June in Tokyo brings early summer warmth and the start of the rainy monsoon season 🌦️. But don’t let the weather hold you back — Tokyo’s vibrant culture, stunning shrines ⛩️, neon-lit streets 🌆, and unexpected beauty make June a fantastic time to explore. Here are the top 15 things we did in Tokyo in June, packed with tips, personal stories, and must-see spots for your next trip. ✈️🎌
1. Exploring Akihabara – The Electric Town ⚡🎮
Akihabara is an overload to the senses — bright billboards, anime shops, game arcades, and constant electronic sounds fill the air 🎧. It’s the perfect spot for gamers, anime lovers, and tech fans. The vibrant energy of Akihabara surprised us in the best way, making it a must-visit Tokyo neighborhood.
2. Visiting Hanazono Shrine – Guided by a Shinto Friend 🙏🌸
Hanazono Shrine is a peaceful oasis amid the city bustle. Visiting with a Japanese friend who practices Shinto helped us respectfully follow the shrine rituals — cleansing our hands, bowing properly, and learning about the religion’s significance. It was a beautiful, culturally enriching experience.
3. Meiji Shrine – Nature in the Heart of Tokyo 🌿🦉
Entering Meiji Shrine feels like stepping into a calm forest retreat. The large torii gates open to peaceful wooded paths and a serene shrine space. Drawing an omikuji (fortune slip) here connected me to centuries-old tradition, and the stunning, calming views made it one of our favorite spiritual stops.
4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Free City Views 🏙️👀
With two observation decks offering panoramic cityscapes, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a budget-friendly way to see Tokyo. We visited three times—including once at night for the glowing skyline—because June’s rainy season can make views foggy 🌧️.
On a previous day, we had planned a bus tour to see Mount Fuji up close, but it was cancelled. So on our last day this time, we tried our luck from the observation deck—and amazingly, we caught a distant but clear view of Mount Fuji 🗻! It felt like a manifestation to return soon and complete our Tokyo travel list.
Pro tip: Every evening, the building hosts a beautiful light projection show. Don’t miss it—it adds a magical touch to your visit! ✨
5. Shibuya Sky – Appreciating the View from Below 🌇👟
We went to see Shibuya Sky, but mostly enjoyed its view from the outside. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed the view of Shibuya Sky from many different spots around the area — it’s such a striking part of the skyline. The experience of seeing it from various angles made it even more special.
Of course, Shibuya Crossing itself is a must-see: the organized chaos of hundreds crossing from all directions is mesmerizing. Nearby is the famous Hachiko statue, a beloved symbol of loyalty, right outside the Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. There’s even a cool 3D digital projection of Hachiko on a nearby building, blending tradition with modern tech.
We topped it off by hanging out at a bar on the Magnet shopping mall rooftop, sipping beer 🍺 and soaking in the crossing’s energy.
6. Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue – Tokyo’s Bustling Heartbeat 🐕🚶♂️🚶♀️
We went to see Shibuya Sky, but mostly enjoyed its view from the outside. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed the view of Shibuya Sky from many different spots around the area — it’s such a striking part of the skyline. The experience of seeing it from various angles made it even more special.
Of course, Shibuya Crossing itself is a must-see: the organized chaos of hundreds crossing from all directions is mesmerizing. Nearby is the famous Hachiko statue, a beloved meeting point and symbol of loyalty, right outside the Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit.
And just around the corner, there’s an entirely different star — a giant 3D Akita Inu digital projection on a building. This massive, lifelike pup wags and plays on the screen, drawing crowds and showing off Tokyo’s love for blending cuteness with technology.
We topped it off by hanging out at a bar on the Magnet shopping mall rooftop, sipping beer 🍺 and soaking in the crossing’s energy.
7. TeamLab Borderless – Immersive Digital Art 🎨💡
TeamLab Borderless is an unforgettable art museum where digital light installations interact with visitors. The constantly shifting rooms feel like a dreamscape, offering a mesmerizing blend of technology and creativity.
8. TeamLab Planets – Walk Through Water and Flowers 🌊🌸
While TeamLab Borderless dazzles with digital immersion, TeamLab Planets offers a tactile experience — walking barefoot through water and floral installations. It’s surreal and sensory, a perfect complement to Borderless if you want a full dose of Tokyo’s innovative art scene.
9. Sensō-ji Temple and Kamiya Bar – Tradition Meets History in Asakusa ⛩️🍶
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, famous for its bright red gates and detailed architecture. Walking Nakamise Street on the way there, we enjoyed traditional snacks and picked up a daruma doll for luck 🎎. The entire Asakusa district is another beautiful and historic part of Tokyo to explore, filled with charming shops and traditional vibes.
When you exit the temple grounds, you’re treated to a striking view of Tokyo Skytree towering nearby 🗼 — a stunning blend of old and new Tokyo.
While in Asakusa, we also tried a tattoo-friendly sento (public bath) experience 🛁, a unique and welcoming way to relax that’s not always easy to find in Japan due to tattoo restrictions elsewhere.
Just a short walk away is Kamiya Bar, said to be Japan’s oldest bar, founded in 1880. We couldn’t pass up the chance to step inside. The interior has a retro charm, and we ordered their signature drink, Denki Bran (“electric brandy”) ⚡🍸. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Asakusa — blending cultural heritage with a taste of history.
10. Golden Gai – A Step Back into Old Tokyo Nights 🍶🏮
Golden Gai’s narrow alleys filled with tiny lantern-lit bars offer a nostalgic vibe. By day, the streets are quiet, but at night they transform into glowing neon hubs buzzing with locals and visitors. We loved wandering these streets, feeling like we’d stepped back into Tokyo’s Showa era.
11. Omoide Yokocho – Tokyo’s Nostalgic Alley of Flavors 🍢🍜
Near Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho is a network of tiny eateries serving yakitori and ramen. The atmosphere felt so local — chefs grilling skewers right before our eyes, the smell of food filling the air, and the friendly buzz of patrons. It quickly became my favorite Tokyo spot for savoring authentic street food and soaking up the vibe.
12. Godzilla Road and the Godzilla Head – Lively Shinjuku Fun 🦖🎥
Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district is home to Godzilla Road, leading to the giant Godzilla Head above Toho Cinema. The street is alive with neon lights, restaurants, and bars. We grabbed dinner nearby and enjoyed the buzzing atmosphere for hours. At times, Godzilla even roars and lights up, adding to the excitement.
13. Thrifting in Shimokitazawa – Vintage Finds and Upcycling Inspiration 👗♻️
Shimokitazawa is Tokyo’s bohemian neighborhood known for its thrift stores and indie vibe. As a sewist, I loved finding unique vintage pieces to upcycle. Thrifting here felt like a treasure hunt, and it’s an eco-friendly way to shop while discovering one-of-a-kind fashion finds.
14. Tokyo Tower & Rainbow Bridge – Nighttime Glow and Stunning Views 🌃✨🌈
Tokyo Tower lit up at night is a breathtaking sight. We visited in the evening to admire the warm orange glow contrasting against the dark sky 🌌. It’s a fantastic photo spot, and the observation decks offer sweeping views of the cityscape.
On the same night, we also headed to Rainbow Bridge, which glows beautifully with colorful lights reflecting over Tokyo Bay 🌉🌟. Seeing both landmarks lit up made for a magical Tokyo evening — a perfect way to cap off the day.
15. Hydrangea Viewing – Tokyo’s Colorful Monsoon Surprise 🌧️💙💜💖
June means hydrangeas (ajisai) bloom across Tokyo, coloring parks, shrines, and streets with blues, pinks, and purples. The rainy season isn’t so bad when you see this natural beauty everywhere 🌸🌿. Hydrangeas were a stunning surprise, rivaling even the famed cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Inspired by the trip, I even planted hydrangeas on my balcony to keep a piece of Japan close 🌺🏡.
How We Planned Our Japan Trip – Our Approach ✈️🗾
Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming because there’s so much to see and do! Here’s how we approached it to make the most of our Tokyo visit in June:
No strict itinerary: We didn’t follow a fixed schedule from any guide or influencer. Instead, we did our own research and created priorities based on what truly interested us.
Research & Priorities: We listed must-see places like shrines, Akihabara, and TeamLab, ensuring a balance of traditional and modern attractions.
Quality over quantity: Tokyo is huge, so we focused on enjoying fewer places deeply rather than rushing to see everything.
District-based days: We divided our trip by neighborhoods to explore each area thoroughly.
Hidden gems over popular spots: Sometimes, we skipped crowded landmarks (like Shibuya Sky) and chose local secrets or easier alternatives (like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building).
Season considerations: June is the start of monsoon season 🌧️, so we planned flexible activities and prioritized indoor spots like museums for rainy days.
Local guidance: Having a Japanese friend helped us understand cultural etiquette and discover hidden gems, such as Hanazono Shrine rituals and a tattoo-friendly sento in Asakusa.
Transportation: We used Tokyo’s efficient metro and buses, planned day trips carefully, and monitored weather forecasts to time outdoor visits.
Backup plans: Some trips, like our Mount Fuji bus tour, were cancelled, so we always had alternatives like observation decks or exploring neighborhoods instead.
Open mind & spontaneity: While we had a rough itinerary, we left room for unplanned discoveries. Many of our best memories came from wandering streets like Golden Gai or Shimokitazawa, popping into small restaurants, and sampling local bakeries.
Planning with flexibility and a mix of tradition, tech, and nature made our Tokyo trip in June both exciting and manageable.
Final Thoughts – Our June Tokyo Adventure 🌸✨
Tokyo in June surprised us in the best ways — from vibrant city streets buzzing with energy to serene shrines nestled in lush greenery. The rainy season didn’t dampen our spirits; instead, it added a unique charm, especially with the stunning hydrangea blooms everywhere.
What made our trip truly special was balancing iconic spots with hidden gems, and mixing planned adventures with spontaneous explorations. Whether it was drawing omikujis at Meiji Shrine, getting lost in Akihabara’s neon maze, or sipping beer while watching Shibuya Crossing from above, every moment felt memorable and authentic.
Find my other blogs about Japan for more travel tips, hidden gems, and cultural experiences to help plan your own adventure.
Find more travel tips and inspiration about Japan on trusted sites like Japan Guide, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and Tokyo Cheapo. These resources helped us plan and explore with confidence!
We hope our experiences inspire you to explore Tokyo with your own open mind and heart. Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity, peace and excitement, always has something magical waiting around the corner.
Until next time, Tokyo — we can’t wait to come back and discover even more!