Tokyo Travel Guide

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Tokyo is full of surprises—ancient temples sit snug between towering skyscrapers, and you’re just as likely to spot someone in a cosplay outfit as someone in a traditional kimono. Even though it’s the most crowded city on the planet, the streets can feel strangely quiet. You’ll find every modern convenience (and then some), but since Japan was cut off from the world for so long, its tech has a uniquely Japanese flavor. English isn’t widely spoken, and globalization’s influence is still pretty light. It’s a refreshing change from places that have reshaped themselves just to please tourists.

These contradictions make Tokyo endlessly fascinating—you’ll leave curious and craving more. In one day, you can explore a 7th-century temple, grab ramen from a vending machine, and catch a sumo match. There’s no shortage of things to do, see, and eat here. Locals are polite and welcoming, but they also love keeping you guessing—check out a maid café or a Babymetal show, and you’ll see what I mean.

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (GMT+9)

Best Time to Go

Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for crisp weather and fall colors. That said, Tokyo’s winters are mild, while summers (late June–August) get hot and humid.

Things to Know

  • Currency: Yen (check current exchange rates)
  • Language: Japanese
    • I don’t speak Japanese: Watashi wa nihongo o hanasemasen
    • I’m lost: Michinimayoimashita
    • I would like…: O onegaishimasu…
  • Calling Code: +81
  • Capital City: Tokyo

How to Get Around

  • Trains: The best way to navigate Tokyo. The system is split between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway—together, they cover the whole city. Just be warned: the map can be overwhelming, so download the Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists app before heading out.
  • Buses: Most people skip them since trains are so efficient, but Toei Bus runs throughout the city and nearby suburbs.
  • Taxis: Plenty of companies, all with different-colored cabs. Uber works too.
  • Car Services: Options like Tokyo Car Service and Blacklane are available.

Best Hotels

  1. Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka
    • *2 Chome-26-1 Kitaotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0004, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 570-073-022
    • Upscale but laid-back, with ultra-modern rooms and OMO Rangers (locals who guide you around the retro neighborhood).
  2. Aman Tokyo
    • *The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5224-3333
    • A five-star gem with stunning city (and sometimes Mount Fuji) views. Blends modern luxury with traditional touches like washi paper doors and ryokan-style rooms.
  3. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
    • *9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3423-8000
    • High in the Midtown Tower, with floor-to-ceiling windows and seven restaurants. Rooms range from cozy to sprawling suites.
  4. Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring
    • *2 Chome-7-20 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5830-0510
    • Simple rooms but incredible bathing facilities—indoor and open-air baths, plus saunas.
  5. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
    • *5 Chome-3-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5361-8355
    • A peaceful retreat minutes from bustling Shinjuku, with natural hot spring baths and a restaurant using seasonal ingredients.
  6. Wired Hotel Asakusa
    • *2 Chome-16-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5830-6533
    • Trendy spot near Tokyo Skytree, with budget rooms and swanky suites. Great for foodies—plenty of nearby restaurants.

Best Restaurants

  1. Kikanbo
    • *2 Chome-10-9 Kajicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0044, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-6206-0239
    • Ramen heaven—order via vending machine, then enjoy rich broth and chewy noodles (spice levels are no joke).
  2. Udon Shin
    • *2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 03-6276-7816
    • Hand-rolled udon worth the wait—hot, cold, or dipped, all delicious.
  3. Sushi Kanesaka
    • *8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5568-4411
    • Michelin-starred omakase—perfect balance of rice, fish, and wasabi. Reservations recommended.
  4. Tamawarai
    • *5 Chome-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5485-0025
    • Buckwheat soba milled in-house—simple, elegant, and unforgettable.
  5. Onigiri Bongo
    • *2 Chome−26−3 Kitaotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0004, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3910-5617
    • Gourmet rice balls—pick your fillings at the counter with a side of green tea.

Things to Do

  1. Sumo Tournament at Ryōgoku Kokugikan
    • *1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3623-5111
    • Catch a 15-day sumo tournament in this massive arena.
  2. Sensō-ji
    • *2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3842-0181
    • Tokyo’s oldest temple, with food stalls lining the approach.
  3. Tsukiji Market
    • *4 Chome-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3541-9444
    • Fresh sushi stalls and squid-ink buns (early auctions moved to Toyosu Market).
  4. Shibuya Crossing
    • *1 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan*
    • The world’s craziest crosswalk—better seen from Shibuya Scramble Square tower.
  5. BathHaus
    • *1 Chome−50−8 Nishihara, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 80-6694-6529
    • A communal bathhouse with yoga, coffee, and craft beer.
  6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • *11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3350-0151
    • Stunning Japanese, French, and English gardens—peak beauty during cherry blossom season.

Best Shopping

  1. Isetan
    • *3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-3352-1111
    • Luxury department store with high-end fashion and gorgeous bento boxes.
  2. Haight & Ashbury
    • *2 Chome−37−2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5453-4690
    • Vintage boutique in artsy Shimokitazawa—think curated, high-quality finds.
  3. Tokyo Solamachi
    • *1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-5302-3480
    • 300+ shops at the base of Tokyo Skytree—souvenirs to high fashion.
  4. R for D
    • *1-4-5, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-0041, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-6407-9320
    • Trendy Japanese designs—graphic tees, silk dresses, and bold fashion.
  5. Ginza 6
    • *6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan*
    • Phone: +81 3-6891-3390
    • Upscale shopping complex—art, books, and fine dining under one roof.

Neighborhoods to Know

  • Harajuku: Youth fashion, cosplay, and vintage shops. Don’t miss Takeshita Street or Omotesando Avenue.
  • Asakusa: Old-world Tokyo, home to Sensō-ji and riverfront festivals.
  • Shimokitazawa: Hipster haven—record stores, thrift shops, and cozy cafés.
  • Shinjuku Golden Gai: A maze of tiny bars in Shinjuku’s backstreets.
  • Shibuya City: Famous for Shibuya Crossing and nonstop shopping.

Weather

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms, 40s–70s (°F), light rain.
  • Summer: Hot and humid (high 80s), but AC is everywhere.
  • Fall: Crisp air, vibrant foliage—second-best time to visit.
  • Winter: Chilly (35–54°F) but manageable; pack layers.

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