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Best experiences:

Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo

The blossoms of ornamental cherry trees – Japan’s national flower – beguile and dazzle, both visitor and local alike – when the spring wave turns Japan pink.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Sumo wrestling

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Close-up of two sumo wrestlers ready to engage in the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament

Drama and tradition combine in this 1,000-year-old sport. It’s a mesmerising and atmospheric spectacle – and Tokyo’s Ryogoku neighbourhood is the centre of it all.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Sensoji temple at Asakusa.The Sensoji temple in Asakusa area is the oldest temple in Tokyo.

With towering gateways and a five-storied pagoda, this busy temple in Asakusa is a standout. If you have time for just one temple in Tokyo – make it this one.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

A day in Hakone [& Mount Fuji]

Hakone, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
A day in Hakone [& Mount Fuji]

This mountainous area west of Tokyo combines magical Mount Fuji views with traditional Japanese luxury – traditional ryokan inns, sublime kaiseki-ryori dinners and onsen (natural hot-spring baths).

Best for ages 10+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Ride the Bullet Train, Tokyo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Bullet train speeding in front of Mount Fuji

Reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h, Japan’s iconic bullet train revolutionised high-speed train travel and remains a must-do experience.

Adult price: £90

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 2+ hours

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Pair of long and short swords ,Edo period ,19th century ,Forged iron ,lacquered wood ,rayskin ,cotton.

Japan’s oldest and largest art and cultural museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in Japan’s fascinating history. Collections include samurai armour and swords, ancient Buddhist sculptures even tea ceremony utensils.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

A day in Kamakura

Kamakura, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
The Great Buddha in Kamakura Japan.The foreground is cherry blossoms.Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture Japan.

From 1185 to 1333, Kamakura was Japan’s political centre, leaving a legacy of absorbing temples, shrines and traditions – including an iconic 11.4-metre bronze statue of Buddha.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Tourists and visitors to Meji-jingu temple

Surrounded by 170 acres of lush forest, this calming, functioning shrine in otherwise heaving Harajuku is one of central Tokyo’s most tranquil spots.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Onsen in Japan

Japan

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Bucket List Experience
steaming outdoor thermal pool surrounded by red acer trees

Geothermal Japan is home to thousands of mineral-rich and bathable hot springs known as onsen. An integral part of Japanese daily life and culture.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 30+mins

Museums of Ueno Park

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
The National Museum of Nature and Science is in the northeast corner of Ueno Park in Tokyo.

A collection of six excellent museums in one park, including the Tokyo National Museum. Also one of the city’s most popular sites for hanami in Cherry Blosssom season.

Adult price: £Varies

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Tokyo’s best food & drink

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Sushi roll with salmon and shrimp tempura

Our expert’s summary of the typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Tokyo.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Woman ladles tea into cup

The traditional tea ceremony, practiced for centuries, combines all the formality and ritual of traditional Japan, capped by a cup of thick green tea.

Adult price: £20

Best for ages 13+

Duration: Up to 4 hours

When: On request

Frequency: Selected dates

Tokyo’s best shopping

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Crowds walk through Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district at night.

From mega-malls and swanky boutiques to food markets and traditional craft stores, Tokyo has all the shopping bases covered.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Shibuya Crossing

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Shibuya Crossing

Like a thousand-person scrum, this is purportedly the world’s busiest road crossing – with as many as 3,000 people crossing at any one time. Grab a photo from above at the Crossing View observation deck.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Stay at a ryokan in Tokyo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Garden through open shoji

Japan oozes tradition and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than a night at a ryokan, a traditional inn.

Adult price: £-

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 night

Kaiseki-ryori dinners in Tokyo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Breakfast table at a ryokan

The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, this traditional dinner features a succession of up to 12 dishes, artfully presented and culinarily sublime. Tastes range from the familiar to the wonderfully indecipherable.

Adult price: £100

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 3-4 hours

Samurai & Ninja history in Toyko

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

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Bucket List Experience
Japanese martial arts athlete training kendo in a dojo - Samaurai practicing in a gym

Iconic figures in Japanese history, the admired samurai and the feared ninja retain a sacred place in Japanese folklore and culture. Learn more in Tokyo.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Scenery of the National Museum of Western Art. The building of the museum is a modern design.

This prestigious art institution houses an extensive collection of European masterpieces, ranging from paintings to sculptures and prints. Works by Cezanne, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

Adult price: £5

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Nezu Shrine

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Nezu Shrine

A gorgeous Shinto shrine, dating back to 1705, of elegant, colourful structures, tunnels af shrine arches, forested pathways, and ponds of koi carp. It is renowned for its tranquil and picturesque atmosphere, and visitors can explore the shrine’s various structures, including the main hall and the worship halls.

Every April, this shrine holds a month-long festival to celebrate the blooming of thousands of azaleas.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Old Tokyo at Yanaka

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Yanaka Ginza is one of the few districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi atmosphere, an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades, still survives

Having avoided damage from the great quake of 1923, the bombs of World War Two and the attention of developers, this mellow, retro and rickety neighbourhood is reminiscent of ‘old Tokyo’.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Shodo calligraphy in Toyko

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Kanji painted in ink on paper

One of Japan’s oldest art forms, shodo calligraphy is part aesthetic pursuit, part mindfulness.

Adult price: £70

Min age 7

Best for ages 7+

Duration: 2 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Samurai Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Many Samurai costumes are shown in exhibition hall inside the Samurai museum at Shinjuku

A fairly new museum stocked with an impressive collection of sparklingly sharp samurai swords, elaborate, colourful armour, guns and other samurai paraphernalia. Visitors can try the armour on and play at pretend sword fighting.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Bonsai trees in Omiya

Saitama, Kanto, Japan

Japanese maple bonsai in Omiya bonsai village at Saitama, Japan

The small town of Omiya is renowned for its bonsai nurseries and bonsai museum. For a fascinating insight into the art of bonsai, and their role in traditional Japanese culture, a day trip here is a must.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Kiyosumi Gardens

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Kiyosumi Gardens

One of the city’s finest traditional ‘stroll gardens’, set out in the sukiya style, tucked away in an under-visited pocket of greenery in eastern Tokyo.

Adult price: £1

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

National Museum of Science and Nature

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Fossil in National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno park taken May 22, 2016 in Tokyo.

Japan’s biggest science museum showcases astronomy, biology, geology, and technology, allowing visitors to delve into the mysteries and advancements of the natural and scientific realms. Over 25,000 exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to outer space; highlights include a state-of-the-art planetarium and a dinosaur gallery.

Adult price: £4

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Sengakuji Temple

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Graveyard of the 47 Ronin at Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo, Japan

The 47 Ronin is a legendary Japanese tale of samurai loyalty, that was even made into a US action film (2013). This temple is where the 47 were buried after exacting their revenge on the man who betrayed their master, and then being ordered to kill themselves.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Drinks in Golden Gai

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

The Golden Gai in Shijuku. District with almost 200 tiny bars in six alleys- a glimpse of old Tokyo. One of few areas not to be rebuilt after earthquake or WW2 damage.

This collection of ramshackle alleyways in Shinjuku is home to some of Tokyo’s tiniest, but most unique bars.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Imperial Palace & Gardens

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Imperial Palace & Gardens

The Imperial family’s current home is off-limits to visitors, but you can steal photogenic glimpses and stroll the pretty East Gardens.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ameya Yokocho

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Ameya Yokocho is an open-air market in the Taito Ward of Tokyo, Japan, located next to Ueno Station.

Tokyo’s most bustling street market under the train tracks in Ueno is full of energy and sells a range of things, from teas and discount clothing. It’s a great place to try some street food. In an expensive city, this is one place you can find bargains.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Tsukiji Outer Market

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Merchants sale seafood in Tsukiji fish market

A bustling and vibrant food market offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and traditional Japanese delicacies. Sample delectable sushi, sashimi, street food, and local snacks.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Japanese Sword Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Exterior of the Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku

This museum in Ryogoku exhibits a collection of around 190 supremely crafted historic katana (samurai swords) – some designated national treasures – and documents how they are made. Kill Bill fans will know them well…

Adult price: £7

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, situated in Ueno Park, displays all arts in its six galleries with no permanent collection.

Japan’s first public art museum showcases a diverse range of both traditional and contemporary art. The museum’s collection includes Japanese art and Western art, and its special exhibitions cover everything from masterpieces to up-and-coming local talent.

Adult price: £8

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Yurakucho district

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Office workers in Yurakucho alley, The alley is famous for its small Japanese eateries under elevated Japan Railway rail tracks and its laid back, charming atmosphere.

Under the rail tracks in the Yurakucho district is the place to go for a bite at a traditional izakaya. Try char-grilled chicken skewers (yakitori) washed down with beer and sake – a classic combination.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Shitamachi Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Shitamachi Museum

This small msueums focuses on the lives of ordinary Tokyoites in pre-modern Tokyo, with exhibits including full-scale replicas of Edo-era (1603-1868) stores.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 15+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ginza Six

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Ginza Six is a luxury shopping complex located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, jointly developed by Mori Building Company, Sumitomo Corporation.

A swanky retail complex in Ginza – a plush district in the heart of the city, home to high-end department stores and boutiques.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ghibli Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Ghibli museum is a place that shows the work of Japanese animation Studio Ghibli, features of children, technology and finearts dedicated to art and animation technique

Anime, Japan’s uniquely vibrant form of animation, has captivated fans with a unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth since the start of the 21st century. This small museum out west in Mitaka is dedicated to the creations of legendary animators Studio Ghibli.

Adult price: £4

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ninja Samurai Dojo

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Japanese martial arts athlete training kendo in a dojo - Samaurai practicing in a gym

Near the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, this dojo (martial arts hall) runs 1- or 2-hour ninja and samurai experiences in English. Children over 5 may participate.

Adult price: £50

Min age 5

Best for ages 5+

Duration: 1-2 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Tokyo Sky Tree and cherry blossom during spring. Tokyo Sky Tree is one of the famous landmark in Tokyo. It is the tallest structure in world when built.

Across the river from Asakusa, the observation decks on this 634-metre tower deliver incredible views over Tokyo’s seemingly unending sprawl. The high-speed elevator gets you to the observation deck in 50 seconds.

Adult price: £10

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

wooden mosaic work is a traditional craft often seen at souvenir shops in the town of Hakone Kanagawa Japan as well as in countries overseas.

The best one-stop option for fine crafts, with ceramics, lacquerware, ironware, and many other traditional products from around Japan.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Harajuku district

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Crowds walk through Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district at night.

The place to come to discover the latest urban street fashions on Cat Street, as well as the colourful teen trends on the narrow and frequently ram-packed Takeshita-dori (street).

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Akihabara

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The historic electronics district has evolved into a shopping area for video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

This buzzing district in north-east Tokyo is the centre of otaku (geek) culture, with hundreds of shops for anime, manga and gaming fans.

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ninja Trick House

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Ninja Trick House, Shinjuku

This reproduction of a ninja house runs tours of the facility, teaching you the sneaky arts of the ninja as you go from room to room. Groups of up to 10 per session, children of all ages welcome.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 35-40 minutes

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ueno Royal Museum

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Ueno Royal Museum

Run by the Japan Art Association, this museum covers a range of genres, including sculpture, contemporary art, and calligraphy. There’s no permanent collection, but hosts a changing series of creatively-themed temporary exhibitions.

Adult price: £4

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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Ramen Street

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

traditional tokyo style ramen with dumpling

Every neighbourhood has its ramen joints – some that people will queue hours for. Ramen Street in Tokyo station, however, has a collection of shops selling different ramen styles.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

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