Tokyo travel guide
Neon crossings, quiet shrines and the best food scene on the planet. Where to go, where to stay and how to get around Japan's capital.
Quick answer
- Region: Kanto, Honshu
- Airports: Haneda (HND), Narita (NRT)
- Ideal stay: 4 to 6 days
- Best for: Food, city life, shopping, culture
Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first, but it is one of the easiest big cities in the world to explore. Trains run on time, streets are safe at night and every neighbourhood has its own personality, from the bright lights of Shinjuku to the old-town lanes of Asakusa.
The best approach is to base yourself near a major station, pick two or three areas per day and leave room to wander. Some of Tokyo's best moments happen in side streets you never planned to visit.
Top things to do in Tokyo
- Cross the Shibuya Scramble. Join the famous crossing where waves of people cross from every direction at once. Watch it from above at one of the surrounding buildings, then explore Shibuya's shops and cafes.
- Visit Senso-ji in Asakusa. Tokyo's oldest temple, reached through the giant Kaminarimon gate and the snack stalls of Nakamise Street. Go early morning or after dark for a calmer visit.
- Walk through Meiji Jingu. A peaceful Shinto shrine set in a forest right next to busy Harajuku. Pair it with a stroll down Takeshita Street and the boutiques of Omotesando.
- Eat your way around Tsukiji Outer Market. The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still buzzes with stalls selling sushi, tamagoyaki and grilled seafood. Arrive in the morning.
- Relax in Shinjuku Gyoen. One of the city's loveliest gardens, mixing Japanese, English and French styles. It is a favourite spot in cherry blossom season.
- See the city from above. Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower and several free observation decks, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, offer huge views. On clear days you may spot Mount Fuji.
- Explore Akihabara. The heart of anime, manga, gaming and electronics culture, packed with multi-storey shops and retro game arcades.
- Drink in the tiny bars of Shinjuku. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai are lanes of small, atmospheric bars and yakitori stalls. Some seat only a handful of people.
Areas to know
| Area | Why stay or visit |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Skyscrapers, nightlife and the world's busiest train station. A practical base with endless food options. |
| Shibuya and Harajuku | Youth fashion, the scramble crossing, Meiji Jingu and stylish Omotesando. |
| Asakusa and Ueno | Old Tokyo atmosphere, Senso-ji, Ueno Park and its museums. Often better value for hotels. |
| Ginza and Tokyo Station | Upmarket shopping, department store food halls and easy shinkansen access. |
| Akihabara | Anime, manga, games and electronics. |
| Shimokitazawa | Vintage shops, indie cafes and small live music venues with a laid-back feel. |
When to go
Spring (late March to early April) brings cherry blossoms, and autumn (October to November) has comfortable weather and colourful leaves. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is cool, dry and often very clear, which is great for Fuji views.
Getting there and around
Tokyo has two international airports. Haneda is closer to the city centre, while Narita is further out but well connected by express trains and buses. Inside the city, the JR Yamanote loop line plus the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines will take you almost everywhere. Tap in and out with a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO.
Where to stay
First-timers usually do well in Shinjuku or Shibuya for transport and nightlife. Choose Ginza or the Tokyo Station area if you will take the shinkansen often, and Asakusa or Ueno for a more traditional feel and lower prices.
What to eat
- Fresh sushi and seafood around Tsukiji
- Ramen in every style, from shoyu to rich tonkotsu
- Monjayaki, a gooey griddle dish from Tsukishima
- Yakitori in the alleys of Shinjuku and Yurakucho
- Department store food halls (depachika) for bento and sweets
Day trips and next stops
Easy day trips include Kamakura for its Great Buddha and seaside temples, Nikko for ornate shrines in the mountains, Yokohama for its waterfront and Chinatown, and Hakone for hot springs and Mount Fuji views.
Opening hours, prices and transport details change. Check the official sources before you travel: GO TOKYO, official Tokyo travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to six days lets you cover the main neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace, plus one day trip to Kamakura, Nikko or Hakone.
Which airport is better for Tokyo, Haneda or Narita?
Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo. Narita is further out but well connected by express trains and buses, and often has cheaper flights.
Where should first-timers stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku or Shibuya for transport and nightlife, Ginza or Tokyo Station for shinkansen trips, and Asakusa or Ueno for a traditional feel and better value.
