The First-Timer’s Tokyo Travel Guide

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please be advised that this Tokyo travel guide hasn’t been updated in 2024. Prices and travel guidelines may no longer be accurate so it’s important that you verify any information before proceeding.

Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities not just in Japan, but in the world. It is an absolutely massive metropolis with a never-ending list of fun and interesting things to do.

Writing a travel guide to Tokyo is something I’ve been wanting to do for some time now. I’ve been putting it off because of how daunting a task I knew it would be.

With so many things to see, to do, to eat, and to experience in Tokyo, I wanted to write a Tokyo travel guide that would do this incredible city justice, something that would make any first-time visitor’s stay as memorable and as fun-filled as possible.

If it’s your first time visiting Japan’s capital, then I hope this travel guide helps you make the most of your time in Tokyo.

GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOKYO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Because of the current global situation, Tokyo travel guidelines have been changing on a regular basis. Our friends at Booking.com created a website that lists detailed information on travel restrictions around the globe.

Before planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to check Booking.com for information on travel restrictions to Japan. If you do decide to visit Tokyo, then you may want to seriously consider getting travel insurance with COVID coverage.

JAPAN VISA

You may need a visa and other requirements to travel to Japan depending on your passport. Visit iVisa.com to learn about the requirements and to apply for a visa (if necessary).

TOKYO AT A GLANCE

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. It’s the world’s largest city with an urban population of over 38.5 million people. It’s one of Japan’s 47 prefectures and is part of the Kanto region on the southeastern side of Honshu, Japan’s main island.

Tokyo started off as a humble fishing village called Edo before becoming a prominent political center and castle town in the 17th century. In 1868, Empreror Meiji moved the imperial seat from Kyoto to Edo, renaming the city Tokyo meaning “Eastern Capital”.

Today, Tokyo is a major financial, technological, and cultural hub. It’s a global leader in the arts, media, fashion, and entertainment industries.

It has many excellent museums, temples, and gardens, and its extensive rail system makes day trips to neighboring prefectures a possibility.

But perhaps best of all, is its food.

Known for its many delicious dishes like sushi, ramen, and monjayaki, Tokyo is the world’s standard bearer for gastronomy, boasting over twice as many Michelin Stars as its closest rival Paris.

In fact, some people claim that the world’s best pizza isn’t in Italy, but here in Tokyo.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TOKYO

You may come across articles claiming that Tokyo is a year-round destination. While that may be true, some months are definitely better than others.

Spring and Fall are typically the best times to visit Tokyo. The weather is ideal and it gives you the opportunity to experience the cherry blossoms in spring and the colorful foliage of fall.

SEPT-NOV: Autumn is generally one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Japan. Personally, it’s my favorite. I love the colors of fall and the weather is perfect. Leaves start turning color at the end of October so the optimal time to see the fall colors is in November. You can enjoy them at Tokyo’s parks like Koishikawa Korakuen but they’re best appreciated on day trips to less urban areas like Hakone or Kamakura.

DEC-FEB: Winter isn’t the best time to visit Tokyo but I wouldn’t necessarily call it bad either. I was there in January and February on my last trip and while it did get cold on some days, it wasn’t unbearable. If you want to go skiing or snowboarding in Japan, then winter is obviously the best time to go. There are a few ski resorts you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, but serious skiers may want to continue north to Sapporo in Hokkaido, home of the best powder in Japan.

MAR-MAY: Spring, like autumn, is one of the best times to visit Japan. The weather is ideal and flowers are in bloom. If you’re visiting Tokyo for the cherry blossoms, then early to mid-April is when you should go. Just know that this is high season and one of the busiest times to visit Japan. Plan your trip well in advance. Weather-wise, May is great too but Golden Week is peak season for domestic travel in Japan.

JUN-AUG: Summer is high season in Japan and among its hottest and rainiest months. It’ll be warmer, more humid, and more crowded, and perhaps not the most comfortable time to go.

Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Tokyo

For more on Tokyo’s weather, check out these climate graphs from holiday-weather.com. I’ve also created average temperature and annual rainfall graphs with the most ideal months to visit marked in orange.

Average Temperature

Annual Rainfall

TRAVELING TO TOKYO

There are many ways to travel to Tokyo from wherever you are. You can go to Bookaway or use the widget below to find route options available to you.

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) are the busiest airports in Japan. While some international flights do go through Haneda, it’s primarily a domestic airport so the majority of international travelers will be arriving via Narita.

You’ll need to arrange for transfers to your hotel from either Narita or Haneda airports. Narita is about 65 km east of central Tokyo while Haneda is about 17 km south.

By metro is generally our preferred means of airport transfer because it’s cheap, efficient, and often the fastest, but listed below are the different ways you can get to your hotel from either airport.

FROM NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NRT)

BY METRO

Narita terminals 1 and 2 have metro stations in their respective basements. If you arrive at Terminal 3, then you can walk to Terminal 2 or catch a free shuttle bus between terminals to ride the metro.

JR NARITA EXPRESS: This is the fastest way to get to Tokyo Station from Narita. It’s a direct train that takes about an hour. From Tokyo Station, you can then take a connecting train to your hotel. The JR Narita Express is fully covered by the JR Pass so if you’re planning on getting one, then this will be one of your best options. You can purchase a JR Pass through Klook or Japan Rail Pass.

JR SOBU LINE: The JR Sobu Line (Rapid) is slower but much cheaper than the JR Narita Express. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Tokyo Station.

KEISEI SKYLINER: The Keisei Skyliner will get you to Nippori Station in about 40 minutes. From there, you can catch a connecting train to your hotel. You can purchase Keisei Skyliner tickets in advance through Klook. You can also get it bundled with a Tokyo Subway Ticket. I’ll talk more about the Tokyo Subway Ticket in the HOW TO GET AROUND section of this guide.

KEISEI LIMITED EXPRESS: This is the slower but much cheaper alternative to the Keisei Skyliner. It can get you to Nippori Station in about 75 minutes.

BY BUS

LIMOUSINE BUS: You can catch a direct limousine bus to Tokyo Station or to several major hotels in central Tokyo. To check if your hotel is part of the serviced route, you can click on the link for a list of service areas. You can book limousine bus tickets in advance through Klook.

DISCOUNT BUS: You can take the “Airport Bus TYO-NRT” from Narita Airport to either Tokyo Station or Ginza Station. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

BY CAR

PRIVATE/SHARED TRANSFER: This is the most convenient way of getting to your hotel from Narita Airport but it’s also one of the most expensive. Klook and Get Your Guide offer airport transfers from Narita to your hotel in downtown Tokyo.

TAXI: This will be the most expensive option. It’ll cost you at least JPY 30,000 to get to your hotel in central Tokyo.

FROM HANEDA AIRPORT (HND)

BY METRO

TOKYO MONORAIL: You can take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can catch a connecting train to your hotel.

KEIKYU RAILWAYS: Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa Station. The trip takes about 20 minutes. You can then catch a connecting train to your hotel.

BY BUS

LIMOUSINE BUS: The same limousine bus that services Narita also services Haneda. You can check this list to see if your hotel is serviced by this route. You can purchase tickets in advance through Klook.

BY CAR

PRIVATE/SHARED TRANSFER: Klook and Get Your Guide offer airport transfers to central Tokyo from Haneda.

TAXI: A taxi ride to central Tokyo will cost you anywhere between JPY 6,000-12,000, depending on the destination and time of day.

FROM OTHER PARTS OF JAPAN

If you’re arriving in Japan via a different city (ie Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, etc), then one of the best ways to get to Tokyo is by train. Japan is very much a train society with an extensive and highly efficient railway system.

You can do a search on Hyperdia to find the different ways you can get to Tokyo by train from wherever you are in Japan. It’s accurate and very reliable.

If you plan on doing a lot of intercity travel in Japan, then a JR Pass may be a good investment. It’ll give you unlimited travel on JR trains for the duration of your pass.

Visit Klook or Japan Rail Pass for more information and to purchase a JR Pass.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY

The unit of currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

BANKS / POST OFFICES: Banks and post offices are among the most reliable places to exchange foreign currency in Japan. However, they aren’t the fastest. I’ve exchanged currency at a few banks and there’s always some paperwork involved so the process may take some time (around 15-30 minutes).

LICENSED MONEY CHANGERS: I’ve never exchanged currency at a licensed money changer in Japan, but I read that they’re reliable and rates are competitive. You can refer to this guide for a list of recommended money changers in Tokyo.

KINKEN SHOPS: Kinken shops are small stores that buy and sell unused event tickets. Some of them also exchange currency. I bought discounted DisneySea tickets and exchanged currency at this kinken shop in Shinjuku. I got good rates and didn’t have any problems but I’ve read that the the biggest and perhaps most reliable kinken shop chain in Tokyo is Daikokuya.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE MACHINES: I haven’t seen these too often but I did exchange currency at a currency exchange machine in Nagasaki once. They’re like ATMs but they exchange currency. Just insert your foreign currency and out comes the JPY equivalent. They’re super easy to use and can be found in popular tourist areas like shopping arcades and large train stations.

ATM MACHINES: This is our preferred way of acquiring JPY in Japan. Rates are often competitive and it saves us the trouble of having to carry too much foreign currency. Just be sure to let your local bank know that you intend to use your ATM card abroad so you don’t run into any problems. In my experience, my ATM card works in some machines but not in others. In Japan, I have the best luck using 7-Eleven and post office ATMs.

Please note that some ATMs may ask if you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always choose WITHOUT conversion so your local bank does the conversion. Proceeding with conversion authorizes the foreign bank operating the ATM to do the conversion, usually at terrible rates. According to this article, the difference in rates can be as high as 10%.

BEST AREAS TO STAY IN TOKYO

In spite of its size, Tokyo’s extensive metro system makes it possible to stay in many different areas. Getting around won’t be a problem in Tokyo.

Do a search for the best areas to stay in Tokyo and the majority of people will point you to Shinjuku. I would agree. Shinjuku is a lively area with lots of shops and restaurants, making it one of the most convenient areas to stay in Tokyo.

Listed below are some of the best places to stay in Tokyo, along with a color-coded map to help you better understand where each of these areas are. Click on the link for a live version of the map. (Please note that marked areas are approximations only)

RED – Shinjuku
PURPLE – Shibuya / Harajuku
YELLOW – Ginza
BROWN – Tokyo Station
LIGHT BLUE – Akihabara
ORANGE – Ueno
GREEN – Asakusa
PINK – Sumida
DARK BLUE – Roppongi
GRAY – Odaiba

SHINJUKU

As described, Shinjuku is the best place to stay in Tolkyo. It’s a major transportation hub with thousands of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s great during the day but it gets even better at night when all its neon signs are lit up.

You could honestly stay in Shinjuku the entire time in Tokyo and never leave. There is so much to see and do there. Check out the neighborhood section of this guide for more on Shinjuku.

You can search for accommodations in Shinjuku on Booking.com or Agoda. If you can find one that suits you, then I suggest booking a hotel close to Shinjuku Station. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

SHIBUYA / HARAJUKU

Shibuya is another great shopping area in Tokyo that’s similar in feel to Shinjuku, though perhaps with a younger crowd. It’s also a major transportation hub with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

There’s lots to see and do in Shibuya though it doesn’t quite have the same vibe and energy as Shinjuku, especially at night. You can jump to the neighborhood section for more on Shibuya.

You can search for accommodations in the Shibuya area on Booking.com or Agoda. If you can, try to find a hotel near Shibuya Station.

Harajuku is a neighborhood within Shibuya Ward. It refers specifically to the area around Harajuku Station, between the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas. It’s famous for being the heart of kawaii (cute) culture and extreme teenage fashion in Tokyo. You can read more about Harajuku in our neighborhood guide.

If you’d like to stay in Harajuku, then you can search for accommodations on Booking.com. Finding a hotel near Harajuku Station gives you easy access to the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas. We actually walked to Harajuku from Shibuya Station. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in Shibuya:

GINZA

You can think of the Ginza District as Tokyo’s equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York City. It’s a posh neighborhood that’s home to luxury hotels, big name brands, and high-end restaurants. You can refer to our neighborhood guide for more on the Ginza District.

If you’d like to stay in Ginza, then you can search for accommodations on Booking.com or Agoda. Within walking distance from the Ginza area is Tokyo’s most famous fish market – Tsukiji Market. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in Ginza:

TOKYO STATION

Just north of Ginza is Tokyo Station which is the city’s main transportation hub. If you’re planning on taking the Shinkansen to Nagoya, Kyoto, or Osaka, then this is a convenient area for you to stay.

Ginza, the Imperial Palace, and MOMAT are within walking distance and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. You can search for accommodations around Tokyo Station on Booking.com or Agoda. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

AKIHABARA

Akihabara is another famous area in Tokyo. It’s considered the heart of otaku (diehard fan) culture and where you’ll find building after building filled with arcades games, electronics, maid cafes, and anime shops.

Check out our neighborhood guide for more on Akihabara. You can search for accommodations there on Booking.com or Agoda. Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

UENO

If you’d like to stay in a more traditional part of Tokyo, then Ueno may be for you. It isn’t as exciting an area as Harajuku, Akihabara, or Shinjuku, but it puts you close to some of Tokyo’s top cultural attractions like Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park. Plus, accommodations in Ueno are generally cheaper.

I didn’t spend too much time in Ueno but I did explore the park and Ameyoko, a lively market street with lots of inexpensive dining options. You can search for accommodations in Ueno on Booking.com or Agoda. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

ASAKUSA

Directly to the east of Ueno is Asakusa, a similarly traditional area known for its temples and other historical attractions. It’s where you’ll find Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of its most visited.

Asakusa is similar to Ueno so if you’re searching for cheaper accommodations in Tokyo, then this is a good place to look. You can search for accommodations in Asakusa on Booking.com or Agoda. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

SUMIDA

This was where we stayed on our most recent trip to Tokyo. It’s a quieter area situated to the east of Asakusa, across the Sumida River. It’s perhaps the least most visited area on this list, but it is home to a few attractions like Tokyo Skytree, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Ryogoku sumo district. Accommodations are generally cheaper here as well.

We stayed at Oak Hostel Sakura which is an inexpensive but comfortable hostel near Tokyo Skytree. I actually had two stints at this hostel. I arrived in Tokyo first so I stayed in one of their dorm rooms. When Ren arrived, we moved to a private room. Both rooms were clean and well-maintained and pretty much what you’d expect from a modern Japanese hostel.

You can book a room at Oak Hostel Sakura on Booking.com or Agoda. If you’d like to stay in Sumida but don’t feel this is the right hotel for you, then you can do a search on Booking.com for alternate listings. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

ROPPONGI

Roppongi is another well-known area that’s considered one of the best places to stay in Tokyo. It’s a more upscale multinational area with great museums, restaurants, shopping centers, and bars.

We had dinner in Roppongi one night and you could feel from walking around that it is indeed a wealthier, more cosmopolitan part of town. Similar to Ginza, but less commercial. You can read more about Roppongi in the neighborhood section of this guide.

Visit Booking.com or Agoda to search for accommodations in Roppongi. Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

ODAIBA

Odaiba is one of the strangest areas in Tokyo. It’s strange in the sense that it doesn’t feel like a real neighborhood, which in some ways, it isn’t.

Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. The buildings here are some of the most futuristic-looking in Tokyo. It’s home to many family-oriented attractions, including the popular teamLab Borderless digital museum. You can jump to our neighborhood guide for more on Odaiba.

Being in Odaiba makes you feel a bit detached from the rest of Tokyo, but if you’re traveling with young kids, then this is probably one of the best areas to stay. You can search for accommodations in Odaiba on Booking.com or Agoda. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

You can also book hotels and home stays in Tokyo using the handy map below.

INTERESTING NEIGHBORHOODS IN TOKYO

1. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s 23 wards but the name is more often used to refer to the large entertainment, shopping, and dining area around Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest train station.

We loved Shinjuku because there are literally thousands of restaurants to be discovered here, ranging from fine dining establishments to tiny hole-in-the-walls. Had it not been for my need to cover as much of Tokyo as possible, then we could have stayed the entire time in Shinjuku and been completely content.

There are countless bars and restaurants you can visit in Shinjuku, but two areas you definitely shouldn’t miss are Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. They’re small pockets within the Shinjuku area comprised of interesting bars, restaurants, and izakayas.

We went on a local-led food tour as well that took us to a few great restaurants in Shinjuku. We were interested primarily in food but there’s a lot to be discovered in Shinjuku.

You can refer to this Shinjuku guide for more information. You can check out Klook and Get Your Guide as well for a list of tours and restaurant deals in Shinjuku.

2. Shibuya

Like Shinjuku, Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s 23 wards but the name is often used to refer to the popular commercial area around Shibuya Station. It’s a vibrant high-energy area that’s similar in feel to Shinjuku.

Just outside Shibuya Station is Shibuya Crossing, a crosswalk that’s often referred to as the world’s busiest intersection. On the plaza next to the crossing is a statue of one of the world’s most famous dogs – Hachiko.

Shibuya is regarded as a center for youth fashion and culture in Tokyo. There are dozens of department stores here with hundreds of shops, so if you’re goal is to go shopping in Tokyo, then Shibuya is where you want to be.

You can refer to this Shibuya guide for a list of the area’s most popular shopping centers and department stores. You can also check out Klook and Get Your Guide for a list of attraction and restaurant deals in Shibuya.

3. Harajuku

Located between Shibuya and Shinjuku Stations along Tokyo’s Yamanote Line, Harajuku refers to the area immediately around Harajuku Station. It’s the heart of Tokyo’s kawaii culture, famous for its quirky fashion boutiques, trendy restaurants, and Japanese teenagers dressed in outlandish outfits.

Popular areas to visit in Harajuku include Takeshita Dori and Omotesando. Takeshita Dori is where you’ll find this culture of cuteness while Omotesando is a tree-lined boulevard that’s often referred to as the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo. It’s filled with higher-end shops and boutiques that cater to a more adult crowd.

Right next to Harajuku Station are Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. Yoyogi Park is a quiet public park with lots of trees while Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Geographically, Harajuku is part of Shibuya Ward. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Shibuya Station but you can ride the metro if you like. It’s just one stop away.

You can easily explore Harajuku on your own, but if you’d like a local taking you to some of its most interesting spots, then you may be interested in a guided walking tour (Option 1 | Option 2).

4. Akihabara

If you’re into arcade games, electronics, anime, or manga, then Akihabara needs little introduction. It’s the epicenter of Otaku culture in Tokyo.

I was blown away by Akihabara. Like Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s an energetic neon-lit area that’s great to explore at night. The sheer number of electronics shops and arcades was mind-numbing. You literally had entire buildings filled with just arcade games.

I’m a bit of a toy geek myself so I enjoyed perusing all the anime shops in Akihabara. It’s where you’ll find many of Tokyo’s maid cafes as well.

You can refer to this Akihabara guide for a list of its major electronics shops and otaku attractions. You can also check out Klook, Get Your Guide, and Magical-Trip for vouchers to maid cafes and other otaku experiences in Akihabara.

4. Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier shopping district. It’s where you’ll find many of Tokyo’s high-end department stores, luxury boutiques, and fine dining restaurants.

We’re fans of the UNIQLO brand so we went to Ginza to go shopping at its 12-floor flagship store, its biggest one to date. Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo’s famed fish and seafood market, is about a 15-minute walk from here.

If you’d like to have lunch or dinner in Ginza, then you can check out Klook for a list of restaurant deals.

5. Odaiba

Odaiba is the futuristic entertainment district of Tokyo. It’s built on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay and known for its many family-friendly attractions like interactive museums, digital exhibits, and shopping centers.

We visited two popular attractions in Odaiba – the teamLab Borderless digital museum and the towering Unicorn Gundam robot outside Divercity Tokyo Plaza. They’re just two of the many fun things you can do on the island.

If you’re visiting Tokyo with young children, then Odaiba is one of the best areas for you to stay. It puts you closer to the Tokyo Dinsey Resort as well. You can refer to this Odaiba guide for more information.

6. Roppongi

Roppongi is a more upscale district in Tokyo that’s popular with foreigners and expats. We had dinner at the original Savoy in Roppongi one night and we enjoyed the area’s contemporary vibe. It felt quieter and less commercial than Ginza.

The area is home to Roppongi Hills, a modern entertainment complex featuring dozens of shops and restaurants. At its center is Mori Tower, one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings and where you’ll find the Tokyo City View observation deck and Mori Art Museum.

According to our food tour guide, Mori Art Museum is one of the city’s best museums while Tokyo City View is one of its best observation decks. You can get discounted tickets to both on Klook.

Follow the link for more attraction and restaurant deals in Roppongi.

PLACES TO VISIT IN TOKYO

The attractions listed below were some of my favorites to visit in Tokyo. It’s just a fraction of all the places you can visit so if you’d like more suggestions, then you can refer to our 5-day Tokyo itinerary.

1. Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu or Meiji Shrine is one of Japan’s most important shrines. In the first days of the new year, over 3 million devotees visit the shrine to say the year’s first prayer.

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. It was built in 1920, eight years after the passing of Emperor Meiji who was the first emperor of modern Japan.

The shrine is located deep within a 70-hectare forested park next to Yoyogi Park and Harajuku Station. It’s easy to visit on your own, but if you’d like to go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Klook or Get Your Guide. They offer several tours that feature Meiji Shrine.

2. Senso-ji

Like Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji is one of Tokyo’s most popular religious landmarks. Built in 645, it’s Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon.

Senso-ji is located in Asakusa, about a minute away from Asakusa Station. It’s known for its outer gate Kaminarimon which is recognized as a symbol of both Asakusa and the city of Tokyo. Between Kaminarimon and Senso-ji is a fun stretch of shops selling different types of snacks and souvenirs.

You can visit Senso-ji on your own or go on a guided tour. Check out Klook and Get Your Guide for a list of tours and activities in Senso-ji and Asakusa.

3. Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen is one Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful landscaped gardens. Built during the Edo Period (1600-1867), it features meandering walking trails through trees, ponds, streams, and rock formations.

Koishikawa Korakuen is lovely at any time of the year though it’s perhaps at its most beautiful in spring or autumn. It’s a great place to spend a few quiet moments and get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

4. Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market is the most famous fish market in Tokyo and one of its most popular attractions. Located about a 15-minute walk from Ginza Station, it became famous for the tuna auctions formerly held in its inner market.

The tuna auctions have been moved to Toyosu Market but Tsukiji’s outer market is still open and as busy as ever. It’s a great place to experience Japan’s market atmosphere while feasting on a delicious array of seafood and Japanese street food.

You can eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market on your own, or you can go on a market tour. Check out Klook, Get Your Guide, byFood, and Magical-Trip for a list of Tsukiji Market tours.

5. teamLab Planets

It’s no longer open but Borderless was a multimedia exhibit by the teamLab art collective. Located in Odaiba, it’s comprised of multiple rooms with interactive digital displays spread out over a 100,000 square meter space.

teamLab offers another multimedia exhibit near Toyosu Market called Planets. It’s similar to Borderless with one key difference being an exhibit that requires visitors to wade in knee-deep water. You can get tickets to Planets on Klook or Get Your Guide.

6. MOMAT

MOMAT is short for the National Museum of Modern Art. As its name suggests, it’s a modern art museum dedicated to the work of Japanese artists from the Meiji period onwards.

Comprised of four floors, it’s a good-sized museum showcasing an interesting body of work. Before my visit, I was mostly familiar with traditional Japanese art so it was nice to see work inspired by western genres like cubism and surrealism.

Closest Subway Station: Takebashi Station
Admission: JPY 500
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1.5 – 2 hrs

7. Yayoi Kusama Museum

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her large-scale sculptures and installations covered in polka dots. She dabbles in other creative disciplines as well like painting and film but she’s best known for her sculptures.

I was really looking forward to visiting this museum. Unfortunately, we found out only when we got there that purchasing advanced tickets online is a must. They only let in a certain number of visitors at a time so you need to choose a specific time slot.

The Yayoi Kusama Museum is popular so tickets are known to sell out. Be sure to reserve your slot weeks in advance. You can do so through the Yayoi Kusama Museum website.

8. Tokyo Skytree

We stayed in Sumida so we’d walk by Tokyo Skytree everyday. It’s a television broadcasting tower that’s currently the tallest structure in Japan.

Measuring 634 meters in height, Tokyo Skytree has two observation decks (at 350 and 450 meters) offering spectacular views of Tokyo. You can purchase tickets to the observation decks at the gate or get them in advance through Klook.

THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO

1. Get a Drink at Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai

Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai are two of the most interesting “micro-neighborhoods” we visited in Tokyo. Both are clusters of tiny restaurants and izakayas in Shinjuku.

Omoide Yokocho literally means “Memory Lane” but it’s more often referred to as “Piss Alley”. This monicker dates back to the 1940s when Omoide Yokocho didn’t have public restrooms, leaving inebriated patrons little choice but to relieve themselves in the alley.

Facilities have greatly improved since then, making Piss Alley one of the most popular places to get a drink in Shinjuku. Located just outside Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho is packed with tiny izakayas serving drinks and bar food like yakitori, ramen, and nikomi.

If you’d like to experience Omoide Yokocho with a guide, then you can book a tour through byFood.

About a 10-minute walk from Omoide Yokocho is Golden Gai, an equally interesting network of six narrow alleyways with over 200 tiny bars and restaurants. Comprised of 2-storey structures, it’s said to provide a glimpse into what Tokyo used to look like not too long ago.

According to our food tour guide, Golden Gai is a favorite hangout among Tokyo’s creatives like artists, photographers, film directors, and writers. Like Omoide Yokocho, it’s teeming with character and a great place to get a drink. Check out Get Your Guide for a list of tours that take you to Golden Gai.

2. Go on a Food or Bar Hopping Tour

We love going on food or bar hopping tours because they often lead us to local hole-in-the-walls that we may not find ourselves. Research can get us pretty far but sometimes, we need the help of locals to find the most obscure places.

In Tokyo, we went on this fun Shinjuku food tour with Magical Trip. Our guide Nori took us to three restaurants and walked us through some of Shinjuku’s most interesting spots like Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.

You can check out my article on this Shinjuku Tokyo food tour for more pictures and information. If it interests you, then you can book a Tokyo food or bar hopping tour on byFood or Magical Trip.

3. Rent a Kimono

People love exploring Tokyo in kimonos. It’s a great way of experiencing the city and coming away with some amazing photos. We haven’t done it in Tokyo but we did it in Kyoto, and we wound up with some of the best pictures we’ve ever taken in Japan.

If you’d like to rent a kimono in Tokyo to spruce up your Instagram feed, then you can do so on Klook.

4. Go to a Maid Cafe

Maid Cafes are a type of cosplay restaurant popular in Tokyo. Waitresses dress up in maid costumes and act like servants while treating cafe customers like their masters and mistresses.

Maid Cafes have become quite popular and can be found in different parts of Tokyo (and Japan), but most are still clustered in Akihabara where the trend began.

You can refer to this article for some of the best Maid Cafes in Akihabara. Klook offers vouchers to Maidreamin, the first Maid Cafe recommended on that list.

5. Take a Cooking Class

Going on food tours is great for finding obscure hole-in-the-walls, but if you’d like to learn more about a cuisine, then taking a cooking class is one of the best things you can do. It’s like looking under the cuisine’s hood.

I took this fun cooking class in Tokyo where I learned to make classic Japanese dishes like udon, tempura, and tamagoyaki. You can search for cooking classes in Tokyo on airKitchen, Cookly, or byFood. There are hundreds to choose from.

6. Go Cruising in a Go-Kart

This is one of the wackiest things you can do in Tokyo. For 1-3 hours, you can wear cosplay costumes and cruise around downtown Tokyo in go karts. It looks hilarious and a lot of fun.

We wanted to do this but we didn’t have time to get international driver’s permits before our trip. If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do in Tokyo, then it doesn’t get much better than this. It’s so Japan!

You can book your go karting experience in Tokyo on Klook or Get Your Guide.

7. Watch Sumo

Watching a sumo tournament or practice is something I’ve been wanting to do in Japan. My brother and sister-in-law experienced a sumo practice in Tokyo and said it was one of the best things they did in Japan.

Ryogoku District in Sumida Ward is known as Tokyo’s Sumo Town. It’s home to the sumo stadium (Ryogoku Kokugikan), sumo stables, and many chanko restaurants. Chanko nabe is the hot pot dish that wrestlers eat to maintain their massive bulk.

Sumo wrestling matches are held every January, May, and September. If you’ll be in Tokyo during those months, then maybe you’d like to catch a tournament.

Otherwise, there are other sumo-related experiences you can do like attending a sumo practice, eating a chanko nabe lunch, and more. You can check Klook, Get Your Guide, or Magical Trip for a list of sumo-related activities in Tokyo.

DAY TRIPS FROM TOKYO

If you’re spending enough time in Tokyo, then you may want to take a day trip (or two). Because of Tokyo’s ultra-efficient railway system, there are multiple day trips you can make from the city.

Listed below are five of the most popular but be sure to check this list of the best day trips from Tokyo for more suggestions.

1. Tokyo Disney Resort

They may have “Tokyo” in their names but Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea aren’t actually in Tokyo. They’re in Urayasu city in neighboring Chiba prefecture, about an hour east of central Tokyo.

If you’re visiting Japan with kids, then going to either Disney resort may already be on your agenda. But even if you aren’t, it’s a fun way of spending the day in Tokyo. Tokyo Disney Resort is the most unique in the franchise because it’s the only one that The Walt Disney Company doesn’t have an ownership stake in.

We spent the day at Tokyo DisneySea and loved it. It truly is a unique experience and unlike any other Disney theme park we’ve ever visited. I suggest going to Tokyo DisneySea (instead of Tokyo Disneyland) as it’s the only one of its kind in the world.

Visit the Tokyo Disney Resort website for ticketing information. You can also check out Klook for a list of Disney-related travel deals, and jump to the TRAVEL TIPS section of this guide for tips on how to save on Tokyo Disney Resort tickets.

2. Kawagoe

Kawagoe is an atmospheric castle town in Saitama prefecture, less than an hour northwest of Tokyo. Nicknamed “Little Edo”, it’s famous for its many well-preserved warehouses and traditional buildings that evoke an historic Edo-period feel.

Many of the old buildings along the town’s main Kurazukuri Street have been converted into restaurants, shops, and teahouses, so one of the best things you can do in Kawagoe is to eat street food and soak in the town’s atmosphere.

Be sure to seek out Kashiya Yokocho as well. It’s a narrow alley with a cluster of small shops selling a selection of traditional Japanese sweets and candy.

It’s easy to visit Kawagoe on your own but you may want to check out Klook for a list of travel deals to Kawagoe.

3. Kamakura

Located in Kanagawa prefecture, Kamakura is one of the most popular day trips you can make from Tokyo. It’s nicknamed the “Kyoto of eastern Japan” because of its impressive collection of cultural attractions.

There are many interesting temples and shrines in Kamakura, but it’s biggest draw is the Great Buddha of Kamakura. It’s an 11.4-meter tall bronze statue of the Buddha located on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple.

Aside from its many temples and shrines, Kamakura in also known for its hiking trails so you can appreciate both culture and nature at once. You can spend the day in Kamakura on your own or join a guided tour (Klook | Get Your Guide | Magical Trip).

4. Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest of the Fuji Five Lakes to visit on a day trip from Tokyo. Located in Yamanashi prefecture, it’s an onsen town that offers some of the most breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

There are quite a few things you can do around Lake Kawaguchiko, making it ideal for a full day trip. You can ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, bathe in an onsen, or visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Check out Klook or Get Your Guide for a list of tours and travel deals to Lake Kawaguchiko.

5. Hakone

A trip to Hakone in Kanagawa prefecture is perhaps one of the best day trips you can make from Tokyo. Like Lake Kawaguchiko, it’s an onsen town that offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.

Located about two hours southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is known for its many onsen resorts, temples, shrines, hiking trails, and art museums. There’s quite a lot to see and do there so an early start is a must.

Among the most popular activities in Hakone include soaking in an onsen, riding a pirate ship across Lake Ashinoko, and riding the ropeway to Owakudani – an area with volcanically active geysers.

If you want to prettify your Instagram feed, then you can pose for pictures in front of Hakone Shrine’s orange torii gate. Check out Get Your Guide for more ideas on what you can do in Hakone.

JAPANESE FOOD GUIDE

Japanese is my absolute favorite cuisine in the world and a big reason why we visit Japan often, at least once a year if we can. If you love Japanese food and Japanese desserts as much as we do, then you may want to check out Japanese food guide. It includes popular dishes in Japan as well as regional specialties by prefecture, including Tokyo.

WHERE TO EAT IN TOKYO

Food is why we travel so it was important for me to come up with as complete a Tokyo food guide as possible. I didn’t want to just find the city’s best sushi bars or its best ramen restaurants. I wanted to explore Tokyo’s regional food so I could create as well-rounded a food guide as I could.

The result is this Tokyo food guide with 18 must-try restaurants. If you’re wondering where to eat in Tokyo, then I hope this list of eighteen can lead you to some great meals.

Eighteen may be too many for most people so I’ve listed six of our favorites below to give you as well-rounded a Tokyo food experience as possible. Do check out our full Tokyo food guide for more pictures and information about each of these restaurants.

1. 麺処いのこ平和台店

This was one of our best meals in Tokyo. The ramen at this neighborhood restaurant is unbelievable.

麺処いのこ平和台店 was recommended to us by a Japanese local who was reluctant to tell us about it at first. He was fine with us going there, but he didn’t want me to share the information publicly because according to him, lines were long enough.

Thankfully, they have three branches so he let me post the address of the branch he doesn’t go to. Ha! You can refer to our full Tokyo travel guide to see where it is.

This crab miso ramen was delicious but what really blew us away was the ebi miso tsukemen. Made with shrimp heads, it was redolent with that umami-laden flavor you can only get from sucking on shrimp heads. It was so damn good and one of the best bowls of ramen we’ve ever tasted.

2. Sushi Katsura

Excluding kaiten-zushi restaurants, cheap good sushi isn’t as easy to come by in an expensive city like Tokyo. Thankfully, we found Sushi Katsura.

Located just off Tsukiji Outer Market, one reviewer described Sushi Katsura as a serious contender for cheapest good sushi in Tokyo. This lunch sushi set with nine pieces of nigiri, six pieces of maki, and one tamago set me back just JPY 1,280.

Sushi Katsura sources their fish from nearby Tsukiji so you know it’s of the highest quality.

3. 好美家

When my Japanese friend was giving me restaurant recommendations in Tokyo, he told me that I couldn’t talk about Tokyo food without talking about monjayaki. It’s considered quintessential Tokyo food.

Made with pan-fried batter, monjayaki is a dish similar to okonomiyaki. Dashi or water is added to the batter which makes it runnier. When cooked, monjayaki doesn’t quite solidify into pancake form the way okonomiyaki does. It stays soft and gooey, like melted cheese.

The Tsukushima area is one of the best places in Tokyo to have monjayaki. My friend recommended I try it here at 好美家.

4. Miyako

Another dish that’s considered core Tokyo food is fukagawa meshi. It’s a dish of clam and long onion cooked in miso and topped over rice.

Like monjayaki, you need to go to a specific part of Tokyo to try the best versions of fukagawa meshi. The most delicious fukagawa meshi can be found in the area where it originated from – Fukagawa.

Fukagawa is a former fishing town where people earned a living by catching fish, gathering clams, or harvesting laver. Fukagawa meshi was invented at that time as a humble working class dish. It’s still enjoyed to this day, at specialty restaurants in Fukagawa like Miyako.

5. Kisaburo Nojo

Kisaburo Nojo specializes in tamago kake gohan, a popular Japanese comfort food of steamed rice topped with raw egg and soy sauce. According to my Japanese friend, it’s like the Japanese equivalent of the American PB&J.

Kisaburo Nojo offers an all-you-can-eat tamago kake gohan buffet featuring premium eggs sourced from different farms in Japan.

I wasn’t in the mood for just raw eggs and rice so I ordered the tamago kake gohan set with chicken. It was clean-tasting and delicious, like eating oyakodon made with raw instead of cooked egg.

6. Savoy

It may seem odd to add a pizzeria to a Japanese food guide, but as mentioned earlier in this article, Tokyo makes incredible Neapolitan-style pizzas that rival those in Italy.

If you’re a fan of the Ugly Delicious series with David Chang, then you may recognize Savoy as one one of the places featured on the pizza episode of the show.

They serve just two types of pizza at Savoy – margherita and marinara. We haven’t been to Italy yet so we can’t compare, but these were easily the best pizzas we’ve ever had in our lives. They were simple but perfect.

As one reviewer wrote in his review of Savoy: “The best pizza isn’t in Italy, it’s in Tokyo!”

There’s more than one Savoy outlet in Tokyo so be sure you go to the original branch in Azabu-juban.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN TOKYO

There are a LOT of places recommended in this guide. To help you understand where everything is, I’ve pinned them all on this map. Click on the link for a live version of the map.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN TOKYO

Tokyo is massive but it has such an extensive and efficient metro system that getting around was never a problem. I used mostly the subway and I never had to walk too far to get from any metro station to my destination.

If you plan on following this guide, then you’ll be riding the trains a lot so it’s a good idea to get a transportation card. I used a combination of two in Tokyo – a 72-hr Tokyo Subway Ticket and a Suica IC Card.

Tokyo Subway Ticket

If you plan on using Tokyo’s local metro a lot (ie several times a day) then a Tokyo Subway Ticket will be very useful to you. It’ll give you unlimited rides on the Toei and Tokyo Metro Lines for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, or 72 hrs. I was in Tokyo for over a week so I got two 72-hr tickets.

You can refer to this Tokyo subway map to see which lines you can use it for. The Toei and Tokyo Metro Lines should get you anywhere you need to go within the city limits.

If you’re not sure if it’s worth it for you, then you can get an estimate on subway fares using Hyperdia or Google Maps. In my case, it was worth it on most days but not all so I made sure to start using my 72-hr tickets on consecutive days when I knew I’d be commuting a lot.

You can buy Tokyo Subway Tickets at the airpot (Narita and Haneda) or at metro stations, but you can sometimes get a discount if you purchase it in advance through Klook.

If you’ll only be traveling within Tokyo’s city limits, then the Tokyo Subway Ticket should be enough. But if you plan on taking day trips outside the city or eventually moving on to another city in Japan, then you should get an IC Card as well.

Suica / Pasmo IC Card

An IC Card is basically a stored value card similar to Seoul’s T-money Card or Hong Kong’s Octopus Card. It won’t save you on fares but it’ll save you from the hassle of having to buy single journey tickets every time.

For trips on the Toei and Tokyo Metro Lines, I used the Tokyo Subway Ticket. For anything else like bus rides and trips beyond the city limits, I used the Suica IC Card.

After Tokyo, I spent four more weeks traveling through Japan and the Suica IC Card worked everywhere – on trains, buses, ferries, and trams – from Tokyo to Fukuoka. You can even use it to pay for things at convenience stores.

When your balance runs low, you can top it up at machines found in every subway station. It is so incredibly convenient and a must when using public transportation in major cities in Japan.

The Pasmo IC Card is pretty much the same thing as the Suica IC Card. The only real difference is the companies that offer them. The Suica IC Card is owned by Toei and Tokyo Metro while the Pasmo IC Card is operated by JR, but they both give you the same benefits. Getting either card is fine. Click on the link for more information on Japan’s IC Cards.

If you’d like to purchase a Suica IC Card, then you can do so in advance through Klook.

HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / TOKYO ITINERARY

Tokyo is such a big city with much to see and do so I was surprised to find people saying that you can experience its highlights in just two days. That sounded ludicrous to me.

Sure, it’s possible to visit one attraction, snap a quick selfie, then rush to the next one, but how much of Tokyo are you really experiencing? For a fulfilling Tokyo experience, I’d say four days is a minimum, but five is ideal.

There are so many interesting day trips you can make from Tokyo so I think five days is the perfect amount of time for any first-time visitor. Listed below is a synopsis but be sure to click through to our 5-day Tokyo itinerary for the full version.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS

1. Plan your Trip with Sygic Travel

If you enjoy planning every detail of your trips like I do, then you may find Sygic Travel useful. It’s a free trip planning app that allows you to create efficient itineraries by pinning points of interest on a map then grouping them together by location. I’ve been using it for several years now to create all our itineraries. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.

2. Stay Connected

Having a reliable wifi connection is important anywhere, but especially in a huge megacity like Japan where there’s a language barrier. You’ll need it to translate signs, convert currencies, and navigate the very efficient but also very confusing metro system.

You can connect to the internet in Japan using a sim card or a pocket wifi device. Personally, we prefer connecting via pocket wifi devices because it’s simpler, but it’s really up to you.

Follow the links to purchase a 4G sim card or rent a 4G pocket wifi device through Klook or Get Your Guide. Be sure to reserve it at least a week prior to your trip.

3. Use Hyperdia

As described, you’ll be riding trains a lot in Tokyo (and Japan in general) so this free commuter app will be very useful to you. It’ll help you decipher the often confusing railway system.

Hyperdia is accurate and reliable but I don’t find it as user-friendly as Google Maps so I typically use it just for intercity travel. If I need to figure out the local transportation system, then I use Google Maps.

WEBSITE: hyperdia.com

4. Navigate with Google Maps

As mentioned above, Hyperdia is great for intercity travel but there’s no better navigation app than Google Maps. It’ll tell you exactly how to get from point A to point B either by walking or using any city’s local transportation system. It’s super reliable and something I never travel without.

DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android

5. Get a Discount on Disney Tickets at a Kinken Shop

Disney Resort tickets are expensive. They’re even more expensive now but at the time of our trip, a one-day passport cost JPY 7,500 for adults. Thankfully, we were able to save a little on the cost by buying them from a kinken shop.

A kinken shop is a ticket resale store found throughout Japan, usually near train stations or in shopping arcades. They buy and sell unused train passes, vouchers, and tickets to different events like concerts, sporting games, and amusement parks.

Prices vary but we got our one-day passports for JPY 7,200 apiece from a kinken shop near Shinjuku station. It wasn’t a huge discount but in a city as expensive as Tokyo, every little bit counts.

Kinken shops are legitimate businesses but be sure to read the terms of the ticket you’re buying. The one-day passports we bought were expiring in about three months, which was fine in our case. You can check out this article on kinken shops for more information.

6. Plan for Long Commutes

This was the one thing I didn’t take into account when planning our itinerary. Tokyo is huge so it can often take time to get from one destination to the next.

When creating your itinerary, don’t cram too many activities in one day. It makes everything so much more stressful and less enjoyable when you find yourself having to rush from one place to the next.

Take your time and enjoy yourself. Travel isn’t a race.

7. Look for Tokyo Travel Deals

There are many websites that offer discounts on tours and other travel-related services. For Tokyo, I suggest going through Klook, Get Your Guide, byFood, and Magical-Trip. They’re all leading travel ecommerce sites that offer a wide range of activities in different cities around the world, including Tokyo.

8. Get Travel Insurance

Whether or not to get travel insurance is something we deliberate on before every trip. It usually depends on three factors – where we’re going, how long we’ll be away for, and what we’ll be doing. I was in Japan for over a month so I definitely felt the need for insurance.

When we need insurance, we buy it from SafetyWing or Heymondo. They’re travel insurance providers often used by many long-term travelers. Click on the links to get a free quote from SafetyWing or Heymondo. Get 5% off on Heymondo by using our link.

9. Bring the Right Power Adapter

Japan has Type A or Type B electrical outlets so be sure to bring the right power adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50/60Hz.

10. Learn Basic Japanese Etiquette

Mindfulness and etiquette are of the utmost importance in Japan. As a foreigner, we aren’t expected to know all the rules but it would be good to familiarize ourselves with the basics. Check out this great overview on Japanese etiquette for travelers.

Have Fun!

I’m not an expert on Tokyo but I do hope you find this travel guide useful. I’m only sharing the things I learned from our trips. If you have any questions or comments, then please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Arigato gozaimasu and have an amazing time getting lost in translation in Tokyo!

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