Tokyo Travel Guide

Ties Lagraauw

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 11.03.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

With its sushi and sumo, geisha and gardens, neon and noodles, it may seem that Tokyo is in danger of collapsing under the weight of its own stereotypes. Yet ticking off a bunch of travel clichés is rarely this much fun, and as you might expect of the planet’s largest metropolis, there’s also enough nuance here to keep you entertained for a lifetime. Ordered yet bewildering, Japan’s pulsating capital will lead you a merry dance: this is Asia at its weirdest, straightest, prettiest, sleaziest and coolest, all at the same time.

Where tradition meets tomorrow

Caught up in an untidy web of overhead cables, plagued by seemingly incessant noise, the concrete and steel conurbation may seem the stereotypical urban nightmare. Yet step back from the frenetic main roads and chances are you’ll find yourself in tranquil backstreets, where dinky wooden houses are fronted by neatly clipped bonsai trees; wander beyond the high-tech emporia, and you’ll discover charming fragments of the old city such as temples and shrines wreathed in wisps of smoking incense.

Centuries of organizing itself around the daily demands of millions of inhabitants have made the capital of Japan something of a model metropolitan environment. Trains run on time and to practically every corner of the city, crime is hardly worth worrying about, and convenience stores and vending machines provide everything you could need (and many things you never thought you did) 24 hours a day.

Tips from Toshi - Japan Travel Expert
"To truly embrace Tokyo, wander beyond the tourist trails. Early mornings in Tsukiji offer serene market vibes, while a late stroll through Shinjuku reveals hidden izakayas. Always carry a Pasmo card for seamless travel, and don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony in Ueno."
Talk to Toshi

With so much going on, just walking the streets of this hyperactive city can be an energizing experience. It need not be an expensive one, either – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable many things are. Cheap-and-cheerful izakaya – bars that serve food – and casual cafés serving noodles and rice dishes are plentiful, the metro is a bargain, and tickets for a sumo tournament or a kabuki play can be bought for the price of a few drinks.

You may not figure out exactly what makes Tokyo tick – and you’re sure to get a little confused while trying – but the conclusion is inescapable: Japan’s powerhouse capital is a seductive and addictive experience

Tokyo skyline with Mt Fuji and Skytree, Japan © mapman/Shutterstock

Tokyo skyline with Mt Fuji and Skytree, Japan ©Shutterstock

10 places to visit in Tokyo

Tokyo, a city where the past coexists with the future, offers endless experiences for every type of traveller. From historic temples to neon-lit skyscrapers, here are 12 must-visit places that showcase the city's diverse charm:

#1 Imperial Palace

One way to ease yourself into the many places to visit in Tokyo is by taking a relatively crowd-free turn around the Imperial Palace – the inviolate home of the emperor and a tangible link to the past. From here it’s a quick hop to Marunouchi which has been busily restyling itself as a chic shopping and dining destination to rival glitzy Ginza.

Image by Pierre Blaché from Pixabay

Image by Pierre Blaché from Pixabay

#2 Shitamachi Area

High on your sightseeing agenda should also be the evocative Shitamachi area, Tokyo’s northeast quarter, where the Edo-era spirit of the city remains. Asakusa’s primary focus is the major Buddhist temple of Sensō-ji, surrounded by a plethora of traditional craft shops. The leafy precincts of Ueno Park contain several major museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, and are best to be discovered on a private tour with a local guide who knows the city in and out. From here it’s an easy stroll to the charming and tranquil districts of Nezu, Sendagi and Yanaka, packed with small temples, shrines and shops.

#3 Kanda

In Kanda you’ll find the Kanda Myōjin, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines and home to one of the city’s top three festivals, the Kanda Matsuri; and across the Sumida-gawa is Ryōguku, home to the colossal Edo-Tokyo Museum and the National Sumo Stadium.

#4 Akihabara

Cross back over the river again to drop into the weird, wired and wonderful world of Akihabara, the one-time “electric town” rebooted as the focus of Tokyo’s dynamic manga and anime scene.

#5 Roppong

Roppongi’s nightlife can exhaust the most committed hedonist, but save some energy to return by day to explore the art triangle formed by the National Art Center, housed in one of the city’s most dazzling architectural spaces; the various art and design institutes of the mammoth Tokyo Midtown development; and the excellent Mori Art Museum, atop the Roppongi Hills complex.

tower-roppongi-tokyo-shutterstock_1175050237

Tokyo Tower from Roppongi ©Shutterstock

#6 Northern Tokyo

In the north of Tokyo offbeat pleasures include the rickety Toden-Arakawa Line, the city centre’s last tramway; the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Myonichi-kan in Ikebukuro; and a trio of pretty Japanese gardens: Rikugi-en, Chinzan-sō and the Kyū Furukawa Gardens.

#7 Tsukiji and Surrounds

It costs nothing (other than a few hours’ sleep) to experience the frenetic early-morning fish market at Tsukiji, on the edge of Tokyo Bay. Hama Rikyū Onshi Teien, one of the city’s loveliest traditional gardens, lies close by. Across the bay from here, and linked to the main city by the impressive Rainbow Bridge, is Odaiba, a futuristic man-made island, where you’ll find the Miraikan, Tokyo’s most fascinating science museum, and the touristy, fun public bathhouse Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

#8 Shibuya and Harajuku

Fashionistas should head towards on-trend Shibuya and Harajuku, and the super-chic, boutique-lined boulevards of Aoyama. When you’ve reached consumer saturation point, retreat to the wooded grounds of nearby Meiji-jingū, the city’s most venerable Shinto shrine, or peruse the delicate woodblock prints and crafts and artworks in the Nezu Museum, the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art or the Japan Folk Crafts Museum.

Shibuya crossing, Tokyo © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The famous Shibuya crossing ©Shutterstock

#9 Mount Takao and Yokohama

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient trip to the countryside, sacred Mount Takao, just an hour west of the capital, provides a verdant escape. Last, but not least, there’s Yokohama, a whole other city – Japan’s second largest, in fact – right on Tokyo’s doorstep and well worth visiting for its vibrant Chinatown and breezy waterfront districts.

#10 Shinjuku

On the west side of the city lies Shinjuku, bursting with towering skyscrapers, endless amounts of neon, TV screens several storeys tall, and arguably the world’s most complicated railway station. The attractions include the monumental Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the beautiful gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, and the lively and raffish Kabukichō entertainment area.

Make sure to read all about the best things to do in Tokyo.

Great day trips from Tokyo

High-speed trains put several important places to visit within day-trip range of Tokyo, including the ancient temple and shrine towns of Kamakura to the south and Nikkō to the north, Nikko can also be visited on a day tour from Tokyo. Mount Fuji, 100km southwest of the capital, can be climbed between June and September, while the adjoining national park area of Hakone offers relaxed hiking amid beautiful lakeland scenery and the chance to take a dip in an onsen – a Japanese mineral bath.

girl-walk-shinjuku-tokyo-shutterstock_1220903785

Shinjuku ©Shutterstock

Insider tips for things to do in Tokyo

Discover Tokyo like a local with our insider tips, guiding you to the city's hidden gems and lesser-known experiences. From tranquil spots amidst the urban rush to culinary adventures off the beaten path, these recommendations will enrich your exploration of Japan's dynamic capital.

Tips from our travel expert

Many visitors to Tokyo expect to see something a little quirky during their stay – here are a few tips from Roshi, our travel expert, to sample the city’s more intriguing facets.

  • Capsule hotels: The rooms at capsule hotels are pretty darn small – there’s no more characteristic Japanese sleeping experience
  • Harajuku Sundays: Today’s Tokyo fashions in a nutshell – Harajuku’s Ō-torii bridge has witnessed generations of youngsters dolled and primped up to the nines on a Sunday afternoon
  • Game centres: Bash the hell out of the world’s weirdest arcade machines in one of the city’s many game centrer
  • Oddball cafés: Have your coffee served by costumed girls, or fawning guys in dicky-bows
  • Golden Gai: Tokyo drinking at its most atmospheric, this is a warren of minuscule bars in neon-drenched Shinjuku
  • Shibuya crossing: It’s amazing to see just how many people can cross a road at the same time; take in the spectacle over a coffee at L’Occitane.
  • Standing bars: Eat like a horse, standing up at one of the city’s umpteen cheap and cheerful soba-ya or udon-ya, or do likewise with alcohol at a tachinomiya.

Tips from author Martin Zatko

Intrepid author Martin Zatko has explored every corner of Tokyo in a quest to better understand the machinations of this fascinating city. Here are some of his favorite places and experiences. 

  • Nakameguro, a charming neighborhood, remains more popular with expats than visitors. It's worth popping by for a meal, a coffee, or a stroll along the banks of the Meguro-gawa. 
  • Sake, the Japanese rice-booze, is a delight to drink in all its forms. You can head to an izakaya and have it served hot, housed in a lacquered box; take your pick of the stylish range of "cup sake" jars on offer at a specialist bar like Buri; or select one of the beautiful sake bottles (or even a simple carton) on sale at any convenience store. 
  • Karaoke, a Japanese invention, is a great way to bond with new friends. Many foreigners discover, to their glee, that it can also provide one of the cheapest ways to get a little drunk. 
  • Sumo, often ridiculed by foreigners until they visit a tournament for themselves, reveals brute force and centuries-old pageantry on display. Even if you can't get to an event, it's on local TV from 4pm to 6pm during tournament time. 
  • Tsukemen, most foreigners have heard of soba, udon, and ramen, but relatively few know about Tsukemen, Tokyo’s own creation, and just the treat during the city’s steamy summer. These springy noodles are served lukewarm, to be dipped into and then slurped from a side bowl of broth.
  • Ryokan breakfasts, perhaps the best thing about staying at a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—is the delectable breakfast usually plonked in front of you in the morning.
sumo-japan-shutterstock_747159409

Sumo wrestling © Shutterstock

5 Great day trips from Tokyo

Tokyo, a city that effortlessly blends the ultramodern with the traditional, offers an endless array of sights, tastes, and experiences. Yet, the allure of Japan doesn't end within the city's boundaries. Just a stone's throw away, a world of enchanting landscapes, rich history, and serene beauty awaits.

Thesea re 5 great day trips from Tokyo!

#1 Nikko

"NIKKŌ is Nippon," goes the town’s slogan. It’s only half-correct, though: visitors to Japan come prepared to take the ancient with the modern, but this town, 128km north of the capital, is up there with the most traditional in the country. It certainly lives up to its billing better than Kyoto, the vaunted dynastic capital way out west. Most visit Nikkō to see the World Heritage-listed shrine complex of Tōshō-gū, which sits at the base of mountains crisscrossed by the outstanding hiking trails of Nikkō National Park.

It’s also worth investigating the far less crowded Tōshō-gū Museum of Art, and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, before crossing the Daiya-gawa to explore the dramatically named Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss, which is in fact a modest gorge flanked by a tranquil walking path. The most beautiful parts of the aforementioned national park are around Chūzenji-ko lake, some 17km west of Nikkō, and the quieter resort of Yumoto, higher up in the mountains.

shutterstock_431586391 Torii gate at entrance of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko by Songphon Maharojanan

Torii gate at entrance of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. By Songphon Maharojanan

#2 Fuji Five Lakes

The best reason to venture 100km west from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes area is to experience Mount Fuji, Japan’s most sacred volcano and its highest mountain at 3776m. Respectfully called Fuji-san, it has been revered for its latent power (last erupted in 1707) and near-perfect symmetry. Most beautiful from October to May when crowned with snow, the official climbing season spans July and August. Even without tackling the ascent, being close to Japan's most iconic symbol is unforgettable. Besides Mount Fuji, the Fuji Sengen-jinja shrine in Fuji-Yoshida, the area's transport hub, offers a wonderfully atmospheric visit.

mount-fuji-lake-kawaguchiko-japan-shutterstock_529559383

Lake Kawaguchiko ©Shutterstock

#3 Kamakura

Between the sea and a circle of wooded hills. The town is steeped in history, and many of its 65 temples and 19 shrines date back some eight centuries, when, for a brief and tumultuous period, it was Japan’s political and military centre. Its most famous sight is the Daibutsu, a glorious bronze Buddha surrounded by trees, but its ancient Zen temples are equally compelling. Kamakura’s prime sights can be covered on a day-trip from Tokyo, but the town more than justifies a two-day visit, allowing you time to explore the enchanting temples of east Kamakura and follow one of the gentle “hiking courses” up into the hills, or head out west to Enoshima and its own clutch of appealing sights

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a popular shrine in western Kamakura © Shutterstock

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a popular shrine in Kamakura © Shutterstock

Where to stay in Tokyo?

Japan’s reputation for being an expensive place to visit is a little outdated in many fields, but it’s certainly justified as far as accommodation goes. However, the quality of accommodation in Tokyo is generally very high at all levels, from luxury hotels to budget dorms; security and cleanliness are top- notch; and except at the bottom end of the scale, you’ll usually find someone who speaks at least a smattering of English. While there are few bargains, if you look hard you’ll find plenty of affordable places. You’ll often find the best value – along with plenty of atmosphere – at a traditional ryokan or a family-run minshuku, the Japanese equivalent of a B&B. The cheapest beds are provided by privately run hostels, mainly in the city’s northern districts. Capsule hotels are a little more expensive but certainly worth trying once, if only for the experience. 

Which area is the best?

With Tokyo the size it is, and with each district boasting its own character, it’s important to consider which part of the city to use as your base.

  • Imperial Palace and around: There are a fair few high-end establishments dotted between the palace and the train tracks.
  • Ginza: Highly central area with plenty to see and shopping opportunities galore. Most hotels here are, however, rather expensive.
  • Akihabara: Tokyo’s electro-capital makes a great base for those in the mood to see maid cafés, robot shops and other quirky facets of the city. There are plenty of cheap business hotels here.
  • Ueno: There are lots of sights in and around this northern area, whose accommodation options previously centred around the squad of hotels and love hotels south of the park; in recent years, plenty of quirky mid-range options have opened up, and the area is now a prime target for foreign visitors.
  • Asakusa: One of Tokyo’s most characterful areas, and the de facto choice for backpackers thanks to its large concentration of hostels. There are also some great ryokan choices here.
  • Ryōgoku and Kiyosumi: A few of the hostels in the wider Asakusa area fall under the extent of this chapter in our guide.
  • Bayside Tokyo: The city’s bayside area is quite beautiful, especially when seen from the upper floors of one of its upscale hotels.
  • Akasaka and Roppongi: Roppongi is famed for its nightlife, and boasts some of Tokyo’s best hotels. Neighbouring Akasaka is somewhat earthier, and correspondingly cheaper.
  • Ebisu, Meguro and the south: Few choose to stay way down south in Ebisu, though nearby neighbourhoods such as charming Nakameguro are surprisingly convenient for the city’s sights.
  • Harajuku, Aoyama and Shibuya: There’s so much to see in this wide area, both historical and contemporary, that you’re unlikely to get bored. Most places are rather expensive, bar the huge cluster of love hotels in Shibuya.
  • Shinjuku: For many visitors, Shinjuku represents the real Tokyo, though there are precious few budget places in this neon paradise.
  • Ikebukuro: Not terribly interesting, few visitors use Ikebukuro as a base, though it has some good cheap options, including several ryokan

It's important to consider the feel of each area, and where landmarks are located, before deciding where to stay in Tokyo.

Odaiba Marine Park Tokyo, Japan © AdobeStock

If you're looking for something off grid in Tokyo, visit Odaiba Marine Park © AdobeStock

Best time to visit Tokyo

One of the best times to visit is in the spring, from April to early May. At the start of this period (known as hanami) flurries of falling cherry blossom give the city a soft pink hue and by the end the temperatures are pleasant. October and November are also good months to come; this is when you’ll catch the fireburst of autumn leaves in Tokyo’s parks and gardens. 

Avoid the steamy height of summer (late July to early Sept), when the city’s humidity sees its citizens scurrying from one air-conditioned haven to another. From January through to March temperatures can dip to freezing, but the crisp blue winter skies are rarely disturbed by rain or snow showers. Carrying an umbrella is a good idea during tsuyu, the rainy season in June and July, and in September, when typhoons occasionally strike the coast. When planning your visit also check the city’s calendar of festivals and special events for any that may interest you. Note also that many attractions shut for several days around New Year when Tokyo becomes oddly calm, as many people return to their family homes elsewhere in the country.

Read all about the best time to visit Japan.

"Shinobazu Pond" in Ueno Park where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Tokyo © AdobeStock

"Shinobazu Pond" in Ueno Park where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom © AdobeStock

Tips for eating out in Tokyo

Get ready for the gastronomic experience of a lifetime: when it comes to eating and drinking, few places in the world can compare to Tokyo. The number, range and quality of places is outstanding, with practically any world cuisine you can think of available alongside all the usual – and many unusual – Japanese dishes. The city’s range of places to dine runs the gamut from simple noodle bars up to high temples of gastronomy where the eye-popping beauty of the food on the plate is matched by an equally creative approach to interior design.

Contrary to what many people think, there’s no need to panic about the cost of
eating out in Tokyo. Even Michelin-starred restaurants often offer bargain set-meal specials for lunch, and there’s a plethora of fast-food options, including stand-up noodle bars and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, many clustered around and inside train stations. If you’d rather eat well and party at the same time, then izakaya (bars that serve food) are the way to go; a few with especially good food are reviewed here, others are in the “Drinking and nightlife” chapter. There are also a great number of local chain restaurants, where prices are at a minimum, and English-language menus are guaranteed; the quality of food at these places is often surprisingly good.

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Ties Lagraauw

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 11.03.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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