Japan

Tokyo

Neon districts, quiet shrines and the best food city in the world.

Local time
UTC+9
Population
13.96M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $30 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $116 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $5.1 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇯🇵 JPY =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

HNDHaneda AirportClosest to the city, 15 km south.
HowCostTime
Keikyu LineShinagawa, Asakusa¥327-60011-30 min
Pay with a Suica/Pasmo IC card.
Tokyo MonorailHamamatsucho¥520-55013-19 min
Change to JR Yamanote line.
Limousine busMajor hotels and stations¥1,200-1,40030-60 min
Taxi (fixed fare)Central Tokyofrom ¥6,90025-40 min
NRTNarita Airport60 km east; many international flights.
HowCostTime
Keisei SkylinerNippori, Ueno¥2,300-2,58036-41 min
Fastest train; cheaper online.
Narita Express (N'EX)Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya¥3,070-3,33053-80 min
Round-trip ticket for visitors ¥5,200.
Limousine busMajor hotels and stations¥3,100-3,60065-120 min
Low-cost bus (TYO-NRT)Tokyo Station¥1,500about 70 min
¥3,000 late at night.
Taxi (fixed fare)Central Tokyo¥19,000-21,00060-90 min

Estimates, checked October 2026. Narita & Haneda to Tokyo 2026 · Narita Airport to Tokyo compared · Tokyo airport transfer guide

Getting around

Trains and subways with an IC card; taxis only for late nights.

  • Metro ★JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei reach everywhere. Tap a Suica or Pasmo IC card, about ¥180–330 a ride.
  • Train ★Same network as the metro for visitors; use it between neighbourhoods. Trains stop around midnight.
  • BusBuses exist but trains are almost always faster for visitors.
  • Taxi / ride appsClean and metered, ¥500 start. Apps like GO and Uber work. Best after the trains stop.
  • Rental carDriving in central Tokyo is slow and parking expensive; not recommended.
  • WalkingEach neighbourhood is walkable, but you will take trains between them.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the big sights, a food neighbourhood and one day trip without rushing.

Best for
  • CultureSenso-ji, Meiji Jingu and the old low-city lanes.
  • FoodSushi counters, ramen shops and izakaya alleys.
  • AnimeAkihabara, Nakano Broadway and themed cafés.

Weather by month

9°0°Jan🌧 5d
10°1°Feb🌧 7d
14°5°Mar🌧 11d
19°9°Apr🌧 11d
23°14°May🌧 11d
26°18°Jun🌧 15d
30°23°Jul🌧 16d
31°24°Aug🌧 14d
27°21°Sep🌧 15d
22°14°Oct🌧 12d
17°8°Nov🌧 10d
11°2°Dec🌧 7d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Four clear seasons: cold dry winters, a humid rainy season in June, and hot, sticky summers.

  • Best time: March to May and October to NovemberMild days around 17–23°C. Ideal for walking neighbourhoods and day trips.
  • Summer is hot and humid (July to September)Highs near 30–31°C with muggy nights. Plan indoor sights midday and go out early or late.
  • Rainy season in JuneAbout 15 rain days and 26°C. Carry an umbrella and keep a museum or shopping backup.
  • Cold, dry wintersJanuary highs near 9°C and lows around 0°C. A warm coat and layers matter; rain is light.
  • Typhoon seasonLate summer and September can bring storms. Check forecasts and train status on the day.
  • What to packComfortable walking shoes, layers for cool evenings, an umbrella in June and September, and light breathable clothes in summer.

Landmarks 65

Must-see · 6

  1. 1

    Senso-ji

    Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, entered through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Free and open early; go before 9 am or after dark to avoid the crowds.

  2. 2

    Shibuya Crossing

    The world's busiest scramble crossing. Cross it yourself, then watch from Shibuya Sky or the Starbucks above; evenings are the most dramatic.

  3. 3

    Meiji Jingu

    A Shinto shrine in a 70-hectare forest right next to Harajuku. Free; mornings are calm, and you may see a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

  4. 4

    Tokyo Skytree

    At 634 m the tallest tower in Japan, with decks at 350 m and 450 m. On clear winter mornings you can see Mount Fuji; book a time slot online.

  5. 5

    Tokyo Tower

    The red-and-white 1958 tower, a retro icon. Best photographed from Shiba Park or Zojo-ji temple at dusk.

  6. 6

    Imperial Palace

    The Emperor's residence on the site of Edo Castle. The East Gardens are free to walk (closed Mon and Fri); the Nijubashi bridge is the classic photo.

1Senso-ji2Shibuya Crossing3Meiji Jingu4Tokyo Skytree5Tokyo Tower6Imperial Palace

Cultural

Tower 2

Urban Hub 9

Market 4

Museum 4

Garden 2

Palace 1

University 4

Other Religion 2

Harbor 1

Modern Architecture 2

Buddhist 1

Park 1

Natural

Island 1

River 1

Activities

Bookstore 1

Amusement Park 12

Theater 4

Aquarium 4

Brewery 2

Filming Location 1

Football Stadium 1

Cafe 1

Cruise Tour 2

Food 1

Zoo 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Tokyo

    Kamakura · 55 min by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 53 km from Tokyo

    Best way: A direct JR Yokosuka Line train from Tokyo Station takes about 55 minutes and drops you right in Kamakura, with the Enoden tram covering the Great Buddha and Hase area.

    Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station directly to Kamakura (about an hour), then walk or use the Enoden tram for the Great Buddha and Hase area.

    • Train ★55 min · from $5-$8
    • Car1 h 03 · taxi ≈ ¥21,700

    What to see

    • Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)
    • Hase-dera Temple
    • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • Komachi-dori shopping street
    • Enoden tram ride to Enoshima

    5 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • The Great Buddha and Hase-dera are a short Enoden tram ride from Kamakura Station
    • Weekends and spring/autumn are crowded, so go on a weekday morning
    • Many temples close around late afternoon

    Hakone · 1 h 27 by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 83 km from Tokyo

    Best way: The Odakyu Romancecar takes about 1h 27m from Shinjuku, and the Hakone Tozan railway, cable car, and ropeway connect the sights in one loop, so it beats the 2h 22m bus and the 81-minute drive.

    Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, then use the Hakone Tozan railway, cable car, and ropeway to loop around the sights.

    • Train ★1 h 27
    • Bus2 h 22 · from $6-$22
    • Car1 h 21 · taxi ≈ ¥33,700

    What to see

    • Lake Ashi and pirate ship cruise
    • Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
    • Hakone Shrine
    • Open-Air Museum
    • Onsen in Hakone-Yumoto

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Romancecar seats are reserved, so book ahead on busy days and weekends.
    • Mount Fuji views depend on clear weather, so check the forecast before you go.
    • Rail and cable car sights are spread across the area, so allow a full day for the loop.

    Nikkō · 1 h 57 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 148 km from Tokyo

    Best way: The Tobu limited express reaches Nikko in about 1h57m, and a local bus covers the last stretch to the shrine area, so a car isn't needed.

    Take the Tobu Nikko Line limited express from Asakusa or the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya then the JR Nikko Line; from Nikko Station a bus reaches the shrine area.

    • Train ★1 h 57 · from $12-$17
    • Car2 h 07 · taxi ≈ ¥59,700

    What to see

    • Toshogu Shrine
    • Rinno-ji Temple
    • Shinkyo Sacred Bridge
    • Kegon Falls
    • Lake Chuzenji

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Reserve the Tobu limited express seats in advance, especially in autumn
    • A bus from Nikko Station is needed to reach the shrine area
    • Shrines are best visited in spring or autumn; winter can bring snow and ice

    Fujikawaguchiko (Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi) · 1 h 45 by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 115 km from Tokyo

    Best way: The highway bus from Shinjuku is the fastest option and drops you right at Kawaguchiko Station near the lake viewpoints.

    Take the Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku direct to Kawaguchiko, or a highway bus from Shinjuku; local buses connect the lake viewpoints.

    • Train1 h 58 · from $9-$13
    • Bus ★1 h 45 · from $16-$65
    • Car1 h 50 · taxi ≈ ¥46,500

    What to see

    • Lake Kawaguchi north shore views of Mt Fuji
    • Chureito Pagoda
    • Oishi Park
    • Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
    • Kawaguchiko Music Forest

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book the Shinjuku highway bus in advance, especially on weekends and holidays
    • Mt. Fuji views are clearest in the cooler months and early morning
    • Local buses connect the lake viewpoints once you arrive

    Yokohama · 29 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Half day · 36 km from Tokyo

    Best way: The train takes about 29 minutes directly from Tokyo Station, which is far faster and cheaper than the 40-minute drive or the 14900 JPY taxi.

    Take the JR Tokaido or Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya directly to Yokohama, about 30 minutes.

    • Train ★29 min · from $2-$7
    • Car40 min · taxi ≈ ¥14,900

    What to see

    • Minato Mirai waterfront
    • Cup Noodles Museum
    • Chinatown
    • Sankeien Garden
    • Red Brick Warehouse

    3 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Direct JR and Tokyu lines run frequently, so no planning or booking is needed.
    • Yokohama Chinatown and the Minato Mirai waterfront are both walkable from the station.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Tokyo is a cluster of neighbourhoods, each a day of its own. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want temples, gardens and old neighbourhoods at an easy pace.

    Stay: Asakusa & Ueno. Cheapest rooms, old-town feel, Senso-ji on the doorstep and good airport links.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ JPY 3,000
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ JPY 28,865
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    JPY 21,000–66,000
    3 nights · Asakusa & Ueno
    Day 1

    Asakusa temples and the river

    Tickets ≈ JPY 1,500 pp · taxis ≈ JPY 6,018
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:00–09:00 · Free · main hall grounds open 24h

      Senso-ji Landmark quest

      Come early to beat the crowds. Grounds are always open.

      Open Main hall 06:00–17:00 (Oct–Mar from 06:30) · grounds always open · Source

    2. Taxi · 436 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ JPY 674
    3. 2

      09:10–09:55 · Free to walk · snacks from around JPY 300

      Nakamise-dori Landmark quest

      The approach street to the temple. Most shops open around 09:00.

      Open Most shops about 09:00–19:00 · check on the day

    4. Taxi · 745 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ JPY 798
    5. 3

      10:15–11:45 · ≈ JPY 1,000–2,000 one-way cruise · riverside walk free

      Sumida River walk and cruise

      Walk the riverbank or take a short cruise. Check cruise times on the day.

      Open Cruises about 10:00–17:00 · check on the day

    6. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ JPY 2,449
    7. 4

      13:00–14:30 · Free · snacks and cafés extra

      Yanaka neighbourhood walk

      Lunch first, then wander the old lanes. Shops close around 18:00.

      Open Always open · shops about 10:00–18:00

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ JPY 2,097
    Day 2

    Ueno museums and park

    Tickets ≈ JPY 1,000 pp · taxis ≈ JPY 6,047
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ JPY 1,585
    2. 1

      09:30–10:30 · Free · museums and zoo charge separately

      Ueno Park Landmark quest

      Morning stroll. Museums have their own hours.

      Open Always open · museums have own hours · Source

    3. Taxi · 760 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ JPY 804
    4. 2

      10:45–12:45 · ≈ JPY 1,000 general · special shows extra

      Tokyo National Museum Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Good for a rainy or hot day.

      Open About 09:30–17:00 · closed Monday · check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ JPY 1,696
    6. 3

      14:00–16:00 · Free to walk · shops vary

      Akihabara Landmark quest

      Short train ride away. Shops open about 10:00–20:00.

      Open Shops about 10:00–20:00 · arcades later

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ JPY 1,962
    Day 3

    Shibuya, Meiji Jingu and Shinjuku

    Tickets ≈ JPY 500 pp · taxis ≈ JPY 16,800
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ JPY 5,584
    2. 1

      08:30–09:45 · Free · inner garden about JPY 500 in season

      Meiji Jingu Landmark quest

      Opens at sunrise. Quiet forest walk in the morning.

      Open Sunrise to sunset (varies by month) · check on the day · Source

    3. Taxi · 954 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ JPY 881
    4. 2

      10:15–11:00 · Free to walk · snacks from about JPY 300

      Takeshita Street Landmark quest

      Weekday morning is calmer. Shops open about 10:00.

      Open Shops about 10:00–20:00 · check on the day

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ JPY 1,238
    6. 3

      11:30–11:50 · Free

      Shibuya Crossing Landmark quest

      See it by day, then come back after dark if you like.

      Open Always open

    7. Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ JPY 2,054
    8. 4

      14:00–15:30 · JPY 500 · under 15 free

      Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Check closing time, it changes by season.

      Open About 09:00–16:00 (to 18:30 in summer) · closed Monday · check on the day · Source

    9. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ JPY 1,401
    10. 5

      17:30–18:15 · Free observation deck

      Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Landmark quest

      Free observatory. Best at sunset on a clear day.

      Open About 09:30–22:00 · check on the day · Source

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ JPY 5,641

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura by train; both are easy returns from central stations. Check times on the day.
    • Swap one city day for teamLab or a sumo morning session (tickets sell out; check the schedule).
    • Anime fans can swap a shopping afternoon for Nakano Broadway and a themed café; book popular cafés ahead.

    Getting around

    • Trains and subways (JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei) reach everywhere; tap a Suica or Pasmo IC card, about ¥180-330 a ride.
    • Buses exist but trains are almost always faster for visitors.
    • Taxis are clean and metered (¥500 start); apps like GO and Uber work.
    • Driving in central Tokyo is slow and parking expensive; not recommended.
    • Each neighbourhood is walkable, but you will take trains between them.
    • Trains stop around midnight; plan late nights or take a taxi.

    Where to stay

    • Shinjuku · ≈ JPY 9,000–30,000 a night
      Biggest train hub, endless food and nightlife, easy day trips west. Busy and bright at night.
    • Shibuya · ≈ JPY 10,000–35,000 a night
      Central for youth culture, shopping and nightlife. Good links to Shinjuku and the west side.
    • Ginza & Tokyo Station · ≈ JPY 14,000–45,000 a night
      Quiet, polished and walkable; best for Shinkansen day trips and first-time comfort.
    • Asakusa & Ueno · ≈ JPY 7,000–22,000 a night
      Cheapest rooms, old-town feel, Senso-ji on the doorstep and good airport links.

    Food & drink

    • Try sushi at a conveyor-belt shop for a cheap first taste; sit-down counters cost much more. Check prices before you sit.
    • Ramen and standing soba shops are the cheap lunch: expect roughly ¥800–1,300 a bowl.
    • Izakaya alleys (Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji) are best for small plates and a beer.
    • Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are good, cheap breakfasts and picnic food.
    • Many small restaurants are cash-only and some are ticket-machine only. Carry some yen and have a translation app ready.

    Tips

    1. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on all trains, buses, and even at convenience stores.
    2. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) serve genuinely good food — don't overlook them.
    3. Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can be considered rude.
    4. Coin lockers are widely available at major stations — great for storing luggage while exploring.
    5. Many restaurants have plastic food displays or vending machine ordering — easy for non-Japanese speakers.
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • Eat and drink at local izakaya with a guide who orders for you
    • Walk the alleys of Shinjuku Golden Gai after dark
    • 254 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Food includedSmall group

    Tokyo: The Best of Izakaya in Shinjuku Food & Cultural Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (254) · 3 hrs

    $129View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Imperial Palace
    • The old Edo Castle walls, gates and East Gardens
    • Stories of the shoguns from a local guide
    • 2,037 reviews · 4.8 rating
    GuidedWalking

    Imperial Palace & Shogun Walking Tour with a Local Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (2,037) · 2 hours

    $6View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Ghibli Museum
    • Hard-to-get timed ticket included
    • Guide meets you and walks you over from Mitaka
    • 628 reviews · 4.3 rating
    Entry includedGuided

    Ghibli Museum Mitaka Tour with Local Guide & Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.3 (628) · 1.5 hours

    $63View tour

    Souvenirs

    Tokyo Banana

    JPY 1000–1400Box of 8 · estimate

    A soft sponge cake shaped like a banana, filled with custard. It is Tokyo's most famous sweet gift and is sold in shops across the city.

    Where: Tokyo Station and airports
    Buy it at Tokyo Station or the airport just before you fly home, since the cake is best eaten fresh.

    Edo Kiriko Glass

    JPY 8000–18000Small cup, 1 piece · estimate

    A traditional Tokyo cut-glass craft known for its deep, sharp patterns. It is made by hand in the Edo tradition and is a lasting souvenir from the city.

    Where: Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan or Hanashyo
    Check that the glass is marked as Edo Kiriko, since cheaper imitations made in China are common.

    Tenugui

    JPY 1200–22001 cloth · estimate

    A thin cotton hand towel dyed with traditional Edo-style patterns. It is used for wiping, wrapping gifts, or hanging as decoration.

    Where: Kamawanu in Daikanyama or Asakusa
    Choose a design you can use daily, because tenugui works as a towel and as a wall or gift wrap.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Tokyo hotelsHotels.com

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