Golden Route Japan
Shinkansen loops Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka in 7–10 days — the Japan classic.
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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Search all hotels in TokyoWhen 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, 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.
Book your trip
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 sourceHow 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 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).
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
- 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.
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.
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.
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