A Culture Lover’s Guide to Tokyo

Tea isn’t just a drink in Japan, it’s a way of life. In fact, there’s a whole set of traditions around tea preparation and serving called sado or chado, literally “the way of tea.” While in the capital, try some of the best cultural experiences in Tokyo, such as participating in a tea ceremony while dressed in kimono, dropping in for a cup of matcha at a classical garden like Hama Rikyu, or learning how to make tea sweets in a Japanese cooking class.

Related: Know Before You Go: Attending a Japanese Tea Ceremony

In origami (meaning “folding paper”), a simple slip of paper becomes a work of art. You can buy origami all over the country, but for a closer look at the practice visit Origami Kaikan, a gallery dedicated to all things paper art. There are a few small rooms filled with folded paper sculptures and a beautiful shop with origami books and ornate, large sheets of chiyogami—richly decorated, hand-printed Japanese paper made right there in the building. Alternatively, learn to make origami—a fun activity for the whole family.

Considered the national sport of Japan, sumo is the country’s homegrown wrestling, populated by massive, muscular men in topknots, loincloths, and little else. Tournaments are held six times per year, half of them in Tokyo. The best ways to experience sumo are to attend a tournament at Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, where you can learn about the sport at the attached Sumo Museum, and visit the sumo stable to watch wrestlers in training. Another favorite sumo-related activity is eating chanko-nabe, the nutrient-dense stew that helps them pack on pounds and muscle.

You’ve probably seen the statues of a cat with one paw raised as if to say “Psst! Over here!” Called maneki neko, or beckoning cats, these cute cat statues are said to attract money and good luck to people who place them in their homes or businesses. They’re associated with Gotoku-ji Temple in Setagaya ward. The temple is one of Tokyo’s cultural landmarks with its thousands of cat statues, holding the wishes of the visitors who placed them there.

Insider tip: Plan your visit when the office where you can purchase cat statues, wish tablets, and other amulets is open, from 9am–3pm.

Zazen, a form of meditation in Zen Buddhism, covers dates back about 800 years in Japan. There are a number of historical places in Tokyo, such as Rinshoin and the Tokyo Zen Center, where you can sit in on a meditation session led by a monk, often while also learning a bit of Buddhist philosophy (reservations required). A number of guided experiences offer translation, private sessions, and even a chair option (zazen is usually done kneeling on tatami flooring).

Shodo is the art of Japanese calligraphy, using a brush and ink—like the expressive writing on scrolls. If you're interested in the artform, you can soak up Tokyo art and culture at the Nezu Museum (Nezu Bijutsukan) or the Taito City Calligraphy Museum, where you can look at classic scrolls for inspiration. Next, try your hand at putting ink to paper, or book a private calligraphy session. Finally, you might want to stock up on supplies to continue your hobby after your trip is finished: Pay a visit to Ozu Washi or Kyukyodo for fine papers and supplies.

If you’re curious about the fierce samurai who battled for control of Japan hundreds of years ago, you can discover their history and see their armor and swords at museums, such as the Japan Gallery at Tokyo National Museum. From there, it’s possible to try on costumes for your own samurai cosplay (with photo opportunities), practice the basics of Kendo (wooden swordplay), and get serious with Samurai sword etiquette.

With a history of more than 400 years, kabuki is an essential part of Tokyo for culture lovers. Each play enacts a classic story, often set in feudal Japan, accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments such as flutes and shamisen, along with singing. All roles, including female characters, are played by men dressed in elaborate costumes and wigs, and most plays include at least one highly stylized dance. View shows at the Kabuki-za, Tokyo’s main kabuki theater.

Insider tip: Audio guides in English are available to help decipher the storyline.

The country that produced US Major League Baseball’s Shohei “Sho-time” Ohtani is one that also loves baseball. Tokyo has two professional teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Yakult Swallows, who play their home games at Tokyo Dome and Meiji Jingu Stadium, respectively. If you’re in Japan during the season, be sure to catch a game and experience the unique energy, chants, and snacks that come with Japanese baseball.