Tokyo Travel Guide

The Shinjuku skyscraper district seen from Bunkyo, with Mount Fuji in the distance. — Shinjuku skyscrapers · Photo: Morio / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tokyo is a vast metropolis where skyscraper districts, quiet shrines and tiny alley bars sit side by side. Each neighborhood has its own character, so fans of shopping, food, anime or traditional culture will all fill their days quickly.

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Korean MOFA travel advisory: no advisory · some areas have alerts

Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): within 30 km of Fukushima Daiichi NPP and government-designated evacuation zones / rest of Japan: no advisory

Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).

Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.

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Seoul Incheon → Tokyo Narita flights →

Busan Gimhae → Tokyo Narita flights →

Seoul Incheon → Tokyo Haneda flights →

Busan Gimhae → Tokyo Haneda flights →

At a glance

Currency: JPY (¥)
Power & plugs: 100V · Type A/B
Driving side: Left
Tipping: Not expected
Local language: 日本語
How long to stay: 4 to 5 days

Emergency numbers

Police110
Ambulance119
Fire119
Tourist hotline050-3816-2787

When to go

Late March to early April (cherry blossoms) and October-November are ideal. Avoid the June rainy season, the hot and humid July-August, and typhoon season in August-September; Golden Week (late April to early May) and New Year are crowded and pricey. Beyond cherry blossoms, GO TOKYO (the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau) lists spring flower spots such as the rape blossoms at Hama-rikyu Gardens (around late February to mid-March), the wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine (from early to mid-April) and the azaleas at Nezu Shrine. Bloom timing changes every year, so check official bloom and event information.

Monthly climate normals

Warmest: Aug (avg high 31.3°C) · Coolest: Jan (avg low 1.2°C) · Wettest: Oct (234.8 mm)

	High °C	Low °C	Rain mm
Jan	9.8°	1.2°	59.7
Feb	10.9°	2.1°	56.5
Mar	14.2°	5.0°	116.0
Apr	19.4°	9.8°	133.7
May	23.6°	14.6°	139.7
Jun	26.1°	18.5°	167.8
Jul	29.9°	22.4°	156.2
Aug	31.3°	23.5°	154.7
Sep	27.5°	20.3°	224.9
Oct	22.0°	14.8°	234.8
Nov	16.7°	8.8°	96.3
Dec	12.0°	3.8°	57.9

Monthly averages of daily highs and lows, and average monthly rainfall. Any given year can differ.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tokyo station · 1991–2020 normals —View source

Airport to the city

Narita Express (N'EX)

Direct from Narita to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations. All seats are reserved with luggage space.

Time about 55-90 minCost about 3,000-3,400 yen, depending on the station

Keisei Skyliner

The fastest link from Narita to Nippori and Ueno. Best if you stay around Asakusa or Ueno.

Time about 35-45 minCost about 2,600 yen

Keikyu Line (Haneda)

Quick and cheap from Haneda to Shinagawa, with some trains running through onto the Asakusa Line.

Time about 15-20 minCost about 300-350 yen

Tokyo Monorail (Haneda)

Runs to Hamamatsucho, where you transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Nice views of Tokyo Bay.

Time about 15-20 minCost about 500-520 yen

Getting around

Suica / PASMO IC Card

Buy at station machines or add to Apple Wallet; works on JR, subways, buses and in convenience stores. Top-ups are often cash only.

JR Yamanote Line

A loop line linking Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno and more; the backbone of most itineraries.

Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway

Covers the inner city in detail. Tourist 24/48/72-hour subway passes pay off on busy days.

Taxis

Clean and safe but expensive. The rear door opens automatically, so don't pull it.

Walking

Stations are close together, so walking one or two stops is often faster and more fun.

Where to stay

Shinjuku

Good for: First visit, transport hub

Many lines and late-night dining. The station is a maze, so check your exit in advance.

Shibuya

Good for: Shopping, young vibe

The famous crossing and big malls, with Harajuku and Omotesando within walking distance.

Ginza / Tokyo Station

Good for: Comfort, shinkansen access

Clean, calm and upscale with department stores. Hotels are pricier.

Asakusa / Ueno

Good for: Old Tokyo feel, value

Near Senso-ji and Ueno Park with cheaper hotels. Easy access to Narita.

Ikebukuro

Good for: Anime shopping, value

Big malls and anime stores with good transport links. A bit less hectic than Shinjuku.

Map of stays in Tokyo

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Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

Senso-ji (Asakusa)
Tokyo's oldest temple with snack stalls along Nakamise Street. Go early morning or when lit up at night; free.
Hozomon Gate, Senso-ji, Asakusa · Photo: Sergey Galyonkin / CC BY-SA 2.0
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The iconic mass pedestrian crossing. For an overhead view, visit the paid Shibuya Sky deck.
Meiji Jingu
A forested shrine right next to Harajuku Station, free to enter. Mornings are the most peaceful.
Meiji Jingu approach path · Photo: Daderot / Public domain
Tokyo Skytree
The city's tallest observation deck, with Mt Fuji visible on clear days. Book online to cut waiting time.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Seafood bowls, tamagoyaki and skewers from street stalls. Go in the morning; many shops close by early afternoon.
Ueno Park
Museums, a zoo and top cherry blossom viewing. Combine with the Ameyoko market next door.
Akihabara
The hub of electronics, anime and gaming shops. The main street sometimes becomes pedestrian-only on weekends.
Odaiba
A bayside island with malls and Rainbow Bridge night views. The Yurikamome train ride there is scenic.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Sushi

Conveyor-belt sushi runs about 150-500 yen a plate; counter omakase starts around 10,000 yen. Tsukiji and Ginza have many options.

Ramen

Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso or tsukemen, often ordered via a ticket machine. About 1,000-1,500 yen a bowl.

Izakaya

Japanese pubs serving yakitori and draft beer; Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho alley is classic. Many add a small cover charge (otoshi).

Monjayaki and Okonomiyaki

Savory pancakes cooked on a hot plate at your table; Tsukishima's Monja Street is famous. About 1,500-2,500 yen.

Konbini and Depachika

Convenience stores and department store food halls sell excellent onigiri, bento and desserts. Late evening often brings discount stickers.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout 8,000-10,000 yen per day: hostel, konbini, ramen

Mid-rangeabout 20,000-25,000 yen per day: business hotel, restaurant meals

Comfortabout 50,000 yen+ per day: luxury hotel, omakase dinners

According to a Japan Tourism Agency survey (2025), foreign leisure travellers visiting Tokyo spent an average of about ¥154,000 per person per visit (excluding travel between prefectures). Actual costs vary widely with itinerary and accommodation.

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1
Senso-ji and Nakamise Street in the morning, Tokyo Skytree in the afternoon, then an izakaya dinner near Ueno's Ameyoko.
Day 2
Meiji Jingu in the morning, Harajuku and Omotesando in the afternoon, then sunset views from Shibuya Sky.
Day 3
Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza shopping in the afternoon, then Rainbow Bridge views in Odaiba.
Day 4
Akihabara in the morning, Ikebukuro or Shinjuku Gyoen in the afternoon, then yakitori in Omoide Yokocho.

Local tips

Cards and IC cards are widely accepted, but small eateries and shrines may be cash only, so carry some yen.
There is no tipping, and public trash cans are rare; carry a small bag for your rubbish.
In Tokyo, stand on the left of escalators, and avoid phone calls on trains.
From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping switches to a refund system: you pay the tax at purchase and get it refunded after customs checks your goods at departure. Check official information for the procedure.
An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi makes navigating complex transfers much easier.
Ignore touts in nightlife areas like Kabukicho; overcharging scams do happen.