Best time to visit
March–April (cherry blossom) · Oct–Nov (autumn leaves)
From the airport
Narita Express (N'EX) 53 min · Haneda Monorail 25 min
Getting around
Suica card on Tokyo Metro + JR Yamanote Line
Language
Most major areas have English signage; Google Translate camera works everywhere
Budget range
¥3,000–¥8,000/day food · ¥5,000–¥15,000/night hotel
Overview
Tokyo isn't one city — it's dozens of villages that grew into each other. You can walk from a 400-year-old shrine in Asakusa to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya in under an hour, then eat at a Michelin-starred counter that fits eight people, then find a basement jazz bar that hasn't changed since 1972. Give it at least four days, and pick two or three neighbourhoods per day rather than trying to cover everything.
Fill in the blank with any destination — 'Starbucks wa doko desu ka?' works fine.
〜はどこですか？
~ wa doko desu ka?
“Where is ~?”
エリア
Key Neighbourhoods
Shibuya & Shinjuku
渋谷・新宿Neon, nightlife, and department stores
Asakusa
浅草Old Tokyo — temples, rickshaws, and craft shops
Akihabara
秋葉原Electronics, anime, and subculture
Shimokitazawa & Yanaka
下北沢・谷中Quiet, local, vintage — the Tokyo tourists miss
グルメ
Must Eat in Tokyo
Tsukemen
つけ麺Dipping ramen — thick noodles served cold alongside a concentrated hot broth. Dip, don't pour.
Where: Fuunji (Shinjuku) · Rokurinsha (Tokyo Station)
budget
¥1,100–¥1,500
Monjayaki
もんじゃ焼きTokyo's own version of okonomiyaki — a runnier, more savoury pancake cooked at the table on an iron griddle.
Where: Tsukishima district — the home of monjayaki
budget
¥1,000–¥1,800
Tonkatsu
とんかつDeep-fried pork cutlet, panko-crusted. Eaten with shredded cabbage and a thick brown sauce. Tokyo does it better than anywhere.
Where: Maisen (Omotesando) · Tonki (Meguro)
budget
¥1,500–¥3,000
Sushi at Tsukiji
築地のお寿司Tsukiji outer market still has some of the best sushi in Japan at very reasonable prices. Go before 10am.
Where: Tsukiji Outer Market (inner market moved to Toyosu)
budget
¥2,000–¥4,000
Yakitori
焼き鳥Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers — every part of the bird, ordered piece by piece. Best eaten in an alley under the train tracks.
Where: Yurakucho under the tracks · Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku
budget
¥150–¥400 per skewer
日帰り旅行
Day Trips from Tokyo
Kamakura
1 hr by train
Giant Buddha, 65 temples, and the sea. Best for a single full day.
Nikko
2 hrs by Tobu Nikko Line
Ornate mountain shrines and waterfalls. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hakone
1.5 hrs by Romancecar
Mt. Fuji views, volcanic hot springs, and an open-air art museum.
Yokohama
30 min by train
Japan's largest Chinatown, a great harbour, and a different pace from Tokyo.
Practical Tips
Buy a 72-hour Tokyo Metro pass (¥1,500) if you're visiting multiple neighbourhoods — it pays off quickly.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson convenience stores in Tokyo are legitimately excellent for a quick meal.
Shinjuku station has 200 exits. Screenshot the specific exit name before you head underground.
Most museums are closed on Mondays. Plan accordingly.
Planning your Tokyo trip?
Get eSIM coverage before you land, book a local experience, and find the right place to stay.