5 Unique Tokyo Experiences You Should Add to Your Japan Trip
There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Tokyo—endless guides, top 10 lists, and must-visit spots. But we wanted to take a slightly different approach. Instead of just hitting the big tourist highlights, we’re sharing a few more personal experiences that made our Tokyo trip extra special.
Save this for your Japan itinerary!
Here are five experiences we recommend:
1. Visit a Local Bath House (Sento)
Public baths (sentō) are a huge part of Japanese culture—and a great way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. We visited Hisamatsuyu, a beautiful modern sentō in Tokyo, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
Tips:
Be respectful of the cultural norms: no swimsuits, rinse off thoroughly before entering the baths, and keep your towel out of the water.
If you have tattoos, research ahead of time—some sentō are tattoo-friendly, but many traditional ones are not.
2. Let the Chef Choose Your Meal
Some of the best meals we had in Japan came from walking into random restaurants and ordering the chef’s recommendation or fixed set meal (teishoku).
No Google reviews. No second-guessing. Just trust the process.
Pro tip: Look for places with lots of locals inside—it’s always a good sign!
3. Slow Down and Sit in a Park
Tokyo’s parks are truly magical. We spent an afternoon at Ueno Park, and it ended up being one of our favorite memories. Whether you’re watching families picnic, spotting koi fish, or just resting your feet, there’s something about slowing down in the middle of the city that lets you really absorb the vibe.
Our advice: Bring a snack, people-watch, and leave some room in your schedule for pure wandering.
4. Draw Your Fortune at a Temple (Omikuji)
When you visit a shrine or temple in Japan, don’t miss the chance to draw an omikuji (written fortune)! For a small fee, you’ll receive a random fortune ranging from very lucky to... not so lucky. It’s a fun tradition, and if you get a bad fortune, don't worry—you can tie it onto a designated rack and leave the bad luck behind.
Bonus: Omikuji make awesome souvenirs, full of personal meaning.
5. Buy a Pair of Eyeglasses (Seriously)
This one might sound random—but buying eyeglasses in Japan is shockingly easy, fast, and affordable. Kaylina picked up a pair at Owndays in Tokyo, and not only were they ready in under an hour, but they were also super stylish and much cheaper than at home.
Tip:
If you wear glasses and are due for a new pair, plan for a stop—you won’t regret it!
Tokyo has so much more to offer than just the famous tourist spots.
The real magic happens when you slow down, take a few risks, and let the city surprise you.
Save this post for your future Japan trip—and don’t forget to leave some open space in your itinerary.
