Tokyo tickets to book before you fly
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You can walk into most temples, shrines, markets and neighborhoods in Tokyo without booking anything. A small number of places sell timed tickets that run out, and those are worth sorting out at home.
The ones that sell out
| Place | Why it sells out | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Shibuya Sky | Sunset time slots go first | Book the slot about an hour before sunset as soon as sales open |
| teamLab (Borderless / Planets) | Timed entry, popular all year | Pick a weekday morning slot; book once your dates are fixed |
| Ghibli Museum, Mitaka | Advance reservation only, no sales at the museum | Tickets for a month go on sale on the 10th of the month before, 10 a.m. Japan time, through Lawson Ticket |
| Sumo tournament | Held in Tokyo only in January, May and September | Check whether your dates overlap a tournament before anything else |
| Tokyo Disney Resort | Date-specific park tickets | Buy for a fixed date; weekdays are calmer |
teamLab has two Tokyo venues: Borderless at Azabudai Hills and Planets in Toyosu. They are different exhibitions in different parts of the city, so check which one your ticket is for. Planets has been reported as running through the end of 2027; confirm on the official site if your trip is later.
Where to buy
Buying direct from the venue is usually cheapest. The official sites vary in how well they handle foreign cards and English, which is why many visitors use a ticket marketplace instead. These all list Tokyo attractions:
- Klook, strong on Asian attractions and transport tickets
- GetYourGuide, tours and guided entry
- Viator, tours and day trips
- Tiqets, museum and attraction entry
Before paying, compare with the official price, check that the ticket is for a specific date and time, and read the cancellation terms. Some marketplace listings are tours that include the ticket, which costs more but can be the only way in once direct tickets are gone.
Things you do not need to book
- Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine and almost every other temple and shrine
- The free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
- Tsukiji Outer Market, Ameyoko, Nakamise and other shopping streets
- Regular trains and subways, including airport lines
Restaurants
Most everyday places take walk-ins, and many popular ramen and sushi counters do not take reservations at all. Book only for high-end sushi, kaiseki or anything you would be upset to miss, and ask your hotel to help if the restaurant only takes phone bookings in Japanese.
Timing rule of thumb
Fix your flights and hotel first, then book date-locked tickets in the order they are hardest to get. Leave at least one unplanned day; Tokyo rewards wandering more than a full schedule does.