Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that makes every moment unforgettable. Here’s our curated guide to some of the most captivating spots to explore between sessions.
Planning your visit to Tokyo for [DDX Tokyo](/tokyo)? Make sure you check the agenda for our next conference here.
**Art & Museum Highlights**
Tokyo is rich of culture, art and amazing museums. Here are some to check out.
Ueno Park Museums
A cultural treasure trove. Explore several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art. Afterward, stroll through the lively Ameyoko Shopping Street nearby for a taste of old Tokyo.
Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park — via Picryl (Public Domain, CC0)
*Ad Museum Tokyo (interior view)* — photo by Rs1421, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tokyo Advertising Museum (ADMT)
Japan’s only museum dedicated to advertising, ADMT showcases the history and creativity of Japanese ads from traditional woodblock prints to cutting-edge digital campaigns. Located in Shiodome, the museum blends culture, design, and business innovation, making it a must-visit spot for anyone interested in creativity and communication.
**Nezu Museum**
The Nezu Museum, dedicated to a vast collection of over 7,400 works of Japanese and East Asian art, synthesizes traditional art forms, modern Japanese architecture, and a Japanese landscape garden into one harmonious complex.
Nezu Museum Garden, Tokyo — photo by Ermell, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Nezu Museum interior, Tokyo — photo by Edamura no Tokuzo, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The National Art Center, Tokyo (exterior) — photo by Kakidai**,** licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
Opened in 2007 and designed by Kisho Kurokawa, this glass-and-steel landmark is one of Tokyo’s most impressive art spaces. With no permanent collection, it serves as a dynamic venue for ever-changing exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
**Mori Art Museum (Roppongi)**
Perched atop the Roppongi Hills tower, the Mori Art Museum pairs cutting-edge contemporary art with breathtaking skyline views. Known for bold, international exhibitions, it’s as much about the experience as the art itself, from thought-provoking shows to the stunning cityscape beyond the windows.
Mori Art Museum entrance, Tokyo — photo by Wing1990hk, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
View from Mori Art Museum, Tokyo — photo by Igbofur, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
teamLab Borderless, Odaiba, Tokyo — photo by Domenico Convertini, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
teamLab Borderless, Odaiba, Tokyo — photo by **Domenico Convertini, **licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
TeamLab - Immersive Digital Art in Tokyo
Experience Tokyo’s most iconic digital art collective, where light, sound, and motion merge into interactive worlds. At teamLab Planets or Borderless, every step transforms the space around you — from waterfalls of light to floating flowers — making each visit an unforgettable journey.
Sightseeing & City Discoveries
Tokyo is full of iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. From tranquil shrines to futuristic towers, here are some must-see spots to add to your visit.
Meiji Shrine
A tranquil forested sanctuary in central Tokyo, Meiji Shrine offers a peaceful walk through torii gates and sacred groves. An escape from the city’s pulse.
Meiji Shrine, Tokyo. Photo by Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Meiji Shrine Torii Gate, Tokyo. Photo by Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert,
Tokyo Tower, 2023. Photo by Akonnchiroll, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shinkōin Temple at the base of Tokyo Tower. Photo by Matsujima, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tokyo Tower
An iconic red-and-white broadcast tower offering sweeping city views, and sometimes hosting matcha tea ceremonies at height.
**Zojoji Temple**
Positioned at the foot of Tokyo Tower, this temple blends historical serenity with a modern skyline backdrop.
Zōjō-ji Temple Offices, Tokyo. Photo by Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Zōjō-ji Temple with Tokyo Tower in the background. Photo by Ymblanter, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tokyo Skytree, November 2023. Photo by Akonnchiroll, public domain via CC0 1.0.
**Tokyo Skytree**
At 634 meters tall, it’s one of the world’s tallest towers, anchored in tech with observation decks, dining, and shopping.
**Azabudai Hills**
A newly developed urban village full of art, dining, design-forward architecture, and immersive teamLab experiences.
Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A and B. Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote, used with permission.
Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B. Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote, used with permission.
Azabudai Hills, Opening Day. Photo by Syced, public domain via CC0 1.0.
*Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza. Photo by Syced, public domain via CC0 1.0.*
*Asakusa Temple, Tokyo. Photo by Syced, public domain via CC0 1.0.*
Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by DXR, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
**Asakusa**
A vivid slice of traditional Tokyo, visit Senso‑ji, walk Nakamise-dori, and try on a yukata or ninja outfit.
**Tsukiji Outer Market**
A food-lovers’ haven of fresh sushi, seafood snacks, and bustling stalls. Don’t miss nearby Namiyoke Inari Shrine.
Sashimi at Tsukiji Market, Tokyo. Photo by Jonathan Forage, public domain via CC0 1.0.
Tsukiji Outer Market seafood stalls, Tokyo. Photo by Aw1805, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Pedestrian-friendly Ginza on a car-free day. Photo by ARandomName123, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Neon-lit corner in Ginza at blue hour. Photo by Basile Morin, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Ginza
A food-lovers’ haven of fresh sushi, seafood snacks, and bustling **s**talls. Don’t miss nearby Namiyoke Inari Shrine.
*Aerial view of Toyosu Market, Tokyo. Photo by Arne Müseler, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 DE.*
**Toyosu (Shijō / Market)**
The modern successor to Tsukiji, fresh sashimi, wholesale vibes, and a chance to explore the surrounding waterfront.
**Karaoke**
It’s everywhere! Try a “nomihodai” room with all-you-can-drink for 1–2 hours and unleash your inner performer.
Karaoke performance at a matsuri in Izumi, Japan. Photo by Syced, public domain via CC0 1.0
Tokyo After Dark
After hours in Tokyo means smoky yakitori, neon signs, and unforgettable local experiences. Here’s are a few places to explore after dark.
Kabukichō at night, near the Samurai Restaurant. Photo by Stephen Kelly, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
**Samurai Restaurant, Kabukicho**
A themed dining experience where dinner meets performance. Watch live swordplay and theatrical samurai storytelling while enjoying your meal in the heart of Kabukicho.
**Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku**
Step into a maze of narrow alleyways packed with tiny bars and smoky yakitori grills. A throwback to post-war Tokyo, this spot is known for its nostalgic charm and close-quarters energy.
Grilling yakitori in Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku. Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Evening buzz at Shibuya Yokocho. Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
**Shibuya Yokocho**
Tokyo is full of experiences worth exploring beyond the conference. From street-side snacks to skyline views, this guide is here to help you make the most of your time around DDX Tokyo.
Ready to dive into what we’ve got planned at DDX Tokyo?
