Unforgettable Experiences in Tokyo: Essential Things to Do
By Alejandra Mendoza Garcia - Posted on December 17th, 2025 - Ale Around the World
I want to kick off this blog by sharing a little advice: if you're traveling in September like I did, be prepared for some serious heat. Even though it’s the last month of summer, September can still feel quite warm. Also, get ready to tackle a lot of stairs everywhere you go—it's common for Japanese people to use stairs, especially in train stations.
Tokyo is undoubtedly one of Japan's most popular and frequently visited cities. After our time in South Korea, we finally arrived in Tokyo. Let me tell you, this city—and Japan as a whole—draws massive crowds of tourists. Be ready to navigate through bustling attractions filled with people.
We stayed at Business Hotel La Firenze, which is about 40 minutes away from downtown Tokyo. Unfortunately, hotels in the heart of the city can be quite pricey, so we opted for a more affordable option further out. The hotel itself was lovely; while the room was on the smaller side, we appreciated the daily fresh towels and complimentary breakfast.
On our first day, we set out to explore the city on our own. Initially, navigating public transportation felt overwhelming due to the sheer size of the stations—you might find yourself lost! Google Maps became our trusty companion during our stay. Finding terminals can be tricky, and asking locals for directions can be challenging since many don’t speak English fluently. However, after a few days in Japan, you'll start to find your way around.
Our first destination was Shibuya Sky—a stunning 360° open-air observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. The views were breathtaking! However, I found it a bit pricey given that there's not much else to do there besides take pictures. Once we descended from Shibuya Sky, we headed over to Shibuya Crossing—the busiest intersection in the world! Crossing this street is an experience like no other; it's chaotic with streams of people crossing every second while tourists dash into traffic for photos and videos. Just across from the crossing is a small Starbucks where you can watch all the action unfold below—it’s small and always packed! A minute's walk from there brings you to Hachiko's statue—a bronze tribute to Japan's famously loyal Akita dog—where you'll likely have to wait your turn for a photo. After checking out these iconic spots, take some time to wander around and explore local restaurants and shops.
Next up was Senso-ji Temple—the oldest temple in Tokyo—completed in 645 AD and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Located about 42 minutes by train from Shibuya, this site was packed with tourists when we visited! Entrance is free and along the way there are souvenir shops and food stalls leading up to the temple entrance itself—it’s absolutely beautiful but definitely crowded.
On our second day in Tokyo, we booked an amazing tour to Kamakura and Enoshima. Our guide was fantastic, and the first stop was Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. You can stroll through its beautiful gardens, but be prepared for quite a few stairs!
Next, we visited Hase-dera, also known as Hase-kannon. This Buddhist temple is famous for its massive wooden statue of Jūichimen Kannon, an eleven-headed manifestation of the Bodhisattva Kannon. The temple grounds are expansive, featuring numerous small temples, lovely gardens, and even a hidden cave to explore.
Our final stop was Enoshima, a charming coastal city. Here, we explored the renowned Enoshima-jinja shrine located on the heights of Enoshima Island in Kanagawa Prefecture. The shrine consists of three distinct pavilions dedicated to Benten, with Hetsunomiya being the most famous. Climbing to the top involves navigating many stairs, but along the way, you'll find plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants. Afterward, you can relax on the beach or take a dip if you're up for it!
The following day took us on a tour to Japan's iconic Mount Fuji—its snow-capped peak is not only breathtaking but also the highest volcano in Japan and the seventh highest island peak on Earth. Our first stop was Arakurayama Sengen Park where we hiked up a hill for stunning views of Mount Fuji—perfect for photos! There were also street food vendors and souvenir shops within the park.
Next up was Nigori-Ike Pond in Oshino—a picturesque village known for its crystal-clear spring water. It boasts beautiful gardens and plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Our last destination that day was Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko town. It's one of the largest lakes among the Fuji Five Lakes and offers incredible views as well as opportunities to shop for souvenirs or enjoy some ice cream. I even bought a small piece of lava from Mount Fuji here—it's one of the only places where it's legal to buy!
On our fourth day, we spent an entire day at Disney Sea. While Tokyo has both Disneyland and Disney Sea, I recommend visiting Disney Sea if you've already been to other Disneyland parks; it’s truly unique with rides you won’t find anywhere else—like those themed around Rapunzel, Frozen, and The Little Mermaid. However, be prepared for crowds; due to Japan's popularity as a tourist destination right now, lines were long! We opted to purchase FastPass tickets through the Disney app for about $20 per ride per person—it made things much easier.
On our final day in Tokyo, we visited Warner Bros Studios dedicated entirely to Harry Potter. Even though I'm not a die-hard fan of Harry Potter myself, this experience was absolutely worth it! The museum immerses you into the world of magic with incredibly realistic recreations throughout various exhibitions.You can easily explore the entire tour on your own, and it typically takes about three to five hours to see everything. It's truly an incredible experience! Don't miss out on trying the famous butterbeer, and be sure to check out the themed restaurants that immerse you in the Harry Potter universe. There's also a massive souvenir shop where you'll find just about anything you can imagine. Honestly, this place was amazing and quickly became my favorite spot in Japan.
Before leaving Tokyo, I made it a point to visit one of Japan's most popular stores: Don Quijote. You can find everything there, from skincare products to exotic candies. Also, make sure to stop by 7-Eleven stores; they're very affordable and offer a variety of food options that you won't find back in America.
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