About Tokyo
Tokyo is 23 wards of relentless invention, each with its own personality — from the neon canyons of Shinjuku to the hushed temples of Asakusa and the fashion labs of Harajuku. It is a city where a Michelin-starred meal and a $6 bowl of ramen are equally sacred.
Best time
March–April (blossoms) and October–November (autumn)
Weather
Humid summers, mild sunny winters, brief rainy season in June
Airport
Haneda (HND) & Narita (NRT)
Getting around
Get a Suica/PASMO IC card and tap through everything
Experiences
Things to do in Tokyo
1
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
2
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
3
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
4
Tokyo Skytree
5
teamLab digital art museum
6
Shinjuku nightlife and Omoide Yokocho
7
Tsukiji Outer Market
8
Day trip to Mount Fuji / Hakone
Budget travel
Free things to do in Tokyo
Visit Mount Fuji (free entry)
Visit Sensō-ji Temple (free entry)
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
Tsukiji Outer Market
Todoroki Valley walk
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
East Tokyo classics
- Senso-ji Temple
- Nakamise shopping street
- Tokyo Skytree
- Sumida River stroll
- 2
Day 2
Neon & fashion
- Meiji Shrine
- Harajuku & Omotesando
- Shibuya Scramble
- Golden Gai at night
- 3
Day 3
Day trip
- Mt. Fuji viewpoints
- Hakone hot springs
- Lake Ashi cruise
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Afuri
Ramen · Local favourite for yuzu shio ramen
- $
Tsukiji Outer Market stalls
Seafood · Fresh sushi and grilled scallops where Tokyo eats
- $$
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
Izakaya · Classic izakaya atmosphere beloved by locals
- $
Kozasa Soba
Soba · Hand-cut soba institution near Asakusa
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Shinjuku · Iconic Lost in Translation hotel with skyline views
- $$$$
Aman Tokyo
Otemachi · Quiet luxury overlooking the Imperial Palace
- $$$$
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Otemachi · Modern ryokan with onsen baths in the city
- $$$
The Tokyo Station Hotel
Marunouchi · Historic hotel inside Tokyo Station
Shopping
- Ginza
- Shibuya 109
- Nakamise-dori
- Akihabara
Nightlife
- Golden Gai
- Shinjuku
- Roppongi
- Shibuya
Museums & culture
- teamLab Borderless
- Ghibli Museum
- Tokyo National Museum
Local foods to try
- Sushi
- Ramen
- Monjayaki
- Tempura
- Wagyu
Hidden gems
- Yanaka's old-town lanes
- Shimokitazawa vintage shops
- Todoroki Valley walk
Travel tips
- Carry cash — many small shops are cash-only
- Stand left on Tokyo escalators (right in Osaka)
- Trains stop around midnight; plan your last ride
Nearby
Attractions in the city
In pictures
Tokyo gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
