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
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
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.
Find tours -
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
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
Been here? Share a tip, or ask me anything about it, in the comments.