What to do in Tokyo? The must-sees, neighborhood by neighborhood

The must-see places in Tokyo are divided between the more traditional east of the city and the more modern west. The following 10 must-see spots range from the most iconic to the most unusual, and each can be reached by subway or train from the central districts. They are numbered on the map below, around the Yamanote Line loop.

1) Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa district

The Senso-ji temple is Tokyo's oldest temple: its foundation dates back to the year 628. You enter through the Kaminarimon gate and its 3.9-meter-high red lantern, which weighs approximately 700 kilos. You then walk up Nakamise Street, a 250-meter shopping alley lined with about 90 souvenir and traditional snack shops, leading to the main hall and the five-story pagoda.

Entry is free. The main hall is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM from April to September, and from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. Come early in the morning to enjoy the Asakusa district without the crowds, or in the evening, when the buildings are illuminated. Asakusa is one of the Tokyo districts that has best preserved the atmosphere of the Edo period: narrow alleys, small tempura restaurants, artisan boutiques.

The temple was rebuilt after the bombings of the Second World War, and the current Kaminarimon gate dates from 1960. Walk around to the pagoda: it's one of the best photo spots in the neighborhood, especially with the Skytree in the background.

Before leaving, set aside an hour to explore the surroundings. Just across the river, on the other side of the Sumida, the Asahi Beer Hall features a large golden flame on its roof designed by Philippe Starck and completed in 1989: it can be seen from the Azuma Bridge, with the Skytree in the background.

To the north of the temple, Hanayashiki, founded in 1853, is presented as Japan's oldest amusement park: admission alone costs 1,600 yen. To the west, Kappabashi Street features over 170 shops for kitchenware, Japanese knives, and plastic food models, the kind you see in restaurant display windows, lined up over 800 meters.

• Price: free
• Station: Asakusa (Ginza and Toei Asakusa, Tobu lines), a 5-minute walk
• Tip: stop by at the end of the day, when the Nakamise shops close and the light falls on the pagoda.

2) Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

The Meiji Shrine, or Meiji Jingu, is the great Shinto shrine of Tokyo. It was founded in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is hidden in the heart of a 70-hectare forest, planted with approximately 100,000 trees donated by all of Japan: just one minute from Harajuku Station, the city noise disappears at the very first torii.

Entry is free, every day of the year. The hours follow the sunrise and sunset: from 5:40 AM to 4:40 PM in October, from 6:40 AM to 4:00 PM in December, and from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM in June. On weekends, you will sometimes encounter a traditional wedding procession. Right next door, Yoyogi Park is the large green space where locals picnic and play music on Sundays.

• Price: free
• Station: Harajuku (JR Yamanote), 1 minute walk
• Tip: follow up with Harajuku and Shibuya, on foot, in the same half-day.

3) Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The Shibuya Crossing is the most famous image of Tokyo in the world: every time the light turns green, more than 1,000 pedestrians cross at the same time, in all directions. For the perfect photo, head to the second floor of a cafe overlooking the intersection, or to the station walkway.

Outside the station, the Hachiko statue pays tribute to the dog who waited for his master every evening for nearly ten years: it is Tokyo's most famous meeting point. Nearby, the Center-gai pedestrian street and Miyashita Park, a shopping mall with a rooftop park reopened in 2020, are packed with shops and restaurants.

To see Shibuya from above, book Shibuya Sky, the outdoor panoramic terrace at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, 229 meters up. In clear weather, the view extends to Mount Fuji. Online tickets cost 2,700 yen before 3:00 PM and 3,400 yen after, compared to 3,000 and 3,700 yen at the ticket counter. Tickets go on sale two weeks in advance at midnight Japan time, and sunset time slots sell out first.

• Price: free entrance at Carrefour, Shibuya Sky from 2,700 to 3,700 yen
• Shibuya Sky Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, last entry at 9:20 PM
• Station: Shibuya (JR Yamanote, subway), the tower is connected to the station
• Tip: bags, tripods, selfie sticks and caps stay in a locker on the 46th floor, make sure to bring something to hold your phone.

4) The view from the Tokyo Skytree

At 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. It features two observatories offering views over the entire city: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, a spiral glass ramp that circles the tower. Prices vary depending on the date: starting from 1,800 yen for the Tembo Deck and 3,000 yen for the combined ticket, when booked online. Expect to pay 500 yen more at the ticket counter.

Skytree is located on the other side of the Sumida River, one station away from Asakusa: the two can easily be combined in the same morning. At the foot of the tower, the Tokyo Solamachi shopping center features various shops and restaurants.

• Price: starting from 1,800 yen (Tembo Deck) and 3,000 yen (combined ticket)
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, last entry at 9:00 PM
• Station: Tokyo Skytree (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage (Hanzomon and Toei Asakusa Lines)

5) Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower measures 333 meters and has dominated the Minato district since 1958. It is shorter than the Skytree, but its retro charm and red and white colors have made it a symbol of the city. The Main Deck, at 150 meters, costs 1,500 yen. The Top Deck Tour, which goes up to 250 meters, costs 3,300 yen online and 3,500 yen at the ticket counter.

The best photo is taken from the Zojo-ji temple, right at the foot of the tower. This grand Buddhist temple belonged to the Tokugawa clan, the shoguns of the Edo period. With the tower in the background, it captures Tokyo in a single image, between tradition and modernity. The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Its large gate, the Sangedatsumon, the only structure to have survived the bombings, is under restoration until 2032.

Within the temple grounds, do not miss the rows of small Jizo statues installed since 1975 for the health and healthy growth of children. Families dress them in red hats and bibs and place wind spinners that turn in the breeze, and many visitors also pray there for lost babies.

• Price: Main Deck 1,500 yen, Top Deck Tour 3,300 to 3,500 yen
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM for the Main Deck, last entry at 10:30 PM
• Station: Akabanebashi (Toei Oedo Line) in 5 minutes, or Onarimon (Toei Mita Line) for the temple

6) Shinjuku, between gardens and nightlife

The Shinjuku district has two faces. During the day, go to Shinjuku Gyoen, a former imperial garden that blends traditional Japanese, French, and English garden styles. It is one of Tokyo's most beautiful spots for cherry blossoms in the spring. Entrance costs 500 yen. The garden opens at 9:00 and closes at 16:30 from October to mid-March, and at 18:00 from March 15 to September 30. It is closed on Mondays, except during the cherry blossom season.

At night, Shinjuku becomes the heart of Tokyo's nightlife. Omoide Yokocho, the "Memory Lane," features a row of tiny yakitori counters with only five or six seats, just two minutes from the station. A little further away, Golden Gai is a labyrinth of six narrow alleys housing about 280 bars, many of which can only accommodate a handful of customers.

Between the two, Kabukicho is the district of neon lights, karaokes, and game centers. Look up: a 12-meter, life-sized Godzilla head has been peeking out from the Gracery hotel terrace since 2015, and it can be seen for free from the street. Right next door, the small Hanazono shrine offers a peaceful break.

• Price: Shinjuku Gyoen 500 yen, free alleys
• Station: Shinjuku (JR Yamanote, subway); Shinjuku-gyoemmae (Marunouchi Line) for the garden
• Tip: alcohol is prohibited in the garden, save the aperitif for Omoide Yokocho. In Golden Gai, many bars charge a cover charge, which is displayed on the door.

7) Tsukiji Outer Market

The Tsukiji fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the Tsukiji outer market remained. Its alleys line approximately 460 stalls of sushi, seafood skewers, Japanese omelets, and kitchen knives. It is the best place in Tokyo for a raw fish lunch.

The market mostly operates from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM: stalls generally close in the early afternoon, and many shops close on Sundays and some Wednesdays. If you want to see the tuna auction, head to the Toyosu market: auctions are held around 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM, and an observation gallery allows you to watch them for free behind glass windows. The lower platform, which is closer, is obtained via a lottery the previous month.

• Price: free, you pay as you go
• Station: Tsukiji (Hibiya Line) or Tsukijishijo (Toei Oedo Line), 1 minute away; Shijo-mae (Yurikamome) for Toyosu
• Tip: Toyosu is closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

8) Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Harajuku is the district of youth fashion and kawaii culture. Takeshita Street, a 350-meter pedestrian street, lines up clothing boutiques, filled crepes, and giant cotton candy. The contrast with the Meiji shrine, right across from the station, is total.

For a more chic atmosphere, walk down Omotesando Avenue, lined with designer boutiques and contemporary architecture. The Omotesando Hills shopping mall, opened in 2006, was designed by architect Tadao Ando. Meanwhile, Cat Street connects Harajuku to Shibuya through alleys of independent boutiques, which are calmer than Takeshita Street. Avoid Takeshita Street on weekend mid-afternoons if you don't like crowds.

• Price: free
• Station: Harajuku (JR Yamanote), Takeshita exit

9) Akihabara and otaku culture

Akihabara, the "electric town," is the district for manga, video games, and electronics. The neighborhood offers a multitude of shops: entire buildings are occupied by anime stores, arcades, and retro gaming shops: it is the temple of otaku culture.

Even if you're not a fan of manga, the atmosphere is worth the detour, especially in the evening when the signs light up. Also stop by the Kanda Myojin shrine, a ten-minute walk away, where fans come to have their devices blessed.

• Price: free
• Station: Akihabara (JR Yamanote)

10) teamLab Borderless, the digital museum

teamLab Borderless is a digital art museum without a fixed route, offering a unique immersive experience: light and projection artworks move from one room to another and react to your movements. Located in the Azabudai Hills district since February 2024, it is a permanent installation. The adult ticket is listed at 3,600 yen, with prices varying depending on the date, and it costs 200 yen more if purchased on-site.

Its cousin teamLab Planets, in Toyosu, is visited barefoot, partly in water, starting from 3,800 yen. It will close at the end of 2027: if you are hesitating between the two, it's now or never.

• Price: starting from 3,600 yen (Borderless) and 3,800 yen (Planets)
• Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM for Borderless, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM for Planets, last entry one hour before
• Station: Kamiyacho (Hibiya Line) for Borderless, Shin-Toyosu (Yurikamome) for Planets
• Tip: book your dated ticket online several days in advance, especially for the weekend.

Tokyo in pictures, with the city's official video:

Summary of the 10 essentials

Prices were taken from the official website of each location in October 2026. Check the opening hours on Google Maps or on the official website before leaving: they change depending on the season and public holidays.

What is not worth the detour

Not everything is essential. Three classics often disappoint travelers:

• The Tsukiji inner market no longer exists: tuna auctions take place at Toyosu, and you watch them through a glass window, very early in the morning.
• The Statue of Liberty in Odaiba is just a replica: come instead for the view of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.
• Going up the Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya Sky at the same time is redundant: choose one or two viewpoints, not three.

The city of Tokyo has 23 wards. It is a dynamic city, and each neighborhood is almost a city in itself. After the must-see landmarks, here are the neighborhoods to explore in Tokyo to experience the city differently, from the Tokyo of the shoguns to futuristic Tokyo.

Ueno, park and museums

Ueno Park is Tokyo's major cultural park. Free and open at all times, it houses the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, a zoo, and Shinobazu Pond, which is covered in lotus flowers in summer. In spring, its cherry blossom-lined paths make it one of the city's most popular hanami spots. Right next door, the Ameyoko shopping street sells everything from dried fish to sneakers.

Ginza, chic shopping

Ginza is the district of department stores and luxury boutiques, located on Chuo-dori Avenue. On weekends, the avenue becomes pedestrian-only. The basement levels of department stores, known as depachika, are true gourmet food halls, ideal for a quick lunch on the go.

Marunouchi, Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace

The Marunouchi business district surrounds Tokyo Station, whose red brick facade dates back to 1914. To the west of the station lies the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor. Its East Gardens are free to enter, but are closed on Mondays and Fridays. The palace itself can be explored during a guided tour of about one hour, which can be booked online or purchased on the same day at the Kikyo-mon gate, except on Sundays and Mondays.

Odaiba, the island of entertainment

Odaiba is an artificial island built in Tokyo Bay. People come here for the shopping malls, the beach, and especially the view of the Rainbow Bridge, which is illuminated in the evening. It is accessible via the automated Yurikamome line, which crosses the bridge.

On the island, the Miraikan, the national museum of emerging science and innovation, appeals to both adults and children: robots, space, climate. Admission costs 630 yen, from 10:00 to 17:00, and the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Roppongi, art and panoramic views

Roppongi blends art museums and nightlife. On the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, the Tokyo City View observatory offers an unobstructed view of the Tokyo Tower, for 2,200 yen online and 2,400 yen at the ticket counter. The Mori Art Museum, located just above, reopens on October 31, 2026, with a new exhibition.

Yanaka, old Tokyo

Largely spared from the bombings of the Second World War, Yanaka has kept its wooden houses, its small temples, and its stray cats. The Yanaka Ginza shopping street is best explored while strolling, a snack in hand. It is a beautiful discovery, and the ideal neighborhood to feel the soul of old Tokyo, just a few minutes by train north of Ueno.

Ebisu, Nakameguro and Shimokitazawa, the Tokyo of locals

South of Shibuya, Ebisu is a district of bars and restaurants highly popular with Tokyoites. In the Yebisu Garden Place complex, YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO, opened in 2024, tells the story of the beer of the same name: the museum section is free. Just one station away, Nakameguro runs along the Meguro River, lined with about 800 cherry trees over 3.8 kilometers, one of the city's most beautiful hanami spots.

To the west, Shimokitazawa is Tokyo's bohemian neighborhood: vintage thrift stores, record shops, small theaters, and independent cafes. It's the perfect place to hunt for a jacket or a vinyl record.

Jimbocho, Nakano and Ikebukuro, for enthusiasts

Jimbocho, near the Imperial Palace, brings together about 130 second-hand bookstores along Yasukuni-dori Avenue: antique prints, art books, and rare manga. Further west, Nakano Broadway, opened in 1966, has become a temple of subculture, featuring about 200 shops for figurines, manga, and collectibles.

To the north, Ikebukuro revolves around Sunshine City: an observatory at the top of the Sunshine 60 tower, 251 meters high, an aquarium, and the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo. The neighboring street, Otome Road, is a haunt for fans of manga aimed at a female audience.

Which neighborhood for which vibe?

Beyond the neighborhoods, what is there to visit in Tokyo when you have a little more time? The museums, lesser-known shrines, and Japanese gardens tell the story of the city, from the Edo period to the present day, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the post-war reconstruction.

The Tokyo National Museum

Japan's oldest museum houses the largest collection of Japanese art in the world: samurai swords, woodblock prints, kimonos, and Buddhist statues. It is located in Ueno Park, a 10-minute walk from the station. The permanent collection costs 1,000 yen. The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and is closed on Mondays.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum

Closed for nearly four years for renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum (Edo Tokyo Museum in English) reopened on March 31, 2026. Giant models, a life-sized reconstruction of the Nihonbashi bridge, everyday objects: it tells the story of how the small village of Edo became the capital of Japan. The permanent exhibition costs 800 yen. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (7:30 pm on Saturdays) and is closed on Mondays.

It is located in Ryogoku, right next to the sumo arena: the two go well together.

The Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, west of Tokyo, is a dream for fans of Totoro and Spirited Away. Entry costs only 1,000 yen, but tickets are rare: they go on sale on the 10th of each month at 10:00 AM Japan time for the following month, and they sell out in a few hours. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays. From Mitaka Station (JR Chuo), it is a 15-minute walk or you can take the shuttle.

The Kanda Myojin sanctuary and the Gotoku-ji temple

The sanctuary Kanda Myojin, near Akihabara, has protected merchants since the Edo period. Today, it attracts manga fans who come to have their electronic devices blessed. Further west, the Gotoku-ji temple is known for its hundreds of maneki-neko statues, the lucky cats with a raised paw.

The Yasukuni Shrine, a place apart

Founded in 1869 following the will of Emperor Meiji, the Yasukuni Shrine honors more than 2.4 million people who died in service to Japan since the mid-19th century. It is a sensitive site: in 1978, 14 leaders convicted as Class A war criminals after World War II were enshrined there. China and South Korea view it as a symbol of Japan's military past, and every visit by Japanese political officials triggers diplomatic tensions.

The site is free to visit, and its museum, the Yushukan, costs 1,000 yen. It presents military history from the shrine's perspective. If you go, keep this context in mind and remain respectful of the premises.

The Tokyo Dome and the Museum of Contemporary Art

Nicknamed "Big Egg," the Tokyo Dome hosts approximately 55,000 spectators for Yomiuri Giants baseball games and major concerts. Attending a game is an immersion into the Japanese passion for baseball. Regarding art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) in Kiba presents its permanent collection for 500 yen, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays.

Hama-Rikyu Gardens

Former domain of the shoguns, Hama-Rikyu is a Japanese garden traversed by seawater, at the foot of the Shiodome skyscrapers. You can drink matcha tea there in the tea house by the pond. Entrance costs 300 yen, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Sumida water bus stops there: it is the most pleasant way to reach Asakusa.

Visiting is good. Living in Tokyo is better. Here are the activities to do in Tokyo to dive into Japanese culture beyond the monuments.

Attending a sumo tournament or training session

Sumo is the national sport of Japan, and Tokyo hosts three of the six major tournaments of the year at the Ryogoku Kokugikan: in January, May, and September. The next one takes place from January 10 to 24, 2027, with tickets going on sale on December 5, 2026. The cheapest seats, in chairs at the back of the arena, cost approximately 3,500 yen on weekdays and 4,000 yen on weekends.

Outside of tournaments, you can attend a morning practice at a sumo stable, but it is very difficult to enter on your own: go through a guided tour.

See a kabuki performance at the Kabuki-za

Kabuki, traditional Japanese theater, can be discovered at the Kabuki-za in Ginza. There is no need to stay for an entire performance: single-act tickets on the top level cost between 1,500 and 4,000 yen depending on the act. They can be booked online or purchased on the same day at the ticket window in cash. The theater is directly connected to Higashi-Ginza station (Hibiya and Toei Asakusa lines).

Relaxing in an onsen or a sento

Bathing is a ritual in Japan and an experience to be lived at least once. Tokyo still has many sento, neighborhood public baths, and some onsen fed by hot springs. The rules are simple: you wash yourself completely before entering the bath, you do not dip your towel in, and you bathe naked. Some establishments refuse tattoos: check before going.

Take a sushi class

Rolling your own maki, learning how to slice fish, assembling a nigiri: cooking classes for travelers have multiplied, often in English, and are booked online. The Tsukiji market is a great starting point, and some classes begin with a tour of the stalls.

Spending a day at Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort comprises two parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the only Disney park in the world with an ocean theme. A one-day ticket is valid for a single park, starting from 8,900 yen depending on the date. In October 2026, expect to pay between 9,900 and 12,400 yen. The resort is located in Maihama, about fifteen minutes from Tokyo Station by train.

See the cherry blossoms and the matsuri

Every year in spring, the cherry blossom bloom transforms the city. In Tokyo, the first flowers open around March 24th, and full bloom arrives around March 31st on average, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In 2026, it arrived earlier, on March 28th. The best spots are Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the banks of the Meguro River.

In summer, matsuri, neighborhood festivals featuring portable shrine processions, street stalls, and fireworks, bring the city to life. The most famous is the Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, held in spring. In autumn, red foliage colors the gardens from mid-November to early December.

Take a cruise on the Sumida

The Sumida River flows through eastern Tokyo, from Asakusa to the bay. Water buses connect Asakusa to the Hama-Rikyu Gardens and Odaiba: an original way to see the city from the water, passing under about ten bridges.

October is one of the most pleasant months to visit Tokyo: the summer heat subsides, with an average of 18.0 °C, 22.0 °C in the afternoon, and 14.8 °C at night, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency's normals. It is also, on average, the rainiest month of the year (234.8 mm), and typhoon season lasts through October: slide a folding umbrella into your bag and keep an eye on the weather. Here is what to do in Tokyo in October 2026, with dated events. And if you also travel elsewhere in the country, discover what to do in Japan in October.

Halloween in Tokyo

Tokyo's major costume event is the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival: an evening reserved for those over 18 on October 30th at Sunshine City, followed by two days open to everyone on October 31st and November 1st, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In Shibuya, long famous for its costumed crowds, the district now prohibits drinking alcohol in the streets around the station from 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM, all year round.

Autumn festivals not to be missed

Food lovers will aim for the Tokyo Ramen Festa, which brings together ramen stalls from across the country, and the Kappabashi Dougu Matsuri, when the utensil street becomes pedestrianized. On the cultural side, the Oeshiki lantern procession at Ikegami Honmonji Temple and the rare opening of the Denbo-in garden in Asakusa are well worth the trip. Finally, shortly after, from November 1st to 3rd, the Meiji Shrine celebrates its grand autumn festival. At the end of the month, the first red autumn leaves appear on Mount Takao, before arriving in the city in mid-November.

Tokyo is one of the world's gastronomy capitals. Here are the culinary specialties and dishes to taste in Tokyo, from street food counters costing a few hundred yen to fine dining.

• Sushi: the nigiri as we know it was born in Edo, the former name of Tokyo. Taste them at the Tsukiji market or in a conveyor belt restaurant.
• Ramen: every neighborhood has its own spots. Shoyu ramen, made with a soy sauce broth, is the classic Tokyo version.
• Monjayaki: a cousin of okonomiyaki, this runny pancake is cooked on a hot plate. Its dedicated street in Tsukishima is home to dozens of restaurants.
• Tempura: shrimp and vegetable fritters, a historic specialty of Asakusa.
• Yakitori: charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, to be enjoyed in the alleys of Omoide Yokocho.
• Wagashi: traditional sweets made from red bean, served with matcha tea.

To eat quickly and cheaply, think of konbini, the 24-hour convenience stores, and the depachika in department stores. In restaurants, there is no tipping in Japan: the price displayed is the price paid.

A single day in Tokyo is short, but enough to see the essentials if you follow the Yamanote Line and the subway. Here is what to do in one day in Tokyo, from the traditional east to the modern west.

With the 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket, priced at 1,000 yen, all subway trips for the day are covered. Only the Harajuku-Shibuya-Shinjuku section is traveled on the JR Yamanote line, or on foot between Harajuku and Shibuya.

To properly plan a trip to Tokyo, five questions matter: the season, transportation, accommodation, budget, and internet connection. As the gateway for most trips to Japan, Tokyo is one of the easiest cities in the world to visit. The secret: anticipate a few reservations.

How to get from the airport to central Tokyo?

Tokyo has two international airports. Haneda is very close to the city center, while Narita is about one hour away.

If you land at Haneda late at night, taxis offer district-based flat rates to the city center. And for the rest of your stay, the Suica card works on airport trains as well as in the subway.

What is the best season to visit Tokyo?

Spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to early December) are the two best seasons: mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, or red foliage. Summer is hot and humid, with the rainy season in June and July. Winter is dry and sunny, often offering the best views of Mount Fuji from the observatories. For a month-by-month breakdown, read our article on when to go to Japan.

How to get around Tokyo?

The metro and trains cover the entire city. Three tools make life easier:

• The Suica card, a rechargeable transport card. The Welcome Suica, designed for tourists, requires no deposit and remains valid for 28 days.
• The Tokyo Subway Ticket: unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei lines, for 1,000 yen for 24 hours, 1,500 yen for 48 hours, and 2,000 yen for 72 hours.
• The JR Yamanote Line, which loops through 30 stations around the city center: it is not covered by the Tokyo Subway Ticket, but Suica works everywhere.

A single subway trip starts at 178 yen with an IC card. For excursions out of town, check if the Japan Rail Pass is cost-effective for your itinerary.

Where to stay in Tokyo?

For your first trip, stay near a station on the Yamanote Line. Shinjuku and Shibuya are convenient and lively; Asakusa and Ueno are more traditional and often cheaper; Ginza and Tokyo Station are ideal if you take the Shinkansen, as is Shinagawa, which is well-connected to Haneda Airport. Classic hotels, compact business hotels, ryokan, or capsule hotels: there is something for every budget.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo, made famous by the film Lost in Translation, reopened on December 9, 2025, after renovation. The Tokyo Station Hotel has occupied the historic Marunouchi station since 1915.

What budget should you plan for Tokyo?

Many must-see attractions are free: Senso-ji, Meiji, Shibuya, Tsukiji, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Ueno Park. Observatories cost between 1,500 and 3,700 yen, museums between 300 and 1,000 yen, and teamLab digital museums start at 3,600 yen. To estimate the rest of your trip (accommodation, meals, transport), check out our article on the budget for a trip to Japan.

What excursions to do from Tokyo?

Tokyo is an excellent base for day trips:

• Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi: approximately 1 h 45 via direct bus from Shinjuku, starting from 2,000 yen when booking online.
• Nikko and its listed shrines: approximately 1 h 50 by Tobu express train from Asakusa.
• Kamakura and its Great Buddha: just under an hour by JR train from Tokyo Station, for 1,040 yen.
• Hakone and its onsen: approximately 80 minutes via Romancecar from Shinjuku.
• Mount Takao, the closest hike: 599 meters in altitude, 47 minutes from Shinjuku via the Keio Line for 430 yen. A funicular, one of the steepest in Japan, climbs halfway up the slope for 490 yen one way.

For Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and the rest of the country, check out our selection of things to do in Japan.

Why a reliable internet connection is indispensable in Tokyo

In Tokyo, your phone becomes your best travel companion. You need it to find your way through the corridors of Shinjuku, the busiest station in the world, to track your connections on Google Maps, translate a Japanese menu with your camera, book your slot at Shibuya Sky or teamLab, or share your photos of the Shibuya crossing live.

Free Wi-Fi is also available in train stations, konbini, and some cafes, but it often requires registration and cuts out as soon as you walk. We have summarized everything in our article on free Wi-Fi in Japan.

That's where voilà eSIM makes the difference. You install your eSIM in two minutes before leaving, and you are connected as soon as you land at Narita or Haneda, without searching for a SIM card counter after 13 to 14 hours of flight from Europe. Once there, the eSIM uses the 5G network of NTT docomo, Japan's leading operator.

• Excellent value for money: the Japan eSIM plans start at $1.40 for 1 GB over 7 days, and the recommended 20 GB plan for 30 days costs $16.80.
• An easy-to-install eSIM and an easy-to-use application: you can track your usage and top up in seconds directly from the app.
• Human customer support, 24/7: if something gets stuck, a real person answers you, even at 3 AM Tokyo time.

Video advice:

The only condition: an eSIM-compatible phone, which is the case for most recent models. Check yours below.

Tokyo is experienced neighborhood by neighborhood. For a first trip, the must-sees can be covered in three days: Asakusa and the Skytree to the east, Meiji, Harajuku, and Shibuya to the west, Shinjuku at night, and a morning at the Tsukiji market. Add a museum, a sumo evening, or teamLab depending on your wishes, and keep one day for Mount Fuji or Kamakura.

Book in advance what fills up quickly, such as Shibuya Sky, teamLab, and the Ghibli Museum. For the rest, just go with the flow: in this megacity of 14 million inhabitants, the most beautiful moments often happen around the corner in a small alleyway.