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Ultimate Tokyo Travel

Tokyo is a city full of unexpected contrasts—ancient temples sit beside towering skyscrapers, and you might encounter someone in a cosplay outfit just as easily as someone in a traditional kimono. Despite being the most populous city in the world, its streets can feel surprisingly quiet. While Tokyo is equipped with every modern convenience, its unique technological evolution reflects Japan's history of isolation, resulting in limited English proficiency and minimal global influence. This creates a refreshing experience compared to other destinations that often prioritize catering to tourists. These intriguing contrasts make Tokyo a place that sparks curiosity and fascination. In just one day, you can explore a 7th-century temple, order ramen from a vending machine, and witness a sumo match. With endless activities, sights, and culinary delights, Tokyo's respectful yet unpredictable citizens ensure there's always something surprising waiting around the corner—whether it’s a visit to a maid cafe or a Babymetal concert.

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (GMT+9)

Ultimate Things to Know

Currency: Yen
Language: Japanese

Calling Code: +81 

             Capital City: Tokyo Travel

**Getting Around Tokyo**

Tokyo is a huge sprawling city. In fact, it’s really best to think of Tokyo as several cities connected by an excellent public transport system.

 

**Trains:** It's no surprise that trains are the best way to travel in Tokyo. The city is vast, and its network is managed by the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway. With these two, you can reach virtually any destination in Tokyo. However, due to the extensive coverage, the metro and subway maps can be tricky to navigate so be sure to download the Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists app before you head out.

**Buses:** While many residents opt for trains, buses are still viable. The Toei Bus services various routes throughout Tokyo and into nearby suburbs.

**Taxis:** Tokyo has numerous taxi companies, each identifiable by different colours. Additionally, you can easily use Uber for your transportation.

**Car Services:** There are many private car services available in Tokyo, including Tokyo Car Service and Blacklane. Tokyo, including Tokyo Car Service and Blacklane, offers additional travel options

The Best Time to go to Tokyo 

   

You can visit Tokyo at any time of year because the weather is temperate.

The best times to visit Tokyo are fall (late September to November) and spring (March/April/May)

Summer (late June to the end of August) in Tokyo is hot and humid.

Winter (December/January/February) in Tokyo is cold but not too cold for traveling.

The rainy season goes from mid-June to late July, but it does NOT rain every day and you can travel.

First Time in Tokyo

So you want to see Tokyo? Here is where to start. I’ll guide you step-by-step through all the big questions: When, where, why and how. And, of course, how much?

 

tokyo cityscape

Why Tokyo? What Is Special About Tokyo?

 

Tokyo is one of the world’s great cities. It is a hi-tech showcase of modern Japan, and yet it still retains the soul of traditional Japan. It manages to be extremely comfortable, even luxurious while remaining decidedly mysterious and exotic. First and foremost, Tokyo is a food-lovers paradise. Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any city on earth. So if you’re after culinary adventure – look no further – Tokyo has food that will change your life! And the shopping is incredible – if you can’t find it in Tokyo, it probably doesn’t exist. So, beg, borrow or steal. Take those vacation days you have stored up. And get on a plane to Tokyo! I guarantee you – you will be damn glad you did.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Tokyo?

 

If you had the time and money, you could spend a month in Tokyo and not feel that you were wasting your time. But, for most mortals with jobs and limited budgets, I’d suggest spending four or five days in Tokyo

Five days in Tokyo allows for an awesome experience of the city and time for a day trip out of the city. My five-day Tokyo itinerary is the best way to make use of five days in this incredible city.Base yourself somewhere central to save time.

Tokyo 5-Day Itinerary Summary

  • On Day 1, visit modern Tokyo on the west side.

  • On Day 2, visit traditional Tokyo on the east side.

  • On Day 3, take a day trip outside of Tokyo to Nikko, Kamakura or Mt Fuji.

  • On Day 4, visit the Imperial Palace Area and Shinjuku.

  • On Day 5, visit places like Ebisu, Daikanyama and Meguro.

What are the Must-See Attractions  in Tokyo? What Should I explore in the City?

 Unlike Kyoto, known for its numerous temples and gardens, Tokyo is a place best experienced as a whole. You can either stroll through its streets or relax with a coffee and watch the unfold around you. However, if you're looking for some guidance during your visit, be sure to check out my Things to Do in Tokyo page.  

senso-ji Temple

 

Tokyo consists of about 14 urban hubs, each of which is like a small city. Here, I'll introduce each of these districts and the sights they contain to help you plan your trip.

 

I listed some of the districts of interest to travellers. I start with the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Area and then work out from there. Click any of the districts listed below to visit the main page for that district. Each main district pages contain full lists of sights, hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife.

1. Marunouchi and Nihombashi: Best neighbourhoods for experiencing the heart of Tokyo

Historic Nihombashi is the bridge from which all distances to Tokyo are measured.

If you work up an appetite, many Marunouchi landmarks have restaurants and food courts packed with options – try the Shin-Marunouchi Building or the KITTE Marunouchi shopping complex.

2. Ginza and Tsukiji: Best neighbourhoods for upscale shopping.

Proudly ranking alongside Fifth Avenue and the Champs-Élysées, Ginza is one of the most famous shopping strips in the world. 

However, the area is still well worth visiting for the mouthwatering array of food-related businesses that fill the area around the old Tsukiji marketplace.

3. Harajuku  and Aoyama: Known for its trendy fashion scene, Harajuku contrasts with the upscale shops of Ginza,  

Harajuku is home to the city's best shrine, Meiji-Jingu Shrine, and the fashionable Omotesando shopping street. Nearby Aoyama is home to one of its best museums: the Nezu Museum.

4. Roppongi: Legendary for its nightlife, Roppongi is anchored by the chic Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown complexes, where you'll find several excellent art museums, including the prestigious Mori Art Museum.

5. Ueno and Yanesen: Best neighbourhoods for museums

Ueno is the cultural heart of Tokyo. Its central park, Ueno-kōen, has the city's greatest concentration of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum.

6. Sensoji: Home to Tokyo’s largest Buddhist temple, Sensoji is rich in cultural heritage, and nearby Ueno is another cultural hub worth visiting.

 

With these options in mind, here are the top hotels around Tokyo!

Tokyo Districts 

**Where to stay in Tokyo**

Best Tokyo Luxury Hotels 2025
Tokyo boasts a variety of incredible neighborhoods, and your choice will depend on your interests! Here are some of the city's most popular areas:

Ultimate Adventure Travel

changri la room view
changry la Room

Beloved by luxury enthusiasts visiting for both business and leisure, the Shangri-La Tokyo exudes classic elegance. A glance at the sparkling crystal chandeliers in the reception area and the staircase ascending to the 28th-floor lobby reveals reason behind its allure. The ambiance is refined yet unpretentious. Additionally, the restaurant offers one of the finest Japanese breakfasts in the city.

Peninsula hotel entrance
peninsula room

Sightseeing enthusiasts heading to the Imperial Palace will find no better choice than The Peninsula Tokyo, a timeless luxury hotel just moments away from the Hibaya entrance. Every aspect of the experience is meticulously crafted, from the expansive suites and serene spa featuring a panoramic pool and personalized treatments, to the beautifully presented delicacies at afternoon tea and engaging cultural activities.

Tokyo Stay Shinjuku roof terras
Tokyo Stay Shinjuku Room

Located in the vibrant Shinjuku district, the Tokyu Stay offers a stylish and cozy retreat amidst the bustling activity. This affordable hotel has been recognized for providing exceptional value compared to other accommodations in the city.

Janu Hotel restaurant
Janu Hotel room

Janu Tokyo, a fresh hospitality concept, has opened its doors at Azabudai Hills, a sleek development featuring high-end shops, restaurants, cultural landmarks, and Japan's tallest skyscraper. This 122-key hotel exudes tranquility and sophistication, showcasing an atmosphere of understated luxury and elegant interiors.

Things to do in Tokyo​

Check out a Traditional Buddhist Temple or Shinto Shrine

Explore a Traditional Buddhist Temple or Shinto Shrine Begin your journey in Tokyo by immersing yourself in the heritage of the Japanese people. Discover our guide to Tokyo’s Best Shrines and Temples, featuring the enchanting temples and shrines in the atmospheric Yanaka and Ueno districts. Many guided tours of Tokyo also highlight notable temples and shrines, such as Senso-ji Temple and the magnificent Meiji-jingu Shrine, which are included in various GetYourGuide activities.

Meiji-jingu Shrine

See a Sumo Match

You can’t come to Japan and not see Sumo. If a match is on while you’re in town, you gotta see it. Check our How to Buy Tickets for a Tokyo Sumo match   These include attending morning practice sessions and tournament entry.

Sumo match

Tour a World-Class Museum

Tokyo has a collection of fantastic museums covering all aspects of Japanese culture, art and history. Get a good sampling with our Tokyo 1-Day Art Lover’s Itinerary. to see the Tokyo museums and Tokyo art galleries. And, for cutting edge digital art, check out teamlab Borderless and teamlab Planets. Be sure to look at GetYourGuide’s list of Tokyo museum tickets and tours, which you can compare to Klook’s list of museum activities.

 

Edo tokyo museum

Stroll Through a Japanese Garden

Hidden around the city are some fantastic pockets of green. Check them out with our Tokyo Nature and Garden  Itinerary. You may also be interested in a Tokyo garden and park tour, in a beautiful location such as Ueno Park or around Imperial Palace.

 

Shinjuku-gyoen Garden

Eat Some of the Best Food of Your Life

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city on earth. With a little effort, you can eat some of the best meals of your life. And, if you’re adventurous and want something authentic, check out our Eat Like a Local section. There are lots of Tokyo food tours you can book through GetYourGuide as well as guided restaurant and bar hopping 

 

Sushi restaurant near Tsukiji Market

Escape the Tourists in a Hip Local District

Tokyo is crawling with tourists. If you’ve had enough, head to a place more popular with the locals like Shimokitazawa (Tokyo’s Brooklyn) or Jimbocho (the bookstore district). GetYourGuide offers tours for a number of different Tokyo neighborhoods, or you can look for specific districts like ShinbashiAkihabara, and Harajuku via Klook.

Shimokitazawa

Check Out the View from the Tokyo Skytree

If you need a bit of perspective on it all, take the elevators up the Tokyo Skytree for some truly eye-popping views. Check out our Tokyo Skytree . Advance entry tickets for Tokyo Skytree are available from   GetYourGuide, as well as tours which include the stunning view from the observation deck.

 

Tokyo Skytree in the evening

Escape the City or Overnight Trip Out of the City

Escape the city for a day or an overnight adventure! Just a short distance from Tokyo, you can explore attractions such as Mt., Nikko, Kamakura, and even Kyoto (yes, it's possible to visit as a day trip). For more ideas, refer to our Best Day Trips from Tokyo guide or check out the latest guided day trips on GetYourGuide. Most excursions offer pickup and transportation, with multi-day options also available.

 

Tosho-gu Shrine at Nikko

Where to Eat and What to Enjoy in Tokyo

​Tokyo is one of the world's best food cities. Here, I'll introduce the best things to eat in Tokyo and where to eat it.

  • Tokyo is best known for its sushi, ramen and izakayas.

  • Every Japanese speciality and regional cuisine is available in Tokyo.

  • Tokyo's French and Italian restaurants are among the best in the world.

  • You'll find the most choices near train stations, office blocks and on the restaurant floors of department stores.

What's Good in Tokyo?

  • Sushi: Tokyo is home to the world's largest fish market, Tsukiji Fish Market, so it's only natural that it would have the world's best sushi restaurants. Of course, there are some incredibly expensive sushi restaurants in Tokyo, but you can also eat delicious sushi for remarkably reasonable prices.  

  • Ramen: Tokyo is a ramen lovers' paradise. You can find every type of ramen and every regional style in Tokyo.  

  • Izakayas: Japanese-style pubs, or izakayas, are restaurants that serve good beer and sake along with typical Japanese fare like sashimi, grilled fish, yakitori and vegetable dishes. They're super popular with the after-work crowd.  

What else is good in Tokyo​

  • Needless to say, every other type of Japanese cuisine can be found all over Tokyo: tempura, okonomiyaki, kaiseki, unagi (eel), soba, udon, vegetarian etc. In addition, you will find loads of great French, Italian, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in Tokyo. And, if you're after something more specialized, you'll almost certainly be able to find it in Tokyo.

 Where Should You Eat in Tokyo?

  • You'll find the greatest selection of restaurants clustered around each of Tokyo's urban hubs like GinzaShinjukuShibuyaRoppongi and Tokyo Station Area. Many large office towers have their own restaurant floors and these are often great places to eat (just avoid the noon-1pm lunch rush hour).

  • Department stores almost always have restaurant floors (often on their upper levels). Yeah, I know, eating in a department store sounds awful, but Japanese department stores are different. You'll find branches of some of the city's best restaurants on department store restaurant floors and these places are often very easy to enter.

What About The Fancy Places? Do You Need Reservations?

Needless to say, you cannot just show up at Tokyo's high-end restaurants and expect to be seated. Some restaurants will accept direct reservations from foreign travelers and have English speakers on hand. However, this is not common. Some people have accused Tokyo's high-end restaurants of racism for refusing to accept direct bookings from foreign guests. Unfortunately, many such places have had bad experiences with foreign guests making bookings but then not showing up. As usual, a few bad apples have spoiled it for everyone. Thus, the best way to get a reservation at a high-end place is to book through your hotel's concierge. 

Stay tuned! Exciting things are on their way, and I can't wait to share them with you. Keep an eye out for updates and content coming soon!

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