Overview
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, from ancient temples to high-tech business districts, traditional cuisine to pop culture.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and fall (October-November) for autumn foliage are Tokyo's most beautiful seasons with comfortable weather.
Top Attractions
浅草寺
Senso-ji Temple
东京塔
Tokyo Tower
涩谷十字路口
Shibuya Crossing
明治神宫
Meiji Shrine
秋叶原
Akihabara
Getting to Know Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan's sprawling capital, is a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology. With a metropolitan population of over 37 million, it's the world's most populous urban area, yet manages to feel remarkably organized and efficient.
The city's unique character emerges from the contrast between serene temples and neon-lit streets, centuries-old shrines and anime culture, traditional tea ceremonies and robot restaurants. Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct personality, from the fashion-forward streets of Harajuku to the electronic paradise of Akihabara.
Tokyo's cultural depth is astounding. The city is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, ranging from exclusive kaiseki establishments to standing-room-only ramen shops. Traditional arts like kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and tea ceremony continue to thrive alongside modern pop culture phenomena.
Transportation in Tokyo is world-renowned for its punctuality and efficiency. The JR and Metro systems cover virtually every corner of the city. A Suica or Pasmo IC card is essential for easy travel. While the system can seem overwhelming at first, color-coded lines and English signage make navigation surprisingly straightforward.
Sample Itineraries
4-Day Tokyo Essentials
Day 1: Traditional Tokyo - Morning: Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa - Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views - Evening: Traditional dinner in Ueno or Yanaka
Day 2: Modern Tokyo - Morning: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko statue - Afternoon: Harajuku's Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine - Evening: Shinjuku's neon lights and Golden Gai bars
Day 3: Culture & Technology - Morning: TeamLab Borderless or Planets digital art museum - Afternoon: Akihabara for anime and electronics - Evening: Robot Restaurant or themed café experience
Day 4: Day Trip Options - Option A: Mount Fuji and Hakone (scenic railway, hot springs) - Option B: Nikko (UNESCO shrines, waterfalls) - Option C: Kamakura (Great Buddha, coastal temples)
Let our AI trip planner optimize your Tokyo itinerary based on seasonal events and your interests!
Essential Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
A minimum of 4-5 days covers Tokyo's highlights. For day trips to Mount Fuji, Nikko, or Kamakura, plan 7 days. Two weeks allows for a comfortable Tokyo + Kyoto/Osaka combination.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) is magical but crowded. Autumn (October-November) offers beautiful foliage and pleasant weather. Avoid rainy season (June-July) and peak summer heat (August).
Is Japan expensive to visit?
Japan has options for all budgets. Budget travelers can manage on $80-100/day with hostels and convenience store meals. Mid-range is $150-200/day. The weak yen (2024-2025) has made Japan more affordable than in years.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
English signage is widespread in Tokyo, and translation apps work well. Learning basic phrases (arigatou, sumimasen) is appreciated. Google Translate's camera feature helps with menus and signs.
Should I get a JR Pass?
The JR Pass is worth it if you're taking multiple shinkansen trips (e.g., Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka). For Tokyo-only trips with 1-2 day trips, calculate individual ticket costs first. The 7-day pass costs ¥50,000 (~$333).
Overview
4-7 days
per person per day
Practical Information
Language
Japanese, English
Currency
JPY
Voltage
100V
Visa Requirements
Visa required for most nationalities