Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple in Asakusa
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About Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of extraordinary contrasts — a place where the state-of-the-art future and storied past exist in perfect harmony. Home to 14 million people in the city proper and over 37 million in the greater metropolitan area, it is the world's most populous city. Visitors can explore ancient Shinto shrines, world-class museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant pop culture districts all within a single day. Tokyo's legendary public transport system makes every corner of this vast city remarkably accessible.
- Capital
- Shinjuku (Metropolitan Government)
- Largest city
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Population
- 14 million
- Languages
- Japanese
- Currency
- Japanese Yen
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo (JST, UTC+9)
Explore Tokyo by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Tokyo
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Shibuya Crossing
Iconic scramble crossing, the world's busiest
Tokyo Skytree
World's tallest tower at 634m with observation decks
Shinjuku Gyoen
Beautiful national garden with cherry blossoms
teamLab Borderless
Immersive digital art museum
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Tokyo Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Tokyo, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Tokyo
- Days 1-2Tokyo city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tokyo
- Days 1-3Tokyo comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Tokyo, departure
Where to stay in Tokyo
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $500
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Iconic luxury hotel occupying floors 39-52 of the Shinjuku Park Tower, immortalized in the film 'Lost in Translation.' The hotel features expansive rooms with floor-to-ceiling views, an indoor pool on the 47th floor, the world-renowned New York Bar and Grill, and impeccably personalized service. All rooms look out over Tokyo's glittering cityscape.
Check rates on Booking.comAman Tokyo
Aman Tokyo occupies floors 33-38 of the Otemachi Tower with a soaring 30-meter atrium lobby. The hotel blends traditional Japanese design — washi paper walls, volcanic stone, cedar screens — with Aman's signature serene minimalism. The spa features Tokyo's finest onsen facilities using deep-sourced mineral water. One of the world's most lauded urban hotels.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Tokyo
Occupying floors 30-37 of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offers spectacular skyline views from all rooms. The hotel has earned accolades for its six restaurants (two with Michelin stars), the Nihonbashi-Mandarin Oriental Spa, and its exquisite fusion of Japanese aesthetics and international luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo blends classic European elegance with Japanese precision in an enviable location steps from the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Hibiya Park. The hotel's 24 floors house 314 rooms with custom-designed technology panels at every bedside. The rooftop Peter restaurant and Hei Fung Terrace offer iconic views.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Tokyo
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
Jiro Ono's legendary omakase sushi restaurant, subject of the documentary 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' and holder of three Michelin stars for decades. The 10-seat counter in Ginza serves a precisely choreographed sequence of nigiri. Now run by Jiro's son Yoshikazu Ono. Reservations are extremely difficult and typically require a hotel concierge or specialist service.
Narisawa
Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's 2-Michelin-star restaurant is consistently ranked among the world's best, celebrating Japan's satoyama (countryside ecosystem) cuisine. Every dish tells a story of Japan's forests, rivers, and coastlines using hyper-seasonal Japanese ingredients presented with extraordinary artistry. The bread baked at tableside in embers is iconic.
Den
Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa's 2-Michelin-star restaurant brings wit and playfulness to kaiseki-inspired Japanese cuisine. Famous for the 'JFC' (Japan Fried Chicken) amuse-bouche served with a menu in a KFC-style box, and the carrot-shaped bowl filled with vegetable dashi. Den is creative, unpretentious, and deeply joyful — a rare combination at this level.
Sushi Saito
Among Tokyo's most coveted sushi reservations, Saito is a 3-Michelin-star counter where chef Takashi Saito works with only the finest seasonal seafood. The restaurant serves a classical Edomae omakase with extraordinary attention to temperature, seasoning, and fish aging. Near-impossible to book without a connection or luxury hotel concierge assistance.
Kondo
Chef Fumio Kondo is widely considered Japan's greatest living tempura master, operating this 1-Michelin-star restaurant in Ginza for decades. His signature item is a whole sweet potato (satoimo) that takes 40 minutes to cook to perfection in rapeseed oil. The seasonal vegetable and seafood tempura omakase is a masterclass in frying technique.
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
A famous multi-floor izakaya with dramatic interior of soaring bamboo columns and wooden galleries, said to have inspired the Crazy 88 fight scene setting in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. Serves Japanese classics including soba, yakitori, robata grilled items, and sashimi in a spectacular theatrical setting. Lively and popular with foreigners.
Getting around Tokyo
Tokyo's public transportation system is world-renowned for its efficiency, punctuality, and coverage. The city has 13 subway lines, extensive JR rail networks, private rail lines, and bus routes, making virtually every corner of the city easily accessible. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo work across all systems. Most locals never need a taxi or car.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in JPY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $300 |
| Food (per day) | $15 | $40 | $120 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily total | $60 | $150 | $500 |
Best time to visit Tokyo
Essential travel tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless transport
- Book popular restaurants well in advance
- Many attractions are free or low-cost
- Tokyo is very cash-oriented, carry yen
Safety information
Tokyo is safe to walk alone at night in virtually all neighborhoods — crime rates are exceptionally low
Keep belongings secure in crowded areas like Shibuya Crossing and on busy trains during rush hour
Follow earthquake safety procedures posted in hotels: Drop, Cover, Hold On
Be aware of typhoon season (June-October) and follow NHK World emergency broadcasts
Carry cash at all times — many small shops, shrines, and eateries are cash-only
Kabukicho in Shinjuku (red-light district) is generally safe to walk through but hostess bar touts may be persistent — a firm 'kekko desu' (no thank you) suffices
Keep emergency contact numbers accessible: Police 110, Ambulance and Fire 119
Register with the relevant embassy on arrival for emergency notifications
Drink tap water freely — Tokyo's tap water is clean and safe throughout the city
Beware of overcharging at unlicensed bars, particularly in Roppongi — always check prices before ordering
The Japan Helpline (0120-461-997) provides 24/7 English emergency assistance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tokyo?
Visitors from many countries enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for 90 days. Check MOFA Japan for your nationality. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Tokyo?
The currency in Tokyo is the Japanese Yen (JPY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Tokyo?
The main language(s) spoken in Tokyo: Japanese. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.