Tokyo, Japan

Destination guide

Tokyo

Japan · Asia

Search all hotels in Tokyo 2026-08-282026-08-31 · 2 · 1

About Tokyo

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.

At a glance

  • 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.

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When to visit

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.

Getting around

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.

Where to stay

  • 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.

Your Marhaba Trip Plan

Tokyo at a glance

Recommended trip
5–7 days
Best time to visit
Late March–April brings cherry blossom (and higher rates); October–November delivers clear skies and autumn colour.
Getting around
JR trains and the Tokyo Metro are punctual and inexpensive; a Suica or Pasmo IC card taps for everything.
Recommended areas
Shinjuku · Shibuya · Ginza

Top experiences

  • Senso-ji Temple, AsakusaTokyo's oldest temple; visit early to beat tour groups.
  • Shibuya CrossingBest viewed from the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
  • Meiji ShrineForested shrine minutes from Harajuku and Omotesandō.
  • TeamLab PlanetsImmersive digital art — pre-book timed slots.

Do I need a visa for Tokyo?

Policy
Varies by nationality
Typical stay
90 days

Japan grants visa-free short stays to many nationalities (typically up to 90 days). Others require a short-stay visa via an embassy or consulate.

Official government source

How do I get to Tokyo?

Airports

  • HND · Haneda · 18 km

    Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu line to central Tokyo in ~30 min.

  • NRT · Narita · 70 km

    Narita Express to Tokyo Station in ~55 min; Keisei Skyliner to Ueno in ~40 min.

By rail

Shinkansen bullet trains from Tokyo Station reach Kyoto in ~2h15 and Osaka in ~2h30.

Visit Japan Web (online arrival form) speeds immigration and customs.

How do I get around Tokyo?

  • JR Yamanote lineLoop line connecting Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno.
  • Tokyo Metro & ToeiDense subway network — separate systems, but IC cards work on both.
  • ShinkansenFast intercity rail from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa.
  • TaxiClean and reliable; fares add up quickly — best after last train (~00:30).

Passes & tickets

Suica or Pasmo IC card taps for trains, buses and convenience stores. JR Pass covers long-distance JR travel for tourists.

Avoid rush hour (07:30–09:30) on Yamanote and Chuo lines. Queue on platform markings; talking on the phone is a faux pas.

What should I eat and know about food culture in Tokyo?

Signature dishes

  • RamenRegional styles vary — try Tokyo shoyu or Ie-kei tonkotsu.
  • SushiCounter omakase for the full experience; conveyor-belt for casual value.
  • Izakaya small platesOrder-as-you-go pubs; try yakitori, karaage, edamame.

Etiquette

  • Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion.
  • Slurping noodles is fine; blowing your nose at the table is not.
  • Remove shoes when entering ryokans, temples and many restaurants with tatami.

Tap water is safe to drink across Tokyo. Vending machines are everywhere; green tea is complimentary at most restaurants.

Is Tokyo safe for travelers?

Overall risk: LowEmergency: 110 (police) / 119 (fire & ambulance)
  • Tokyo has very low street crime; lost belongings are often returned via koban police boxes.
  • Bilingual earthquake alerts appear on phones — follow posted evacuation signs in hotels.
  • Some bars in Roppongi/Kabukicho use touts and inflated bills — stick to reviewed venues.
Official travel advice

Frequently asked questions

Do people speak English in Tokyo?

Signs and menus in tourist areas are usually bilingual; translation apps cover most gaps in local restaurants. Learning a few polite phrases in Japanese goes a long way.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Hotels vary widely; convenience-store meals, ramen shops and set-lunch menus keep daily food costs low. Tokyo is often cheaper day-to-day than London or New York.

Which airport should I fly into?

Haneda (HND) is closer to the centre (~30 min); Narita (NRT) has more long-haul options (~55 min by Narita Express). Both are well connected by train.

How much does an airport transfer cost?

Narita Express to Tokyo Station is about ¥3,070 (~US$20). Keisei Skyliner to Ueno is ¥2,570. Haneda Monorail is ¥500. Taxis from Narita cost ¥25,000+ (US$165+).

How many days do I need in Tokyo?

Four to five nights cover the icons and one day trip (Kamakura, Nikko or Hakone). Seven nights let you add a Shinkansen hop to Kyoto.

Is Tokyo family-friendly?

Very — TeamLab Planets, Ueno Zoo, DisneySea and Odaiba's Miraikan science museum are easy family half-days, and the transit system is safe and stroller-manageable.

What's the best area for a luxury stay?

Aman Tokyo, Bulgari, The Peninsula and Four Seasons cluster near the Imperial Palace with skyline views; boutique ryokans in Ginza offer a quieter high-end option.

Can I visit Tokyo on a budget?

Business hotels near JR stations (APA, Toyoko Inn) are excellent value, and convenience-store meals, ramen bars and coin-laundry longer stays cut costs sharply.

More ways to extend or combine your Tokyo trip.

Golden Route Japan

Shinkansen loops Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka in 7–10 days — the Japan classic.

Northeast Asia twin capitals

Korean Air/JAL/ANA in 2h30 — pair Tokyo with Seoul in 10 days.

Perfect stopover with Dubai

Emirates and JAL daily A380 — Dubai as 2-night warm-weather stopover between Tokyo and Europe.

Search all hotels in Tokyo

Search all hotels in Tokyo