from above, head to the Starbucks on the second floor of the Shibuya Tsutaya building overlooking the crossing. Important caveat: it gets incredibly crowded, and while preferred seating is technically for paying customers, it is not strictly enforced — which means sightseers occupy tables continuously. If it's packed and you'd rather skip the wait, Shibuya Hikarie (a short walk from the crossing) offers a free elevated view from its sky lobby without the tourist scrum.
Best times: Weekday evenings after 6pm, and especially Friday and Saturday nights — that's when the crossing reaches peak volume and the crossing spectacle is most dramatic.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters, the world's tallest broadcast tower delivers the best panoramic view in the city. Book tickets online a day ahead to skip long walk-up waits on weekends.
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple — arrive before 7am to experience it in near-solitude with beautiful morning light. The Nakamise shopping street leading up to the gate is a great spot for quality souvenirs.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Japan's finest gardens — immaculately maintained and the best place in Tokyo to decompress from the urban intensity. Peak cherry blossom season (late March–early April) is breathtaking; worth visiting any time of year.
Akihabara
The electronics and anime district. Even if gaming and manga aren't your thing, the sensory overload of multi-floor arcades and gadget shops you've never seen before makes it worth an afternoon.
Golden Gai, Shinjuku
A maze of impossibly narrow alleyways packed with tiny bars that each seat 5–8 people. This is where Tokyo's writers, artists, and eccentrics drink. Getting here: From JR Shinjuku Station, use the East Exit and walk toward Kabukicho — Golden Gai is tucked behind Hanazono Shrine, east of the main entertainment strip. Most bars welcome foreigners; look for ones with hand-written English menus or an 'OK for foreigners' sign. Each bar has a distinct personality — part of the fun is choosing.
Shibuya Neighborhood Beyond the Crossing
After crossing at the scramble, walk south into the backstreets of Daikanyama and Nakameguro for a completely different side of Tokyo — boutique shops, canal-side cafés, and a young, style-conscious local crowd.
Shimokitazawa
Tokyo's bohemian neighborhood — vintage clothing shops, live music venues, independent theaters, and a young local crowd. One of the best areas to spend an evening without spending much money.
Street Kart (MariCar-style Go-Karts)
Dress as Mario, hop in a go-kart, and drive through Tokyo traffic in full costume. The experience is as absurd and exhilarating as it sounds. Essential requirement: You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to participate — this is a legal requirement, not optional. Obtain your IDP at home before departure from your national automobile association (in the US, AAA issues them same-day for a small fee). Without it, you will not be allowed to drive. Several operators run these tours; book in advance as they fill quickly on weekends.