Tokyo
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At a glance
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Tokyo
- Population
- 14 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT)
- Coordinates
- 35.68°N, 139.65°E
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Overview
Tokyo is the world's biggest metropolis and one of its safest, cleanest and most efficient cities. Neon-lit districts sit beside quiet shrines, and you can eat some of the world's best food at a counter for a few pounds.
Think of it as a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own character: electric Shinjuku and Shibuya, traditional Asakusa, upmarket Ginza and quirky Shimokitazawa.
Things to see
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Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC0 Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, approached through the Kaminarimon gate and a street of snack stalls.
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Photo: Akonnchiroll, CC BY-SA 4.0 Meiji Shrine
A peaceful Shinto shrine in a forest next to busy Harajuku.
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Photo: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0 Shibuya Crossing
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch it from above at Shibuya Sky.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sasa0403, CC BY-SA 4.0 teamLab digital art museums
Immersive light-and-art installations, very popular, so book ahead.
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Photo: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0 Tokyo Skytree
The tallest tower in Japan, with Mount Fuji visible on clear winter days.
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Photo: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tsukiji Outer Market
Street food stalls and sushi breakfasts around the old fish market.
Things to do
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Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Mount Fuji or Hakone
Lakes, hot springs and views of Fuji, around two hours away.
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Photo: MaedaAkihiko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Food tour in Shinjuku
Explore the tiny bars of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.
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Photo: Chris 73, CC BY-SA 3.0 Visit an onsen
Relax in a hot spring bath, following the etiquette of washing first.
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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY 4.0 Day trip to Nikko or Kamakura
Ornate shrines in the mountains, or a giant Buddha by the sea.
Find tours
Where to stay
Shinjuku
Busy transport hub with every type of hotel and great nightlife.
Hotels in ShinjukuShibuya
Young, fashionable and lively, with good connections across the city.
Hotels in ShibuyaGinza
Upmarket shopping area close to Tokyo Station and the Tsukiji market.
Hotels in GinzaAsakusa
Traditional atmosphere near Senso-ji, often better value.
Hotels in Asakusa
Getting around
Trains and the Metro go everywhere and run like clockwork. Get a Suica or Pasmo card (or add one to your phone) and tap in and out. Avoid peak rush hour with luggage.
Haneda is the closer airport, around 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train or monorail. From Narita, the Narita Express or Skyliner takes about an hour.
When to go
Spring (late March to early April) brings the cherry blossom, and autumn (October to November) has clear skies and red maple leaves. Summer is hot, humid and sometimes has typhoons. Winter is cool, dry and sunny, the best time to see Mount Fuji.
Plan your trip to Tokyo
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.