Tokyo Travel Guide
Tokyo is enormous, orderly and endlessly varied. Quiet shrines sit beside neon crossings, and the trains run so well that even a huge city feels manageable.
- Best Time
- March to May, October to November
- Ideal Length
- 5 to 6 days
- Getting Around
- Trains and subway
Planning Your Trip to Tokyo
Tokyo can seem overwhelming on paper, but it is one of the easiest big cities to navigate, thanks to its clean, efficient trains and clear signage. Treat it as a collection of neighborhoods, each with its own mood, and plan to spend each day in one or two of them. Mix the famous sights with unplanned wandering, because the best discoveries are often small restaurants, shrines and shops on side streets. Carry cash, learn a few polite phrases and let yourself be led by your appetite. The food is superb at every price.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
March to May, October to November is the sweet spot for most visitors. Here is how each season actually feels.
Spring
Cherry blossom usually peaks from late March to early April. Mild and bright, and one of the busiest and most expensive times of year.
Summer
A rainy spell in June, then hot and very humid. Festivals and fireworks are the compensation, and air conditioning is a necessity.
Autumn
Comfortable, clear and colorful, with leaves turning red and gold in November. Typhoons are possible in early autumn.
Winter
Cold, dry and sunny, rarely snowing in the city. Crowds are lower, and the air is clear enough to see Mount Fuji on good days.
How Many Days in Tokyo?
5 to 6 days
Tokyo is made of distinct districts, each worth half a day. Five days covers the main areas and a day trip, and six lets you slow down.
Tokyo Neighborhoods
Pick the area that matches the kind of trip you want, and you will rarely need to cross town.
Shinjuku
A huge station, skyscrapers and the neon alleys of Kabukichō and Golden Gai. Dense, bright and sometimes overwhelming.
Shibuya
The famous scramble crossing and a young, shopping-focused area. Crowded but fun, especially at night.
Asakusa
The old downtown, built around Senso-ji temple, with traditional shops and a quieter pace in the evening.
Ginza
An upscale shopping and dining district, tidy and refined, with department stores.
Harajuku
Youth fashion on Takeshita Street and the calm of Meiji Shrine just next door.
Ueno
A large park with museums and a zoo, and the lively Ameyoko market street.
What to Do in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, in Asakusa. Go early or after dark to avoid the crowds.
Meiji Shrine
A forested shrine dedicated to an emperor, with a calm walk from the busy streets of Harajuku.
Shibuya Crossing
Thousands of people cross at once. View it from above in a café or from the station.
The Outer Market
The markets by the old Tsukiji site are good for sushi, tamagoyaki and street snacks in the morning.
A Sushi Counter
From conveyor belt to omakase, sushi is a highlight. Sit at the counter and watch.
Ramen and Izakaya
Casual ramen shops and izakaya pubs are the daily food of the city, with small plates and drinks.
A Day Trip to Nikko or Kamakura
Temples and mountains or a seaside town with a giant Buddha, both an hour or two away by train.
Akihabara
Electronics, anime and games, in multi-story shops that show off Japanese pop culture.
Getting Around
The train and subway network is vast, punctual and clearly signed in English. A rechargeable IC card on your phone or in your pocket works for trains, buses and many shops. Use it for most journeys, as taxis are costly. Expect to walk a lot, and avoid the morning and evening rush when you can.
Practical Tips
- Carry some cash. Many small restaurants and shrines do not accept cards.
- Do not tip. It is not customary, and can cause confusion.
- Avoid eating while walking in most areas, and carry a small bag for your rubbish, as public bins are scarce.
- Book popular restaurants and special attractions well ahead of time.
Tokyo Travel FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Tokyo?
Five days lets you cover the main districts and one day trip. If you are short on time, three days is enough for the highlights, but you will miss a lot.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?
March to May for cherry blossoms and October to November for autumn color. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but clear.
Is Tokyo Walkable?
Individual districts are very walkable, but the city is huge. Use the trains between districts and walk within them.
Is Tokyo Expensive?
It can be cheaper than people expect. Convenience-store meals, ramen and lunch sets are inexpensive, while hotels and special meals cost more.
Do You Need to Speak Japanese in Tokyo?
No. Signs on the transport network are in English, and a translation app helps in restaurants. A few polite phrases are appreciated.
Plan Your Tokyo Itinerary
Tell us when you are going, who is coming and what you love. We will build a day-by-day Tokyo plan around it, ready in about twenty minutes.