Tokyo, Japan
Neon-lit crossings, centuries-old temples, and the best food city on Earth — here’s everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
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The World’s Most Fascinating City
Tokyo is a city of contrasts: quiet Shinto shrines tucked behind skyscrapers, centuries-old craft shops next to robot cafés, and some of the world’s best fine dining a few steps from a convenience store selling surprisingly excellent egg salad sandwiches. It’s spotlessly clean, famously safe, and — despite its size of over 37 million people in the greater metro area — remarkably easy to navigate once you understand the train system.
Whether you’re drawn by the food, the temples, the shopping, or the neon-lit energy of Shibuya and Shinjuku at night, Tokyo rewards travelers who slow down and wander. This guide covers everything from where to sleep to how to eat like a local, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring.
When to Visit
Spring (late March–April) brings cherry blossom season — stunning, but also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so book hotels 4–6 months out. Autumn (October–November) offers similarly mild weather, fewer crowds, and brilliant fall foliage in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien.
Summer (June–August) is hot, humid, and includes a rainy season in June, but also brings incredible festivals (matsuri) and fireworks displays. Winter (December–February) is cold but dry and clear, with the added bonus of illuminations and easy day trips to nearby ski areas or hot springs.
Getting There & Entry Requirements
Most travelers fly into Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (about 30–45 minutes by train or monorail) while Narita is farther out (60–90 minutes), though often has more competitive fares.
As of 2026, citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays (typically up to 90 days) with a valid passport. It’s worth registering your trip details in advance through Visit Japan Web to speed up immigration and customs. A new pre-travel authorization system called JESTA (similar to the US ESTA) has been approved by Japan’s parliament but is not required for 2026 travel — it isn’t expected to launch until fiscal 2028, so current visa-exempt rules still apply.
Tokyo also levies a small per-person, per-night accommodation tax on stays over ¥10,000 (roughly ¥100–¥200/night depending on room rate), which now applies to licensed short-term rentals as well as hotels — it’s usually collected at check-in or check-out, not upfront.
Neighborhoods to Know
- Shinjuku — Tokyo’s buzzing hub: skyscrapers, the world’s busiest train station, Golden Gai’s tiny bars, and Shinjuku Gyoen’s gardens.
- Shibuya — Home of the famous scramble crossing, youth fashion, and rooftop bars with skyline views.
- Asakusa — Tokyo’s old town, anchored by Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street.
- Ginza — Upscale shopping, flagship department stores, and some of the city’s best sushi counters.
- Akihabara — Anime, manga, retro games, and electronics — Tokyo’s pop-culture epicenter.
- Harajuku & Omotesando — Street fashion on Takeshita Street next to tree-lined designer boutiques.
Hotel Picks for Every Budget
Stay near a major train line (Yamanote Line stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ueno) to minimize commute time to attractions.
Ocica Oshiage Tokyo by Rhotel
Simple, well-priced rooms near Oshiage, an easy walk to the Tokyo Skytree and the Asakusa area.
APA Hotel Ningyocho Ekikita
Reliable business-hotel chain with compact, efficient rooms in the historic Ningyocho neighborhood.
Petit Grande Miyabi Hotel
Cozy, budget-friendly stay with a warm, minimalist aesthetic and easy train access.
Shinjuku Prince Hotel
Well-located high-rise directly above Seibu-Shinjuku Station, close to nightlife and shopping.
THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
Modern design hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking the Shinjuku skyline.
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Traditional hot-spring ryokan experience in the heart of the city — natural onsen baths steps from Shinjuku Station.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Elegant, refined luxury overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens, moments from Marunouchi and Ginza.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Serene, impeccably appointed rooms and a landscaped garden courtyard in the Otemachi financial district.
TRUNK HOTEL YOYOGI PARK
Boutique luxury with a design-forward, socially conscious ethos, set beside leafy Yoyogi Park.
Must-See Attractions
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple, approached through the Nakamise shopping street lined with snacks and souvenirs.
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, best viewed from the open-air Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634m, the tallest structure in Japan, with two observation decks and sweeping city and Fuji views.
Meiji Shrine
A tranquil forested shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, right next to the chaos of Harajuku.
teamLab Planets / Borderless
Immersive digital art installations that regularly rank among Tokyo’s most Instagrammed experiences.
Toyosu Fish Market
Successor to the famous Tsukiji market — watch the tuna auction and eat the freshest sushi breakfast of your life.
Akihabara Electric Town
Multi-story arcades, anime shops, and retro game stores in Tokyo’s pop-culture district.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A peaceful escape blending Japanese, French, and English garden styles — stunning in cherry blossom and fall foliage season.
5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1 — Asakusa & East Tokyo
Start at Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori, then walk along the Sumida River to Tokyo Skytree. In the evening, grab sushi at Toyosu Fish Market or a riverside izakaya.
Day 2 — Shibuya & Harajuku
Experience Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset, browse Takeshita Street’s fashion boutiques, then stroll tree-lined Omotesando. End the night in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho for grilled skewers.
Day 3 — Art, Gardens & Ginza
Book a morning slot at teamLab, relax in Shinjuku Gyoen’s gardens in the afternoon, then window-shop (or splurge) in Ginza before dinner at a sushi counter.
Day 4 — Day Trip to Hakone
Take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone for hot springs, a pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi, and (on a clear day) views of Mt. Fuji.
Day 5 — Akihabara & Ueno
Explore Akihabara’s arcades and shops in the morning, then wander Ueno Park’s museums and zoo before a farewell dinner of wagyu or ramen.
What to Eat in Tokyo
Sushi & Sashimi
From $2 conveyor-belt plates to $300 omakase counters in Ginza.
Ramen
Every neighborhood has a specialty — try tonkotsu, shoyu, or miso styles.
Izakaya Small Plates
Grilled skewers and drinks in atmospheric alleys like Omoide Yokocho.
Wagyu & Yakiniku
Grill your own melt-in-your-mouth Japanese beef tableside.
Konbini Food
Don’t skip 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart — genuinely great, cheap meals.
Depachika Food Halls
Basement food floors of department stores packed with bento, sweets, and gifts.
Getting Around Tokyo
Suica / Pasmo IC Card
A rechargeable tap card (or mobile wallet via Apple/Google Pay) works on nearly all trains, subways, and buses — the easiest way to get around.
Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
Two overlapping subway networks plus JR lines cover the whole city; day passes are worth it if you’re moving a lot.
Airport Transfers
From Narita, take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner; from Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line reach central Tokyo in under 30 minutes.
Taxis & Ride Apps
Taxis are safe but pricier than trains. The GO app is the most reliable way to hail one, especially late at night.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Approximate per-person, per-day costs in USD, excluding flights:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $180 | $700 |
| Food | $25 | $60 | $150 |
| Local Transport | $8 | $12 | $30 |
| Activities | $15 | $35 | $100 |
| Daily Total | ~$88 | ~$287 | ~$980 |
What to Pack for Tokyo
Pocket WiFi or eSIM
Stay connected for navigation and translation apps from the moment you land.
Shop OptionsComfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll easily rack up 15,000+ steps a day exploring on foot and in train stations.
Shop OptionsPortable Charger
A day of maps, photos, and translation apps will drain your phone fast.
Shop OptionsCoin Purse
Japan is still cash-heavy in places, and coins add up fast — a proper coin purse saves fumbling.
Shop OptionsUniversal Power Adapter
Japan uses Type A/B plugs at 100V — check your devices before you go.
Shop OptionsInsider Tips
Carry cash — many small restaurants and shops still don’t accept cards.
Tipping isn’t expected anywhere in Japan, including restaurants and taxis.
Trains stop running around midnight — check the last departure before a late night out.
Load your Suica/Pasmo onto Apple or Google Pay before you land to skip ticket machine lines.
Google Translate’s camera mode is a lifesaver for menus and signs.
Avoid eating while walking — it’s considered poor etiquette outside of festivals.
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