Tokyo Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of many centres, each with its own character, so it rewards travellers who explore one or two districts at a time on foot and by train.

• Senso-ji, Asakusa — Tokyo’s oldest temple, approached through the Kaminarimon gate and the lively Nakamise shopping street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
• Meiji Jingu — A serene Shinto shrine set in a large forest right next to Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
• Shibuya Crossing — Experience one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, then explore the surrounding shops, cafes and nightlife.
• Shinjuku — Enjoy skyline views from the free observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, then wander the tiny bars of Omoide Yokocho and the calm of Shinjuku Gyoen garden.
• Ueno Park — Home to several major museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, as well as a zoo and a famous cherry blossom avenue.
• Tsukiji Outer Market — Sample fresh seafood, sushi and street snacks in a bustling market district that has fed the city for generations.
• Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower — Two landmark towers offering panoramic views over the city and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

Best time to visit Tokyo

The most popular seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). Late March to early April brings the famous cherry blossom season, when parks fill with hanami picnics, while autumn offers crisp, clear days and colourful foliage in gardens and temple grounds. Both periods are busy, so book accommodation well ahead.

June to mid-July is the rainy season, and summer (July to August) is hot and humid, though it is also the time of lively summer festivals and fireworks displays. Late summer and early autumn can bring typhoons. Winter (December to February) is cold but usually dry and sunny, with excellent chances of seeing Mount Fuji from high viewpoints.

Crowds peak during Golden Week (late April to early May), the Obon holidays in mid-August and the New Year period, when many Japanese travel and some businesses close. Visiting just outside these weeks makes for a calmer trip.

Getting from the airport

Narita International Airport is in Chiba Prefecture, roughly 60 km east of central Tokyo. Despite the distance, rail links are fast and easy to use, with signs in English. Tokyo is also served by Haneda Airport, which is closer to the city centre.

• Keisei Skyliner — The fastest train to the city, reaching Nippori in around 40 minutes and Ueno shortly after, convenient for Asakusa and northern Tokyo.
• Narita Express — A JR limited express train to Tokyo Station in about 1 hour, continuing to Shinagawa, Shibuya and Shinjuku, with reserved seats and luggage space.
• Keisei Access Express and local trains — Slower, budget-friendly services connecting to the subway network, taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Airport limousine buses — Direct buses to major stations and many hotels, typically taking 60 to 120 minutes depending on traffic.
• Taxi — Available but expensive over this distance; allow 60 to 90 minutes.

Where to stay

Because Tokyo is so large, choosing a base near a major train or subway station will save a lot of travel time. Each district offers a very different atmosphere, and hotel rooms are often compact, so book early for the busy spring and autumn seasons.

• Shinjuku — A major transport hub with endless dining, shopping and nightlife, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action.
• Shibuya and Harajuku — Youthful and trend-setting, great for shoppers, fashion lovers and those who enjoy a lively evening scene.
• Ginza and Tokyo Station area — Polished and central, suited to business travellers and those who want upscale shopping and easy rail connections.
• Asakusa and Ueno — More traditional and often better value, with temples, museums and convenient trains to Narita.
• Roppongi and Akasaka — International and cosmopolitan, with art museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Travel tips

• Use an IC card — A rechargeable contactless card works on trains, subways and buses across Tokyo, and in many convenience stores and vending machines.
• Carry some cash — Cards are widely accepted in larger shops and hotels, but smaller restaurants, shrines and markets may be cash only. Convenience store ATMs usually accept foreign cards.
• No tipping — Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is simply expected.
• Etiquette — Keep quiet on trains, avoid phone calls on board, queue neatly on platforms and remove your shoes where indicated. Rubbish bins are rare, so carry a small bag for litter and sort waste where bins are provided.
• Safety — Tokyo is widely regarded as very safe, but take normal precautions with belongings and familiarise yourself with earthquake guidance posted in hotels.
• Entry requirements — Rules vary by nationality and can change. Check before you travel.