About Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of extraordinary contrasts — a place where the cutting-edge 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.
Quick Overview
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
Best Places to Visit in Tokyo
Discover the top 5 must-see destinations in Tokyo, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple in Asakusa
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 for Tokyo
Plan your perfect Tokyo trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Tokyo Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Tokyo
- Days 1-2: Tokyo city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tokyo
- Days 1-3: Tokyo comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Tokyo, departure
Where to Stay in Tokyo
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Tokyo offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($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.
Aman 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.
Mandarin 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.
The 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.
Where to Eat in Tokyo
Discover the culinary delights of Tokyo, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
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 for Tokyo
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: JPY.
| 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
Best Season: March-April, October-November
Peak Season: March-April (cherry blossom), July-August
Avoid: June-July (rainy season)
Essential Travel Tips for Tokyo
- 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
Travel Advisory
Tokyo is one of the world's safest major cities with very low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply.
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
Follow local rules on train etiquette
Carry cash as many small establishments are cash-only
Register your accommodation details in case of emergency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is March-April, October-November. June-July (rainy season) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Tokyo?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Tokyo for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
For a comprehensive Tokyo experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Tokyo expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $60 per day, mid-range $150, and luxury $500.