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Japan
Tokyo Travel Guide
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is one of the world’s largest cities, but it is divided into distinct neighbourhoods that feel like separate towns. Shinjuku and Shibuya are the neon-lit hubs of shopping and nightlife, Asakusa preserves an older atmosphere around Senso-ji temple, and Ginza is the upscale shopping district.
- Best time: March to May and October to November
- Airport: HND / NRT
- Japanese yen
Overview
About Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is one of the world’s largest cities, but it is divided into distinct neighbourhoods that feel like separate towns. Shinjuku and Shibuya are the neon-lit hubs of shopping and nightlife, Asakusa preserves an older atmosphere around Senso-ji temple, and Ginza is the upscale shopping district.
Public transport is punctual and extensive, and the city is known for food at every level, from station noodle stands to renowned restaurants. Day trips to Nikko, Kamakura and Hakone, with views of Mount Fuji, are easy by train.
- Best time to visit
- March to May and October to November
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Time zone
- Japan Standard Time (UTC+9), no daylight saving
- Language
- Japanese; English signage is common on trains and at major sights
Hotels in Tokyo
Where to stay in Tokyo
Each area links to places to stay on our Tokyo hotels page.
- ShinjukuThe busiest rail hub in the world, with department stores, the Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai bar lanes and Shinjuku Gyoen gardens.
- Shibuya & HarajukuThe famous scramble crossing, fashion streets of Harajuku and the forested Meiji Shrine, all on the Yamanote Line.
- Ginza & Tokyo StationUpscale shopping and dining in Ginza, next to Tokyo Station for bullet trains and the Narita Express.
- Asakusa & UenoOld Tokyo around Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street, with museums and parks in nearby Ueno and good-value hotels.
Getting there
Flights to Tokyo
Haneda (HND) is closer to the city — around 30 minutes by train or monorail. Narita (NRT) is about 60 km east, around an hour by the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.
- HND
- Tokyo Haneda Airport
- NRT
- Narita International Airport
Things to do
Things to do in Tokyo
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Senso-ji Temple
- Shibuya Crossing
- Meiji Shrine
- Tokyo Skytree
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- teamLab digital art museums
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When to go
Best time to visit Tokyo
Spring, with cherry blossom usually in late March and early April, and autumn from October to November are the most pleasant and popular seasons. June brings the rainy season, July and August are hot and humid, and winter is cold but mostly dry and clear.
Transport
Getting around Tokyo
The JR Yamanote Line loops around the central districts, with Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines covering the rest. A rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO works on almost all trains, buses and many shops.
Travel tips
Tokyo travel tips
- Choose a hotel within about a five-minute walk of a JR Yamanote Line station — it links Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station and Ueno.
- Load a Suica or PASMO IC card (or the mobile version) for trains, buses and convenience stores.
- Book cherry blossom and autumn-colour stays well ahead; hotels fill quickly in those weeks.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan, and speaking on phones on trains is considered impolite.
Tokyo essentials
Tokyo travel FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku and Shibuya for first-time visitors who want transport, shopping and nightlife; Ginza for upscale stays near Tokyo Station; and Asakusa or Ueno for a traditional feel and good value.
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
Cherry blossom usually peaks in late March to early April, though the exact dates vary each year.
Is Haneda or Narita better for Tokyo?
Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo, around 30 minutes by train. Narita is about an hour away by express train but has many international flights.
Plan your trip
Plan your Tokyo trip
- Hotels in TokyoExplore hotels in Shinjuku and Shibuya & Harajuku and more.
- Things to do in TokyoExplore Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing and other experiences.
- Japan travel guideJapan travel guide starting with Tokyo: neighbourhoods, cherry blossom and autumn seasons, trains and IC cards, and where to stay.
Nearby and related destinations
- Singapore, SingaporeSingapore travel guide: Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, hawker food, the MRT from Changi, when to visit and the best areas to stay.
- Bangkok, ThailandBangkok travel guide: the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, riverside and Sukhumvit stays, BTS and river boats, street food, the best months to visit.
- Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaKuala Lumpur travel guide: the Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, KLIA transfers, the best time to visit and where to stay.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.