Why go to Tokyo
Tokyo is enormous but easy: spotless trains, safe streets and neighbourhoods that each feel like their own small city. It holds more celebrated restaurants than anywhere on earth, and some of the best food costs less than a cinema ticket.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Late March to early April brings cherry blossom; October and November bring crisp air and autumn leaves. June is the rainy season and July to August is hot and humid. Winter is cold, dry and clear, with Mount Fuji often visible.
Top things to see
Sensō-ji
Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa; go at dawn or after dark.
Meiji Jingū
A forest shrine beside Harajuku.
Shibuya Crossing
Watch from above at Shibuya Sky or a café.
teamLab Planets
Immersive digital art in Toyosu; book ahead.
Shinjuku Gyoen
A superb garden for blossom and autumn colour.
Tokyo National Museum
Japan's finest collection of art and artefacts in Ueno.
Things to do in Tokyo
- Wander Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho for tiny bars
- Take a day trip to Nikkō or Hakone
- Shop Akihabara for electronics and anime
- Eat your way through a department store food hall (depachika)
- Catch a sumo tournament in January, May or September
Local experiences
- Eat at a standing soba counter at a train station
- Try a convenience-store breakfast: onigiri and coffee
- Soak in a neighbourhood sentō bathhouse
- Visit an izakaya and order small plates to share
Where to eat in Tokyo
Dishes to try: sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki.
Tsukiji Outer MarketMarket
Fresh sushi and street snacks; go early.
IchiranRamen
Tonkotsu ramen eaten in solo booths.
AfuriRamen
Light yuzu-shio ramen across the city.
DenFine dining
Playful, warm kaiseki-inspired cooking in Jingūmae.
NarisawaFine dining
Innovative cuisine rooted in Japanese nature.
Where to stay in Tokyo
The Okura TokyoLuxury
Modern rebuild of a mid-century classic.
Aman TokyoLuxury
Serene heights above Ōtemachi.
Hoshinoya TokyoRyokan
A tatami-floored ryokan in the financial district.
Hotel Gracery ShinjukuMid-range
Central, good value, with the Godzilla head.
Best areas to stay
Shinjuku
Transport hub, nightlife and huge choice.
Shibuya
Youthful, busy and well connected.
Asakusa
Old Tokyo atmosphere and better value.
Ginza
Upscale shopping and dining.
5 days in Tokyo
Day 1: Asakusa and Ueno
Day 2: Harajuku and Shibuya
Day 3: Shinjuku
Day 4: Markets, Ginza and digital art
Day 5: Day trip
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Cherry blossom seasonLate March to early April
Hanami picnics in Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen and along Meguro River.
Sanja MatsuriMay
Asakusa's lively shrine festival.
Sumida River FireworksLate July
One of Japan's oldest fireworks displays.
Getting around
Tokyo's rail network is superb. Load a Suica or Pasmo card (or add one to your phone) for trains, buses and convenience stores. Haneda is about 30 minutes from the centre; Narita is about an hour.
Practical information
- Plug types
- A, B (guide)
- Voltage
- 100 V
- Emergency
- 110 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance)
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
Tipping: Not practised and can cause confusion. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion
- Carry some cash: smaller places may not take cards
- Queue in marked lines on platforms
- Avoid trains at rush hour if you have big luggage
Tokyo travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best months are usually Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Late March to early April brings cherry blossom; October and November bring crisp air and autumn leaves. June is the rainy season and July to August is hot and humid. Winter is cold, dry and clear, with Mount Fuji often visible.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Plan on 5 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Tokyo?
The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Tokyo cost per day?
Roughly US$90 per person per day on a budget, US$220 mid-range and US$650 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Tokyo?
Local favourites include sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki.
What plug adapter do I need for Tokyo?
Tokyo uses plug type A, B at 100 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
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