Tokyo

Why visit

• Efficient rail and subway network makes multi-neighborhood days easy without a car.
• Food ranges from counter sushi and ramen to department-store basement food halls (depachika).
• Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms (typically late March–April) and autumn foliage in parks and gardens.
• Day-trip options include Kamakura, Nikko, and Hakone—reachable by regular trains.

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and strong scenery. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but clear, with fewer crowds. Check Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts before packing.

How many days

First-time visitors: 4–5 days for major districts plus one day trip. Repeat visitors often add themed neighborhoods or nearby prefectures.

Neighborhoods

• Shinjuku — transport hub, nightlife, Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation decks.
• Shibuya — crossing, youth fashion, easy access to Harajuku and Omotesando.
• Asakusa — Senso-ji temple area, more traditional streetscape near Sumida River.
• Ueno — museums, Ueno Park, Ameya-Yokocho market street.
• Ginza — upscale shopping and galleries; walkable from Tokyo Station.
• Akihabara — electronics and hobby shops; distinct from quieter residential wards.

Getting around

Suica or Pasmo IC cards work across most trains, subways, and many buses—tap in and out at gates. JR Yamanote Line loops major hubs; Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway fill gaps. Google Maps and Japan Transit Planner are reliable for routing. Taxis are safe but expensive; use for late night or luggage-heavy transfers. Walking is often faster than expected within a district.

Where to stay

• Shinjuku or Shibuya for first-timers—excellent rail links and late dining options.
• Tokyo Station / Ginza for shinkansen connections and calmer evenings.
• Asakusa for a slower pace and temple-side mornings (still well connected by subway).
• Avoid picking a hotel far from a major JR or Metro line unless you prefer residential quiet.

What to eat

• Ramen in dedicated shop districts (e.g., Ogikubo, Ikebukuro clusters—verify current locations).
• Sushi at counters, conveyor spots, and Tsukiji Outer Market area vendors.
• Tempura, tonkatsu, and yakitori in specialty restaurants and izakaya.
• Convenience store onigiri and seasonal snacks for train days.
• Department store food halls for polished bento and regional specialties.

Tips

• Carry cash; some smaller shops and shrines still prefer it despite widespread card use.
• Reserve popular restaurants in advance when possible; walk-in lines can be long on weekends.
• Download offline maps; station exits matter—pick the correct one to save time.
• Trash bins are scarce; carry a small bag until you find recycling or convenience store bins.
• Check official attraction sites for holiday closures (New Year period affects many venues).

Common mistakes

• Buying a Japan Rail Pass for a Tokyo-only itinerary without calculating individual legs.
• Assuming last trains run late—plan around midnight shutdowns on many lines.
• Trying to cover too many distant districts in one day without buffer time.
• Speaking loudly on trains or blocking escalators (stand left in Tokyo, though rules vary by city).

FAQ

Is Tokyo walkable?

Within districts, yes—stations are often 10–20 minutes apart on foot. Cross-city travel relies on rail; walking between Shinjuku and Asakusa all day is impractical.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

No for major tourist areas—signage and menus often include English or pictures. Learning basic phrases helps at smaller shops and shows courtesy.

Which airport is better?

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo; Narita is farther but well served by express trains. Compare total door-to-door time and fare on official airport rail sites before booking.