Tokyo

Travel Guide

Shibuya Crossing featuring a city, a square or plaza and modern architecture
Tokyo
Japan showing wildflowers as well as a large group of people
Tokyo which includes night scenes, modern architecture and a city
Hibiya Park showing a city and a fountain

A tribute to the city’s past and future, Tokyo’s timeless spirit will inspire you with exquisite dining, stunning architecture and captivating traditions.

No matter where you look in Tokyo, there’s always something remarkable to see. Look southwest from Tokyo on a clear winter day and catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mount Fuji. Turn northeast and see the hyper-modern Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world, soaring above the Tokyo landscape. Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s spiritual and cultural heritage, where shrines, temples and museums whisper stories of the past, and traditional cuisine and masterful crafts invite you to savor ongoing traditions. Or dive into the city’s electric pulse, where cutting-edge nightlife, avant-garde dining and futuristic entertainment offer a thrilling taste of Tokyo’s boundless innovation.

The best areas for accommodation in Tokyo

The beating heart of contemporary Tokyo, Shinjuku is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for first-timers. Enjoy shopping, dining and nightlife along iconic Yasukuni-dōri, lit by thousands of neon signs. Jet-lagged visitors and night owls will appreciate the area’s 24-hour amenities and attractions, while busy Shinjuku Station provides convenient access to other destinations around Tokyo. Also conveniently located, the area around Tokyo Station is another great option.

A lively entertainment and nightlife hub that attracts a trendy crowd, Roppongi is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for couples. The area is known for its luxury, as well as its friendliness to tourists and expats, with lots of stylish bars and fine dining. Looking for a more intimate vacation in Tokyo? With lots of charming cafes and gastropubs, try attractive, fashionable Ebisu or Meguro.

One of the best places for families to stay in Tokyo is Akasaka, a charming, tranquil neighborhood with lots of beautiful parks and playgrounds. Less bustling than nearby Roppongi, Akasaka is still close to many tourist- and expat-friendly restaurants and amenities. For a more traditional vibe, Asakusa is a great choice, offering spacious accommodations and apartment-style hotels. Kids will love exploring the area around Sensoji temple, especially during festivals.

Tokyo Travel Guide Video

Best time to visit Tokyo

  • Spring (March to May): Stunning spring flowers, cherry blossom season and pleasant weather make spring one of the best times to visit Tokyo. Be prepared for hanami (flower viewing) crowds.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers can be hot and humid, with rain through July, but Mount Fuji’s open trails still draw visitors from July to September.
  • Fall (September to November): Another great time to visit Tokyo, featuring stunning fall foliage and moon-viewing festivals.
  • Winter (December to February): Winter brings fewer crowds and incredible views of Mount Fuji. It's also prime time for skiing, with many visitors heading to nearby resorts.

How many days to spend in Tokyo

In three to four days, get a taste of Tokyo’s rich history and culture in old-fashioned Asakusa and its dynamic presence on the streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya. With five to seven days, visit an onsen (a hot spring bathing facility) or Mount Fuji. Or use Tokyo as a starting point to explore more of Honshu, Japan’s largest island.

The vibe of Tokyo

At once futuristic and traditional, boisterous and reserved, Tokyo is truly a city of contrasts. Will you order coffee from a robot or sample sushi made by a chef who has trained for decades to master his craft? Catching the train at Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world, or scrambling across the street at Shibuya gives the impression of a city that never stops moving. Even in the heart of the glittering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo, ancient shrines, charmingly narrow alleys and hidden gems offer tranquility among the excitement. The Japanese cultural emphasis on respect and consideration helps Tokyo feel peaceful, even in the bustle.

What is Tokyo famous for?

A sprawling metropolis of multiple urban centers, Tokyo is both Japan’s capital and the birthplace of globally beloved pop culture movements. Tokyo has inspired futuristic, dystopian cities in classic science fiction movies like Akira and has been repeatedly attacked by kaijū (giant monsters) in the long-running Godzilla franchise. Keep an eye out for the real-life landmarks that Godzilla destroys, like the Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower. You’ll find statues of Godzilla around Tokyo, including a giant head in Shinjuku and a statue in Hibiya Godzilla Square. The countercultural Harajuku has become synonymous with Japanese street fashion, spreading the popularity of cosplay and other fashion subcultures.

Events in Tokyo

Why not time your Tokyo travel to enjoy one of the exuberant matsuri (festivals) held throughout the year? The city’s three major Shinto festivals, Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (August), Kanda Matsuri (May, odd-numbered years) and Sannō Matsuri (June), feature vibrant parades, traditional costumes, and mikoshi (portable shrines) to honor local deities. One of the most famous events in Tokyo is cherry blossom viewing (March to April). Marvel at the performers and beautifully lit floats at Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival; May) and gasp at the colorful displays at Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (July). In January, May and September, watch sumo masters compete at Grand Tournaments.

Top attractions in Tokyo

Like the statue of Hachikō at busy Shibuya Scramble Crossing, some of the best attractions in Tokyo for first-timers blend the city’s hyper-modern present with its traditional past. Explore the Edo Castle ruins in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Practice shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) at Meiji Shrine, a wooded retreat behind the bustling streets and shops of Harajuku, or visit one of the many museums nestled in Ueno Park.

The atmospheric streets of Tokyo are packed with romantic attractions for couples. Pick a neighborhood like stylish Nakameguro, along the cherry tree-lined Meguro river, and wander through its delicious cafes and independent shops. Cocktail culture in Japan emphasizes elegance and presentation, so toast your relationship at one of Tokyo’s sleek speakeasies or lounges. Pamper yourselves with a day trip to a luxury spa or a private onsen outside the city.

With family-friendly activities in Tokyo ranging from museums to themed cafes, there’s endless entertainment for all ages. Visit teamLab Planets museum for a wonderland of interactive art installations. Have fun learning about Japanese history and culture at the Edo-themed amusement park Asakusa Hanayashiki. And anime fans will love visiting the Ghibli Museum or shopping for souvenirs at Nakano Broadway.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku featuring a city, street scenes and night scenes

Shinjuku

4.5/5(2,072 area reviews)

Major commercial hub with the bustling Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and various attractions like Kabukichō, Golden Gai, and Shinjuku Gyoen. Shop at flagship stores and enjoy diverse dining options.

Shinjuku
Shibuya Crossing featuring a city, a square or plaza and modern architecture

Shibuya

4.5/5(563 area reviews)

Major commercial and finance hub, Shibuya boasts bustling railway stations, trendy fashion scenes in Harajuku and Omotesandō, and vibrant nightlife. Don't miss the iconic Shibuya Crossing and Hachikō statue.

Shibuya
Ginza showing signage, street scenes and skyline

Ginza

4.5/5(389 area reviews)

Upscale shopping and luxurious dining await in this elegant district, featuring flagship fashion stores, art galleries, and the renowned Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant. Catch a kabuki performance at Kabuki-za theater or stroll through pedestrian heaven on weekends.

Ginza
Sensō-ji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, signage and religious aspects

Asakusa

5/5(156 area reviews)

Discover Sensō-ji, a renowned Buddhist temple, and savor traditional Japanese cuisine at local eateries. Explore Kappabashi-dori for kitchenware, cruise the Sumida River, and stay in a cozy ryokan near the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line subway.

Asakusa
Ueno

Ueno

4.5/5(172 area reviews)

Travelers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ameyoko Shopping District.

Ueno
Akasaka

Akasaka

4.5/5(332 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Tokyo Midtown while getting to know Akasaka, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nogizaka Station or Akasaka Station to see more of the area.

Akasaka
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport

4 out of 5
2-7-1 Hanedakuko, Oota, Tokyo, Tokyo
$83 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$95 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (6,688 reviews)
Great hotek
"Incredible hotel and great location to site see all around Tokyo. The train is just a few minutes walk inside from the lobby and you can get anywhere you want. Very clean rooms and very friendly and helpful staff. Being right next to the airport but you can’t hear anything is nice."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
$129 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$142 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,680 reviews)
"Very nice hotel, although the rooms are tiny and it is in a relatively dirty area because it’s in the red light district."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

4 out of 5
3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
$69 nightly
The price is $77 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$77 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 15 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,013 reviews)
"Underground walkway from shinjuku station to hotel. Many restaurants nearby as well as restaurants at the hotel. Great buffet breakfast with reasonable price."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi

4 out of 5
3-chome-24-2 Nishiasakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (250 reviews)
"Room clean and complete amenities. Good location. Near convenience stores"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi

3.5 out of 5
2-8- Kotobuki, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (281 reviews)
"Clean property and close to all the major attractions."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi
Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST

Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST

4 out of 5
1-9-12 Irifune, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Room is very clean and quiet but it was a little smaller than I expected."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Food in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of and for foodies, where diners will line up for hours to try trending dishes. Many restaurants specialize in only one or two items or regional preparations of favorites like ramen (a rich, miso-flavored broth) or soba (buckwheat noodles). Start your Tokyo trip with a Japanese spin on French patisserie, where delicate pastries like matcha éclairs, fluffy cream-filled choux and anko-filled croissants blend French techniques with local flavors. Or wander the food stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market for unbelievably fresh seafood. Outside Shinjuku Station, follow your nose to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a charming narrow alley packed with small food stalls and restaurants, providing a taste of an older Japan. Sample a delicious variety of sushi with omakase, or try a restaurant specializing in yōshoku, Japanese takes on Western favorites.

Nightlife in Tokyo

Featuring nightlife as varied and colorful as the neon signs that illuminate its streets, Tokyo certainly doesn’t lack for entertainment. Sing your heart out at karaoke, savor an exactingly made highball or survey the glittering Tokyo skyline from a rooftop bar. Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi are the heart of Tokyo nightlife, offering late-night izakaya, clubs and pachinko parlors. Get an insider’s introduction to must-visit spots with a barhopping tour. Shinjuku Ni-chōme is a haven of LGBTQ+-friendly venues, from old-school discotheques to literary cafes. Nearby Shinjuku Golden Gai is packed with intimate, atmospheric bars, many with elaborate themes.

Shopping in Tokyo

With so much to explore, from traditional workshops to huge department stores, even window shopping in Tokyo is exhilarating. But whether you’re looking for cutting-edge fashion or handcrafted kitchen knives, you surely won’t leave your Tokyo vacation empty-handed. Ginza and Harajuku are the city’s fashion hubs. Harajuku is famous for its countercultural street style and trendy boutiques, while Ginza is known for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment. Tokyo is also known for its specialized shopping districts. Check out Kappabashi for everything kitchen-related, including the wax food that Tokyo restaurants use to advertise, or Akihabara for tech gadgets and anime collectibles.

Getting around Tokyo

Tokyo is vast, but its public transit system, including buses, subways and trains, makes getting around a breeze. Many popular destinations are linked by the Yamanote Line loop, and stations are color-coded and offer English signage. IC cards, like the Suica or Pasmo, are interchangeable, prepaid fare cards that come in physical and smartphone forms. These cards can also be used like debit cards at some businesses. Taxis are also widely available.

Tokyo currency and budget

Tipping in Japan is uncommon in most situations. Japan uses the yen (¥), and though credit is becoming more common in Tokyo, many businesses still prefer cash. With so much to see on the street, plus a wealth of cheap eats, fun on a budget is easy. Budget approximately $100-$200 USD per day for accommodations, food, transportation and attractions. Here’s what you can expect to pay for some common expenses: 

  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $50.00 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $3.50 USD
  • A medium cappuccino = $3.50 USD
  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $7.00 USD

* Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

Local greetings in Tokyo

Say “konnichiwa” for hello or “ohayō gozaimasu” for good morning. “Arigatō” means thank you; add “gozaimasu” when addressing elders or superiors. “Sumimasen” is excuse me. Say please by using “o kudasai” or “onegai shimasu,” depending on context. Expect restaurant staff to greet you with a cheery “irasshaimase!” Shaking hands or hugging is uncommon, but nodding or bowing politely is appreciated. Some businesses and shrines ask you to remove shoes; if so, slippers are usually provided.

Cities near Tokyo