Tokyo
From neon-lit skyscrapers and bustling crossings to quiet temples and world-class sushi, Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis that constantly reinvents itself.
🇯🇵 Japan
Pop. 14.1M
Coastal city
HND / NRT Airports
🇯🇵
Country
JPY (¥)
Currency
Japanese
Language
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Best Time
5-7 days
Ideal Stay
Very High
Safety
Tokyo operates on a scale that feels almost incomprehensible until you step out of the station. It is a city of distinct, hyper-specialised neighbourhoods connected by the world's most efficient train network. You can spend your morning navigating the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing, your afternoon eating fresh sashimi at Tsukiji Outer Market, and your evening immersed in the digital art of teamLab Planets. Despite its futuristic skyline and neon-drenched streets, Tokyo remains deeply rooted in tradition, with quiet Shinto shrines tucked between skyscrapers and centuries-old craft shops thriving in Asakusa. Whether you are hunting for vintage fashion in Shimokitazawa or taking a day trip to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, Tokyo rewards endless exploration.
In-Depth Guides
Tokyo Blog Library
Dive deeper into the city with our dedicated guides to Tokyo's top experiences.
Interactive Map
Click any pin to explore our guides for that destination.
Entry Requirements
Visa by Nationality
City Info
- Population
- 14.1 million
- Elevation
- 40 m
- Time Zone
- GMT+9 (JST)
- Language
- Japanese
Travel Essentials
- Visa
- 90 days visa-free (most)
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Tap Water
- Safe to drink
- Tipping
- Not expected (rude)
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and spectacular foliage.
Jan
10°C · dry ☀️
Cold, clear skies
Feb
11°C · dry ☀️
Plum blossoms bloom
Mar
14°C · mixed ⛅
Cherry blossom season
Apr
19°C · mixed ⛅
Peak spring crowds
May
24°C · sunny ☀️
Warm and pleasant
Jun
26°C · rain 🌧️
Tsuyu (rainy season)
Jul
30°C · humid 🥵
Hot, summer festivals
Aug
32°C · humid 🥵
Peak heat, fireworks
Sep
28°C · rain 🌧️
Typhoon risk
Oct
22°C · mixed ⛅
Autumn colours begin
Nov
17°C · dry ☀️
Crisp autumn leaves
Dec
12°C · dry ☀️
Winter illuminations
Arrivals
Getting There
By Air
- Main Airport
- Haneda (HND) & Narita (NRT)
- IATA Code
- HND / NRT
- Key Routes
- Global hubs
- Main Airlines
- ANA, JAL
Airport to City
- Taxi
- $60–$80 (HND), $150+ (NRT)
- Ride-Hailing
- Uber available (expensive)
- Bus / Train
- $3–$5 (HND), $20–$25 (NRT)
- Journey Time
- 30m (HND), 60-90m (NRT)
City Transport
Getting Around Tokyo
Options
- Walking
- Essential for exploring neighbourhoods
- Public Transport
- World-class subway and rail
- Taxis
- Spotlessly clean but expensive
- Ride-Hailing
- Uber partners with local taxis
Tips
- Transit Card
- Suica or Pasmo (Apple Wallet)
- Best App
- Google Maps or Japan Transit
- Avoid
- Taxis for long distances
- Rush Hour
- 7:30–9:00 AM, 5:30–7:00 PM
Know the City
Neighborhoods Guide
🚦 Shibuya
The beating heart of youth culture, famous for its scramble crossing, massive department stores, and vibrant nightlife.
Shopping, Nightlife
🏮 Asakusa
Tokyo's traditional district, home to the historic Senso-ji temple, rickshaws, and classic street food stalls.
Culture, Budget
🍸 Shinjuku
A neon-lit entertainment hub featuring the world's busiest train station, Golden Gai bars, and luxury hotels.
Dining, Nightlife
👗 Harajuku & Omotesando
The epicentre of quirky street fashion blending seamlessly into a high-end, tree-lined shopping avenue.
Fashion, Cafes
Things to Do
Must-Do
- Shibuya Crossing & Sky
- Walk the scramble, view from above
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Eat fresh seafood and street food
- teamLab Planets
- Walk barefoot through digital art
- Mount Fuji Day Trip
- See the iconic peak from Hakone
Free Activities
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Peaceful forest walk in Yoyogi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Gov Bldg
- Free panoramic city views
- Senso-ji Temple
- Explore Tokyo's oldest temple
- Ueno Park
- Stroll through museums and ponds
Rainy Day
- teamLab Borderless
- Immersive digital art in Azabudai
- Tokyo National Museum
- Japan's largest art collection
- Nakano Broadway
- Indoor anime and vintage mall
- Depachika
- Explore basement food halls
Nightlife
- Shinjuku Golden Gai
- Tiny, atmospheric alleyway bars
- Roppongi
- High-energy clubs and late bars
- Omoide Yokocho
- Yakitori stalls in narrow alleys
- Shibuya Izakayas
- Casual dining and drinking spots
Eat & Drink
Food & Drink
Where to Stay
Best area: Shinjuku or Shibuya for first-timers wanting easy transport access. Budget: Ueno or Asakusa.
Buy
Shopping & Souvenirs
Costs
Money & Daily Costs
Budget per Day
- Budget
- $60–$100/day
- Mid-Range
- $150–$250/day
- Luxury
- $400+/day
- Typical Hotel
- $120–$200/night
Average Prices
- Local Meal
- $6–$15
- Coffee
- $3–$5
- Beer
- $4–$6
- Taxi (5 km)
- $15–$20
Stay Safe
Safety
Overview
- Overall
- Extremely safe
- Petty Crime
- Very rare
- Areas to Avoid
- Kabukicho touts late at night
- At Night
- Safe to walk alone
Emergency
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 119
- Fire
- 119
- Main Hospital
- St. Luke's International Hospital
Stay Connected
Connectivity
Overview
- SIM Providers
- Docomo, SoftBank, au
- SIM Cost
- $20–$35 (data only)
- eSIM
- Ubigi, Airalo work perfectly
- WiFi
- Free in cafes and stations
Useful Apps
- Maps
- Google Maps (essential)
- Rides
- GO, Uber (calls taxis)
- Food Delivery
- UberEats, Wolt
- Payments
- Suica/Pasmo, Cash, Credit
Common Questions
