20 things you must do in Tokyo

This stroll through ancient temples feels both overwhelming and refreshing.  It's the perfect way to start your trip, immersing yourself in the ancient relics that made Tokyo iconic. No one thinks of skyscrapers when they think of Tokyo--they think of a samurai aesthetic that put the country on the map. 

Sake, karaoke, bright lights—what's more Japanese than that? There are 280 bars crammed into four streets in Golden Gai, each with about 15 seats. It's a choose-your-own adventure with no wrong options and the same ending every time: you're hammered in Tokyo.

The Imperial Palace embodies the beauty of modern Tokyo. It's an ancient palace guarded by giant walls and lush foliage, yet is attacked on all sides by skyscrapers. That's the story of modern Tokyo, the battle between ancient relics and modern invention. 

The line is like a mix between Disneyland and Schlitterbahn. Combine the two, and you'll have a three-hour wait. But just a taste of the restaurant's udon makes the wait worth it. The city is overflowing with incredible places to eat, but we might not have had a better meal than this one. The artistry that goes into the fat wheat noodles, the craft that goes into making soup this savory—that's udon worth waiting for.

The roll call at Shibuya includes great restaurants, modern skyscrapers, and some of the best views of the city. You can take an elevator to multiple observation decks that will make your jaw drop. We've never seen a skyline like this one, probably because one doesn't exist.

Walking into Meiji Jingu is like walking into a time machine. You feel like you just stepped into a samurai movie when you enter this collection of temples, paths, and parks, some of which feel like they haven't been touched in centuries. The same sun-dappled trees waiting to greet you for decades.

Nakemegero changes from a ghost town to a parade within a single season. Like a tree in winter (cold and forlorn) that blossoms into a colorful pillow of pink, so too does the city of Nakamegero when Cherry blossoms bloom. It's okay only to visit when it's spring. That's when the neighborhood springs to life.

One of the best places to eat ramen is under a train station. That's Tokyo for you. You can't predict where Tokyo's gems are going to be--unless you read this list of course--but they are out there waiting to be discovered. Ramen Street is a row of noodle shops packed with locals on their way to work. What is the best way to find it? Listen for the slurp of ramen.

Japan's farmer's market is near the world's busiest street in Shibuya but never feels overly crowded. Every weekend, farmers from across the country come out to sell their best produce. Grab a bite and then wash it down with some sake from a nearby food cart.

Fans of Studio Ghibli (how can you not be?) should check out this museum from the studio's founder. The director of such classics as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, Hayao Miyazaki, has crafted a museum every bit as playful as his films, bringing out the child in all of us.

Wander the ancient streets of Monzen Nackaco at night, when the golden leaves are lit above you, and the street vendors glow with red. As medieval drums pound in the background, you'll find yourself lost in a maze of historical grandeur.

It's on every tourist's menu when they arrive in Tokyo. Sushi! There are too many iconic sushi spots to mention, and trying to pick just one would be like trying to pick just one place to eat pasta in Italy. We recommend you ask the locals, who will likely point you to their favorite sushi spot in the area. 

Who doesn't enjoy a nice garden stroll? 145 acres of lush foliage, ponds and temples sounds pretty great to me. The temple resting on Shinjuku's pond, with red tiles shooting out like a dragon's breath, is simply a transcendent experience.

The electric bill has got to be through the roof. At night, the 2,080-foot tower puts on a perpetual light show, lighting up the sky with neon colors that dazzle nearby pedestrians. You can pay to go inside, but the real view is of the monument itself.

This is one of those buildings that makes you stop in your tracks. It's not a must-see, per se, but you will be dazzled if you happen to walk by.

Try one of the pastries at the local convenience stores, especially the ones that look like puff balls. This might sound insane. In one of the culinary capitals of the world, I'm asking you to eat cheap food at a convenience store. But those rich, savory Tokyo pastries are still on my mind to this day.

Tokyo is the center of Japan's art scene, with museums packed with the country's biggest names. Nezu Museum and Yayoi Kasuma Museum are two spots you should check out, boasting an array of modern pieces that rival anything in the country.

Take a barge out to sea and marvel at the Tokyo skyline. During the warm season, these open-door ships take you to several viewpoints while food and sake are delivered to your table. 

Discover all the modern food trends at this kitschy mall. Are deserts shaped like anime? Ramen you can smell from a block away? Make sure you arrive at Harajuku on an empty stomach. 

There is no center in Tokyo. Unlike most cities, this sprawling city has multiple centers with their own distinct vibe. A great way to see Tokyo--the grand, magnificent, ever-changing Tokyo--is to wander the city's many neighborhoods. At the intersection of modern and ancient, Tokyo has so much to offer.