Tokyo Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do and When to Go

Why visit Tokyo

Tokyo runs on quiet efficiency. Trains arrive to the second, food is uniformly excellent, and every neighbourhood feels like a self-contained city.

Tokyo is a city of distinct villages — from neon Shinjuku and youthful Shibuya to the temples of Asakusa and the boutique lanes of Ginza. Base yourself near a JR Yamanote line station for easy access to every district.

• Sprawling but flawlessly connected by JR and Metro — pick a Yamanote-line base.

• Cash is still handy for small restaurants; Suica/Pasmo taps for transit.

• Cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn colour (November) are peak seasons.

• English signage in tourist areas is broad; translation apps close remaining gaps.

• Currency ¥; Type A 100V plugs; tap water is safe to drink.

Best time to visit Tokyo

Late March–April brings cherry blossom (and higher rates); October–November delivers clear skies and autumn colour. June is rainy season; July–August are hot and humid.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself in Tokyo. These are the areas travelers book most.

• Shinjuku

  High-rise hotels, nightlife and the biggest station in the world.

• Shibuya

  Youth culture, shopping and the famous crossing.

• Ginza

  Luxury shopping, fine dining and boutique hotels.

• Asakusa

  Traditional ryokans near Senso-ji temple.

Top things to do in Tokyo

• Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

  Tokyo's oldest temple; visit early to beat tour groups.

• Shibuya Crossing

  Best viewed from the Shibuya Sky observation deck.

• Meiji Shrine

  Forested shrine minutes from Harajuku and Omotesandō.

• TeamLab Planets

  Immersive digital art — pre-book timed slots.

Getting around Tokyo

JR trains and the Tokyo Metro are punctual and inexpensive; a Suica or Pasmo IC card taps for everything. From Narita, the Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes; Haneda is closer, ~30 minutes by monorail.

• JR Yamanote line

  Loop line connecting Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno.

• Tokyo Metro & Toei

  Dense subway network — separate systems, but IC cards work on both.

• Shinkansen

  Fast intercity rail from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa.

• Taxi

  Clean and reliable; fares add up quickly — best after last train (~00:30).

What to eat in Tokyo

• Ramen

  Regional styles vary — try Tokyo shoyu or Ie-kei tonkotsu.

• Sushi

  Counter omakase for the full experience; conveyor-belt for casual value.

• Izakaya small plates

  Order-as-you-go pubs; try yakitori, karaage, edamame.

Practical tips for Tokyo

• Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — works on all trains, buses and convenience stores.

• Carry some cash for small restaurants and shrines.

• Trash bins are rare — carry rubbish until you find a convenience store.

How long to stay and what it costs

Most travelers spend 5–7 days in Tokyo. Compare live hotel rates for your exact dates before fixing the length of your trip — shoulder-season nights in Tokyo are often materially cheaper than peak weeks.

Money, manners and practicalities in Tokyo

Japan remains a partly cash society. Card acceptance is now good in hotels, chains and department stores, but small restaurants, temples, markets and some taxis still expect yen. Convenience-store ATMs — 7-Eleven and Japan Post in particular — reliably accept foreign cards where bank ATMs often do not. Consumption tax of 10% is included in displayed prices, and tax-free shopping is available to visitors at participating stores above a spending threshold with a passport.

Tipping does not exist and attempting it will be politely refused. A few conventions make life easier: pay by placing money on the small tray rather than into a hand, do not eat while walking, keep your voice low on trains, and carry your rubbish with you since public bins are rare. Most restaurants display plastic food models or picture menus, and ordering by pointing is entirely normal — there is no expectation that visitors speak Japanese.