Plan Your Trip to Tokyo: Best of Tokyo Tourism
Tokyo, Japan
Essential Tokyo
Food & drink
The best free things to do in Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks5,526Located on the 45th floor of a city office building in Shinjuku, Tokyo’s best no-fee observatory is a great introduction to the city’s never-ending sprawl. On clear winter days, you can even see Mt. Fuji. Make this one of your first stops, not only to get a handle on Tokyo’s layout but also for the Tokyo Tourist Information Center on the first floor, which has maps and brochures.
Tokyo Free Walking Tour550Led by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, I always recommend this nonprofit that offers four free tours conducted in English that take in some of Tokyo’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. Highlights include Asakusa, Ueno Park, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. Tours are offered Saturday, Sunday, and some Wednesdays, and last 90 to 120 minutes.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin)2,070Edo Castle was once the mightiest in the land, surrounded by whirling moats and secured with 29 watchtowers and 38 gates. Today, all that remains are the stone ramparts, tower foundation, and turrets. Although the ruins are fascinating, my favorite part is Ninomaru, a traditional (and free) Japanese garden. It’s particularly beautiful in the spring when azaleas, wisteria, and other flowers are in bloom.
Senso-ji Temple9,580Tokyo’s most famous temple predates the city by 1,300 years. Dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, it attracts some 30 million visitors every year. I love the temple’s festive atmosphere, which extends into the surrounding Asakusa neighborhood with its shitamachi (old downtown) character. Nakamise, the pedestrian lane leading to the temple, is lined with inexpensive souvenir stalls and is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets.
Meiji Jingu Shrine8,341Tokyo’s most venerated Shinto shrine is dedicated to Empress Shoken and Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), who oversaw Japan’s transformation from an agrarian feudal society to a modern industrialized nation. Nestled in a dense, sacred forest it has a peaceful atmosphere even though it’s not far from the vibrantly youthful Harajuku neighborhood. (However, it's an especially popular site to visit around the New Year, so expect crowds if you visit then.)
Tsukiji Jogai Market1,904I was sad to see Tsukiji Fish Market move to a more sterile location in Toyosu, but Tsukiji Jogai (Outer Market) retains its bustling, lively atmosphere. A warren of alleyways lined with stalls and shops, it offers fresh seafood, seasonal produce, cooking utensils, and street food ranging from personal favorites like takoyaki (round octopus cakes) to king crab. It’s free to visit, but to escape the crowds arrive by 9 a.m.
Yoyogi Park2,348This 133-acre free park near Harajuku and Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beloved parks, making it a great place to see Tokyoites at play. Families, couples, students, and groups of all nationalities come for weekend picnics on wide, grassy lawns or to play sports ranging from soccer to frisbee. It also has a forested area, bird sanctuary, dog run, rental bikes, and a dedicated cycling course, including one for kids.
Browse collections
Vegetarian eatsA guide to Tokyo's veggie-forward scene
Fall in TokyoSee what makes the city so magical this time of year
Tokyo on a dimeEats and activities that won’t break the bank
Take a break at a teahouseSee a ceremony and get a taste of tradition
See the city after darkLate-night eats, trendy bars, and more
Stop and smell the rosesGorgeous gardens, right in town
Only in TokyoUnique experiences you can’t do anywhere else
If you’re feeling fancy-ishGo-all-out experiences totally worth the yen
Sip on some sakeTastings, tours, bars, and more
The city’s a stageTheater, concerts, and other live shows
All about that viewThe best spots to see the city skyline
For the history buffMust-see museums, temples, and more
More Asian cultural capitals
Tokyo Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Tokyo
Marybs6
Tokyo is so much easier to get around in than you expect before you get there. It is crowded and busy but organized and sensible (as opposed to, say, Rome or Los Angeles). The system of subways and trains can be daunting because there are so many, but you can get anywhere you want to go with a good station map.
Gojiguy
Don't ask for "bathroom,” ask for "toilet.” I'm terrible at picking up a new language, but I managed to make it through. Usually, I'd say something in mangled Japanese, then would get a response in English.
Bargainhunter
Get maps and travel information in English before your trip and at tourist information booths in large Japanese cities.
Ben M
I see Tokyo as the perfect balance of opposite elements. The size and scale bring a sense of chaos yet everything seems to flow and work in perfect order. It balances a wonderful history with modern and edge. It is vast but offers intimate small experiences that are hard to replicate. It is a perfect balance of contradictions that draw you in and leave you with a sense of wonder.
Madison S
Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, to glimpse into history at the Imperial Palace and its many cherry blossom studded shrines, or to peek into the future in districts like electronic paradise Akihabara and edgy, fashionable Shinjuku, Tokyo will cater to almost every curiosity. A cradle of politics, culture, and business for Japan, Tokyo offers an almost limitless variety of entertainment, shopping, dining, and alternative opinions.
jessicawhylee
Given all of Tokyo's skyscrapers and salarymen, it's easy to assume that the city is a barren urban wasteland without a breath of fresh air to punctuate its high-tech and industrialized neighborhoods. But between all those glittering shopping centers and glass business buildings are pockets of beautiful parks, serene walking paths, and tranquil temple and shrine gardens — all helping you to slow down and take a breather.
Madison S
Something old, something new, and something delicious — just for you. Everyone loves a good meal, and in Tokyo— Japan's greatest metropolis — there seem to be good meals on offer at every turn. From ramen bars to all-you-can-eat izakaya, to traditional sushi restaurants where steaming cups of green tea accompany flawless cuts of sashimi, to ultra-modern cafes where girls in French Rococo-inspired outfits dig into dainty, creamy cakes, and decorated coffees...
EmiliaStockholm
Tokyo has everything, great shopping, excellent restaurants, neon-lighted hustle and bustle, and nice quiet places to walk around.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Tokyo is serviced by two major airports, Narita and Haneda. Haneda is closer to the city.
You can find more information here.
train
The Japan rail network is extensive and trains from other cities could arrive in multiple stations in Tokyo. The most serviced would include Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku is known as the world’s busiest train station. For bullet trains (shinkansen), the stations are Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.
Do I need a visa?
Currently, citizens from 68 countries can travel into Japan visa-free. Please check on your eligibility and visa information here.
When is the best time to visit?
October to February: Tokyo is a great destination all year round. However, the summer months can be excruciatingly hot. Avoid July, August, and early September if you don’t like to sweat as the average temperature over these months hovers at 85 Fahrenheit (29 Celsius). Tokyo’s high season falls between mid-March to late April, especially because many domestic and foreign travelers like to come at that time to see the cherry blossoms. Similarly, October and early November are peak times to view the fall foliage.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Japan Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
Typically these are 100 Volts / 50-60 Hz. (You will occasionally find 200 Volt outlets for larger appliances like air-conditioning units.) Plugs are Type A and B.
What is the currency?
The Japanese Yen.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and no. Many high-end restaurants and small shops are cash only. Major departments stores and hotels will usually accept credit cards. It is always advisable in Japan to carry cash.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
No need to tip. In general, restaurants are not used to receiving tips at all. Tipping is accepted on very limited occasions. You could tell a taxi driver that you don't need changes after paying the fare, they would accept the change as a tip (but they don't really expect to receive it). When you are visiting some bars, you could buy a bar master a drink if you are having a really good time instead of tipping.
Are there local customs I should know?
Blowing your nose
Try not to blow your nose in public, and avoid both eating and drinking on the street (ok in parks). It is considered rude.
Counting your change
Do not count change in view of the person who gave it to you. It is also considered rude.
Public transportation
Try to be quiet in trains, at restaurants, and at your hotel. Japanese culture puts great emphasis on consideration for others and maintaining a quiet and harmonious atmosphere.
Shoes
Remove your shoes when entering private homes, ryokans, and even some restaurants and offices.
Tattoos
If you have a tattoo, forget trying to visit a Japanese hot spring. Unless you have booked a hotel room with a private bath, you won’t be able to enter.
For more observations on customs in Japan, here's a useful site.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Tokyo, which include:
- Tokyo is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Tokyo:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Tokyo between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.