Tokyo is one of the most visited cities in the world, and it earns that reputation every single day. It is busy, bright, and modern, yet full of peaceful corners and traditions that have stood the test of time.
More than 14 million people call Tokyo home. Include the Greater Tokyo Area and that number exceeds 37 million, making it the most populated urban area on the planet. Somehow, it still feels clean, organised, and surprisingly calm.
This Tokyo travel guide covers the best things to do in Tokyo, from ancient temples and tranquil gardens to neon-lit streets and futuristic art experiences. You will also find tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to book in advance.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is a large city, and choosing the right neighbourhood shapes your entire experience. The good news is that Tokyo's public transport connects every major area quickly and reliably.
Shinjuku is the top pick for first-time visitors. It is lively, packed with restaurants and shops, and one of the best-connected transport hubs in the city. The Park Hyatt Tokyo offers stunning skyline views, while Hotel Century Southern Tower is a stylish, convenient option near Shinjuku Station.
Shibuya suits travellers who want a younger, trendier atmosphere. Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel and Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel both offer fantastic locations and modern rooms.
Asakusa is the best choice for a traditional, relaxed feel. The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon and Asakusa View Hotel both sit close to Senso-ji Temple and offer great city views.
Note: Tokyo hotel rooms are smaller than in most other cities. Always check the room size before booking, especially if you are travelling with large luggage. Paying slightly more for a larger room is often worth it.
How to Get Around Tokyo
Tokyo's public transport system is one of the best in the world: clean, efficient, and always on time. The easiest way to travel is with a Suica or Pasmo IC card, which you top up and tap in and out on trains, subways, and buses across the city.
For a deeper look at which rail pass saves you the most money, read our JR Pass vs. Tokyo Metro Pass comparison guide.
Uber is a reliable backup, especially when you are tired or carrying bags. It is comfortable and surprisingly affordable compared to taxis in other major cities. For late-night travel options, see our guide to getting around Tokyo after midnight.
Is Tokyo Good for First-Time Visitors?
Yes. Tokyo is one of the most beginner-friendly major cities in the world. Signage at train stations appears in English, crime rates are extremely low, and locals are helpful even with a language barrier.
Download a translation app before you arrive. Google Translate's camera mode reads Japanese menus and signs instantly. Our guide to must-have translation apps for non-Japanese speakers covers the best free options.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Godzilla Head in Shinjuku
The Godzilla Head sits on top of the Toho Building in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, and is one of the quirkiest free photo spots in the city. The Toho Building also houses Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, owned by the film company behind the original Godzilla franchise.
The head was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the franchise. The best time to photograph it is early morning or late at night, when the surrounding streets are quieter.
2. Street Kart Driving Tour
Driving a go-kart through the actual streets of Tokyo is one of the most unique experiences the city offers. You share the road with cars, buses, and taxis, which makes it thrilling and slightly surreal.
You need an international driving permit to join. Rules are strictly enforced, and fines apply if you break them. Guides photograph you along the route and send the images at the end of the tour.
3. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian intersection, located directly outside Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit. Hundreds of people cross simultaneously from every direction when the lights change.
For the best view, head to one of the cafes overlooking the crossing. Watching from above gives a completely different perspective on the organised chaos below.
4. Tokyo Food Tour
Tokyo holds more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. Joining a guided food tour is one of the best ways to explore that depth without spending hours researching on your own.
Popular options include the Shibuya Food Tour (13 dishes across 4 eateries) and the Shinjuku Food Tour (15 dishes, 3 drinks, and 4 eateries). Both tours include a local guide who explains each dish and the dining traditions behind it.
For a deeper dive into Tokyo's best eating neighbourhoods, see our guide to Tokyo's best food districts by cuisine.
5. Kimono Tea Ceremony in Asakusa
Asakusa is the best neighbourhood in Tokyo to try a traditional kimono tea ceremony. You wear a kimono, learn the art of matcha preparation, and receive a guided explanation of the rituals and symbolism behind each step.
It is a calm, cultural experience that contrasts beautifully with the energy of Tokyo's streets. Book the Kimono Tea Ceremony with Matcha and Sweet experience in advance, as slots fill quickly.
6. Takeshita Street in Harajuku
Takeshita Street is a narrow pedestrian lane in Harajuku packed with independent boutiques, themed cafes, and streetwear shops. It is one of the most colourful and energetic areas in Tokyo.
It is also one of the best places in the city to try viral street foods: giant rainbow candy floss, fruit-loaded crepes, and animal-shaped ice cream are all easy to find. Budget extra time here because you will almost certainly spend more than planned.
For a broader look at Tokyo's fashion neighbourhoods, our Harajuku vs. Ginza style districts guide breaks down what each area offers.
7. Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, built to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a forest of more than 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.
The forested path leading to the shrine feels completely removed from the city outside. Visitors can write wishes on wooden ema plaques, draw fortune slips, or simply walk through the grounds.
Entry is free and the shrine is open year-round. Opening hours vary by season, with gates typically opening at sunrise and closing at sunset.
8. Art Aquarium Museum
The Art Aquarium Museum in Nihonbashi is an immersive art experience that blends illuminated tanks, light projections, and music. It is not a conventional aquarium; each room functions as a living artwork.
Goldfish move through shifting patterns of coloured light in tanks designed by artist Hidetomo Kimura. It is one of the best indoor activities in Tokyo on a rainy day. Book tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and public holidays.
9. teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless is a digital art museum in Azabudai Hills where light, sound, and motion blend across interconnected rooms. It is one of Tokyo's most popular attractions and one of the best things to do in Tokyo when it rains.
Every room changes as you move through it, creating a different experience each time you visit. Tickets sell out fast. Book your timed entry slot online well before your visit date.
10. Sumo Show in Shinjuku
A sumo show in Shinjuku gives you live demonstrations, a history of sumo wrestling, and the chance to take photos with the wrestlers after the performance. No prior knowledge of sumo is needed to enjoy it.
It is one of the most distinctly Japanese experiences available to tourists in Tokyo. Book the Sumo Show and Experience with Photo in advance, as group sizes are limited.
11. Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree stands 634 metres tall, making it the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world. The Tembo Deck observation floor sits at 350 metres and offers a full panoramic view of the city.
Two ticket types are available: the Tembo Deck (350 m) and the Tembo Galleria (450 m). The view difference between the two levels is modest, so the standard ticket is good value. On a clear day, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance.
Check the weather forecast before booking. Cloudy days significantly reduce visibility from the upper floors.
12. Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628 AD, and the most visited religious site in Japan. The Kaminarimon Gate, with its iconic red paper lantern, is one of Tokyo's most photographed landmarks.
Walking toward the temple, you pass Nakamise-dori, a shopping street lined with stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and traditional sweets. Inside the grounds, visitors light incense and draw omikuji fortune slips.
Entry to the temple grounds is free and open 24 hours. The main hall is accessible from 06:00 to 17:00 (18:00 in summer).
13. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a 58.3-hectare park in central Shinjuku, combining Japanese, English, and French garden styles in one space. It is one of the most peaceful places in Tokyo despite being surrounded by one of its busiest districts.
Admission costs 500 yen for adults and can be paid by tapping a Suica card at the entrance gate. The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 18:00 (closing time varies by season).
It is also one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. For timing and photography tips, see our Tokyo cherry blossom photography guide.
14. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) in Shinjuku
Omoide Yokocho, known informally as Memory Lane or Piss Alley, is a narrow alley just west of Shinjuku Station packed with tiny bars and yakitori stalls. It captures the atmosphere of post-war Tokyo better than almost anywhere else in the city.
Most stalls seat fewer than ten people and serve grilled chicken skewers, noodles, and sake. The alley is liveliest after dark, when paper lanterns glow and the air fills with charcoal smoke. It is one of the best spots in Tokyo for an affordable, atmospheric dinner.
15. Akihabara Electric Town
Akihabara is Tokyo's dedicated electronics and anime district, located in Chiyoda. Multi-storey shops sell everything from the latest cameras and components to vintage games and collectible figures.
The district is also known for themed cafes, including maid cafes, gaming lounges, and retro arcades. For a full breakdown of what to buy and where, read our Akihabara vs. Yodobashi Camera electronics shopping guide.
16. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower stands 333 metres tall in the Shiba-koen district of Minato and was completed in 1958. It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower but painted in international orange and white to comply with aviation safety regulations.
The Main Deck observation floor sits at 150 metres and offers strong views of the city, particularly at sunset. A Top Deck tour at 250 metres is available for an additional fee. The surrounding Shiba-koen park provides excellent ground-level photo angles of the tower.
Do You Need to Book Tokyo Attractions in Advance?
Yes, for several key attractions, advance booking is essential. teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Skytree, and the Art Aquarium Museum all sell out on weekends and during peak seasons such as cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and Golden Week (late April to early May).
For food tours, sumo shows, and street kart experiences, booking at least a week ahead is recommended. Free sites such as Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple require no reservation.
What to Buy in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the best shopping cities in the world. Akihabara is the go-to district for electronics and anime merchandise. Harajuku and Shibuya lead for fashion and streetwear. Asakusa is best for traditional crafts and food souvenirs.
If you plan to shop, check your eligibility for Japan's tax refund scheme. Most major department stores and electronics retailers offer duty-free purchases to tourists spending over 5,000 yen. Our Tokyo duty-free shopping guide explains the full process step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Most first-time visitors need at least five to seven days to cover Tokyo's main districts and attractions without feeling rushed. A longer stay of ten days allows you to explore day-trip destinations such as Nikko, Kamakura, or Mount Fuji.
Is Tokyo expensive for tourists?
Tokyo is more affordable than many people expect. Budget travellers can eat well for under 1,000 yen per meal at ramen shops and convenience stores. Mid-range hotel rooms average 15,000 to 25,000 yen per night. Many major attractions, including Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, are free to enter.
What is the best time of year to visit Tokyo?
Spring (late March to early April) and autumn (mid-November to early December) are the most popular seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Autumn offers vivid foliage and comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
Is Tokyo safe for solo travellers?
Tokyo is consistently ranked among the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime rates are extremely low, public transport runs reliably late into the night, and lost property is almost always handed in. Solo female travellers will find Tokyo particularly safe compared to most global capitals.
Do you need to speak Japanese to visit Tokyo?
No. English signage is widespread at train stations, airports, and major tourist sites. Many restaurants display picture menus or plastic food models. A translation app handles most other situations. Our guide to must-have translation apps for non-Japanese speakers covers the most useful free tools.
What is the best way to pay in Tokyo?
Cash is still widely used in Tokyo, particularly at smaller restaurants, temples, and local shops. IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo work for transport and many convenience store purchases. Credit card acceptance is growing but not universal. Carry at least 5,000 to 10,000 yen in cash at all times.
What should you wear when visiting temples and shrines in Tokyo?
There is no strict dress code at most Tokyo temples and shrines. Modest, comfortable clothing is appropriate. Remove shoes when entering any indoor shrine hall. Avoid very revealing clothing out of respect, particularly at active religious sites such as Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple.
