Destinations · Japan
Updated June 2026Tokyo Travel Guide
Neon-lit skyscrapers, centuries-old shrines, the world’s best sushi and bullet trains that run to the second — Tokyo blends tradition and the future like nowhere else. This Tokyo travel guide shows you when to go, what to do and how to plan the whole trip.
When to go
The best time to visit Tokyo
The best time to visit Tokyo is spring (March to May) for cherry blossom season and autumn (October to November) for crisp air and fiery foliage. Both bring mild temperatures and blue skies. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold but clear. Here’s how the seasons compare.
| Season | Months | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar – May | Mild, cherry blossoms, busy & pricey | Sakura season, parks, festivals |
| Summer | Jun – Sep | Hot, humid, rainy season in June | Fireworks, summer matsuri, deals |
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | Cool, dry, golden foliage | Comfortable sightseeing, photos |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Cold, crisp, clear skies, low crowds | Illuminations, Mt Fuji day trips |
Cherry blossoms typically peak in Tokyo around late March to early April, though exact dates shift each year — book accommodation months ahead if you’re chasing sakura. For fewer crowds and great value, late autumn and winter are underrated times to visit Tokyo.
Highlights
The best things to do in Tokyo
From the bright lights of Shibuya to quiet temple gardens, these are the experiences worth building your Tokyo itinerary around.
Temples & shrines
Visit Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and the tranquil Meiji Shrine set in a forest beside buzzing Harajuku.
Shibuya & Shinjuku
Cross the world-famous Shibuya Scramble, then dive into Shinjuku’s neon nightlife, izakaya alleys and skyline observation decks.
Sushi & food markets
Eat fresh sushi at Toyosu, slurp ramen in Shinjuku and graze the stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market — Tokyo is a food lover’s dream.
Mt Fuji day trip
Take the bullet train or a tour to the Fuji Five Lakes or Hakone for hot springs and postcard views of Japan’s iconic peak.
Pop culture in Akihabara
Browse anime, manga and retro games in Akihabara’s electric town — geek culture central, then karaoke until late.
Gardens & teamLab
Wander serene gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen, then lose yourself in teamLab’s immersive digital art museums.
Bases
Where to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is huge, so picking the right neighbourhood matters. These are the best areas to base yourself and who each one suits.
Shinjuku
The transport mega-hub with hotels for every budget, nightlife in Golden Gai and skyscraper views. Great for first-timers.
Shibuya
Young, lively and central, with the famous crossing, shopping and easy train links. Ideal for nightlife and people-watching.
Asakusa
Old-Tokyo charm around Senso-ji, traditional ryokan stays and lower prices. Quieter and atmospheric, a little further out.
Ginza & Marunouchi
Upscale shopping, fine dining and luxury hotels by Tokyo Station — polished and convenient for the bullet train.
Ueno
Budget-friendly, near museums, a big park and great transport links to the airport — handy for shorter stays.
Roppongi
International nightlife, art museums and views from Roppongi Hills — lively after dark and popular with expats.
Plan
The perfect 7-day Tokyo itinerary
A first-timer route that balances iconic sights, neighbourhoods and a day trip without rushing. Get a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card on arrival to glide through the trains.
Shinjuku & West Tokyo
Settle in, ride up a free observation deck, wander Golden Gai and grab ramen. Ease into the time difference gently.
Shibuya, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine
Cross the Shibuya Scramble, browse Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, then find calm at Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park.
Asakusa & the river
Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street and Tokyo Skytree, then a Sumida River cruise toward the bay.
Mt Fuji or Hakone day trip
Take the train to Hakone for hot springs and lake views, or join a Fuji Five Lakes tour for that classic mountain photo.
Akihabara & Ueno
Anime and electronics in Akihabara, then museums and the park in Ueno. Add an evening teamLab visit if you can book ahead.
Tsukiji, Ginza & the bay
Breakfast sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, shopping in Ginza, and sunset views from Odaiba across Tokyo Bay.
Day trip or last-minute Tokyo
Side-trip to Nikko or Kamakura, or revisit a favourite neighbourhood before heading to the airport.
Transport
How to get around Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transport is world-class — clean, punctual and easy once you have a prepaid IC card. Here’s how to move around the city and beyond.
Metro & JR trains
The subway and JR Yamanote loop line reach almost everywhere. Tap in with a Suica or Pasmo IC card — no need to buy single tickets.
Shinkansen bullet trains
For day trips and onward travel to Kyoto or Osaka, the shinkansen is fast and reliable. A Japan Rail Pass can pay off on longer trips.
Airport transfers
From Narita, the Skyliner or N’EX reaches central Tokyo in under an hour; Haneda is closer and cheaper by train or monorail.
Taxis & walking
Taxis are spotless but pricey — fine late at night. Most neighbourhoods are very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes.
Money
Tokyo trip cost & budget
Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but it can be surprisingly affordable with cheap, excellent food and great-value transport. Here’s a rough daily budget per person, excluding international flights.
| Style | Per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥8,000–12,000 (~$55–80) | Hostels & capsule hotels, convenience-store & ramen meals, IC-card travel |
| Mid-range | ¥18,000–30,000 (~$120–200) | Comfortable 3–4★ hotels, restaurant meals, attractions and day trips |
| Comfort | ¥45,000+ (~$300+) | Luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours and premium experiences |
Big savers: eat at conveyor-belt sushi, ramen shops and convenience stores, use an IC card for transport, and book hotels well ahead for cherry blossom and autumn seasons. Rates are editorial estimates — check current prices before you book.
Stay safe
Is Tokyo safe?
Yes — Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world, including for solo and female travellers. Crime against tourists is very rare; the main things to plan for are etiquette, language and the occasional earthquake. A few tips:
- Carry some cash — many small restaurants and shrines are still cash-only, though cards are increasingly accepted.
- Stand left on Tokyo escalators, keep phone calls off trains and avoid eating while walking to respect local etiquette.
- Save offline maps and key phrases — English signage is good on trains but patchier in smaller venues.
- Earthquakes happen; know your hotel’s exits and follow staff instructions if you feel a tremor.
- Get travel insurance — healthcare is excellent but can be costly without cover.
Before you go
Visa & what to sort before you go
Many nationalities (including the UK, US, EU, Australia and Canada) can enter Japan visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days — always check your country’s current allowance and that your passport is valid for your stay. Sort these essentials before you fly:
Questions
Tokyo travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for cool, clear weather and colourful foliage. Summer is hot and humid with a June rainy season, while winter is cold but crisp with festive illuminations and fewer crowds.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to five days is enough for Tokyo’s main highlights, while seven days lets you add day trips to Mt Fuji, Hakone, Nikko or Kamakura without rushing. Many travellers pair Tokyo with Kyoto or Osaka via the bullet train on a longer Japan trip.
How much does a trip to Tokyo cost?
Tokyo can suit most budgets. Budget travellers can manage on around ¥8,000–12,000 (~$55–80) a day, mid-range travellers on ¥18,000–30,000 (~$120–200), and comfort travellers from ¥45,000+ a day, excluding international flights.
Do I need a visa to visit Tokyo?
Many nationalities, including the UK, US, EU, Australia and Canada, can enter Japan visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. Always confirm your country’s current allowance and make sure your passport is valid for the length of your stay.
Is Tokyo safe for tourists?
Yes, Tokyo is one of the safest large cities in the world, including for solo and female travellers. Crime against visitors is rare. The main things to prepare for are local etiquette, carrying some cash and the small possibility of earthquakes.
How do I get around Tokyo?
The fastest way to get around Tokyo is by metro and JR train using a prepaid Suica or Pasmo IC card. The Yamanote loop line connects most major districts, and the shinkansen bullet train is ideal for day trips and onward travel across Japan.
More guides
Keep planning
Ready for Tokyo?
Sort the basics — an eSIM, travel insurance and your airport transfer — and you’re set to go.
This Tokyo travel guide is independently reviewed editorial content. Prices, visa rules and opening times change — always confirm current details with official sources before you travel. Some links may be affiliate links that support TrekQuill at no extra cost to you.