Tokyo
The world's greatest city: 14 million people, 200+ Michelin stars, and more to discover than any single trip can hold
About Tokyo
Tokyo is the city that made you want to visit Japan. It's Shibuya Crossing at rush hour, a ¥900 bowl of ramen that changes your life, a 7th-century temple next to a neon-drenched arcade, and a train system so punctual that 30 seconds late makes the evening news. With 20+ distinct neighborhoods, from Asakusa's old-world lanes to Shimokitazawa's indie vintage shops to Akihabara's towering anime megastores, you could spend a month here and still find new corners. Most first-timers need 3–5 days to hit the highlights; return visitors know that's barely scratching the surface.
Tokyo Districts
Explore Tokyo's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character
Asakusa
Must-See
Shibuya
Must-See
Shinjuku
Must-See
Tsukiji
Must-See
Harajuku
Worth a Detour
Ueno
Worth a Detour
Akihabara
Worth a Detour
Ginza
If You're Nearby
Top Attractions
Must-see landmarks, temples, and experiences in Tokyo
Sensoji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD. The Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and Nakamise shopping street lead to the main hall.
Meiji Shrine
Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Set in a tranquil 175-acre forest in the heart of the city.
Shibuya Crossing
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing where up to 3,000 people cross at once. An iconic Tokyo experience.
Tokyo Skytree
The world's tallest tower at 634 meters with observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days.
teamLab Borderless
Immersive digital art museum where art moves through rooms and interacts with visitors. Relocated to Azabudai Hills in 2024, a mind-bending experience in a new home.
Shibuya Sky
Open-air observation deck on the 46th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. No glass barriers, just 360° views of Shibuya Crossing from above. Many say it's Tokyo's best observation deck.
Tsukiji Outer Market
While the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains a vibrant place for fresh seafood, produce, and street food.
Tokyo National Museum
Japan's oldest and largest museum with the world's finest collection of Japanese art and artifacts.
Imperial Palace & East Gardens
The main residence of the Imperial Family, built on the site of the old Edo Castle. The East Gardens are open to the public.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo has beds at every price point, from ¥2,500 capsule pods to ¥150,000 suites with Mt. Fuji views. The Yamanote Line circles central Tokyo, so anywhere along it works; the real choice is which neighbourhood's personality matches yours.
Best Areas to Stay
Shinjuku
The most popular base for first-timers, and for good reason: Shinjuku Station connects to everywhere, the Metropolitan Government Building has free views, and you're minutes from Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. Huge range of business hotels on the east side.
Best for: First-timers who want maximum transport convenience
Shibuya
Younger, trendier, and slightly more expensive than Shinjuku. You're on top of the crossing, 3 minutes from Shimokitazawa, and walking distance to Harajuku. Good nightlife options without the seedy edge of Kabukicho.
Best for: Couples, nightlife, trendy vibes
Asakusa
The best area for traditional atmosphere: wake up and walk to Senso-ji before the crowds arrive. Hotels are noticeably cheaper than Shinjuku/Shibuya, and you're right next to Skytree and the Sumida River. The trade-off: it's quieter at night and slightly further from western Tokyo neighborhoods.
Best for: Budget travellers, temple lovers, photographers who want empty morning shots
Ikebukuro
Tokyo's budget accommodation secret: hotels here run 20–30% cheaper than Shinjuku for comparable quality, and you're on the Yamanote Line so nothing is far. Great ramen, Sunshine City for rainy days, and far fewer tourists.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who don't need to be in the tourist centre
Ginza / Tokyo Station
Premium location for luxury stays and early Shinkansen departures. The Tokyo Station Hotel (inside the historic Marunouchi building) is one of Tokyo's most special stays. Also ideal for Tsukiji morning market visits; it's a 10-minute walk.
Best for: Luxury travellers, day-trippers, food lovers
Ueno
Budget-friendly with easy Narita Airport access (Keisei Skyliner). Walking distance to Ueno Park, Ameyoko Market, and Yanesen's old-town lanes. A strong choice if you're spending a lot of time in eastern Tokyo.
Best for: Budget travellers, museum lovers, Narita arrivals
Types of Accommodation
Business Hotels
Japan's secret weapon for budget travel. Rooms are small (12–15m²) but immaculate, with everything you need: bath, toilet, TV, pyjamas. Breakfast buffets are often excellent. Dormy Inn's onsen baths are a standout.
Capsule Hotels
Not just a gimmick: modern capsule hotels are genuinely comfortable for solo travellers. Nine Hours is sleek and minimalist; some newer ones have privacy pods big enough to sit up in. Not great for couples or anyone with claustrophobia.
Luxury Hotels
Tokyo's luxury tier is world-class. The Park Hyatt (Lost in Translation fame, that bar is real) and Aman Tokyo are the headliners. Most have impeccable views, michelin-level restaurants, and the kind of service where staff remember your name.
Hostels
Tokyo's hostel scene is above average; many have private rooms alongside dorms, and common areas are designed for socialising. Nui in Kuramae is particularly well-regarded for its café-bar ground floor.
Best Time to Visit
Tokyo works year-round: there's no bad time to visit. Spring cherry blossoms (late March–early April) are magical but brutally crowded; autumn (mid-November–early December) is arguably the sweet spot with golden ginkgo trees, comfortable walking weather, and thinner crowds.
Spring (March–May)
10–22°C (50–72°F)
Cherry blossom season draws millions; Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi are spectacular. Late March to early April is peak bloom (check forecasts; it shifts yearly). May is warm and pleasant with fewer crowds.
Pros:
- +Cherry blossoms across the city
- +Pleasant walking weather
- +Sanja Matsuri festival (Asakusa, May)
Cons:
- -Late March–early April is peak tourist season
- -Hotel prices spike 20–40%
- -Rainy season starts late May
Summer (June–August)
25–35°C (77–95°F)
Hot, humid, and occasionally rainy, but this is when Tokyo's festival calendar explodes. Fireworks over the Sumida River, Koenji Awa Odori in August, and beer gardens on every rooftop. Air conditioning is universal.
Pros:
- +Sumida River fireworks (July)
- +Koenji Awa Odori (August)
- +Beer gardens everywhere
- +School holidays mean lively atmosphere
Cons:
- -35°C+ heat with 80% humidity, genuinely oppressive
- -Rainy season through mid-July
- -Typhoon risk in August–September
Autumn (September–November)
12–25°C (54–77°F)
The best overall season. October is warm and dry; November brings stunning autumn colour to Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Rikugien Gardens. Crowds are manageable and the food is peak seasonal.
Pros:
- +Autumn foliage (mid-Nov to early Dec)
- +Comfortable temperatures
- +Fewer tourists than spring
- +Peak food season
Cons:
- -Early September can still be hot
- -Occasional typhoons through October
Winter (December–February)
2–12°C (36–54°F)
Cold and dry with clear blue skies: the best Mt. Fuji visibility from Shibuya Sky or Skytree. Winter illuminations light up Marunouchi, Roppongi, and Yebisu Garden Place. Hotel prices are at their lowest.
Pros:
- +Cheapest hotel rates
- +Spectacular illuminations
- +Clearest skies for Mt. Fuji views
- +No humidity
Cons:
- -Cold enough for a proper coat
- -Some outdoor attractions less enjoyable
- -New Year period (Dec 29–Jan 3) can be crowded/closed
Tokyo Food Scene
Tokyo has more Michelin stars than Paris, New York, and London combined. But the real story isn't the fine dining. It's the ¥900 ramen shop with a 30-year-old recipe, the ¥200 onigiri from 7-Eleven that's somehow perfect, and the tiny 8-seat izakaya where the chef remembers what you ordered last time. You will eat well in Tokyo at every price point. It's essentially impossible not to.
Sushi & Sashimi
Conveyor belt (kaiten) sushi starts at ¥100/plate and is shockingly good. Mid-range standing sushi bars near Tsukiji run ¥2,000–4,000 for a set. Omakase at a Ginza counter will cost ¥15,000–40,000+ but may be the best meal of your life.
Where to try:
Ramen
Tokyo's signature style is shoyu (soy sauce) but you'll find every regional style here. A bowl costs ¥800–1,500 and is a full meal. Expect to queue at famous shops: 20 minutes is normal, 45+ means it's probably worth it.
Where to try:
Tempura
Light, crispy, nothing like Western deep-frying. Counter tempura restaurants where the chef fries each piece and places it directly on your plate are a Tokyo specialty. Tsunahachi near Shinjuku is a solid mid-range choice.
Where to try:
Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)
Grill wagyu beef at your table, one perfect slice at a time. Budget spots serve quality meat for ¥3,000/person; premium yakiniku with A5 wagyu runs ¥10,000–20,000. Lunch sets are always cheaper.
Where to try:
Tonkatsu
Breaded pork cutlet, fried golden, served with bottomless shredded cabbage and rice. Simple, satisfying, and universally loved. Maisen in Omotesando is the most famous; Tonki in Meguro is the locals' favourite.
Where to try:
Izakaya Experience
Japanese pub dining: you order rounds of small plates (edamame, karaage, grilled fish, yakitori) alongside beer, sake, or highballs. This is how Tokyoites eat on weeknights. Budget ¥3,000–5,000 per person including drinks. Omoide Yokocho and Harmonica Yokocho have the atmosphere; any random side-street izakaya usually has the best food.
Where to try:
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Temples, Shrines & the Crossing
Day 2: Markets, Gardens & Neon
Day 3: Art, Views & a Neighbourhood Deep Dive
Day 1: Arrive & Asakusa
Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku & Shimokitazawa
Day 3: Tsukiji, Ginza, Chiyoda & Shinjuku
Day 4: Museums, Art & East Tokyo
Day 5: Day Trip or Hidden Tokyo
Ready-Made Trip Plans Including Tokyo
Jump-start your planning with a curated template
Nearby Day Trips
Kamakura
1 hour from Tokyo Station (JR Yokosuka Line)
Japan's ancient seaside capital: the Great Buddha alone is worth the trip, but combine it with Hasedera Temple's ocean views, the bamboo-lined Hokokuji Temple, and Enoshima Island for a perfect day. Easy to do independently.
Hakone
1.5 hours from Shinjuku (Odakyu Romance Car)
Hot springs, Lake Ashi, and the best Mt. Fuji views accessible from Tokyo (when the weather cooperates). The Hakone Free Pass (¥6,100) covers the circuit: train, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and bus. Stay overnight at a ryokan if budget allows.
Nikko
2 hours from Asakusa (Tobu Railway) or Tokyo Station (Shinkansen to Utsunomiya + local)
UNESCO World Heritage shrines in a mountain forest setting. Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most ornate, decorated with thousands of gold-leaf carvings including the famous 'see no evil' monkeys. Combine with Kegon Falls in autumn for peak colour.
Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes
2–2.5 hours by bus from Shinjuku (direct highway buses)
The Chureito Pagoda + Fuji shot is one of Japan's most famous images and it's achievable as a day trip from Tokyo. Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest base. Climbing season is July–early September; the rest of the year, enjoy views from the lakeside. Go on a clear day or don't go: you can't see Fuji through clouds.
Yokohama
30 minutes from Shibuya (Tokyu Toyoko Line, direct)
So close it barely counts as a day trip. Chinatown is Japan's largest (600+ shops), Cup Noodles Museum lets you make your own (¥500, book ahead), and the Minato Mirai waterfront is photogenic at sunset. Great for a half-day if you want a break from central Tokyo.
Practical Information
Getting to Tokyo
Narita International Airport (NRT)
60 km east of Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
15 km south of Tokyo
Daily Budget Guide
Capsule or hostel, convenience store meals and ¥800 ramen, free shrines and parks. Very doable and still enjoyable; Tokyo's cheap food is excellent.
Business hotel (Dormy Inn, APA), mix of ramen shops and sit-down restaurants, paid attractions like Skytree and teamLab. This is where most visitors land and it's very comfortable.
Park Hyatt or Aman, omakase sushi, private tours, taxis when you feel like it. Tokyo luxury is world-class and worth every yen if your budget allows.
Essential Tokyo Tips
Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport station the moment you land; it works on every train, bus, and even convenience stores. It's your single most useful purchase in Japan.
7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson are not just shops: they're lifelines. ATMs that accept foreign cards, clean toilets, onigiri that's genuinely good, and ticket printing machines. You'll visit daily.
Download offline Google Maps of Tokyo before departure. Cell data can be patchy underground, and Tokyo Station's labyrinth has defeated many.
Don't eat or drink while walking; it's considered rude. Find a bench or stand to the side. The exception: festival street food and Tsukiji market stalls.
Never tip. Ever. In any situation. It can cause genuine confusion. Service is included and already excellent.
The last trains run around midnight (check your specific line). Miss it and you're looking at a ¥5,000+ taxi or waiting in a manga café until the 5 AM first train.
Coin lockers at major stations (¥300–700) are your best friend for day trips. Large suitcase sizes fill up by mid-morning at popular stations, so store bags early.
Book teamLab, Ghibli Museum, Shibuya Sky, and any Michelin-starred restaurants well in advance. Weeks for Shibuya Sky, months for Ghibli.
Trash cans are rare, so carry a small bag for your rubbish. You'll find bins at convenience stores and stations.
Stand on the left side of escalators (the right in Osaka). Walk on the right. Getting this wrong will earn you politely exasperated looks.
Tokyo FAQ
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to five days covers the essential neighborhoods at a humane pace: Shibuya and Shinjuku, Asakusa and Ueno, a market morning, and an evening in an izakaya alley. Three days works if you move fast. A full week is not too many once you add day trips such as Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone, all within about 90 minutes of the city.
Do I need a JR Pass for Tokyo?
No. Inside the city you'll ride the metro and the JR Yamanote loop at 170 to 320 yen per trip, so a Suica or Pasmo IC card is all you need. A JR Pass only starts to pay off when you add multiple long-distance Shinkansen legs to the trip, and even then it's worth running the numbers before buying.
How do I get from Narita or Haneda into central Tokyo?
From Narita, the Narita Express reaches Tokyo Station in about 60 minutes (3,070 yen, JR Pass covered) and the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in 41 minutes (2,580 yen). From Haneda, the Keikyu line gets to Shinagawa in 15 minutes for 330 yen, with the monorail to Hamamatsucho about as quick. Skip taxis from Narita; the fare runs well over 20,000 yen.
Where should I stay in Tokyo for a first visit?
Shinjuku or Shibuya put you in the middle of the energy with the best transport links. Asakusa and Ueno are calmer and cheaper with a more traditional feel. More important than any specific district: stay within a short walk of a Yamanote line station and the whole city opens up.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Less than its reputation. A bowl of ramen runs about 1,000 yen, konbini meals are genuinely good, business hotels start around 10,000 to 15,000 yen, and most shrines, temples, and neighborhoods cost nothing to explore. The money traps are taxis, hotel breakfasts, and peak-season rooms; avoid those and Tokyo can undercut most big Western capitals.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms and November for autumn color are the showpiece windows, with prices and crowds to match. May and October offer nearly the same comfort with less competition. June brings the rainy season and August is hot and humid, though both are noticeably cheaper.
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