From neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers to centuries-old temples and tranquil gardens, Tokyo masterfully blends ultra-modern flair with deep tradition. I spent a week navigating its labyrinthine neighborhoods, sampling every sushi counter and ramen stall, and discovering hidden shrines—and I’m excited to share everything you need to plan your own Tokyo adventure.
Where to Stay
Tokyo’s vast metropolis is divided into distinct wards, each offering its own atmosphere:
Shinjuku
A nonstop hive of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Towering department stores, the buzzing nightlife of Kabukichō, and the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden make this a dynamic base. Accommodations range from luxury high-rises with panoramic views to budget business hotels.
Shibuya
Famous for its iconic scramble crossing and youthful energy, Shibuya is packed with fashion boutiques, themed cafés, and live music venues. Stay near Shibuya Station for quick access to Harajuku and Ebisu.
Asakusa
For a taste of “old Tokyo,” Asakusa’s narrow lanes and rickshaw tours surround Senso-ji Temple and traditional wooden stalls. Ryokan-style guesthouses and modest hotels here offer an authentic feel.
Ginza
Glitzy department stores, Michelin-starred cuisine, and high-end boutiques define Ginza. Luxury hotels abound—ideal if you want to splurge and be within walking distance of premier shopping.
Akihabara
The electric town for anime, gadgets, and arcades, Akihabara’s business-hotel district caters well to solo travelers and gadget enthusiasts.
Roppongi / Azabu-Juban
A cosmopolitan mix of embassies, nightlife, and contemporary art at Roppongi Hills and the National Art Center. Nearby Azabu-Juban has chic boutiques and izakayas in a quieter setting.
Not-to-Miss Tours
Enhance your Tokyo experience with curated excursions:
- Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour
Sample fresh sushi, tamagoyaki, grilled scallops, and seasonal street snacks while learning about Edo-period culinary traditions. - Sumida River Cruise
Glide beneath historic bridges from Asakusa to Hamarikyu Gardens, then wander the restored shogun’s tea house. - Robot Restaurant Show
An over-the-top neon spectacle in Shinjuku—think robots, lasers, dancers, and deafening beats for a futuristic night out. - Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip
Board the Romancecar or a guided coach tour for views of Fuji, Lake Ashi boat cruises, and hot-spring foot baths with pilgrimage-era history. - Studio Ghibli Museum
(Advance tickets required) Wander whimsical exhibits celebrating Miyazaki’s animated classics in suburban Mitaka.
Where Is Tokyo?
Tokyo sits on Japan’s eastern Pacific coast, at the mouth of the Sumida and Arakawa rivers. The metropolis combines 23 central wards—home to historical Asakusa, government district Chiyoda, and entertainment hubs—with outlying island chains like Ogasawara.
How to Get There
- By Air: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports connect worldwide. Narita Express (N’EX) and Keisei Skyliner link to central Tokyo in about an hour; Haneda sits just 30 minutes away by monorail or train.
- By Train: The Shinkansen (bullet train) arrives at Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Ueno Stations from Osaka (2.5 hrs), Kyoto (2 hrs), and beyond.
- By Bus: Overnight highway buses from regional cities and even Seoul/Busan operate to Tokyo’s major terminals.
Getting Around
- JR Yamanote Line: This green-circle loop connects major hubs—Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station—every 3–5 minutes. JR Pass holders ride free.
- Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway: 13 lines crisscross the city; IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) make transfers seamless.
- Buses: Local routes fill gaps beyond the subway’s reach; announcements in English ease navigation.
- Taxis: Readily available but costly—expect flag-down fares of ~410 ¥ and 80 ¥ per 280 m.
- Walking & Cycling: Neighborhoods like Yanaka, Nakameguro, and Omotesando reward exploration on foot or by rental bike.
Best Things to Do
Experience Shibuya Crossing
Step into the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection for a heart-pounding scramble. Head to the Shibuya Tsutaya building’s second floor or the new Shibuya Sky observatory for overhead views.
Visit Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 645 AD, looms at the end of the Nakamise shopping street. Toss incense ash (omikuji fortunes) and admire the red Thunder Gate’s lantern.
Climb to the Top of Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower
Skytree’s 450 m Tembo Deck offers an ultramodern panorama, while the classic 333 m Tokyo Tower delivers nostalgic mid-century vibes.
Wander Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Step from Harajuku’s alternative fashion scene through towering torii gates into serene woodland. Witness Shinto weddings and seasonal festivals amidst 100-year-old trees.
Stroll through Imperial Palace East Gardens
Free entry leads you across moated stone bridges to Edo Castle ruins, landscaped gardens, and cherry-blossom alleys.
Explore Akihabara’s Electronics & Anime Culture
Dive into multistory arcades, maid cafés, and retro game shops. Don’t miss Super Potato for vintage consoles and the interactive Gundam Café.
Discover Art at TeamLab Borderless
In Odaiba, this immersive digital art museum surrounds you with reactive, floating projections and kaleidoscopic rooms.
Relax in an Onsen
Head to Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba for hot springs fed by natural underground sources, complete with yukata robes and traditional snacks.
Climb Mt. Takao
A 50-minute train ride from Shinjuku, this 599 m peak offers forested trails, a monkey park, and—on clear days—views of Mt. Fuji.
Sample Tsukemen & Ramen
Seek out Michelin-recommended spots like Rokurinsha in Tokyo Ramen Street, or Momofuku Noodle Bar in Midtown for complex, broth-soaked noodles.
Map & Navigation Tip
Download the Tokyo Metro and JR apps for real-time train times and platform info. Use Google Maps offline for walking routes and bus schedules—cell service is ubiquitous, but battery can drain fast.
Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots
- Tokyo Skytree at Dawn: Beat the crowds for soft light filtering through the Sumida River basin.
- Roppongi Hills Sky Deck: Unfettered 360° views of the sprawling cityscape at dusk.
- Odaiba Seaside Park: Sunset over Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay for postcard-perfect reflections.
- Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower: The juxtaposition of the medieval Buddhist gate with the tower illuminated at dusk is quintessentially Tokyo.
Other Tips
- Cash & Card: Many smaller shops, izakayas, and temples only accept cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post work with international cards.
- Etiquette: Avoid loud phone calls on trains; queue neatly at station platforms; remove shoes in ryokan, some restaurants, and temple halls.
- Connectivity: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a prepaid SIM at the airport.
- Luggage Delivery: Use takuhaibin services to send bags between airports and hotels for stress-free transfers.
Is Tokyo Safe?
Among the world’s safest capitals, Tokyo sees very low violent crime. Keep an eye on belongings during peak commute crowds and at major festivals.
Tokyo on a Budget
- Accommodation: Capsule hotels from 2,500 ¥/night; business hotels near stations under 6,000 ¥.
- Food: Conveyor-belt sushi and standing noodle bars serve full meals for 500–800 ¥.
- Transport: IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) cap daily metro fares around 1,000 ¥; city buses cost 210 ¥ flat.
- Free Attractions: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace Gardens, Senso-ji, and numerous public parks and festivals.
How Long to Stay
Four to six days lets you balance must-see urban attractions with day trips to Mt. Fuji, Nikko, or Kamakura.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Shibuya Crossing → Meiji Shrine → Harajuku Takeshita Street → Roppongi Hills at sunset
Day 2: Senso-ji & Nakamise → Tokyo Skytree → Sumida River cruise → Asakusa alleyway eateries
Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market food tour → Ginza department stores → Imperial Palace East Gardens → Yurakucho izakayas
Day 4: Day trip to Hakone (Onsen, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Fuji views)
Day 5: Akihabara electronics crawl → Ueno Park & Ameyoko Market → TeamLab Borderless digital art in Odaiba
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms in late March–early April; mild, pleasant weather.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid with occasional rain; lively festivals like Sumida River Fireworks.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp air and colorful foliage in parks; fewer tourists.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Dry, cool days; illumination displays and New Year temple visits.
Hotels
Luxury: The Peninsula Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental, Aman Tokyo
Mid-Range: Hotel Niwa Tokyo, Tmark City Hotel, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Budget: Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, Book and Bed Tokyo, Khaosan Tokyo Origami
Explore More of Asia
For your next journey, check out our guides to:
With this comprehensive Tokyo travel guide, you’re ready to experience the dazzling contrasts of Japan’s capital—where every street pulse, temple bell, and sushi counter invites discovery. Safe travels!
