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TDR Explorer

The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide 2021: What to Eat, See, & Do

The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide is a large collection of things I’ve learned over the years based on personal experience. Tokyo, Japan is a marvelous city that I’ve proudly called home for the past 6 years. It’s become a popular tourist destination and with excellent reason. There’s an endless choice of things to see, eat, and experience. That’s one of the many reasons why I love this city.

Tokyo and the Greater Metropolitan Area has about 38 million people (myself included) and is the most populated metropolis in the world . This means, there is a lot to do. Even after all these years, I feel as if I’ve only scratched the surface. Planning a trip to Tokyo, especially for first-timers, is daunting and overwhelming.

From what to do to where to stay, it’s all stress-inducing. In our Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide, I’ll explain what you need to know to my favourite place in the world, Tokyo, Japan. Don’t forget to read our practical travel tips for Japan & best things to do in Tokyo , it’ll make your life easier, trust me.

Photo taken by my partner John Himpe

While you’re in Japan, you may want to check out a few theme parks. I’m a theme park aficionado (if it wasn’t obvious by the other content plastered all over the site), so you’ll want to read our other travel guides covering Tokyo Disney Resort & Universal Studios Japan . Of course, you’ll want to experience all the traditional and pop culture aspects of Japan too.

Alright, that’s enough talking, let’s start planning your trip to the best city in the world, Tokyo.

Table of Contents

Tourist visa, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, what to do & eat, tokyo tours.

• Travel Tips

For most nationalities, you’re able to enter Japan visa-free (Canada, Australia, UK, US, Singapore, etc). Once you land in Japan, you’re given a 90-day tourist visa in your passport. I recommend checking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan website to see if you qualify for the 90-day tourist visa (most people reading are).

Important: Always keep your passport on you. If you’re stopped by police you are required to show proper documents (no photocopies). You’ll also need your original passport to take advantage of the Tax-Free shopping and to pick up your JR Rail Pass .

Sakura ( cherry blossoms ) in Ueno, Tokyo

This wouldn’t be the Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide if I didn’t explain when to visit, right? To put it bluntly, you can visit any time during the year and still have a wonderful time. However, there a few things to take into account such weather and events. I’ll go over your options here to help you make a decision.

My personal favourite times are April and November in terms of comfortable weather and the change of the seasons in Tokyo.

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit are also some of the most crowded times due to the increase in tourism in the past few years . The most popular is the cherry blossom (sakura) season in the month of March & April. Seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom is a breathtaking site. I believe everyone needs to experience this at least once in their lives.

Another excellent time to visit is in November when the fall foliage is at its best. Throughout Tokyo and the surrounding areas (Hakone, Kamakura, and Mt. Takao to name a few) see the colours change into gorgeous red, yellow, and orange.

If the cold and crowds don’t bother you, then end of December into January is a great time to visit. Celebrate the New Year and partake in Hatsumōde (first visit to a shrine in the New Year). Visiting the Meiji Shrine near Harajuku is a vastly popular spot to visit on January 1. The only downside (besides the cold weather) is most people are on holidays, which makes for a busy period.

For those planning to visit in 2020 for the Olympics, read our guide on deciding if you should or not .

Times to Avoid

Times to avoid depends on a few factors including weather, holidays, and school schedules. The summer months of July through September are hot, humid, and school children are off from school. There’s also a chance of typhoons during this time, which was particularly bad in 2018.

Major Japanese holidays include:

• March (Spring break for most schools)
• Golden Week (End of April into the first week of May)
• Obon Week (One week in the middle of August)
• New Years (December 25 until the 2nd week of January)

This is when many locals are off from work and school. This means many locals are traveling in and out of Tokyo. A lot of the major centers in the city are busy with many Japanese on holiday.

Visiting Outside Peak Seasons

With Tokyo and Japan in general, being a now popular travel destination, it’s worth considering visiting outside the peak seasons (listed above) to avoid crowds. Just keep in mind that you’ll have less than ideal weather in many cases or miss the cherry blossoms or fall foliage.

Pro Tip: Cherry blooms and fall foliage happen at different times in different parts of the year. It’s worth considering going further south or north to experience these outside the major cities in Japan.

Here are my recommendations for when to visit outside of peak tourist seasons:

• Colder Weather
• Average Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
• After Golden Week
• Keep in mind you’ll miss cherry blossoms in the Tokyo area
• Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
• Rainy season (doesn’t rain every day)
• Average Temperature: 21°C / 70°F

How Long Should You Visit?

There’s so much to do that spending your entire trip to Japan in Tokyo is easy to do. With that said, there are many other excellent parts of Japan to experience too (that’ll be the sequel to the Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide). For most Explorers, a full 5-days is a good amount of time to spend in Tokyo.

This leaves you more time for other parts of the country, with the assumption you’re traveling for about 2-weeks. The minimum number of days to spend in Tokyo is 3. Anything less and you’ll feel as if you missed a lot.

While in Tokyo (and Japan) there’s a good chance you’ll take the trains as your main mode of transportation (along with millions of other people). Trains in Japan are well-known for being clean, punctual, and most infamously in Tokyo, crowded. One look at the train map and it’s anxiety-inducing, especially if you’re not used to public transportation.

Don’t worry though, as overwhelming as it looks at first, once you use the trains a couple of times it becomes second nature. Signs are in English both on and off the trains and the station staff is more than helpful (including locals).

I recommend getting familiar with the train maps before your trip to get your bearings — JR Train Maps & Tokyo Metro Maps . The lines you’ll utilise the most for a lot of attractions are the Yamanote (JR Line that goes in a complete circle), the Tokyo Metro.

It’s worth considering the JR Rail Pass if you’re planning on extensive travel throughout Japan. We have a full guide to help you decide if it’s right for you. To save on travelling within Tokyo check out the Tokyo Metro day passes .

The best advice I can give is to get yourself a SUICA or PASMO card (also known as an IC Card). Buy them at the ticket machines at any JR Station (look for the signs). This allows you to tap in and out of the train stations without buying a ticket each time. You’ll likely get the SUICA card , as that’s the most popular.

Pro Tip: Save yourself time and buy your SUICA card before your trip (free shipping overseas)

This makes it so much easier for you and you don’t have to calculate how much your fare costs each time. To add money to your card, you can do it at any ticket machine (cash only). You’re also able to use your IC Card to pay for things at places such as 7-11, vending machines, buses, and even taxis.

Pro Tip: Avoid taking a taxi unless necessary. While taxis are ultra clean and modern, they are expensive. Trains don’t run all night (most stop between 00:00 and 01:00).

Getting from Narita or Haneda Airport

You’ll land in one of two airports: Narita or Haneda Airport. Narita Airport is not in Tokyo itself, it’s in Chiba Prefecture , so naturally, it takes a bit longer to get into the center of Tokyo. While Haneda Airport is right in Tokyo itself and is much quicker to get into the city from. Where you fly into depends on your airline.

Narita Airport

You have a few options to get into Tokyo from Narita. The easiest is the Narita Express that takes you right into Tokyo in about 90-minutes to Shibuya Station. This does, however, come at a price at about ¥4,000 ($36 USD) for a round-trip. You’re able to buy tickets right at the airport when you land without any problems. You can also use your JR Rail Pass with this. The Tokyo Skyliner is also another option (if you’re in the north part of the city).

Another option, that I love to do, is taking the Keisei Bus to Tokyo Station. This costs ¥1,000 ($9 USD) per person and takes just over an hour to get to Tokyo Station. From there, taking the train to where I need to go. Tokyo Station is one of the major stations, so chances are the station you need to head to is accessible from there.

Haneda Airport

The easiest mode of transportation is the monorail or train directly into the city. Which one you choose depends on where you’re going. Another option is the bus, which is ideal for those with a lot of luggage. Also, check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle directly to the hotel.

Remember, trains from the airports don’t run all night. If you land later in the evening, it’s best to check when the last train is to where you need to go.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to deal with luggage and can live without your big suitcase for a night, then you can ship your bags from either airport directly to your hotel. You’re also able to send your bags from most hotels to the airport (check with your hotel beforehand).

For more on transportation, read our full guide to getting into Tokyo from the Airport . 

Stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku aka Godzilla Hotel for that true Tokyo experience

The hardest part of any trip is deciding where to stay while in Tokyo. Accommodations range from 5-Star Hotels to Hostels to Airbnb. While there are way too many options to list, I’ll help you steer you in the right direction to find a place to stay. You’ll find places to stay for every budget, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s take a look at your options.

Stay Near Train Stations

The best advice is to choose the main station you’d like to stay near and work from there. The closer you are to a station, the more expensive the rooms become. Try and stay along either the Yamanote or Chuo Line (some of the most popular lines in Tokyo).

For booking hotels, I recommend using Agoda , Booking.com , or Airbnb .

Pro Tip: If you find hotels are too expensive around one particular train station, try going down one or two stations and checking hotels around there.

Recommended Areas

To help you decide where to stay, here are my recommendations for areas to stay near. These are based on my own personal preference, things to do, and ease of getting to other areas of Tokyo.

• Tokyo Station Area (easy access to the Shinkansen aka bullet train)
• Ueno/Asakusa

Use the map below to look for hotels in the areas I mentioned above.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself missing the last train and don’t want to pay for an expensive taxi ride back to where you’re staying. Look for a manga cafe and pay to stay for a few hours. These are clean, have showers, soft drinks, and tons of manga to read until the first train. You’ll likely have to sleep in a chair but some have small private booths so you can lay down.

The above helps you decide where to stay, but now we have the important question of when to book your hotel. This next section helps answer that question.

I’m always stuffing my face somewhere in Tokyo

The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide isn’t complete without talking about mouth-watering food and unforgettable experiences. Tokyo has an endless choice of things to do and places to eat. From Michelin-starred restaurants to the world’s tallest tower down to fascinating aspects of daily life in Japan.

After living here for over 5 years, I’ve done my best to eat and do as much as humanly possible. While this list only scratches the surface of what to experience in Tokyo’s neighbourhoods, it’s an excellent starting point. I’ve broken down this section by area to make it easier to plan your day around. For more on what do, check out what I think are the best things to do in Tokyo .

• Shibuya Crossing

The first image that pops into your head when you think of Tokyo, is probably Shibuya. Bright neon signs, skyscrapers, and swarms of people in the latest fashion. Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo with a dizzying array of things to experience. While it’s busy, it’s a must on your trip to Tokyo.

I’ve been known to hang out in Shibuya to try the latest food trend and people watch at Shibuya Crossing. There’s quite a bit to do in Shibuya, so I’ve broken this down to a few of my favourite or things I believe you can’t miss.

Things to Do

• Yoyogi Park

Where to Eat

• Pizza Slice
• Genki Sushi

Pro Tip: Want that iconic photo from the Starbucks looking over Shibuya Crossing? Get there before 08:00 to avoid the crowds. Any time after that you and hundreds of others are in search of the same photo.

The area that I know the best is Shinjuku. It’s known as the second center of Tokyo and has so much to offer, you could spend your entire trip to Japan in Shinjuku and not experience everything. There’s tons of shopping, (like most areas of the city), ample places to satisfy any appetite, and bustling energy you won’t feel anywhere else in the city.

The train station is massive and you’ll get lost the first time (you’ll be fine trust me). Follow the signs and you’ll find your way out. It’s best to know what exit you need ahead of time so you have an easier time finding it.

• Metropolitan Government Building
• Robot Restaurant
• Wander  Memory Lane & Golden Gai
• Kamakura Ramen
• Kin no Kura (Izakaya)
• Kushiya Monogatari

Pro Tip: Take cover from the elements by walking underground from Shinjuku Station to Kabukicho and other parts of Shinjuku! Take the east exit.

Cotton candy the size of your torso in Harajuku on Takeshita Street

You’ve all heard the song by Gwen Stefani from the early 00s that’s all about Harajuku. This is where the inspiration for the song came from. Harajuku is the center of teenage fashion, although it’s not as extreme as it once was sadly , and offers fun and quirky shops to explore.

Cotton candy and jiggly pancakes aren’t the only interesting things in the area either. A short jaunt from Harajuku Station is one of the most popular shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu. Also nearby is the well-known park of Yoyogi.

If Harajuku isn’t your style, you can walk on over to Omotesando for a higher-end shopping experience. It’s also home to my favourite store, Kiddy Land, with tons of character merchandise.

• Takeshita Dori
• Wandering Cat Street
• Meiji Jingu (Shrine)
• Afuri (Ramen)
• Reissue Cafe (3D & 2D Latte Art)

Pro Tip: Harajuku is between Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you want to save some money, you’re able to walk to Shibuya quite easily. Just follow Cat Street.

In the north-eastern part of Tokyo, you’ll find Asakusa. Home to the famous Sensoji Temple,  Asakusa is where you’ll experience an older Tokyo from past decades. Temples, shrines, shopping street, and Sumida Park (excellent for Cherry Blossoms ) are just a few of the things to experience here.

While it does get quite crowded, I enjoy coming here to enjoy the older architecture and explore the small alleyways and underground.

• Sensoji Temple
• Tokyo Skytree
• Nakamise Shopping Street
• Asakusa Umaimon Aduma
• Food stalls in the area

Pro Tip: Asakusa is a popular area and I recommend going earlier in the day or later at night (be mindful that things close earlier).

John Himpe in Akihabara

Akihabara (known as Akiba for short) is the famous electronics district in Tokyo. Over the years it’s become well-known for its otaku culture (including manga anime, video games, etc). If there’s something you’re a fan of, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

My favourite thing to do in Akihabara is wandering through the streets and popping into random stores. Sundays are best when the main street is closed to traffic. Things are always changing, so it’s always a surprise what you’ll discover. Give yourself at least an hour for the overstimulating experience of walking through the gigantic Yodobashi Camera .

• Super Potato
• Donki Quixote
• Akihabara Gachapon Hall
• Marugo Tonkatsu

Pro Tip: If you’re in search of specific merchandise (including Disney Memorbillia) I also recommend visiting Nakano Broadway .

Other Areas of Tokyo

• Shimokitazawa

To finish off our Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide, here’s a list of other things to do and areas to visit in Tokyo.

• Odeo Onsen Monogatari ( Discount Tickets )
• Imperial Palace
• Kabuki Theatre  ( How to buy tickets )
• Character Street under Tokyo Station

Areas to Visit

• Tsukiji Outer Market (Toyosu)

For more on activities in Tokyo, recommend checking out these articles by Time Out Tokyo , Lonely Planet , and Japan Guide for more ideas.

Experience the ultra-modern and traditional aspects of Tokyo with a tour by MactionPlanet

Do you want a completely personalised tour of Tokyo? Who doesn’t! I recommend booking a tour with our friends over at MactionPlanet . They are, in my humble opinion, the best way to tour Tokyo and experience exactly what you want. When you give him a shout, tell him TDR Explorer sent you after you read the Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide and he’ll take care of you.

I did a tour with him and a few other Explorers and we had an absolute blast. The sheer amount we in a single day is worth its weight in gold. I can’t recommend him enough.

Read more about Tokyo Tours with MactionPlanet

Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide Tips

Use your change for the plethora of vending machines (some take Suica too)

There’s quite a bit to know about Tokyo, so here’s a list of useful and practical tips to make your life easier. If you’re looking for more travel advice, then you’ll want to read our 50+ practical travel tips for Japan and the best things to do in Tokyo . The best & easiest tip is to book activities through Voyagin or Klook to save money.

In addition, I recommend buying a Tokyo printed guide book . I prefer having something physical to refer to so I’m not always on my phone. The city is massive, so I recommend downloading this map to help visualise and not become so overwhelmed.

Japanese Language

• Most signage in Tokyo has English on it (including train stations)
• English isn’t widely spoken by the locals
• You’ll be able to travel to Tokyo (and Japan) with little to no Japanese ability
• Carry a Japanese phrase book with you, if you need help
• It’s best to learn simple phrases and words before your trip

Wi-Fi & Data

• It’s best to rent a portable Wi-Fi device or get a SIM Card for your unlocked device
• Wi-Fi isn’t as readily available as you may think
• Starbucks is one consistent place to get no-fuss free Wi-Fi
• Many major department stores & convenient stores offer free Wi-Fi (Yodobashi Camera & 7-11)
• Your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb will have Wi-Fi (in some cases a portable Wi-Fi device)

Cash & Credit Cards

• Not all stores & restaurants accept credit cards
• Always carry cash on you (exchange money before you travel to save on rates)
• ATMs at 7-11, Family Mart, LAWSON, and Japan Post Offices, allow you to pull money from your bank account (check with your bank first)
• Use cash for smaller purchases and a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to larger purchases
• Many shops offer Tax-Free shopping when spending ¥5,000 ($45 USD) or more (look for the signage on the store window or ask)

Travel Apps / Websites

• Google Maps for transportation (it’s just easier in my opinion and you already have it)
• Google Translate for simple sentence translations (works offline)
• “Japanese” is an app to help translate single words (great for studying)
• Tabelog to find restaurants in Japan
• Xe.com for currency conversion (a simple way to do a rough conversion is ¥100 is about $1 US)

Vegan & Vegetarian

Kamukura Ramen offers vegetarian ramen. The bowl of ramen here has pork in it.

Full disclosure, I am not a vegetarian or vegan myself, which means I am not well versed in that area. What I do know is that it’s not the easiest trying to eat vegan or vegetarian while in Japan — vegan being the most challenging. I recommend reading HappyCow to find suitable restaurants and this excellent blog post for general information on food.

Read our guides for both Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea for a list of vegan & vegetarian options.

Explorer Thoughts on the Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide

While this is the Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide, it barely scratches the surface of what this marvelous metropolis offers. It’s impossible to mention everything in a single guide. For more excellent information on Tokyo, I highly recommend Japan Guide , Truly Tokyo , and Lonely Planet . Do you have any tips or activities you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments!

Tokyo is home and I love it dearly. There’s always something new to try or experience and is ever-changing. That’s one of the reasons why I adore it so much — the delicious food also plays a huge role. My hope is during your trip, you’re able to see what makes this city so wonderful. I truly do. Now, go out there and experience Tokyo!

Plan Your Trip to Japan Easier!

Tokyo disney resort guidebook.

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including tickets, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea before you even set foot in the Parks. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time.

Get tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort

Buying your tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea ahead of time is vital. Read our comprehensive guide on tickets to learn how to purchase tickets. Our travel resources page offers recommendations on SIM cards, portable Wi-Fi devices, travel insurance, cheap flights, and hotel bookings.

Learn more about Tokyo Disney Resort

Want more Tokyo Disney content? Browse our dedicated page for everything about Tokyo Disney Resort !

Have that Disney Magic Delivered to You

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Although it’s (for us) several years away, I know and love that there are a lot of things that don’t change too much in Japan. So Thank You for the “updating” what we already know what we think we know, about present day Japan. I know we will be surprised yet again, when we travel there in…what? ….2025. MId-November. For the Christmas stuff in Disney. Great article!

This is a great amount of information – is it available in a PDF format (like the awesome Disney Book I bought) – Jaime

This is a great guide! I love that it is updated. We are currently planning a trip in January 2020 and this as well as your ebook has been amazing. Quick question: will you post a quick guide on the new Starbucks reserve location and the best way to get there? I saw Chris’s insta-stories about it and it is now a must see for us!

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14 of the best things to do in Tokyo

Mar 25, 2024 • 10 min read

Get to know Tokyo with these unmissable experiences © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

Toyko is the megacity that other world capitals look up to.

Nowhere else has quite the same mix of timeless history and space-age tech, of strict tradition and up-to-the-second fashions, of bewildering crowds and moments of utter serenity.

It's the past and future wrapped up together into one thrilling package – and understandably, it's one of the top tourist destinations on the planet.

Deciding what to do in a city as vast and complex as Tokyo  can take some consideration.

You can spend your days shopping for next-century electronics in futuristic malls or finding inner peace in timeless temples and serene zen gardens, and your evenings sipping sake in back-alley bars or clubbing with the cosplay set, dressed up as a manga superhero.

A lot depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are diving into Tokyo's complex but efficient public transport system . To maximize the experience on your first trip to Tokyo, here are our favorite things to do.

1. Experience a traditional Japanese art form

One of Asia's most iconic cities, Tokyo only became the capital of  Japan in 1868, when the country's rulers decided to abandon centuries of conservative tradition and embrace the outside world.

Since then, Tokyo has looked firmly to the future, but the city still has a deeply traditional heart, best experienced through its arts.

Planning tip:  For a sample of traditional Tokyo, watch kabuki (theatrical dance) at the  Kabuki-za theater in  Ginza , eat a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal to a backdrop of performing geisha in  Asakusa , or admire one of the 7000-plus Japanese treasures on show at the  Edo-Tokyo Museum .

2. Dive into the fun of Akihabara's pop culture

The  Akihabara neighborhood is almost a pilgrimage destination for the city's otaku (die-hard pop-culture fans), who define their lives through themes of geeky nostalgia and artistic eccentricity.

Flanking Akihabara's main avenue, Chuo Dori, are stores full of secondhand video game consoles, towering gaming arcades and manga comics stores, as well as flagship anime merchandise shops.

If you’re on the hunt for old-school video game treasures, peruse the bountiful shelves of  Retro Game Camp and Super Potato Retro-kan. However, you don't need to love manga or anime to enjoy this quirky neighborhood.

With its neon-bright electronics stores, retro arcades, cosplay cafes – and the chance to drive go-karts through the streets – it's equal parts sensory overload, cultural immersion and just plain fun.

3. Taste the Pacific at Tokyo’s fish markets

Bestowed with the honorary title of "Japan’s Kitchen,"  Tsukiji was formerly the location of the city's most famous fish market, but the bulk of the wholesale fish-selling shifted to  Toyosu Market on Tokyo Bay in 2018.

Nevertheless, there's still plenty of action at Tsukiji, where the outer market area remains much as it was in the early Showa Period when the market was founded. The cramped alleyways are permeated by the saline smells of the Pacific.

A rainbow menagerie of sea creatures decorates the stalls from top to bottom daily, and octogenarian fishmongers hail passersby with promises of culinary delights.

Over at Toyosu, the largest seafood market in the world conducts its business inside huge ventilated hangars in Koto Ward. Built as a state-of-the-art upgrade to Tsukiji, it lacks the rustic charm of its predecessor, functioning more as an efficient seafood trading floor.

However, it’s now home to Tokyo’s legendary morning tuna auctions – a great addition to any itinerary for early risers.

Planning tip:  The fist-sized seared scallops, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and uni (sea urchin) sushi at Tsukiji are must-eats.

4. See cutting-edge digital art at teamLab Borderless

The modern art collective,  teamLab , has made Tokyo the focal point for its ultra-technologist experiments in art and modern media.

Engage with its digital creativity is at Borderless in Azabudai's MORI Building Digital Art Museum, where you can walk barefoot through water, gardens and large-scale artworks that move and respond to human interaction.

Weaving together several fantastical worlds, this futuristic art experience is surprisingly delightful and makes for some great photos. Digital art is trending all over Tokyo, and you'll see it worked into many other attractions around the city.

Get to know more of Tokyo through its 7 best art museums

5. Join the shopping legions in Harajuku

The tree-lined avenue of  Omote-sandō is famed for blending modern Japanese aesthetic preferences with Western hipster trends.

This vibrant thoroughfare, lined with zelkova trees, is dominated by high-end boutiques from Emporio Armani to Gucci, housed behind jarringly creative architectural facades. The  Tokyo Plaza , with its fractal mirrored entrance, is particularly prepossessing.

The backstreets of Harajuku are Tokyo's street-fashion laboratory; this is where you'll find the trendsetters, the peacocks and the style photographers who chronicle it all – and the vintage clothing stores staffed by resident bohemians that keep everything moving.

Planning tip:  Keeping in line with the hipster theme, hit up  Commune 2nd for lunch, a large outdoor canopy surrounded by food trucks serving favorite Japanese street bites such as karaage (battered chicken thighs) and tebasaki (fried wings), alongside vegan cuisine and craft beer stalls.

6. Enjoy the big thrill of live sumo 

Sumo, one of the most enduring elements of Japan’s spiritual culture, originated in the early Nara Period (710–794 CE) when bouts between wrestlers were conceptualized as a way to entertain the Shinto gods.

Although sumo is undeniably a sport in the modern age, much of the religious pageantry lives on: the salting of the pre-bout ring, the almost ascetic dedication of wrestlers and the reverential regard in which yokozuna (grand champions) are held.

Planning tip:  Sumo has six live annual events, three of which take place in Tokyo’s  Ryōgoku Kokugikan in January, May and September. Tickets often sell out well in advance, so keep your eye on the  official website for ticket release dates. If you’re lucky enough to nab one, mentally prepare yourself for a liquid lunch of rice wine, impassioned crowd support and highly audible slaps of belly on belly.

Explore beyond Tokyo with these top day trips

7. Eat Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine

Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) was designated an intangible element of cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013, and Tokyo is its standard-bearer.

More than 200 Michelin stars have been awarded to restaurants across the capital, ranging from simple ramen shops, where a bowl of soup costs less than an hourly wage, to 11-course haute cuisine menus that will burn a fairly sizable hole in your retirement fund.

Planning tip:  For raw fish, beg your hotel concierge for a seat at the elegantly simplistic  Sushi Saito (but don't be surprised if you get passed over for a local VIP). Ramen lovers should slurp stone-milled noodles topped with truffle oil at  Tsuta in Sugamo, while modern fine dining is typified by  Florilège , a double Michelin-starred French-Japanese fusion, where tasting menus are prepped in the culinary theater of an open kitchen. 

8. Have a night out at the pubs and karaoke bars in Tokyo's yokocho

Yokocho (alleyways) are as much a part of Tokyo’s culture as its urban design. Shinjuku’s  Golden Gai is the most popular yokocho zone, with 250-plus ramshackle pubs crammed into an area the size of a football field (including a vibrant collection of LGBTIQ+ dance bars).

Nomiya Yokocho is a less-touristy option in off-beat Kita-Senju, with a new wave of foreign restaurants joining the charmingly claustrophobic chaos of its traditional bars.

Alternatively, check out Kichijoji’s  Harmonica Alley , a network of corridors filled with the crackle of dripping meat skewers on open grills, cheap-as-chips standing bars pouring draft glasses of Asahi, and hole-in-the-wall snack joints.

Expect to find a karaoke parlor or two nearby where you can finish the evening at full volume.

9. Marvel at the crowds at Shibuya crossing 

This is the Tokyo you’ve dreamed about and seen in movies: the frenetic pace, the mind-boggling crowds, the glowing lights and the giant video screens beaming larger-than-life celebrities over the streets. At Shibuya’s famous "scramble"  crossing , all of this comes together every time the lights change, and it’s an awesome sight.

Planning tip:  Come during the day to get the perfect overhead shot from a nearby rooftop, or on a Friday or Saturday night, when you'll find the volume turned up to 11.

10. See the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi-kōen 

Come spring, thousands of cherry trees around the city burst into white and pink flowers, ushering in the season for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). If Tokyoites have one moment to let their hair down en masse, this is it.

Locals gather in huge numbers in parks and along river banks for cherry blossom-viewing parties under a canopy of pink and white flowers.

Grassy  Yoyogi-kōen , one of the city's largest parks, is where you'll find some of the most spirited and elaborate bacchanals, complete with barbecues, sake-sipping and DJ turntables. Many revelers stay long after dark for the spectacle of yozakura (illuminated blossoms at night).

11. Engage with Japanese spirituality in Sensō-ji 

The spiritual home of Tokyo's ancestors, the Buddhist temple of  Sensō-ji was founded more than 1000 years before the city got its official start.

While engulfed by the city today, it retains an alluring, timeless atmosphere redolent of the height of the Edo period and the mercantile bustle that defined Tokyo's golden age.

The main plaza holds a five-story pagoda, renovated in 2017, and a giant cauldron of incense kept constantly smoking by the crowds of visitors who throng the compound daily, particularly at weekends. Altogether, Sensō-ji is a heady mix of the secular and sacred and one of Tokyo's most iconic sights.

Planning tip:  Pick up snacks and souvenirs from vendors at the colorful Nakamise-dōri arcade approaching the temple complex.

12. Find your calm in the gardens of Rikugi-en

Powerful daimyo (feudal lords) ruled much of Japan from the 10th to the 19th centuries, but in Tokyo – a city stricken over the centuries by rampaging fires, earth-shattering quakes, bombing raids and poor upkeep of traditional architecture – few visible remnants of their influence remains. 

One place to look for the powerful magic of old Tokyo is at the  Rikugi-en garden in Bunkyo Ward. Designed by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, lord of the Kawagoe estate, around the turn of the 17th century, this is a bucolic splotch of green amid the turgid bustle of urban Tokyo.

Mossy footpaths, waka poetry-inspired spiritual masonry, mirror-like ponds and cobblestone bridges are joined by shifting autumn foliage and a resplendent weeping cherry tree in spring. Come and step back through a few centuries.

13. Immerse yourself in a cartoon world at the Ghibli Museum

Even those unfamiliar with the magical world of master animator Miyazaki Hayao – creator of anime classics including Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away – will find this  museum enchanting. Fans just won't want to leave.

Miyazaki designed the space himself, and like his films, it's filled with whirring steampunk-esque machines and fairy-tale structures.

While you won't see staff cosplaying any characters, many famous Ghibli characters have been cleverly worked into the fabric of the museum. Walking around really does feel a bit like falling into the fantasy worlds created by Miyazaki Hayao.

14. Discover the secrets of Shinto at Meiji-jingū

Tokyo’s largest and most famous Shintō shrine feels a world away from the bustle of the modern city. It’s reached via a long, rambling forest path marked by towering torii (entrance gates), and its grounds are vast, enveloping a series of wooden shrine buildings and landscaped gardens in a thick coat of green.

Meiji-jingū is a place of worship and a memorial to Emperor Meiji, and it’s also a place for traditional festivals and rituals, where weddings are held and milestones are celebrated – something you might catch if you time your visit right.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Tokyo:

Here are  8 things to you need to know before traveling to Tokyo Time your visit just right with this guide to  the best times to visit Tokyo: from spring cherry blossoms to winter lights Work out where to base yourself. Here are  Tokyo's best neighborhoods

This article was first published Apr 1, 2020 and updated Mar 25, 2024.

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Introducing Japan's most unforgettable sights and experiences!

Get inspired for your next journey to Japan! We're bringing some of the country's most incredible locations to you. Enjoy seven new videos featuring 78 incredible sightseeing spots in four categories: (1) Great Views, (2) Amazing Food, (3) Activities and (4) Nightlife.

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Tokyo Travel Tips and Sightseeing

The best tips and highlights in tokyo.

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In a nutshell: Our Tokyo Highlights

• Top sights in Tokyo include the Sensō-ji temple, the Skytree and Tokyo Tower.
• Great places to visit near Tokyo are the cities of Yokohama and Kamakura.
• Our Tokyo accommodation tip is the InterContinental Hotel Tokyo Bay – the view from the hotel is amazing.
• A tour of Tokyo’s historic district Asakusa is a great way to start getting to know the traditional side of the city.

These were our best tips for Tokyo. Want to find out more? Then read on and check out all our travel tips and sights in Tokyo .

Table of Contents

• Sights on a map
• The best day trips from

How much time should I spend in Tokyo?

• Underground and public transport
• Where to stay
• Guided city tours

Sights in Tokyo, sorted by neighborhood on a map

When we first started planning our trip to Tokyo, we were overwhelmed by the incredible size of this city. To help you find your way around, we’ve grouped the Tokyo sights here according to neighborhoods. This should help you to get a first impression of Tokyo so know which sights you should visit in one day.

We’ve drawn you a sightseeing map showing the location of the individual neighborhoods. Tokyo consists of 23 neighborhoods in total – the major tourist attractions are located in the 6 neighborhoods we’ll be covering in this post.

Fun fact: The city of Tokyo was officially dissolved in 1943. Officially, the districts are independent municipalities, but of course they’re still collectively known as Tokyo.

Tokyo consists of 23 neighborhoods in total – the major tourist attractions are located in the 6 neighborhoods we’ll be covering in this post.

Sights and attractions in Taitō

The Taitō neighborhood is located in the east of Tokyo and offers two major highlights for visitors.

Ueno Park is a large park with two beautiful shrines.

In our opinion, Ueno Park isn’t an absolute must-see in Tokyo. The park is beautiful and the shrines are worth seeing, but there are much greater highlights in the city.

But if you come to Tokyo for the cherry blossom season, there’s no way around Ueno Park. Of all the cherry blossom spots in the city, Ueno Park is no doubt the most popular.

Our tip: The park is usually packed during the cherry blossom season. It’s even worse on weekends. We got there very early in the morning (around 6:00 am) and even then there were quite a few people out and about. So if you want to take beautiful photos of the cherry blossoms, you should get up very early. If you want to celebrate the cherry blossoms with the locals, go there later in the day, but be prepared for crowds.

We actually found the cherry trees by the Shinobazu Pond, also located in Ueno Park, to be even more beautiful than the often-photographed cherry tree-lined path.

Admission: free Opening hours: daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm How to get there: Ueno (Ginza Line, JR Yamanote Line)

The Sensō-ji built in 628 is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Right next to it is the Asakusa shrine, which is about 1,000 years younger, but just as popular.

If your idea of a shrine is a place of contemplative tranquility, then this might not be the place for you. Unless you arrive very early in the morning, you’ll be sharing the experience with masses of tourists descending on the grounds. That isn’t much fun and detracts from the shrine’s magic.

Admission: free Opening hours: daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, the outer grounds are always open How to get there: Asakusa (Asakusa Line, Ginza Line)

Sights and attractions in Sumida

Sumida is located in the northeastern part of the city and has several sights and attractions to offer.

Tokyo Skytree

The Skytree is a TV tower with an incredible height of 634 meters, making it the second-highest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

There are two observation decks on the Skytree, one at 350 meters and one at 450 meters. Admission to the lower platform costs 2,000 yen (24 euros), and if you want to go up even higher, you have to pay an additional 1,000 yen.

It’s not worth paying the extra 1,000 yen for the view alone, but it’s much emptier on the upper deck, so it’s much better suited for taking pictures.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to buy tickets for the Skytree online, so you may have to stand in line for one or even two hours. But if you’re pressed for time there’s a fast lane for foreigners, where you can get a ticket right away. It costs 1,000 yen more, but it’s worth it for the time you save. You’ll need to bring your passport to use the fast lane.

Climbing the Skytree is only really worthwhile in clear weather. Then the view is simply amazing. But if it’s misty or foggy, the view is rather disappointing.

Our tip: We discovered two beautiful photo spots to take pictures of the Skytree. The Jukken Bridge ( in Google Maps ), which leads over the small channel, offers a nice view. The small street leading up to the Skytree on the south is a great place for selfies (here: photo location for the Skytree ), or just try taking pictures from under the Skytree.

Admission: 2,000 yen (350 meters), +1,000 yen (450 meters), +1,000 yen for fast lane Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 10 pm How to get there: Oshiage (Toei Asakusa Line, Hanzōmon Line); Tokyo Skytree (various regional trains)

Sumida Park

Sumida Park is a small park not far from the Skytree. During the cherry blossom season, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo. At lunchtime, the park is teeming with locals who meet for lunch under the cherry trees to enjoy sushi on their picnic blankets.

Admission: free Opening hours: 24/7 How to get there: see Skytree

Asahi Beer Tower

Asahi is one of the most popular beers in Japan. The company’s somewhat eccentric headquarters are located in the neighborhood of Sumida. The office building looks like a huge beer glass. Right next to it is the so-called Asahi Flame, which is colloquially referred to as the ‘golden turd’, and you can easily see why.

The best view of the building is from the opposite side of the river or from the bridge.

Sights and attractions in Minato

Minato is located in the south of Tokyo’s city center and also includes the offshore island of Odaiba.

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the Japanese capital. The tower doesn’t just look like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It’s actually a direct copy of the famous original. But since everything in Japan always has to be a bit bigger and better, of course the Tokyo Tower is 8 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.

There are two observation platforms on the Tokyo Tower, one at a height of 150 meters and the other at a height of 250 meters. T

he upper platform was under renovation during our visit, so we only visited the lower one. But we read that the upper platform isn’t really worth it anyway.

The view from the Tokyo Tower is magnificent and in some places you can even look down to the ground through a glass floor.

Admission: 900 yen (lower platform), 1,600 yen (both platforms) Opening hours: 9:00 am to 11 pm How to get there: Kamiyacho (Hibiya Line) or Akabanebashi (Oedo Line)

Roppongi Hills – Mori Tower

Roppongi Hills is a major urban development project in the Minato district with offices, shops, and restaurants. The Mori Tower is the largest building in Roppongi Hills and has a very special observation platform.

It’s the only viewpoint in Tokyo without any glass windows to obstruct your photos. There’s a helipad on the roof of the tower and the walkway leading around it is open to the public.

One floor down, there’s also a closed viewing platform that also offers a great view, but behind glass windows.

The sky deck is only open in good weather. You can’t go up if it’s raining or too windy. The lower platform is always open.

Admission: 1,800 yen for the lower platform + 500 yen for the sky deck Opening hours: 10 am to 11 pm (sky deck until 8 pm) How to get there: Roppongi (Hibiya Line, Oedo Line)

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tokyo’s fish market is the largest in the world. There’s a huge fish auction in the morning starting at 5 am, where the gigantic tuna fish are auctioned off to the highest bidders.

A maximum of 120 tourists per day are allowed to attend this spectacle. The seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so get in line before 5 am at the Osakana Fukyu Center. If you’re late, you can’t go in. The 120 lucky ones are only allowed to watch the events for about 20 minutes and some people who went told us that it isn’t really worth it. So we chose to give it a miss and sleep in instead.

At 10 am, the market opens its doors for tourists. Please note: Many travel guides and online resources list 9 am as the opening time, but that seems to have changed recently.

The activity on the fish market is really interesting and it’s pretty impressive watching the huge tuna fish being professionally cut up and the general hustle and bustle.

However, the fish market isn’t primarily a tourist attraction. First and foremost, it’s really hard work and people are constantly driving around the market with stacking vehicles. So you’ll always be standing in the way as a visitor and not all traders like to have their photo taken.

Admission: free Opening hours: 10 am to 3 pm (the earlier you go, the more fish is left), closed on Sundays and often also on Wednesday How to get there: Tsukijishijo (Oedo Line) or Tsukiji (Hibiya Line)

Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge

Tokyo Bay is ideal for an evening stroll. Then the Rainbow Bridge, which leads to the offshore island of Odaiba, shines in different colors and makes for some great photos. The Hamarikyu Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, are also well worth a visit.

How to get there:  Shiodome Station (Oedo Line, Yurikamome Line) for Hamarikyu Gardens; Shibaurafuto for Rainbow Bridge (Yurikamome Line)

Sights and attractions in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is located in western Tokyo and is definitely one of the most exciting districts in the city.

Piss Alley – Omoide Yokocho

The small alley with the charming name Piss Alley is actually called Omoide Yokocho and is just around the corner from Shinjuku Station. The alley is really just over a meter wide and looks a bit out of time in neat and tidy Tokyo.

Left and right of the alley are small restaurants offering delicious soups, fish, and grilled meat. The restaurants are tiny and generally only fit 5-6 people at the small counters.

Opening hours: The restaurants are usually open until midnight, many of them even opening at lunchtime. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Kabukichō – The red light and nightlife district

Kabukichō is a huge amusement district that starts right in front of Shinjuku Station. It’s still relatively quiet here during the day, but it’s worth going on a daytime photo walk. In the evening, the countless neon signs light up the night.

In addition to red light establishments, Kabukichō has countless restaurants, clubs, bars, and arcades. Kabukichō is also one of the few places in Tokyo where you really have to be a bit careful. Some places here have been known to cheat tourists.

Opening hours: Restaurants usually open from noon, bars only in the evening. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Golden Gai is a small area in Kabukichō with lots of tiny bars. The narrow streets are very photogenic, but we recommend taking photos here during the day. The bars are still closed then and you can take pictures in peace. In the evenings, tourists taking pictures aren’t as welcome.

Most of the bars in Golden Gai are hardly bigger than a living room with just enough space for 6 to 8 people. They often charge a cover of 500 to 1,000 yen in addition to the price of the drinks.

Opening hours: Most bars open from 7 pm and stay open until late at the night. Many bars close on Sundays. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo has a lot of great viewpoints, but you’d run up quite a bill if you wanted to visit them all. Tokyo’s city hall, the Metropolitan Government Building, offers a very good free alternative.

The building has two towers, both of which have an observation deck. It’s generally worth visiting both towers as you can see other things from each of them. You can visit the observation decks free of charge, but you need to be a bit patient waiting for the elevators. It took about 15 minutes when we were there.

Admission: free Opening hours: North tower: 9:30 am to 11:00 pm (closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month); South tower: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month) How to get there: Tochomae (Oedo Line)

Harajuku is a neighborhood in the district of Shinjuku mainly known for its youth culture. Especially on Sunday, the cosplay scene meets on the bridge between the train station and Yoyogi Park, which is also worth seeing.

Cosplay is a popular subculture in Japan where mostly young people dress up elaborately in the style of manga and anime figures. Unfortunately, it rained hard all day long in Tokyo on Sunday, so we couldn’t watch the spectacle. But we’ll be back!

Harajuku is worth a trip regardless. The area has lots of stylish clothes stores, cool bars, and cafés, and a whole lot of hipsterdom to offer. We really liked it there and it’s really fun to stroll through the streets of the neighborhood.

How to get there: Harajuku (JR Yamanote Line), Meijijingu-Mae (Fukutoshin Line, Chiyoda Line)

Sights and attractions in Shibuya

Shibuya is located in the east of downtown Tokyo and is especially popular with younger Tokyo residents as a shopping and entertainment district.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is probably one of the most famous crossings in the world. At this intersection, all pedestrian lights turn green at the same time, and hundreds or even thousands of people cross the intersection at each green phase.

This spectacle is an absolute highlight and so typical of this crazy, overcrowded, and hectic city. Simply wonderful!

Opening hours: It’s really lively here from about 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. How to get there: Shibuya (Ginza Line, Fukutoshin Line, Hanzomon Line)

There’s a statue of a dog in front of Shibuya Station. That sounds relatively unspectacular at first, but this statue is still a real attraction that draws hundreds of tourists every day.

Because the story of Hachikō is heartwarming. The faithful dog picked its master up from Shibuya station after work at the same time every day until he suddenly died in 1925.

Nevertheless, Hachikō continued to go to Shibuya station every day to wait for his master and continued doing so for 10 whole years. And so Hachikō became known throughout the country as a symbol of a loyal companion.

Isn’t that a nice story? Fittingly, the statue has become one of the most famous meeting places for dates in Japan.

The best day trips from Tokyo: Our tips

Although Tokyo itself is absolutely amazing enough by itself, it’s still worth going on one or the other day trip from Tokyo.

One of these trips leads to Kamakura to the south of Tokyo. There are several temples and an impressive Buddha statue there. On the way back it makes sense to stop off in Yokohama .

A day trip to Nikko in the north is also highly recommended. Here you can find some of the most important and beautiful shrines in all of Japan. It’s also home to the three famous monkeys Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

You can also visit Mount Fuji as part of a day trip from Tokyo. But you should leave very early in the morning for that. If you want to more fully experience the area around Fuji, we recommend staying overnight.

If you want to go on a more unusual tour far away from the tourist hot spots, you could also go to Mito to the northeast of Tokyo. Karaku-en, one of the three famous gardens in Japan, is located here. You can also visit an old manor house and a former Samurai school without being surrounded by crowds of tourists.

It is absolutely impossible to completely cover Tokyo in just a few days. You’ll never have enough time for Tokyo unless you come here for half a year or so.

We visited all the above-mentioned sights in 5 days, and dedicated two full days to excursions in the surrounding area. A week is a good guideline to at least see the most important sights in Tokyo and go on a day trip or two.

If you’re up for a real sightseeing tour de force, you’ll probably manage the highlights in 3 days. But then your feet will really ache by the end of the day.

Tokyo travel tips: Underground and public transport

Tokyo’s public transport system is excellent. You can reach almost every corner of the city by subway and bus. Tokyo has a total of 13 metro lines that transport more than 3 billion people a year, more than anywhere else in the world.

The Yamanote Line, which is operated by Japan Railways, the state-owned railroad company and which is also covered by the Japan Railpass, is also important. The Yamanote Line is a circle line that runs around downtown Tokyo and stops at many places of interest in Tokyo.

Tokyo subway tickets

The ticket vending machines look terrifying at first glance. However, there’s a small button on the display that switches the machine to English. Then the machine is relatively easy to operate.

Metro travel is relatively cheap. A trip usually costs between 150 and 200 yen (1.20 to 1.60 euros). The best idea is to buy a Suica Card .

You can top up this card with any amount of money and place it on the card reader at the turnstile before entering the platform and after leaving it. The fare is automatically deducted and you only have to use the machine for top-ups.

The Suica Card is also available at any of the machines. There’s a 500-yen deposit, but you’ll get it back in the end. Conveniently enough, you can also use the Suica Card in other cities such as Osaka or Kyoto . Plus, you can use your card to pay in many stores and vending machines. However, you can only return the card in the Tokyo area.

Day tickets for the metro are also available, but since different metro lines belong to different operators, a ticket for entire network is pretty expensive at 1,000 yen. It’s only worth the price if you really plan to use the metro a lot in one day. But take note that these tickets aren’t valid for JR lines and buses.

Tokyo metro schedule

Many subway lines run every 2 or 3 minutes during peak times. Even so, it can get crowded in the subways, especially in the morning and after work. If you’ve ever seen pictures of crowded subways with faces stuck to the windows – sometimes it looks like that, but not on all the lines.

The last trains run between midnight and 1 am, and don’t resume service until 5 in the morning. If you want to go out in the evening, make sure to check when your last train leaves. There’s always a notice at the train stations showing the times of the last trains.

Taking a taxi in Tokyo is relatively expensive, but the only alternative at night.

How to get to the city from the airport

Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda Airport to the south of the city and Narita Airport to the west. Both airports are very well served by public transport.

Transport from Narita Airport to the center

Most international flights go to Narita Airport.

The fastest and easiest way to get from Narita to Tokyo is the Narita Express. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you use it on the Narita Express , which is very handy.

After all, a ticket usually costs 3,220 yen (about 27 euros). It’s a convenient way to get to the most important stations in Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shinjukum, and Shibuya, in less than an hour.

The JR Sobu Line is a cheaper alternative, taking you to Tokyo Station for 1,320 yen (about 12 euros) in about 90 minutes. However, this train can get very crowded and is less comfortable than the Narita Express.

Another alternative is the Keisei Limited Express , which takes you to Nippori Station in about 75 minutes for 1,090 yen. You can change to the Yamanote Line there and continue to your destination in Tokyo.

The Keisei Skyliner also serves the same route as the Keisei Limited Express. For about 2,400 Yen (approx. 20 euros) this train runs to Nippori and Ueno Stations, where you can change trains.

Taxis are also available, but they’re really, really expensive. One journey costs 20,000 yen, which is about 170 euros.

Transport from Haneda Airport to the center

Some international flights also land at Haneda Airport. If you’re lucky enough to land there, getting to the center is much cheaper.

First you have to take the monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station. Once you’re there, you can change to the Yamanote Line, which will take you to Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations. The fare for the entire journey is only 600 to 700 Yen (approx. 5-6 euros).

A taxi from Haneda Airport costs between 5,000 and 10,000 yen (approx. 45-90 euros) depending on traffic and time of day.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Overnight accommodation in Tokyo is expensive, very expensive! Living space in the city is scarce and the size of the hotel rooms reflects this fact of life. You’ll have trouble finding anything reasonable for under 100 euros per night.

Tip : If you’re looking for a hotel in Tokyo, please read our post Where to stay in Tokyo to find out which part of Tokyo suits you best. You can find a list of all the hotels we stayed at in Japan here:  Where we stayed in Japan & 7 hotel booking tips .

The famous capsule hotels or dormitories in hostels are an inexpensive alternative if you’re on a budget, but a private room with your own bathroom will definitely cost you big bucks.

We stayed at the Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka , which offers a great value for money by Tokyo standards. The location is very good and the rooms are modern and clean, but you’ll have to get really organized to fit your bags, etc. into the 10-square-meter rooms. And for 140 euros per night, we would have expected a more comfortable bed. But now we’re just nitpicking.

We also spent two nights at the InterContinental Hotel Tokyo Bay . Of course the rooms there are much larger, more stylish, the beds are much more comfortable, and the view is amazing! But the quality of the rooms and the location come at a price.

General tips for booking a hotel in Tokyo:

We recommend that you book your hotel in Tokyo (this also applies to all other places in Japan) as far in advance as possible, because the hotels with the best value for money get snapped up very quickly.

Unless you’re an avid smoker yourself, make sure you book a non-smoking room! Japan is still a country of smokers, although that’s starting to change.

Hotels outside the center are obviously cheaper. But that means joining the working population on their daily commute to the city center and back again every morning and evening. Taking the metro is no fun in the overcrowded trains at rush hour. We were just glad that our hotel was right in the center so we only experienced a watered-down version of this.

Guided city tours of Tokyo

If you don’t want to explore Tokyo on your own, we recommend booking a local guide. Not only does this allow you to get through the city stress-free, but you’ll also receive a lot of insider tips from a local.

We’ve picked out some exciting and unusual city tours for you to book online.

Explore the history of Asakusa : Find out lots of historical facts about Asakusa and visit Sensoji Temple and great viewpoints on this informative walking tour. You also get to try some typical Japanese snacks.

Cycling tour through Tokyo : Discovering Tokyo by bike is a completely different experience. But it’s not that dumb an idea, because you can cover quite a lot of ground in a short time.

Private day tour through Tokyo : On this tour, you’ll have a private guide all to yourself for a whole day. This is our favorite kind of tour, as you can put together a very individual agenda and communicate with the guide much more intensively than on a group tour.

Even more travel tips for Tokyo and Japan

We hope our Tokyo travel tips have been helpful for planning your trip. Of course we always look forward to hearing from you in the comments. What attractions in Tokyo did you like the most? Do you have a great tip you’d like to share with all future visitors to Tokyo?

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Tokyo Starts Here

Finding the right Tokyo travel guide can be the most stressful part of planning travel to Japan . This makes sense, of course—Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world; it’s where your trip to Japan will likely begin and end. The stakes are high.

At the same time, when you break Tokyo down—it’s less one massive city, and more a constellation of medium-sized ones—it becomes much more manageable, digestible and understandable. Dare I say it’s actually a very easy and logical place to travel?

Well, if you’ve ever tried to find your way out of Shinjuku Station, you’ll know that isn’t necessarily true. Still, I think you’ll leave this page much more confident than you were when you arrived.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Before I dig into specific things to do in Tokyo, let’s talk about an essential ingredient to your success: Staying somewhere close to where you want to be. If you feel equally enthusiastic about seeing all parts of Tokyo, a centrally-located hotel such as APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae makes the most sense, since you can reach distant districts like eastern Asakusa and Shibuya in Tokyo’s southwest in the same amount of time. If you’re searching for a higher-end hotel in this general area, meanwhile, the five-star Tokyo Station Hotel is as chic as it is convenient.

Of course, some travelers want to prioritize one particular area. Richmond Hotel Asakusa , for example, offers stunning views of Senso-ji temple with the Tokyo Skytree rising behind it, while Park Hyatt Tokyo is probably the ultimate luxury hotel in Shinjuku. Hotel the Celestine Ginza, meanwhile, is a dream for high-end shoppers and those with a taste for Michelin-starred restaurants. Another Tokyo accommodation strategy is to do an Airbnb search, and move the map around to where you want to be.

What to Do in Tokyo

Step into a world of nightlife (and neon signs).

It’s no coincidence that so many impressions of Tokyo in pop culture and travel photograph depict the city at night. How you experience this yourself, however, is totally up to your preferences. Some are satisfied simply to walk amid the neon signs of Shinjuku’ s Kabukicho ward, or have a drink or two within the tachinomi standing bars of Omoide Yokocho alley, while others prefer to crowd into busy nightclubs in Roppongi , or try their luck in the arcades of the Akihabara “electric town.”

Eat your weight in sushi

Although Tokyo is a place where you can discover all the foods of Japan, sushi (which has its culinary roots in Edo , the name by which Tokyo was formerly known) is my favorite indulgence in the capital. As far as where to enjoy this, you’ve got many choices. A cheaper option would be to visit any number of kaitenzushi , or conveyor-belt sushi restaurants. Another choice is to wander around Tsukiji , whose seafood market is closed, but where “sushi for breakfast” (or at any time, really) is a great option.

Gain a higher perspective—or many

On some blog and in certain travel guides, lists of things to do in Tokyo fail to provide perspective on how huge the city is, so I always make sure and gain some altitude whenever I can get there. My personal favorite Tokyo viewpoint is i-Link Tower in Ichikawa city, Chiba prefecture. Within the city-proper, you can ascend to the observation decks of Tokyo Tower or Tokyo SkyTree , or visit free viewing areas in buildings such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, or the Bunkyo Civic Center .

Discover the ancient, not just the modern

Although many things to do in Tokyo are modern and even futuristic, there are plenty of opportunities to go back in time. Senso-ji temple in Asakusa , for example, originally dates back to the 8th-century, and although the present structure is much newer than that, it nonetheless takes you back in time. Right across the street from modern Harajuku , meanwhile, you’ll find the lush grounds of the Meiji Shrine , whose serenity and expanse will take you to another era entirely.

Venture off Tokyo’s beaten path

Tokyo’s tourist trail is pretty scattered, but it also’s fairly well trodden. One way to go off it is to ride the driverless Yurikamome train onto Odaiba , a manmade island in Tokyo Bay , where you can visit the teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum , among other attractions. Alternatively, ride the JR Yamanote Line northward to Nippori , then head west into Yanaka , Tokyo’s oldest district and the best-preserved example of the ancient Shitamachi architectural style. Far-western Setagaya , meanwhile, is home to Gotokuji the “beckoning cat” temple.

Take day trips to Nikko, Kamakura and/or Mt. Fuji

Tokyo’s such a massive city that you could spend four whole days here (or even longer) and still not see everything. However, getting out of town can provide you essential context. Many travelers hear north to Nikko , a shrine town nestled deep in the mountains of Tochigi prefecture. Others head south to Kamakura , a seaside city that was once Japan’s capital; some stop in Yokohama on the way back. Another popular day trip from Tokyo is to the Mt. Fuji area, whether amid the hot springs of Hakone or closer to the mountain in the Fuji Five Lakes region.

Tokyo’s Top Neighborhoods

From the famously busy Shinjuku Station to the iconic neon lights of the Kabukicho sub-district, Shinjuku is without a doubt Tokyo’s best-known neighborhood. However, in spite of topping many travelers’ lists, Shinjuku is not one-size-fits-all. Some prefer pints at Izakaya along the Golden Gai , while others choose more curated meals at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants nearby. Still others explore Shinjuku by day instead of (just) by night, such as with a stroll through spacious Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden .

As I mentioned a few paragraphs back, Senso-ji temple is the most famous of Asakusa ‘s main things to do in Tokyo, but it’s really over the beginning. One option is to head west to the quirky Kappabashi Cooking Street , even if you aren’t shopping for kitchen supplies. Alternatively, head east over the Sumida River , whether to the aforementioned Tokyo SkyTree or into Ryogoku , Tokyo’s de-facto sumo district. In spring, the banks of the Sumida River themselves are one of the best places in the city to see sakura .

Like Shinjuku, Shibuya is a district whose very name evokes excitement in Japan travelers new and old alike. This is not just because of the famous Shibuya Scramble, however. Youthful Harajuku technically sits within Shibuya, for example, whether you simply walk back and forth along Takeshita-dori, or follow it into Omotesando, a luxurious shopping street I consider the “Beverly Hills of Tokyo.” Gain some altitude at the Shibuya Sky observatory, or get some fresh air at Yoyogi Park (in spring, beneath the sakura ) or along ginkgo-lined Meiji Jingu Gaien during the autumn.

For some travelers, Japanese and foreign alike, Ginza doesn’t have much appeal, apart from its high-end department stores and ritzy Teppanyaki restaurants. However, I urge you to rethink, and not just because of how glitzy and glamorous the neon signs of Chuo-Dori look lit up at night. Among other highlights, you can stroll through Ginza down into the Tsukiji culinary neighborhood, and stop at the Kabuki-za theater on the way back, ideally as Tokyo’s upper crust are streaming in to catch a performance.

Walking amid the arcades and gadget shops of Akihabara “electric town” is near the top of many lists of things to do in Tokyo, even for travelers who aren’t big nerds. At the JR Chuo-Sobu Line speeds far overhead, neon signs flashing everywhere around you, you might just feel like you’re walking through a video game. This sensation is especially heightened if you sit down for dinner at a maid cafe, or get behind the wheel of a go-kart and drive it through the lit-up Tokyo cityscape.

How Many Days Are Enough in Tokyo?

The more times I return to Tokyo, and the different ways I incorporate each into whatever trip to Japan I’m on, I go back and forth on how many days in Tokyo you should spend. I’d generally say 3 days in Tokyo is the minimum amount of time I’d recommend, particularly if it’s your first time. This allows you a day explore more mainstream parts of the city like Asakusa and Shinkjuku, another to go off the beaten path in Odaiba or Yanaka and a third to take any number of day trips from Tokyo.

On the other hand, things to do in Tokyo are numerous enough that you can easily devote 4 or 5 days in Tokyo and still not get bored! Likewise, the longer you spend in Tokyo, the more forms your trip can take. While some travelers will do the tourist thing for an entire week, and sightsee for seven days straight, others will get an Airbnb in a super-residential neighborhood like Setagaya or Nippori. “Living in Tokyo,” rather than just traveling there, unlocks an entirely new perspective on Japan’s capital.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

As you’ll know if you’ve read my post about Tokyo cherry blossoms , I’m partial to visiting Japan’s capital during late March or early April. However, while they’re nothing like seeing Chidorigafuchi moat awash in sakura , other times of the year are also beautiful in Tokyo. In autumn, whose leaves peak around the beginning of December, golden ginkgoes like the Meiji Jingu Gaien in Aoyama, while ornate Rikugien garden becomes awash in reds and oranges, especially during its nighttime illumination.

While winter in Tokyo is not usually snowy, it does tend to boast clear, crisp days and cold nights that are perfect for hot Japanese-style curry, or all-night karaoke. Tokyo’s summer season is hot, humid and sometimes very rainy, but on the plus side, it’s not necessarily very busy. Another great time to visit Tokyo is during the “shoulder” month of May. While the crowds of cherry blossom season are gone, warmth and sunshine dominate; the plum rains of late spring and early summer will not yet have arrived.

Other FAQ About Visiting Tokyo

What should i avoid in tokyo.

In my opinion, the most overrated Tokyo activity is the tuna auction, especially now that it has been moved from the historic, soulful Tsukiji Inner Market to the purpose-built Toyosu Market, which is cold and sterile. Beyond this, I’d say you should avoid structuring your Tokyo itinerary too deliberately around bucket list items—leave some space to get lost and explore.

What kind of activities can you do in Tokyo?

In a single day in Tokyo, you can walk through the grounds of thousand-year old Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, snack on cotton candy and crepes on wild, wacky Takeshita Street in Harajuku, looking down on the famous “Scramble” crossing from the panoramic Shibuya Sky viewpoint and savor Michelin-star sushi amid the neon lights of Shinjuku or Ginza.

Is 7 days enough in Tokyo?

For most travelers, I would almost say that 7 days in Tokyo is too much, at least for a purely touristic trip. If you attempt to explore Tokyo on full blast for seven days in a row, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed. 3-5 days in Tokyo is much more manageable, giving you a day each to explore primary and secondary attractions and neighborhoods, and enough time to take day trips to Nikko, Kamakura and/or Mt. Fuji .

The Bottom Line

I hope you’ve not only learned a lot while combing through my Tokyo travel guide, but that you have started to think about the city in an entirely different way. A trip to Tokyo shouldn’t intimidate you—it should invigorate you. The more knowledge you have before you take off, the more confidence you can proceed with after you land. This will be true whether you stick to the well-trodden, neon-bath alleys of Shinjuku and Shibuya , or venture off Tokyo’s beaten path into Odaiba, Yanaka, Setagaya and beyond. Want to make sure your next Japan trip is one for the records books? Hire me to plan a fully-customized Japan itinerary!

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tokyo

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to the greatest cities in the world, you cannot do better than Tokyo. A juxtaposition of deep tradition and fast-paced, modern energy, Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is one of the best places to visit in Asia . It is home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of Government and Parliament, as well as luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and fantastic shopping. Located in East-Central Honshu, the largest of Japan's main islands, this heavily populated city serves as a great base from which to explore other parts of the country.

One of the world's most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design — due largely to the 1923 earthquake and the devastation of WWII — Tokyo also holds the title of the world's most expensive city in which to live. Fortunately, it's also one of the easiest to get around thanks to its superb rail and subway networks.

The cultural side of Tokyo is famous for its numerous things to do and top attractions, including museums; festivals; internationally noted cuisine; and professional sports clubs, including baseball, football, and traditional Japanese pursuits like sumo wrestling. It's also a city rich in music and theater, with numerous venues featuring everything from Japanese modern dramas to symphony orchestras and pop and rock concerts.

Explore the city with our list of the top things to do in Tokyo.

Enjoy Nature and Art at the Meiji Shrine

Explore the shinjuku gyoen national garden, enjoy nature at ueno park and ueno zoo, visit the sensō-ji temple, shop 'til you drop in the ginza district, see the view from the tokyo skytree, wander through the tokyo national museum, tour the imperial palace, visit the miraikan and edo-tokyo museums, stop in at the national museum of nature and science, spend time at the national museum of western art, enjoy the collections at the national art center, see a show at the kabuki-za theatre, ginza, get lost at yomiuriland, scope the fashion in harajuku, take a walk at shibuya crossing, where to stay in tokyo for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to tokyo, map of tourist attractions & things to do in tokyo, best time to visit tokyo, japan.

Highlights : An important religious site surrounded by 175 acres of forest

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, the construction of the splendid Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) began in 1915 and was completed in 1926. Although the original structure was destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt in 1958 and remains one of Tokyo's most important religious sites.

Surrounded by a 175-acre evergreen forest that is home to some 120,000 trees representing species found across Japan — as well as the interesting "wishing tree," on which visitors can write and hang their deepest wishes — the shrine's highlights include its Inner Precinct (Naien) with its museum containing royal treasures, and the Outer Precinct (Gaien).

It's in the Outer Precinct that you'll find the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery with its superb collection of murals relating to the lives of the emperor and empress. Be sure to also visit the adjacent Meiji Shrine Inner Garden (Yoyogi Gyoen), an attractive public garden complete with a teahouse, iris garden, and a pleasant arbor.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Highlights : Three types of traditional gardens in one, including 1,500 cherry trees

Walk through one of Tokyo's most historic pieces of land when you visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Formerly the residence of the Naito family during the Edo period (17th-19th centuries), it was transferred to the Imperial Family. It is now a national garden, which opened in 1949, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Japan.

The garden is considered one of the best because it fuses together three types of traditional garden: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese traditional. It also happens to be one of the best spots in Tokyo to view the cherry blossoms , as the garden has roughly 1,500 cherry trees. You'll also find Himalayan cedars, cypresses, and tulip trees. The garden is very popular in the autumn, when the leaves start to change to crimson and gold.

Other features of the garden include a greenhouse, beautiful ponds, and several pavilions.

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Highlights : A 212-acre park home to ponds, historic shrines, and the Ueno Zoo

A paradise-like oasis of green in the heart of busy Tokyo, Ueno Park (Ueno Kōen) is the city's largest green space and one of its most popular tourist attractions. In addition to its lovely grounds, the park also boasts numerous temples and museums to explore.

Criss-crossed by pleasant gravel paths, this 212-acre park includes highlights such as a trip on a small boat on the reed-fringed Shinobazu pond , around a little island with its Bentendo Temple. Be sure to also visit the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine (Nikkō Tōshō-gū), with its 256 bronze and stone lanterns.

Another highlight here is Ueno Zoo (Onshi Ueno Dōbutsuen). Opened in 1882, it is Japan's oldest zoo, and is famous for the pandas presented by the People's Republic of China.

While it's a large attraction and houses more than 3,00 animals representing some 400 species, having a fun monorail connecting its various components can help speed up a visit (and make it even more enjoyable).

The Aqua-Zoo , one of the largest aquariums in Asia, is also worth a visit, especially if you're traveling with kids.

Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A centuries-old temple with a 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern and incense that is said to heal ailments

In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the exquisite Sensō-ji Temple (Kinryū-zan Sensō-ji)) – the city's most famous shrine – stands at the end of a long street market hosting vendors selling masks, carvings, combs made of ebony and wood, toys, kimonos, fabrics, and precious paper goods.

Dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, the temple was established in AD 645 and retains its original appearance despite having been rebuilt numerous times.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the Kaminari-mon Gate with its 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern bearing the inscription "Thunder Gate," as well as the famous and much-loved Incense Vat, reputed to drive away ailments (you'll see people cupping their hands around the smoke and applying it to the part of their body needing healing).

Also of note are the fascinating temple doves, said to be Kannon's sacred messengers. Be sure to drop a coin in the Omikuji boxes near the entrance, from which you can retrieve a piece of paper that will tell your fortune.

Afterward, be sure to explore the rest of the 50-acre temple precinct with its warren of lanes. If you can, revisit the temple again at night for a completely different (and far less crowded) illuminated experience.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032

Highlights : A paradise for shoppers with hundreds of shops and restaurants in one of the world's largest pedestrian zones

Ginza is Tokyo's busiest shopping area and it's as iconic as Times Square in New York, and much older. It has in fact been the commercial center of the country for centuries and is where five ancient roads connecting Japan's major cities all met. Lined by exclusive shops and imposing palatial stores, the Ginza district is also fun to simply wander around or. Better still, sit in one of its many tea and coffee shops or restaurants while watching the world rush past.

At weekends, when everything is open, it's a shopper's paradise as traffic is barred, making it one of the world's largest pedestrian zones. Come nightfall, gigantic advertising panels on its many buildings bathe Ginza in bright neon light.

It's also where you'll find the famous Kabuki-za Theatre (see #12 below), home to traditional Kabuki performances, as well as the Shinbashi Enbujō Theatre in which Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances are staged.

Highlights : The tallest structure in the country, featuring a restaurant and multiple observation decks

It's hard to miss the Tokyo Skytree (Tōkyō Sukaitsurī). This 634-meter-tall communications and observation tower rises out of the city's Sumida district of Minato like a huge rocket ship.

The country's tallest structure (and the world's tallest freestanding tower), the Tokyo Skytree opened in 2012 and has quickly become one of the city's most visited tourist attractions thanks to the incredible panoramic views from its restaurant and observation decks.

With a base designed in the form of a massive tripod, the tower includes a number of cylindrical observation levels, including one at the 350-meter mark, and another at the 450-meter point - the latter includes a unique glass spiral walkway to an even higher viewpoint with glass floors for those with strong stomachs.

Be sure to also check out the smaller and much older Tokyo Tower , built in 1958 and once the city's tallest structure.

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo

Highlights : One of the largest collections of historic Japanese clothing and pottery from across Asia

Tokyo National Museum (ōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) houses more than 100,000 important works of Japanese, Chinese, and Indian art, including more than 100 national treasures.

Opened in 1938, the TNM, as it's usually known, includes highlights such as numerous Buddhist sculptures from Japan and China dating from the 6th century to the present, as well as fine collections of old textiles, historical weapons, and military equipment.

Also noteworthy are its large collections of historical Japanese clothing and Asian ceramics and pottery. Important artwork includes Japanese paintings from the 7th to the 14th centuries, and another must-see is the museum's exquisite collections of Japanese and Chinese masterpieces of lacquer work of various centuries, including examples of lacquer-carving, gold lacquer, and lacquer with mother of pearl. There are also many fine examples of calligraphy.

English-language guided tours are available. Also worth a visit is the museum's traditional Japanese landscape garden with its three pavilions, including the 17th-century Tein Teahouse (Rokuso-an), and the nearby Museum for East Asiatic Art with its 15 exhibition galleries.

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A 17th-century palace known for its historic walls, bridge, gate, and garden

The chief attraction of Tokyo's Marunouchi district is the Imperial Palace (Kōkyo) with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats. Still in use by the Imperial family, the Imperial Palace stands on the site where, in 1457, the Feudal Lord Ota Dokan built the first fortress, the focal point from which the city of Tokyo (or Edo, as it was then) gradually spread.

As famous as the palace is the Nijubashi Bridge leading to its interior, a structure that takes its name ("double bridge") from its reflection in the water. Other notable features include the two-meter-thick wall surrounding the palace and its gates, one of which leads to the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden.

Tours of the Imperial Palace are available (pre-registration required) and include the Kikyo-mon Gate, Someikan (Visitors' House), Fujimi-yagura ("Mt. Fuji View" Keep), the East Gardens and Inner Gate, the Seimon-tetsubashi bridge, and the Imperial Household Agency Building (be sure to plan ahead).

Another fortress that can be visited is Edo Castle (Chiyoda Castle). Built in 1457, it's located in Tokyo's Chiyoda district.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

Highlights : Hands-on exhibits that teach visitors about everything from earthquakes to weather, energy, robotics, and much more

One of Tokyo's newest museums, the impressive National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Nippon Kagaku Mirai-kan) – usually simply referred to as the Miraikan – offers a fascinating insight into Japan's leading role in the field of technology.

Created by Japan's Science and Technology Agency, this ultra-modern, purpose-built facility includes many hands-on interactive exhibits dealing with everything from earthquakes to weather, as well as renewable energy and robotics. Highlights include a number of displays relating to modern transportation such as a superb model of a Maglev train, as well as a robotics exhibition.

Also worth visiting is the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Completed in 1993, the museum's exhibits deal with the region's rich past, present, and future. Of particular interest is a replica bridge leading into a mock-up of dwellings in the original old city of Edo.

Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo

Highlights : A newly renovated museum housing 250,000 items related to natural history and science

Located in Tokyo's Ueno Park , the superb National Museum of Nature and Science (Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan) opened in 1871 and is one of the country's oldest museums.

Now completely renovated and modernized, the museum also boasts a reputation as one of the country's busiest and largest museums, housing a vast collection of some 250,000 materials related to natural history and science.

These include many fascinating interactive displays on space development, nuclear energy, and transportation, each allowing visitors a unique insight into the latest scientific and technological advances. Highlights of the Japan Gallery (Nihonkan) include numerous exhibits of prehistoric creatures and the history of the Japanese people, including traditional customs and outfits. In the Global Gallery (Chikyūkan) you'll see many excellent scientific and technology displays, including robotics and vintage vehicles.

Address: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-871

Highlights : A collection of international artists, including Rodin, Monet, Manet, Degas, and many more

Located in Ueno Park and just three minutes' walk from Ueno Station stands the National Museum of Western Art (Kokuritsu Seiyō Bijutsukan). It was built in 1959 to plans by famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier.

The exhibits, largely made up of works by important French artists, come mainly from the collections of Japanese businessman and art collector Kojiro Matsukata, bought during visits to Europe early in the 20th century.

In the courtyard are works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, while highlights inside are canvases by Impressionists Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, and Edgar Degas. The museum also boasts an excellent restaurant with great views over the courtyard.

Address: 7-7 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo

Highlights : A permanent collection of more than 600 paintings from the 20th century

Another of Tokyo's world-class museums, the excellent National Art Center (Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan) is housed in a remarkable curved glass building in the city's Roppongi district. This superb facility only opened in 2007 and has since earned a well-deserved reputation for its fine permanent collection of more than 600 paintings, most from the 20th century. These include many important pieces of modern art and regular visiting exhibitions.

Also worth checking out is the Mori Art Museum (Mori Bijutsukan) on the top floors of the neighboring Roppongi Hills Mori Tower . This fine art museum is notable for its regular exhibits of contemporary artwork from around the globe.

Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi Minato City, Tokyo

Highlights : A stunning theater showcasing a centuries-old style of performance

Tokyo is home to a number of excellent theaters, none as well known as the historic Kabuki-za Theatre in the city's busy Ginza district , home to famous traditional Kabuki performances.

Based upon a medieval, highly skilled, and often burlesque theatrical form including song and dance, the theater's performances are as popular among tourists as they are with Japanese-speaking people.

The drama and comedy are relatively easy to follow thanks to rich visuals and theatricality. The theater's interior, usually full to capacity with some 2,000 guests, is always intimate and seems more akin to an enormous family get-together than a stage show due to the fact that spectators bring their own food or purchase treats from the various restaurants spread around the auditorium (go for one of the tasty bento box meals).

Performances can last for hours, and spectators stay as long as they wish (or as long as they can bear). And no one seems to take offense at people's comings and goings, nor their loud cheering or jeering.

Address: 4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

Highlights : An amusement park with hundreds of cherry trees, water attractions, and rides

Sometimes you just want a day to be a kid again, and that's exactly what Yomiuriland has given to the residents of Tokyo since 1964. This amusement park sits 30 minutes from Tokyo and is home to more than 40 attractions and seasonal activities – think roller coasters, rides, light shows, and even a bungee jump.

The park is open year-round and provides something exciting to do at each time of year. In the spring, the park's more than 1,000 cherry trees blush with a blanket of powder-soft pinks. The summer means the opening of the park's many pools and water attractions. Come winter, the landscape is transformed into a twinkling snowscape wonderland.

Most travelers come to Yomiuriland to ride the Bandit, a rollercoaster that snakes its way through the tops of the cherry trees. Of course, the summer pools and waterslides are also a major selling point for this thrill park. Visitors will also find shopping and restaurants and a stage for entertainment.

Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8566, Japan

Highlights : Outrageous fashion and futuristic boutiques sit alongside historic attractions and museums.

Nothing is too outrageous when it comes to Tokyo's frenetic Harajuku District. The neighborhood refers to the area near the Harajuku Station, sandwiched between Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you're looking to bend the rules when it comes to everything cultural and fashionable, this is the spot to go.

The main artery of Harajuku (and the best place to spot the crazy teen fashions) is Takeshita Dori, which is flanked on either end by wild and wacky shops. Pink hair, tattoos, and knee-high boots are just the tip of the iceberg here. Even if your style is on the tamer side, fret not – Harajuku has plenty of more mainstream boutiques, as well.

But Harajuku is also home to several historical attractions. Meiji Jingu is located here, as is the small Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Overall, it's the perfect neighborhood to encapsulate Japan's deep-rooted traditions with its surges of futuristic styles.

Highlight : More than 3,000 human beings cross the streets at once at this five-way intersection.

If you've never seen an image of Shibuya Crossing, you may want to take a look before you go. Think Times Square, and multiply it several times over. This intersection is one of the most famous in the world, and most definitely the busiest in Japan, flooded with hundreds of thousands of flashing lights from electronic billboards overhead.

At peak times, it is thought that somewhere around 3,000 people cross this five-way intersection at once. It is undoubtedly the mass-transit nucleus of Tokyo. But if the thought of crossing the street with 3,000 of your newest friends is overwhelming, you can always head to the rooftop of the Shibuya 109-2 department store, which has the best bird's-eye view over the organized chaos below.

And even if you aren't in Shibuya to cross the street, you will still find that this neighborhood is absolutely teeming with fabulous restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It is certainly a neighborhood not to miss when you visit Tokyo.

The best area to stay in Tokyo is the city center within walking distance of top attractions, such as the Imperial Palace, and close to Tokyo Station with its public transit and high-speed rail connections. The following hotels are highly recommended:

Luxury Hotels:

• Perched atop an office tower on the edge of Tokyo's financial district, the high-rise Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo offers excellent views over the city. Rooms and suites are posh, with chic decor and comfy beds. There are 10 restaurants on-site. You'll also find a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
• Also boasting great views, this time over Tokyo Bay, is the Conrad Tokyo . This luxury hotel is also popular for its proximity to the Ginza district, which is home to great shopping and dining. On-site amenities here include an excellent Cantonese restaurant, a Japanese restaurant with views across the bay, and a third restaurant serving upmarket European fare. You'll also find a swanky spa with an indoor pool and gym in the building.
• Some of the best views in the city are discovered at the refurbished Palace Hotel Tokyo . If you are on a romantic getaway, book one of the posh rooms with a balcony overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Palace. If you're traveling with the kids, many of the suites have kitchens along with separate living rooms. There are multiple restaurants on-site, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a workout room. Finally, treat yourself to a massage at the luxe spa.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to the Imperial Palace and overlooking the magnificent red brick Renaissance-style Tokyo Station, Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo is also near the city's best dining and shopping. This good-value option offers contemporary rooms with Nespresso machines and mini-fridges. Some have tatami mats and futons. On-site amenities include a few dining options and a traditional tearoom.
• Another good mid-range option near public transport and shopping is Hotel Niwa Tokyo . The hotel is located north of the Imperial Palace and adjacent to the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium. It offers clean and comfortable rooms – some even feature whirlpool baths. There are two restaurants on-site, as well as a gym.
• A great family hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza , just a five-minute walk from the Ginza shopping district. The rooms here feature Japanese-inspired art and comfy beds. The suites also have separate living spaces, which is a bonus for parents. When it comes time to eat, you have three on-site restaurant options, including a Japanese restaurant with hostesses in kimonos and its own tempura counter.

Budget Hotels:

• Just minutes from the iconic Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, Richmond Hotel Tokyo Shiba offers reasonably priced accommodations. It is especially popular for its proximity to the Haneda Express Monorail, the direct link to Tokyo's international airport. There is free Wi-Fi and a Starbucks café on-site.
• Another economy choice located just across the road from the Kanda River and a quick stroll to the nearest metro station is Hotel Mystays Asakusabashi . The property features tidy but basic rooms with free Wi-Fi. If you want to cook for yourself to save cash, book one with a kitchenette. Amenities include a convenience store on-site, as well as bike rentals.
• If you are really traveling on a tight budget then check out Hotel Yanagibashi , which offers some inexpensive hostel-style shared rooms. There are also cheaper private rooms with shared baths and slightly more expensive private rooms with en-suite baths. There is a communal kitchen so you can cook for yourself, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities on-site.
• Sightseeing & History in Tokyo : Tokyo is a big city, and taking a tour is a time-efficient way to see the top sites and one of the best ways to learn about what you are seeing. For a little bit of everything, the 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour is a great option. This is a 10-hour tour taking in some of the city's top sites, like the Skytree, a cruise on Tokyo Bay, a visit to the Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and more.
• Day Trip to Nikko National Park: Get outside the steel and concrete of Tokyo and into the lush greenery of Nikko National Park with this full-day excursion. The tour takes you into the rolling countryside, past sacred shrines, and into temples. The Nikko 1-Day Bus Tour features Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
• Visit Mt. Fuji : Get up close and personal with one of Japan's biggest attractions: Mount Fuji. On the Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise, and Bullet Train Day Trip, you'll be whisked out of the city into the countryside for a visit to Mt. Fuji and some of Japan's other top sites. This tour is approximately 12 hours and also includes Mt. Hakone.

Tokyo is a city that enjoys a temperate climate year-round. But the best time to visit Tokyo is March, April, September, October, and November , thanks to its perfect weather and beautiful blossoms and foliage.

September, October, and November are some of the best times to visit Tokyo because they have the best weather. The weather in Tokyo in the fall ranges from 27 degrees to 16 degrees Celsius. The fall is also when the leaves in Tokyo start to change, particularly in October and November. Keep in mind that this is peak time for travelers, so hotel rates may be higher, and expect crowds.

Tokyo is also fabulous during March, April, and May. Temperatures range from 13 to 22 degrees Celsius. April is when Tokyo is awash in pale pink cherry blossoms, as well.

Summers in Tokyo are also top times for tourists, particularly June, July, and August. Expect throngs of crowds during the summer months, as well as heat and humidity. Still, this is one of the top times for tourists to visit Tokyo because schools are out on summer break.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

While in Tokyo : Be sure to spend time exploring the many great attractions within an easy day trip of Tokyo . Highlights include family favorites Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, as well as a great trip to majestic Mount Fuji .

Take the Train : Thanks to Japan's superb rail system, it's possible to use Tokyo as a base to explore numerous other great cities in a day or less. Options include taking a Bullet train to experience the attractions of historic Kyoto (passing Mount Fuji along the way), or heading to Nagoya and exploring the city's many fine shrines and temples, along with its famous castle.

Japan Vacation Ideas : Another city that would serve equally well as a jumping-off point from which to explore Japan is Hiroshima . Here, you can enjoy the amazing Island Shrine of Itsukushima (you can spend the best part of a day here), as well as the many reminders of the city's part in WWII, including Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. The city of Sapporo on the northernmost island of Hokkaido is also a good place to enjoy the country's rich culture, history, and traditions.

More on Japan

36 Hours in Tokyo

By Motoko Rich Updated April 6, 2023

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For two and a half years, pandemic border controls kept international travelers out of Tokyo, leaving its neon shopping precincts and most popular temples and shrines to the locals. Now, with foreign tourists welcomed back since October, those willing to explore beyond highly trafficked neighborhoods like Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku and wander down side streets in places like Setagaya or Koto will be richly rewarded with offbeat boutiques, cafes or surprising oases of natural beauty. Think of Tokyo as a warren of concealed gems, where you can drink at an artisanal bar tucked up in a small office or apartment building or taste exquisite sushi in a basement at the end of a dark street.

Recommendations

• Todoroki Ravine Park , Tokyo’s only natural valley, is a place to clear your head and experience beautiful bamboo groves up close without leaving the city.
• Gotokuji Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by thousands of maneki-neko, the waving cat figures that are one of Japan’s most popular symbols of good luck.
• Kappa Bashi offers a long street of kitchenware shops. Save room in your suitcase for ceramic rice bowls, sake cups, chopsticks and knives.
• The Oshio Tempura and Wine Bar serves unorthodox tempura, with wine pairings, in an old train viaduct.
• Unafuji is a Tokyo outpost of a Nagoya restaurant that specializes in charcoal-grilled eel.
• No. is a mellow bar with a Japanese-Nordic vibe serving specialized cocktails on the third floor of an apartment building.
• Lakan-ka serves fresh and light small dishes and teas infused with monk fruit.
• Toraya-An Stand is a cafe serving sweet bean paste buns and light salads in the trendy Aoyama neighborhood.
• Sushiya-Ono is the place for a blowout omakase sushi meal with exquisitely cut fresh fish served by the chef at a seven-seat counter.
• Ramen Kamuro serves ramen noodles in chicken-based broth in a casual diner setting.
• Bar Martha is a place to listen to vintage vinyl while you drink Japanese whiskey or cocktails. Warning: You could get shushed for talking.
• Iki Roastery & Eatery serves quiche, pastries and espresso drinks in an industrial space on the banks of the Sumida River.
• Dover Street Market is where to shop Japan’s top designer clothing brands, including A Bathing Ape and Commes Des Garcons.
• Ginza Akebono sells delicate Japanese traditional confectionery sweets like the signature strawberry and azuki bean paste wrapped in mochi.
• Tideway sells Japanese-made leather bags and wallets.
• Mizuno Dye Factory offers a mix of indigo tie-dyed clothing and accessories.
• Sou Sou is the Tokyo branch of a Kyoto-based textile company that brings a classical kimono sensibility to contemporary styles.
• Watari-um is a small museum and gallery exhibiting modern and contemporary artists.
• Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum celebrates the art of the late Japanese abstract painter and sculptor in the studio where he worked in the Aoyama neighborhood.
• Kiyosu Bashi is a Western-style suspension bridge that spans the Sumida River in eastern Tokyo.
• Kiyosumi Gardens is a natural oasis in an old industrial neighborhood where you can see turtles and ducks and carp among trees and blossoms.
• Aoyama Grand Hotel , on a busy intersection in Kita-Aoyama, an area near Tokyo’s high-end Omotesando district, has elegant rooms furnished in midcentury-modern style. Doubles start from about 47,200 yen a night, or about $360.
• Trunk Hotel , a boutique hotel in Jingumae, is as popular with locals for its bar and restaurant as it is with out-of-town travelers looking for minimalist rooms in a trendy neighborhood. Double rooms start from about 44,300 yen a night.
• All Day Place Hotel is on a quiet corner near a main thoroughfare in bustling Shibuya, with a pizza joint and the About Life Coffee Brewers on the ground floor; smooth lattes and outdoor seating make for a good place to rest before plunging back into the city. Doubles start from about 21,400 yen.
• For short-term rentals , search in the Aoyama, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yoyogi areas, which are centrally located and near good transport connections.
• Tokyo is best navigated on its world-class subway , train and bus systems. Cabs , while plentiful, are expensive. Ride-hailing apps are not as commonly used as elsewhere, but JapanTaxi and Uber are available. Google Maps is the best navigation app to use here.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver, Colo.: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

La Rioja, Spain:  A drive through rolling vineyards will take you to 5 family-run restaurants  where you’ll find flavorful, affordable dishes you can linger over for hours.

Seattle, Wash.:  Today’s Seattle is ever evolving, filled with colorful neighborhoods that are emblematic of the Emerald City’s  natural beauty, vibrant street life ,  and commitment to both preservation and progress .

Stockholm-Helsinki Ferry:  The 16-hour trip between the two northern European cities is a festive summer ritual , with plenty of singing, gambling, limbo contests and maybe a bit too much to drink.

Swim in the Wild:  Looking to take a dip in or near a city center? Here are some European urban areas that have successfully opened up waterways for swimmers .

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Tokyo (����, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures , consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town , Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping , entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums , historic temples and gardens . Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Top attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Tranquil Meiji Shrine
• Urban exploring in Shibuya
• Shopping in Shinjuku and youth culture in Harajuku

• Ancient Sensoji Temple
• Cruise down the Sumida River
• Shopping in modern Odaiba

• Exploring Shinjuku's busy streets
• Relaxing in Shinjuku Gyoen
• Taking in the skyscraper district

• Exploring Asakusa area

• Serene Imperial East Gardens
• Lively Ginza shopping district

• Old-fashioned post town
• Artsy Tennozu Isle
• Waterfront walk

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Tokyo metropolitan government, hotels around tokyo, tokyo hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Tokyo

Experiences around Tokyo

22 Things to do in Tokyo + Tourist Spots

Tokyo is Japan’s bustling ultramodern capital — the most populous metropolitan area in the world. Let me show you the interesting attractions I’ve visited around Tokyo’s different districts and nearby prefectures. I suggest spending at least two to three days in Tokyo, to see most of the highlights on this list.

Tokyo Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in Tokyo? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in Tokyo for your bucketlist/itinerary.

1. Shibuya Crossing

2. hachiko square, 3. shibuya sky, 4. sensoji temple, asakusa, 5. nakamise shopping street, 6. tokyo skytree, 7. tokyo disneyland & tokyo disneysea, 8. go on a side trip to mount fuji, 9. teamlab borderless & teamlab planets, 10. tokyu plaza mirror escalator, 11. takeshita street, 12. meiji shrine & yoyogi park, 13. ueno park, 14. tokyo national museum, 15. ameya yokocho market (ameyoko shopping street), 16. tokyo tower, 17. gundam unicorn statue & odaiba, 18. akihabara, 19. miraikan (national museum of emerging science and innovation), 20. shinjuku district, 21. hario cafe, 22. edo-tokyo museum & ryogoku district, narita & chiba.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in:   Tokyo ,  ALL Destinations .

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Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan Japan

There’s no other spot that embodies the pulsating energy of Tokyo than Shibuya Crossing. It’s a must-visit in Tokyo, especially for first-time travelers. This scramble intersection is reputed to be the busiest in the world. Go at night when the crowds reach their peak. Join the thousands crossing at a time, coming from all directions at once.

Shibuya Crossing

Price —  Free. No admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location  — 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  Shibuya Crossing is always open.

How to go —  Ride the train/subway to Shibuya Station (Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, or JR Narita Express). From Shibuya Station, follow the signs to the Hachiko Exit (Hachiko-guchi Exit). This exit leads directly to Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan Japan Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo at night

Marcos at Hachikō Memorial Statue, in Shibuya, Tokyo

When in Shibuya, be sure to visit the statue of Hachiko, one of Tokyo’s famous landmarks. It’s a must-see, especially if you’re familiar with the heartwarming story of the loyal dog Hachiko, who was known for his daily wait for his owner. You can’t miss it; it’s right outside the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station.

Hachiko Square

Location  — Beside Shibuya Crossing. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  Always open.

How to go —  Ride the train/subway to Shibuya Station (Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, or JR Narita Express). From Shibuya Station, follow the signs to the Hachiko Exit (Hachiko-guchi Exit). This exit leads directly to Hachiko Square.

Hachikō Memorial Statue, in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan Hachikō Memorial Statue, Tokyo, Japan

Pro-tip:  To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Tokyo Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Japan Data/Internet

Japan Travel eSIM — JPY 731 ( Book here )

Japan SIM Card — JPY 3,500 ( Book here )

Tokyo Airport Train/Bus Transfers

Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket — JPY 2,310 ( Book here ). Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo in just 36 minutes.

Tokyo Airport Bus (Haneda/Narita) — JPY 1,400 ( Book here )

Tokyo Train, Transport & Attractions Passes

Klook Pass Greater Tokyo — JPY 6,325+ ( Book here ). Save up to 48% compared to buying individual tickets with Klool’s multi-attraction pass.

Tokyo Cultural Tourism Pass — JPY 6,800 ( Book here ).

Tokyo Subway Unli Ticket — JPY 800+ ( Book here ). Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines

Tokyo Train & Shinkansen Tickets ( Book here )

Where to stay in Tokyo:

Book here Compare rates

Recommended Tokyo Hotels:

Palace Hotel Tokyo ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Tokyo Stn

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Shibuya

Asakusa Tobu Hotel ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Asakusa

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Shibuya

APA Hotel Asakusa – Ekimae ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Asakusa

APA Hotel TKP Nippori Ekimae ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Ueno

Glamping Tokyo Asakusa ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Asakusa

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Asakusa

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)

SHIBUYA SKY Ticket

Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket

TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights

Shibuya Sky view in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Haotian Zheng .

Perched atop the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, Shibuya Sky is an observation deck offering stunning views of Tokyo. The best part is that it features outdoor areas in addition to multiple levels of indoor areas. If you are in Shibuya, don’t miss this Instagram-worthy spot. From the Shibuya Sky, you can see Tokyo’s famous landmarks like the Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Make sure to pre-book the admission ticket online before you go to skip the long queues at the ticket counters and the more expensive ticket price at the gate.

Shibuya Sky

Price —  JPY 2,500 ( Book here ) for the admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location  — Shibuya Scramble Square, 2 Chome-24-12, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  10 AM to 10:30 PM

How to go —  Ride the train/subway to Shibuya Station, which is directly linked to Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Sky. To get to Shibuya Sky, you must first make your way to the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square building. Then, take the “Transition Pod” elevator to the 45th floor.

Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

With a history going back 1,400 years, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. This vibrant symbol of Japanese culture, located in the Asakusa district, is a must-visit when in Tokyo. Enter through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Hozomon Gate with its massive hanging lanterns, then capture a picture of the Five-storied Pagoda (Goju-no-to). Inside, the main hall houses a magnificent golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Sensoji Temple

Price —  FREE. No admission ticket/entrance fee.

Location  — Asakusa. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  The Sensoji Temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM. Between October and March, the temple opens at 6:30 AM. Kaminarimon/Hozomon Gates and Asakusa Shrine are always open.

How to go —  Nearest metro station is Asakusa Station (Ginza and Asakusa lines).

Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

Tours & activities:

Asakusa Rickshaw Tour  — JPY 10,000 ( Book here )

Kimono/Yukata Experience  — JPY 5,478 ( Book here )

Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s biggest souvenir market is found in front of Sensoji Temple. The shopping street stretches over 250 meters and is lined on both sides with traditional souvenir shops. Here, you can savor freshly made snacks like senbei (rice crackers) or browse for unique gifts such as traditional kimonos and wooden figurines.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Location  — In front of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  Most shops are open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Nakamise Shopping Street near Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple, Tokyo

Marcos at Tokyo Skytree

With a height of 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and the World’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Located in Sumida Ward near Asakusa, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo. There are two observation decks, the Tembo deck at a height of 350 meters and the Galleria at 450 meters.

Tokyo Skytree

Price —  The Tembo Deck admission ticket/entrance fee is JPY 1,800 ( Book here ), while the admission ticket to both Tembo Deck + Galleria is JPY 2,700.

Location  — 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan (near Asakusa). Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  10 AM to 9 PM

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line/Tobu Isesaki Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line). The Tokyo Skytree Station is located right at the Tokyo Skytree Town. Alternatively, you can also ride the train to Oshiage Station (Hanzomon Line or Keisei Oshiage Lines). If you are coming from Asakusa, the Tokyo Skyree is a 20-minute walk across the river.

Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Skytree, Japan

Sensō-ji temple & Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Sensō-ji temple & Tokyo Skytree

Asakusa District & Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Asakusa District & Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Disney Resort near Tokyo, Japan

Traveling with family or friends? Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are must-visits. These theme parks feature thrilling rides, captivating shows, and the chance to meet your beloved Disney characters. Tokyo Disneyland offers seven themed lands, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland, each with its own distinct atmosphere and adventures. Meanwhile, DisneySea is a one-of-a-kind maritime-themed park tailored to provide a more mature and immersive experience. Attractions and shows at both parks are infused with Japanese culture, offering a special twist on familiar Disney experiences.

Tokyo Disneyland

Location — Tokyo Disney Resort, Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan 279-0031. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 9 AM to 9 PM.

Price — JPY 7,900 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line). Both lines connect to Tokyo Station. From Maihama Station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo DisneySea

How to go — Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland are located right next to each other within the Tokyo Disney Resort complex.

Mount Fuji view from Chureito Pagoda, near Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi, Japan

Cross seeing Mount Fuji off your bucket list with a side trip from Tokyo. As you may already know, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and its most iconic landmark. You can either opt for an easy package day tour from Tokyo or choose to stay overnight in the Mount Fuji area. Don’t miss the spectacular views from the lakeside towns of Kawaguchi-ko and Hakone.

Location  — Chūbu region. Save on Google Maps .

Mt. Fuji Tours & Discounts

Mt Fuji Classic Day Tour from Tokyo — JPY 8,725 ( Book here ).

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo — JPY 9,800 ( Book here ).

Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour from Tokyo: Lake Ashi & Ropeway — JPY 20,000 ( Book here ).

Hakone Freepass (2 or 3 Days) — JPY 6,100 ( Book here ).

TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo, Japan

Arguably the most Instagram-famous attractions in Tokyo, TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets offer immersive digital art experiences sure to overwhelm the senses and spark your imagination. Part of the fun is discovering the different exhibits hidden behind the dark, maze-like corridors. It’s easy to get lost and lose track of time, so consider keeping a list of the top exhibits before going. TeamLab Borderless, located in Azabu Juban (Central Tokyo), features vast, borderless artworks that extend beyond physical boundaries. On the other hand, TeamLab Planets, situated in Toyosu, offers a more immersive experience, where visitors become part of the artwork.

TeamLab Borderless

Location — 1-chōme-9-6 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 10 AM to 9PM; Monday to Sunday.

Price — JPY 4,200 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line). Use Exit 5. Or, 4 min walk from Roppongi-Itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line). Use Exit 2..

TeamLab Planets

Location — Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 9 AM to 10 PM.

Price — JPY 3,800 ( Book here ).

How to go — Take the train/subway to Shin-Toyosu Station (New Transit Yurikamome), Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) or Shijoumae Station.

TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo, Japan TeamLab Borderless, Tokyo

Plaza Omotesando (shopping mall) in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Have you seen the eye-catching photos of Tokyo’s iconic escalator in a kaleidoscopic tunnel of mirrors? This Instagram-worthy spot is located at the entrance of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku shopping center. It has become one of the popular tourist spots in the Harajuku district, alongside Takeshita Street, Yoyogi Park, and Meiji Shrine.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Location  — 4 Chome-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  11 AM to 8 PM

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). Harajuku Station is located right in the heart of the district. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Plaza Omotesando (shopping mall) in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku, Tokyo

Takeshita Street, Tokyo

Experience the quirky side of Tokyo at Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district. Here, you’ll discover shops and boutiques catering to Tokyo’s teenagers. Takeshita Street is also renowned for its delicious crepes, giant cotton candies, and other colorful food experiences.

Takeshita Street

Location  — 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  While the area is always open, shops have varied opening hours.

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). From Harajuku Station, it’s a short walk to Takeshita Street. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Takeshita Street, Tokyo Takeshita Street, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Meiji Jingu Shrine, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Take a break from Tokyo’s bustling city streets and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Meiji Jingu, nestled in the heart of a densely forested area not far from Harajuku Station. This shrine holds great significance in Shinto tradition and is one of the most important in the city. Adjacent to Meiji Jingu is the expansive and tree-filled Yoyogi Park. Keep an eye out during your visit, as Meiji Jingu is also renowned as a venue for traditional Shinto weddings, and you may chance upon a wedding procession.

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Location  — 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  Sunrise to sunset

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line). From Harajuku Station, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Meiji Shrine. Alternatively, you can take the metro train to Meiji-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line).

Meiji Jingu Shrine, in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

Ana Inari Shrine in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

I took a stroll around Ueno Park on my way to the Tokyo National Museum. This spacious park is a very popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and hosting hanami parties during the spring season. There are plenty of interesting places to visit in the surrounding area, including the Toshogu Shrine, Five-Story Pagoda, Shinobazu Pond, Ameyoko Shopping District, and several other museums.

Location  — Ueno, Taito. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  5 AM to 11 PM

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a short walk to Ueno Park. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Kiyomizu Kannon-Do in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Kiyomizu Kannon-Do, Ueno, Tokyo

Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Ueno Park, Tokyo

National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park, Tokyo

National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Park, Tokyo

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Concert Hall) in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Concert Hall), Ueno Park, Tokyo

Komatsunomiya Akihito Shinno Statue in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Komatsunomiya Akihito Shinno Statue, Ueno Park, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

The Tokyo National Museum is an art museum in Ueno Park. It houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. The Honkan gallery is where you can find the main display of Japanese art from various centuries including kimonos and samurai swords.

Tokyo National Museum

Price —  JPY 1,000 ( Book here ).

Opening Hours —  9:30 AM to 5 PM on Tue to Thu 9:30 AM to 7 PM on Fri to Sun. Closed on Mon.

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a about a 10-15 walk to Tokyo National Museum. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo

Toyokan Asian Gallery at the Tokyo National Museum, in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum – Toyokan Asian Gallery, Tokyo

Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan, Japan

Ameyoko Shopping District in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Ameya Yokocho Market is a bustling market street located under the rail line between JR Ueno and Okachimachi stations. With over 400 stores, it offers a wide variety of goods including seafood, clothing, dried foods, sweets, and more. It’s the perfect place to hunt for bargains or indulge in Tokyo’s street food scene.

Ameya Yokocho Market (Ameyoko Shopping Street)

Opening Hours —  Varies per store, but they are typically open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Ueno Station (Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line). From Ueno Station, it’s a short walk to Ameya Yokocho Market. Alternatively, you can it’s a 15 minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) and Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line).

Ameyoko Shopping District in Ueno, Tokyo, Japan Ameyoko Shopping District, Tokyo

Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Shawn Tung .

Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s famous observation decks, an iconic landmark that rises majestically over the city skyline, standing at 333 meters tall.

Tokyo Tower

Price —  JPY 1,200 ( Book here ).

Location  — 4 Chome-2-8 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  9 AM to 10:30 PM

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Line), Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Subway Line), or Kamiyacho (Hibiya Subway Line). Tokyo Tower is about a 5-10 minute walk from these stations. Alternatively, you can go via Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Daimon Station (Toei Oedo Line and Toei Asakusa Line). From these stations, Tokyo Tower is a 15-20 minute walk away.

Gundam Unicorn Statue in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

A life-size 1:1 Gundam statue standing outside Diver City mall, in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. You can even see it transform between Unicorn mode and destroy mode every 2 hours at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Then at night, there’s a light show at 7am. It’s pretty cool to see.

Gundam Unicorn Statue

Location  — Diver City mall, Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  Always open

How to go —  Nearest train/subway station is Daiba Station. From there, it’s a short walk away to The Gundam Unicorn Statue.

Statue of Liberty & Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Statue of Liberty, Tokyo

Pallette Town in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Pallette Town, Odaiba, Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

Miraikan Future Museum (Japan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan Miraikan Future Museum, Tokyo

Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Akihabara, okyo, Japan

Neon-lit Akihabara is a fascinating district filled with shops specializing in high-tech gadgets, manga, anime and video games. It’s known as Japan’s electric town. There are many interesting things to do here like experiencing themed cafes and go-karting. See a different side of Akihabara at Kanda Myojin Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo.

Location  — Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Take the Metro/JR train to Akihabara Station.

Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan Akihabara, Tokyo

Things to do in Akihabara

Go Karting Experience in Akihabara  — JPY 12,500 ( Book here )

Miraikan Future Museum (Japan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

This is Japan’s Future Museum where you can get to see Asimo, the famous Honda robot, and the world’s largest Globe OLED display, which shows real-time events of global weather patterns. It’s a pretty interesting spot to visit in tandem with other nearby attractions in Odaiba, especially if you’re with children who are interested in science as there are a lot of interactive elements.

MIRAIKAN (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)

Price —  JPY 630

Location  — Odaiba, Aomi, Koto. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours —  10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

How to go —  Take the train/subway to Telecom Center Station (Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line). From there, it’s a short walk to Miraikan.

Shinjuku District in Tokyo, Japan

The Shinjuku District is home to the world’s busiest railway station and Kabukicho, Japan’s largest and most vibrant red-light district. If you’re looking to shop, Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s best destinations. Don’t miss out on the great deals at Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera if you’re in the market for a new camera. Keep an eye out for the enormous Godzilla towering over Toho Cinema in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.Ride a train/subway to Shinjuku Station

Location  — Tokyo, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Hario Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan

If you’re into pour-over coffee, don’t miss the Hario Cafe in Tokyo. They have two locations, one in Roppongi and another in Chuo. Aside from satisfying your caffeine fix, these stores also sell Hario’s signature brewing equipment, albeit at a premium price.

Hario Cafe – Roponggi

Location — 1 Chome-5-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 11 AM to 6 PM.

How to go — Take the train subway to Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Oedo Line). From Roppongi Station, it’s a short walk to Hario Cafe..

Hario Cafe & Lampwork Factory

Location — 1 Chome-12-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022, Japan. Save on Google Maps .

Opening Hours — 11 AM to 7 PM.

How to go — Take the train/subway to Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) or Shin-Nihombashi Station (JR Sobu Line). From either station, it’s a short walk to Hario Cafe & Lampwork Factory. Alternatively, you can also use Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tozai Line, and Toei Asakusa Line), which is slightly farther away but still within walking distance.

Location  — 1 Chome-12-15 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo. Save on Google Maps .

Hario Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan Hario Cafe, Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan

NOTE: Edo-Tokyo Museum is temporarily closed for renovation.

My favorite museum in Tokyo! Get a fascinating glimpse of Tokyo during the 400-year Edo period. The Edo-Tokyo Museum houses fantastic models and exhibits, showing life from Japan’s bygone era to the modern-day. The moment I entered the main hall, I was already in awe of the reconstruction of the wooden Nihombashi bridge and a kabuki theater. Smaller models of Edo-style Japanese houses and miniature models of entire villages were also quite impressive.

Location  — Near Ryogoku Station. 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Take a train to Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line / Toei Oedo Line). The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a short walk away.

Sumo Wrestler in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan Sumo Wrestler in Ryogoku, Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tokyo

Where to go near Tokyo

Sawara Little Edo in Chiba, Japan

If you’re looking for places to visit near Tokyo, Chiba prefecture offers a lot of interesting attractions. Don’t miss Narita-san Temple, a beautiful & popular Buddhist temple not far away from Narita Airport, and the well-preserved Old Town of Sawara Little Edo.

Location  — Chiba. Save on Google Maps .

Sawara Little Edo in Chiba, Japan Sawara Little Edo, Chiba

Narita-san Temple in Narita, Chiba, Japan Narita-san Temple, Chiba

Marcos at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama is one of the best day trips near Tokyo. This huge port city offers tons of fun things to do. One of my favorite attractions here is the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Here, you can have a taste of ramen from different parts of Japan and soak up the 1950s Tokyo vibe. The biggest attraction here, of course, is the Yokohama Chinatown, one of the World’s largest Chinatowns. Yohokama is also famous for the Cup Noodle Museum by Nissin, the Red Brick Warehouses, Yamashita Park (seaside park) and the Cosmoworld amusement park. Train travel from Tokyo to Yokohama only takes 25 minutes.

Location  — Kanagawa. Save on Google Maps .

Marcos at Kōtoku-in Temple in Yokohama, Japan

Kamakura is often described as the Kyoto of East Japan. It’s easy to visit from Tokyo as the train ride only takes one hour. This seaside town is famous for its many beautiful temples, shrines, and the iconic giant sitting Buddha statue. If you can’t make it to Kyoto during your trip, Kamakura is a decent alternative.

Top discounts

Japan Trail and Shinkansen Tickets

Yokohama, Kamakura, and Enoshima Anime Tour from Tokyo

Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko, Japan

Located a few hours by train north of Tokyo, Nikko is a quiet temple town and UNESCO world heritage site surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. In Nikko, you can find the Toshogu, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, and Kegon Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the country.

Location  — Tochigi. Save on Google Maps .

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Nikko World Heritage Day Tour from Tokyo

Kegon Falls in Nikko, Japan Kegon Falls, Nikko

Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Click below & search recommended Tokyo hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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10 Japan Travel Vloggers On YouTube To Follow So You Can Satiate Your Wanderlust For Free

YouTube travel vloggers in Japan

Whether you’re scrimping and saving for your next getaway, staying at home till the pandemic blows over, or both, we know exactly how to feed your wanderlust for free –  watching travel vlogs. YouTube makes it possible for people to travel from the confines of their own home. 

To get you started, here are 10 travel vloggers to follow on a journey around Japan without spending a single dime. From discovering an outdoor onsen in Ibaraki to salivating over pancakes drenched in egg yolk , Japan is merely a click away. 

1. Currently Hannah – features Japan’s underrated spots

Currently Hannah is a combination of vlogging and slow-mo cinematography. The Australian vlogger is a performer at Universal Studios Osaka and is now on a mission to capture Japan’s undiscovered attractions.

The growing channel has less than 230,000 subscribers at the moment, but Hannah has already amassed an impressive portfolio with various Japanese tourism organisations. Expect rare footage of Japan’s hidden spots like Ibaraki’s alfresco onsen and snorkelling at Amami Oshima ‘s crystal clear coastline.

Youtube channel Subscriber count: 222K

2. ONLY in JAPAN – informative and detailed vlogs

John Daub started ONLY in Japan in 2013 and soon made his way up as one of the top 5 channels for Japanese tourism on YouTube. A quick gander at his channel reveals a plethora of topics – street food, video games, Japanese subcultures, and even a dedicated section for his ramen-eating adventures.

Many online personalities separate their travel content into videos and articles – the former as a general overview and the latter for a detailed breakdown. It can be a hassle to jump between different websites, but Daub’s channel provides a one-stop solution for your travel groundwork. 

From the cost of grilled maguro (tuna) to nitty-gritty details like how to rent a scooter in Japan, his travel vlogs are so detailed that you will barely need to do additional research on your part.

Youtube Channel Subscriber count: 1.34M

3. internationally ME – virtual tour experiences

internationally ME is a one-woman show that features Angela’s zest for Japan’s countryside. If you’ve always had a gripe with overly populated spots, check out this channel as Angela has all the deets on Japan’s less well-known and underrated destinations. 

Plus, the avid travel vlogger has a knack for taking viewers on a virtual travel tour. Most of her videos feature face-to-face interviews for an in-depth understanding of the history and culture behind a place, food, and more.

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 260K

4. Rachel and Jun – easy-to-follow Japanese guides 

Rachel and Jun, a Japanese-American couple, first started out on YouTube to keep each other updated during their long-distance relationship. The married pair then catapulted to fame when they uploaded a 5-minute video of a fox village in Zao . Their channel, Rachel and Jun, has since gained traction for its travel content.

Since Rachel is an expat herself, the couple does well in rolling out easy-to-follow guides, tips, and things to do for foreigners. Some noteworthy mentions include vlogs on Japanese squat toilets and must-know Japanese words .

And if you have a soft spot for felines, get your dose of cuteness from their pet cats, Poki, Haku, and Nagi, on their channel.

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 2.64M

5. Tokyo Lens – hidden spots in Tokyo

Norm Nakamura is a devoted shamisen (a three-stringed traditional Japanese instrument) player and has been vlogging full-time since 2018. His channel, Tokyo Lens , takes you through Tokyo’s lesser-known spots, as well as a comprehensive shamisen playlist. 

So if you’re on a lookout for Tokyo’s underground world or secret sakura sightseeing spots , you’ve come to the right channel.

Youtube channel Subscriber count: 77.7K

6. Life Where I’m From – travel vlogs from the perspective of a kid

Life Where I’m From connects kids from across the globe for an insider look at the Japanese way of life. The channel is run by Canadian Greg Lam, while his kids, Aiko and Shun, take centre stage as talents and co-hosts. Because of its kid-centric perspective, Greg’s videos are incredibly easy to follow.

They have since dabbled in other Japanese content like travel, food, and documentaries on locals and expats living in Japan. Parents who intend to rope their kids in for a getaway will gain plenty of child-friendly inspo from Greg’s travel vlogs.

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 1.25M

7. Paolo fromTOKYO – extensive travel content in Tokyo

If you’ve been browsing for travel content in Tokyo, Paolo’s infectious grin and his signature goatee may have popped up on your YouTube feed. Paolo fromTOKYO is now a household name within the online travel scene with over 1.19 million subscribers in April 2020 and viewership counts as high as 8 million per video. 

From touristy guides to off-the-beaten-path spots in Japan, Paolo has everything a traveller needs with just a click. 

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 1.19M

8. Abroad in Japan – exploring Japan via challenging missions 

Abroad in Japan presents a variety of Japanese travel content, but the channel’s most memorable series is the 2,000km Cycle Series . Chris , a British native, challenges himself on a two-month biking journey across Japan while completing absurd missions like navigating Kyoto with just a paper map or gorging on 7kg worth of Japanese fried chicken . 

If you prefer unscripted, spontaneous travel vlogs, Chris’ humorous personality and daring outlook might be just what you’re looking for.

Youtube channel Subscriber count: 1.58M

9. Kimdao – female-centric Japanese content

Japan is well-known for streetwear brands and must-have makeup and beauty products that are miles ahead of many other countries. But it can be difficult to keep up with all these trends, and that’s where Kimdao comes in. Her channel will give you the lowdown on the latest Japanese cosmetic products and shopping hauls.

But if you’re aren’t as invested in Japan’s beauty and fashion industry, Kim has also covered topics like souvenir shopping for cheap at Daiso and Tokyo Plaza in Shibuya .

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 657K

10. Sharmeleon – life in Japan’s countryside

Head to Sharla’s YouTube channel, Sharmeleon, for a detailed look at Northern Japan. From Aomori to Iwate Prefecture, the 34-year-old Canadian-born embarks on road trips to cover attractions that are neither mainstream nor touristy. She also does weekly updates of her life in the countryside.

YouTube channel Subscriber count: 515K

Visiting Japan via travel vloggers

Watching Japanese travel vlogs on YouTube is a surefire way to beef up your knowledge before making the trip itself. But if you’re stuck at home or too broke to jet off, you can satiate your wanderlust free-of-charge on YouTube, thanks to these Japanese travel vloggers. 

Check out these articles:

• Simple Japanese dishes to cook at home
• Japanese movies to watch
• Interesting Japanese inventions
• Iconic Japanese anime series
• Japanese anime movies

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Travel Journal: Your Guide to the Best Photo Spots in Tokyo

The Best Photo Spots in Tokyo

Tokyo, a city where tradition meets the ultra-modern, offers endless opportunities for capturing unforgettable moments. From neon-lit streets and historic temples to serene parks and futuristic architecture, every corner of Tokyo tells a story worth framing. 

In this travel journal, photographer Maciej Lubomski will take you on a journey through the best photo spots in Tokyo, ensuring your camera roll is filled with stunning, grid-worthy snapshots that perfectly capture the essence of this vibrant city. 

Bookmark these destinations for your next trip to Tokyo:

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗸𝘂

Neon lights and bustling vibes in the heart of Tokyo. Perfect for vibrant street photography.

What to know about Sanganbai Street:

Sanbangai Street in Shinjuku is a hidden gem that many tourists miss. Tucked away in the lively Kabukicho area, this narrow street is lined with cozy izakayas, yakitori stands, and ramen shops. It feels like stepping back in time, offering a nostalgic vibe contrasting with the busy, neon-lit surroundings. If you're looking for a slice of traditional Tokyo in the heart of the city, Sanbangai Street is a must-visit.

Map to Sanbangai Street

𝗬𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗼, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Hidden gems under the railway tracks — perfect for night photography. Explore quaint izakayas and local flavors.

What to know about Chiyoda City:

Yurakucho in Chiyoda City is fascinating because it perfectly blends the old and new Tokyo. Known for its lively izakaya scene under the elevated train tracks, Yurakucho offers an authentic taste of local nightlife with a rustic, retro charm. What's especially interesting is how these old-fashioned drinking spots coexist with sleek, modern skyscrapers and high-end shopping complexes just steps away. It's a place where you can experience the nostalgic side of Tokyo and its contemporary energy all in one stroll. If you want to see Tokyo's contrasts up close, Yurakucho is the place to be.

Map to Yurakucho

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼-𝗷𝗶 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗔𝘀𝗮𝗸𝘂𝘀𝗮

Tokyo's oldest temple is full of history and culture. The iconic Kaminarimon Gate is a must-see.

What to know about Senso-ji Temple:

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to 645 AD, and is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. What makes it particularly interesting is the dramatic entrance through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with its massive red lantern that has become a symbol of Tokyo itself. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and is a spiritual hub that draws millions of visitors annually. Beyond its religious significance, Senso-ji is also surrounded by a lively market street called Nakamise-dori, where you can shop for traditional snacks and souvenirs, giving you a glimpse of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Map to Senso-Ji Temple

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗸 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗮

Unique fusion of Bangkok vibes in the middle of Tokyo, offering an exotic escape with stunning decor.

What to know about Bangkok Night:

Bangkok Night in Shibuya is an intriguing spot because it brings the vibrant, chaotic energy of Bangkok's night markets right into the heart of Tokyo. This unique izakaya is designed to look like a bustling street in Thailand, with neon signs, colorful decorations, and a lively, laid-back atmosphere. What makes it especially interesting is its contrast within Shibuya — amid Tokyo's hyper-modern cityscape, you can step into a space that feels like a slice of Southeast Asia. It's a fun, immersive experience that offers a break from the usual Tokyo vibe and a taste of Bangkok's street culture.

Map to Bangkok Night

𝗢𝗺𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗼, 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗸𝘂

Narrow alleys with cozy eateries and a retro atmosphere. Enjoy delicious yakitori and nostalgic charm.

What to know about Omoide Yokocho:

Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku is fascinating because it's a step back to post-war Tokyo. This narrow alleyway, also known as "Memory Lane," is lined with tiny, old-school eateries serving classic Japanese comfort food like yakitori and ramen. The charm of Omoide Yokocho lies in its retro atmosphere, with lantern-lit pathways, smoky grills, and a sense of nostalgia that contrasts sharply with Shinjuku's modern skyscrapers just a stone's throw away. It's a place where you can experience the spirit of old Tokyo, making it a must-visit for those looking to capture the city's unique blend of past and present.

Map to Omoide Yokocho

𝗛𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

A tranquil shrine with stunning red torii gates. A serene escape from the urban hustle.

What to know about Hie Shrine:

Hie Shrine in Chiyoda City is fascinating because it offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst Tokyo's urban bustle, but what sets it apart is its striking torii gate pathway. The shrine is famous for its Sanno Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three major festivals, which has been celebrated for centuries. However, the highlight for many visitors is the serene tunnel of red torii gates leading up to the shrine, reminiscent of the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. This hidden gem provides a quiet retreat with a touch of traditional Japanese beauty right in the heart of the city.

Map to Hie Shrine

Photos by: Maciej Lubomski

Tokyo eSIM: Stay Connected With Airalo

With so many amazing sights to see and images to capture like Maciej's , you'll want to make sure you stay connected while visiting Japan with an eSIM from Airalo . Download an eSIM plan for your destination and instantly connect to a mobile network. There's no need to find a SIM card vendor, manage multiple SIMs, or worry about roaming fees.

Here are just some of the benefits of using an Airalo eSIM:

• Connect to a mobile network within minutes.
• Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans .
• Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
• Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
• Need more data? Top up in the Airalo app.

How does Airalo work? Airalo provides eSIMs that allow you to access mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. Purchase an eSIM plan through the Airalo app, install it on your device, and start using data immediately.

How to activate an eSIM from Airalo? Activation is simple. After purchasing a plan, follow the instructions in the Airalo app to install the eSIM on your device. Once installed, it will activate automatically.

Is my phone compatible with an eSIM from Airalo? Airalo eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones. Check the list of compatible devices.

What if my eSIM from Airalo isn't working? Airalo's customer support is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact support through the app or website for immediate help.  

Mackenzie is a writer and creative marketing enthusiast living in the Pacific Northwest.

Ready to try eSIMs and change the way you stay connected?

Download the Airalo app to purchase, manage, and top up your eSIMs anytime, anywhere!

Use Your Free Credit.

You can earn USD $3.00 in Airmoney by sharing your referral code with friends.

2. Tokyo - Must Eat Japanese Street Food at Ameyoko - Japan by Food

Shizuka takes on street food in Ueno’s Ameya Yokocho, Tokyo’s biggest and best outdoor market. She wanders the rainy streets of Ameyoko Market to try a deep-fried Korean-style hot dog on a stick, some tantalizing Chinese dumplings, and Japanese sake from a standing bar with a side of juicy sashimi ! Also on this street food menu is a A5 grade wagyu beef menchi katsu for only 400 yen, as well as green tea flavored shaved ice made with Uji Kyoto matcha and red azuki beans!

Join the Ueno Food Tour and explore Ameyoko for yourself!

3. Tochigi - Off The Beaten Path | Nikko Japan - TabiEats

Famous for its natural beauty and numerous World Heritage Sites, Shinichi and Satoshi from TabiEats take you to beautiful Nikko in winter. Just a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, your hosts show you around a shrine, then visit a yuba factory (tofu-like skin that forms on top of boiled soy milk), which is a local delicacy in Nikko. Along with other activities in the picturesque area, they also visit a theme park based on the Edo period Japan, complete with costumes! All this before experiencing a private onsen hot spring. 

4. Tottori - Japanese Wagyu Beef Experience: Beyond Kobe - ONLY in JAPAN

This Japanese travel video takes you to Tottori Prefecture to discover Tottori wagyu beef, one of Japan’s 300 types of wagyu (of which Kobe beef is the most famous internationally). In the Mount Daisen area there are plenty of farms by the sea, one of which John Daub visits to show you the stress-free life of this lesser-known but top-quality wagyu brand. Packed full of facts about wagyu, John teaches you about different cuts of meat before tasting this amazingly marbled Japanese beef, grilled quickly, yakiniku style. 

5. Hokkaido - Japanese Food in Sapporo - Mark Wiens

Filmed over a few wintery days spent in the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo, watch as Mark Wiens walks you through each bite of his culinary highlights from Japan’s northern island. This includes incredible miso ramen (which originated in Hokkaido) followed by a fresh kaisendon (seafood bowl) from a local family-run restaurant. Walking through Sapporo City, he also eats famous spicy soup curry and some of the best, high-quality conveyor belt sushi !

6. Akita - Akita: Japan's Onsen Paradise - Simon and Martina

Quirky duo Simon and Martina visit Akita in the northern part of Honshu to experience authentic onsen hopping. They spend a weekend at Mount Nyuto to try out its famous hot springs while eating and drinking along the way. This video gives a glimpse of Tokyo life as they prepare to ride a Shinkansen bullet train with an ekiben (a train station bento lunch box) before they head north to experience a range of outdoor hot springs with an onsen pass. Immerse yourself in the view of different onsen and their milky blue waters, see a traditional Japanese ryokan (complete with traditional Japanese meals!), and be stunned by the beautiful fall foliage.

7. Osaka - Japanese Street Food Tour in Osaka, Japan - Food Ranger

Join Trevor James as he discovers some of Japan’s best street food in the bustling city of Osaka. Watch as a local expert prepares deadly pufferfish or "fugu," which Trevor then eats raw as fresh sashimi, before having it cooked in a simmering nabe hot pot. He grills his own yakisoba at a popular teppanyaki restaurant, then heads to a local shop to try some irresistibly crispy tempura . Watch it satisfyingly deep-fry up close before Trevor tries one of the best bowls of ramen ever!

8. Fukuoka - Mind Blowing SEAFOOD in Fukuoka Japan - Strictly Dumpling

This isn’t your ordinary Japanese travel video! Dine in with Mike from Strictly Dumpling as he experiences an amazing seafood feast at a specialty restaurant in Fukuoka. Seriously, this mouthwatering seafood is the freshest you can get, as the restaurant itself is filled up with tanks of live seafood, ready and waiting to be prepared. He devours a smorgasbord of different fresh sashimi and grilled fish dishes, walking you through every bite as though you were there eating with him. 

9. Hiroshima - What to do in Hiroshima & Miyajima - Abroad in Japan

Discover Hiroshima and Miyajima during this exciting video with Chris, showcasing the best things to do when you have 24-hours in Hiroshima City. Starting off learning about the historic A-Bomb Dome, you can then almost smell the grilling of the theatrically layered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki . Next is a visit to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima "floating" Shrine at sunset, surrounded by local deer. The day is finished off with some yakigaki (grilled oysters) by the waterside and an amazing vending machine pizza!

10. Kyoto - Tea Farm Tour and Tasting in Scenic Kyoto - Japan by Food

Be transported to a scenic tea farm in Kyoto Prefecture while watching this immersive Japanese travel video from the team at byFood. Get a glimpse of this unique experience and the beautiful local scenery during this 4-hour food tour, held in one of Japan’s most picturesque villages, Wazuka-cho. Visitors have a chance to explore the farm’s magnificent rows of Japanese tea , and learn about how it is harvested and processed at the tea factory. They will taste a range of local teas and prepare their own premium matcha green tea during this unique experience. 

Witness the beauty of Kyoto for yourself. Book the Kyoto Tea Farm and Tasting in Wazuka-cho.

So, maybe self-isolation doesn’t have to be so bad? You can experience so many different prefectures and regions through the Japanese travel videos from this virtual tour of Japan. If you want to watch more, Journeys in Japan , Japanology Plus , and Begin Japanology are some great channels and programs where you can discover Japan without traveling as you stay at home (all without changing out of your pajamas!).

For more cool videos about Japan, make sure to subscribe to the Japan by Food YouTube channel !

Tokyo is a city that might be well spoken of in the plural, just as the Greeks used to speak of Athens—for this city is the largest in the world, and even locals might not be able to comprehend the whole city in their lifetime. Made up of 23 wards that are distinctively unique to each other, one person's understanding of Tokyo might be different to another's—depending on which area they spend most of their time in.

However, there are some universal rules to live by whenever you are in the city. No matter which area of Tokyo you are in, these are some tips to enjoy the magnitude of the megalopolitan area seamlessly and pleasantly. 

1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival

Narita International Airport may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city center from Haneda will save you time and money. With its amazing public transportation system, you can easily choose between trains or buses.

2. The Japan Rail Pass might be too expensive if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to travel through the country, but if you will spend most of your time in Tokyo, it can be a rather lavish expense—and an unnecessary one. The Japan Rail Pass only works for trains and buses that are managed by the JR company. Throughout Tokyo, other train lines operate as well as JR trains. Most JR stations sprawl among the more commercial areas like Shinjuku , Shibuya, and Harajuku, but to get to know Tokyo beyond the touristy sites, explore more the neighborhood-y ones such as the old town Yanaka, hipster Kuramae, or traditional fish market of Tsukiji. To get to  those  places you’ll need to take the subway and buses operated by other companies, which are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

3. Get yourself a Pasmo (or a Suica)

These will make your adventure through the megalopolitan serpentine transportation system a walk in a park. Pasmo (or Suica—they are the same kind of cards, just issued by different train companies) is a super-smart card that can be used not only to get you through the train station’s gate but also to pay for everything, from bus tickets and vending-machine snacks to your compulsive buying in Tokyo’s exceptional convenience stores. You can easily get one from the ticket machines at any train station, load it up with yen, and hop on-and-off effortlessly between modes of transport like the locals do.

4. Remember this is a cash country

No matter how futuristic your imagination of Japan is, it is still a country that is very much rooted in tangibility—and to some extent, a sensory experience. That is why Japanese people prefer renting comic books rather than getting a kindle, or ordering an expensive carved seal (hanko) than registering a digital signature, or in this case, carrying (and receiving) cash than using debit and credit cards. So prepare a thick wad of yen at all times, because there are five-star ryokans or top-tier sushi restaurants that refuse to take credit cards or e-money. If you need more cash, find the nearest convenience store—these usually have an ATM inside. Very few Japanese ATMs work with foreign cash, let alone provide you with an English language option, but those in the 7-Elevens should be reliable enough.

5. Note: there are at least five stations with the name “Shinjuku”

If you ask the locals where the Shinjuku station is, they might ask you in return, “Which one?” Shinjuku, like most famous districts in Tokyo, is not only vast but also comprised of several areas, and each has its own train station (with different operating train companies). There is the famous Shinjuku Station that is owned by JR company (the same company that issues the Japan Rail Pass), and there are those with the name “Nishi-Shinjuku,” “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae,” “Shinjuku-san-chome,” “Seibu Shinjuku,” plus many more. So when you’re planning to visit Shinjuku, or any other district, make sure you’re heading to the right station, closest to the place you’re looking for.

Tip : Google Maps is a life-saver! It can indicate which train company you have to hop on, and which “Shinjuku Station” you need to go to. Just enter the name of your destination and choose the one with the least walking distance.

6. Be prepared to downsize

Get used to everything being small in Tokyo. The first diminutive thing you may notice is most likely your hotel room , and more often than not, the size of the bed and bathroom. Try to pack lightly for Tokyo, and check the bed size when you book your accommodation—at the largest category, most hotels normally offer a queen-sized bed. Very few provide king-sized beds. Most restaurants are also small, and they are meant to cater to only two to four people per group. Unless you come to a family restaurant or an established Izakaya, it is usually a challenge to find one table for a group of more than four people. It’s highly advisable to do a little research about your preferred eatery’s seating arrangements, especially if you’re traveling in a big group.

7. A long line is a good sign

Japanese people are known for their long suffering and perseverance. They don’t mind a long waiting time—nor getting up (way too) early to get in the line, be it for the opening of a new store or lunchtime at a famous soba noodle joint . Don’t let the long lines discourage you! Instead, get used to it or arrive earlier to beat the crowd. Better yet, join the queue because wherever there’s a long line with locals waiting, it’s a sign that the place is undoubtedly worth it.

8. Don't ask for a menu—ask for the ticket machine instead

When you step into a ramen shop, you are expected to place your order by giving your ramen ticket to the cook. There is no menu that will be given to you, nor a waiter to take your order. You have to find a massive machine, usually located by the shop’s entrance, that is full of buttons with photos of every item on the menu and its price. Insert your bill (remember to always bring cash) and press the button for the item that you want. Your ticket and exact change will be spewed out by the machine. Hand the ticket to the food attendant (or the cook himself)—that’s how you place your order in a ramen shop.

9. Be aware that most cafes and restaurants only open after 11am

Although Tokyo is the greatest feast on earth, the feast starts at lunch time, not at breakfast. Most eateries begin their first service at lunch, and hardly anything opens for breakfast unless it’s an international joint that clearly serves breakfast on its menu. The denizen of Tokyo have their breakfast at home, from a convenience store, or nothing at all because they are too busy running to get into the packed train before the doors close.

10. Watch out for rush-hour hell

You’ve probably seen the videos of Japanese train officers ruthlessly pushing people into sardine-packed train cars. And if you’re not keen to experience that kind of phenomenon during your trip, it is better to steer clear of taking the trains during weekday rush-hour peak—between 7am and 9am, and shortly after 5pm. The most congested lines will be the Tozai line, JR Chuo-Sobu line, and the popular JR Yamanote line, which runs around the city and stops at some of Tokyo’s most popular districts including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. The stations will also be packed. Try to avoid commuting around these hours, but if you can’t, search for other walking-distance stations that operate different lines and depart from there.

11. Learn escalator protocol

You will soon notice that on the escalator, people stand on the left side, and leave the right side open. That is to give way for others who are in a rush to use the right side to walk up without any obstruction. Stay on the left side when you’re riding the elevator to avoid annoyed looks from locals. While you’re living by this rule in Tokyo, you will have to do the opposite in the Kansai region—that will be Osaka , Kyoto and Nara. Just don’t get mixed up between the two.

12. Public bins are scarce—so bring a bag for rubbish

Soon after devouring 7-Eleven’s fried chicken, you realize that you cannot find anywhere to throw away the greasy paper. A domestic terror attack in 1995 that involved deadly sarin gas forced the government to remove public bins to prevent future attacks, as they believed this could be another place where dangerous substances could easily be installed. That being said, you still can find these rare objects in a few spots in public parks, some train stations, public restrooms, and in front of convenience stores.

Tip : Bring an empty plastic bag with you to hold the rubbish until you can take it back to your hotel or Airbnb and sort it. Also, if you buy food or drink, eat it where you bought it. They usually place bins nearby so you can toss your rubbish right away.

13. Get to know Tokyo's neighborhoods

Tokyo, as vast and large as it is, is divided into many neighborhoods that have become city centers in their own right. The capital has several downtowns spread throughout the city. Depending on what you’re looking for, one downtown might be more suitable than another. Here are the five busiest downtown districts of Tokyo which each offer different impressions and experiences.

A frenetic neighborhood full of young people. Expect to spend your money on animal cafes, 100-yen stores, or cute-looking puddings that are too pretty to eat.

The district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a massive office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese salarymen after office hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long.

An old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly—but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still widely present, especially in the western part. Ikebukuro is also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. 

A classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travelers, offering a large number of tourist-friendly entertainment spots. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and boasts a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural center with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district is where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants.

14. Get used to self-service cashiers

Don’t be surprised if there is no one waiting for you at the cashier when you’re checking out. These days, the country is increasing self-checkouts to ease labor shortage problems. You will find big stores in Tokyo such as Uniqlo, Muji, or GU, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart install rows of self-service cashier counters that will calculate the total amount of your purchase. Note: these machines will automatically deduct payment from your credit cards without applying any payment authentication steps.

15. Silence is golden

Tokyo may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet—especially when on the train, bus, and other public places. Talking in the train car is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by the people around you, it is considered annoying and rude. Japanese people are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume—including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board—is considered an understood etiquette.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

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Olympic Games Tokyo 1964

• Highlights & Replays
• Medal Design

Tokyo 1964 Official Film | Tokyo Olympiad

Volleyball at tokyo 1964, men’s artistic gymnastics at tokyo 1964, dawn fraser at tokyo 1964, the men's 100m final at tokyo 1964 and victory for "bullet" bob hayes, about the games, first in asia.

The 1964 Tokyo Games were the first to be held in Asia. The carrier of the flame, Yoshinori Sakai, was chosen because he was born on 6 August 1945, the day the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima, in homage to the victims and as a call for world peace.

Evolving Technology

A cinder running track was used for the last time in the athletics events, whilst a fibreglass pole was used for the first time in the pole vaulting competition. The Tokyo Games was also the last occasion that hand timing by stopwatch was used for official timing.

Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games Legacy

Discover the lasting legacy that this edition of the Olympic Games created for its hosts.

Memorable Champions

Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia became the first athlete to win the marathon twice, whilst Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina brought her career medal total to an incredible 18. It also proved the fourth time lucky for Greco-Roman wrestler Imre Polyak, who finally won gold after finishing second in the same division at the previous three Olympic Games.

Olympic Spirit

The first official Fair Play Trophy for setting an outstanding example of sportsmanship was awarded to Swedish yachtsmen Lars Gunnar Käll and Stig Lennart Käll. The Swedes gave up their race to come to the aid of two other competitors whose boat had sunk and saved their lives.

Athletes: 5,151 (678 women, 4,473 men)

Events: 163

Volunteers: N/A

Honour to Japan

Japan wanted to show the world its talent for organisation. Its success earned it three awards from the International Olympic Committee: the Olympic Cup, the Bonacossa Trophy and the "Diploma of Merit”.

New on the Programme

Appearance of two new sports: judo (men) and volleyball (men and women).

A Team Sport for Women

The first appearance of a team sport for women: volleyball.

Official Opening of the Games by:

The Emperor Hirohito

Lighting the Olympic Flame by:

Yoshinori Sakaï, a student born on 6 August 1945, the day the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima

Olympic Oath by:

Takashi Ono (artistic gymnastics)

Official Oath by:

The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.

Medal Table

See the list of teams and medals won by each.

Featured Athletes

Donald arthur schollander, vera caslavska, masae kasai, replays from tokyo 1964, tokyo 1964 torchbearer carries olympic flame again, the men's 100m final at tokyo 1964 and victory for..., tamara press at tokyo 1964, larisa latynina's record - artistic gymnastics | t..., ann packer at tokyo 1964, don schollander at tokyo 1964, discover the games.