Tokyo - Japan

Tokyo

Japan, Asia

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and fall (October-November) for autumn foliage are Tokyo's most beautiful seasons with comfortable weather.

Top Attractions

1

浅草寺

Senso-ji Temple

2

东京塔

Tokyo Tower

3

涩谷十字路口

Shibuya Crossing

4

明治神宫

Meiji Shrine

5

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)

7-Day Extended Itinerary Add: Tsukiji Outer Market morning visit, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Odaiba entertainment island, Ginza shopping, sumo morning practice viewing, cooking class, and day trip to both Kamakura and Nikko.

Let our AI trip planner optimize your Tokyo itinerary based on seasonal events and your interests!

Essential Travel Tips

Best Areas to Stay - Shinjuku: Central hub, great nightlife, easy airport access. Average: $150-250/night - Shibuya: Young and trendy, excellent shopping. Average: $140-220/night - Asakusa: Traditional atmosphere, budget-friendly. Average: $80-150/night - Ginza: Upscale, luxury shopping, business district. Average: $200-400/night - Ikebukuro: Budget-friendly, anime culture, less touristy. Average: $80-140/night
Money-Saving Tips 1. Get a JR Pass if taking day trips (7-day pass: ¥50,000/~$333) 2. Convenience store meals (onigiri, bento) are delicious and cheap (¥300-800) 3. Visit free attractions: Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Imperial Palace gardens 4. Buy a 72-hour Metro pass for unlimited subway rides (¥1,500) 5. Happy hour deals at izakayas offer great value 6. Don Quijote discount stores for souvenirs and snacks
Safety Tips - Tokyo is one of the world's safest cities; violent crime is rare - Keep belongings secure on trains during rush hour (pickpocketing is rare but possible) - Respect quiet zones on trains (green cars, priority seating areas) - Emergency numbers: Police 110, Ambulance/Fire 119
Cultural Etiquette - Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants - Don't eat while walking; find a place to sit or stand still - Bow slightly when greeting; handshakes are becoming common - Don't tip - it can be considered rude - Sort trash correctly; recycling is taken seriously

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

Recommended Stay

4-7 days

Budget Estimate
Budget$80
Moderate$150
Luxury$400

per person per day

Practical Information

Language

Japanese, English

Currency

JPY

Voltage

100V

Visa Requirements

Visa required for most nationalities

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