Tokyo Travel Guide

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Tokyo is one of those cities that manages to be everything at once—historic and futuristic, peaceful and electric, massive yet full of quiet corners. Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, vibrant fashion districts, high-speed trains, or tiny basement ramen shops, Tokyo delivers. It’s also surprisingly easy to navigate, solo-traveler friendly, and full of hidden gems beyond the usual guidebook stops.

This blog is your starting point into what makes Tokyo so endlessly fascinating. From how to plan your visit and where to stay, to tips for getting around and what not to miss—we’ve got you covered.

Tokyo is more than a checklist of sights. It’s a city you feel. Let’s explore.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are generally the most pleasant times to visit—thanks to mild temperatures, natural beauty, and a packed calendar of seasonal events.

Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossom Magic
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo, and for good reason. Late March through early April is peak cherry blossom season, when parks like Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Meguro River burst into bloom. Expect comfortable temperatures in the 50s–70s°F and plenty of outdoor festivals. Just be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, especially around blossom forecasts.

Fall (September–November): Colorful and Calm
Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. The foliage typically peaks from late October through November, painting the city in shades of red and gold. It’s a great season for strolling through gardens and shrines, and the humidity of summer is long gone. This is also an ideal time for food lovers—seasonal specialties and food festivals are everywhere.

Summer (June–August): Hot, Humid, and Lively
Tokyo summers are hot and humid, with average highs in the 80s–90s°F. June often brings a rainy season, followed by a steamy July and August. Still, if you’re up for the heat, summer is full of cultural energy—matsuri (festivals), fireworks, and vibrant street life make this a uniquely exciting time to visit. Just plan for indoor breaks and stay hydrated.

Winter (December–February): Chilly but Clear
Winter is cold but generally dry and sunny. Highs average in the 40s–50s°F, and while snow is rare in central Tokyo, the city sparkles with winter illuminations and festive markets. It’s also a great time for soaking in an onsen, enjoying hot bowls of ramen, and exploring the city without the heavy crowds of other seasons.

When to Avoid Traveling
Tokyo experiences a few national holidays and travel booms where crowds and prices spike. If possible, try to avoid:

• New Year’s (late December–early January): Many attractions and restaurants close for several days.
• Golden Week (April 29–May 5): One of Japan’s busiest travel weeks, with heavy domestic tourism.
• Obon Festival (mid-August): A traditional holiday for family gatherings; travel demand increases and some areas are crowded.

How to Get to Tokyo

Tokyo is served by two major international airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Both are well-connected to the city, but there are a few differences to keep in mind.

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo—about 30 minutes by train or car—making it the more convenient option for most travelers. It handles a growing number of international flights and is generally faster to navigate upon arrival.

Narita is located farther out, roughly 60–90 minutes from central Tokyo depending on your mode of transport. While it’s a bit more of a journey, it often services more international routes, especially from North America and Europe.

Both airports are accessible via Tokyo’s excellent public transportation system. The train is typically the fastest and most cost-effective option, though airport limousine buses are a great alternative if you prefer a more relaxed ride (especially if you’re dealing with bulky luggage or arriving late at night).

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are available, but they’re quite expensive and usually not the most practical choice for airport transfers.

Average Temperatures in Tokyo
January 35° F / 50° F
April 50° F / 66° F
July 73° F / 85° F
October 58° F / 71° F

Find out if you need a Japan Visa for your trip.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Tokyo?

Tokyo is massive, vibrant, and endlessly fascinating—you could easily spend weeks here and still just scratch the surface. But if you’re trying to plan your trip, here’s what to keep in mind:

3 Days – Great for a Fast-Paced Intro

You can cover the big highlights like Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower or Skytree, and maybe squeeze in a day trip to places like Nikko or Kamakura if you’re ambitious. Be prepared for busy days and lots of train-hopping!

5–7 Days – The Sweet Spot

With a week in Tokyo, you can balance major sights with more relaxed exploring. Think neighborhood hopping (like Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, and Daikanyama), trying out different food scenes, and maybe even spending a half-day getting lost in a Japanese bookstore or arcade. You’ll also have time for a day trip or two—Hakone, Yokohama, or Disney Resort are popular options.

More Than a Week?

If you’ve got more time, you’re in luck. Tokyo is a great home base for exploring nearby regions via train, and the city itself is full of niche subcultures, local cafés, small museums, and pockets of calm that most tourists never reach.

The Bottom Line: You can see a lot of Tokyo in a few days, but it’s one of those cities that gets better the deeper you go. Whether you’re in town for 3 days or 13, it’ll leave you wanting more—and it’s always worth coming back!

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo is a huge city made up of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different atmosphere and experience. The best place to stay really depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s convenience, culture, nightlife, or quiet. Here are a few standout areas to consider, along with a recommended hotel in each:

Shinjuku – Lively, Central, and Well-Connected
Shinjuku is a major transportation hub with endless dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It’s a great base if you want a little bit of everything and quick access to other parts of the city.
Why stay here: Excellent for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and night owls. You’re never far from restaurants, convenience stores, or a train station.
Suggested hotel: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Right in the heart of Kabukicho with comfortable rooms, great amenities, and the iconic Godzilla head on the terrace. It’s fun, central, and surprisingly quiet once inside.

Asakusa – Traditional Tokyo with a Historic Feel
Asakusa is home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and offers a more traditional, relaxed vibe. It’s perfect if you want to stay somewhere walkable, scenic, and a bit more laid back.
Why stay here: Great for history lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for a quieter base.
Suggested hotel: The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon – Stylish, modern, and just steps from the temple. Bonus: rooftop views of Tokyo Skytree and the river.

Shibuya – Youthful Energy and Endless Action
Shibuya is famous for its massive crossing and fast-paced energy. It’s a popular choice for younger travelers, shopping enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to be in the middle of it all.
Why stay here: Ideal for those who love nightlife, fashion, and being surrounded by constant movement.
Suggested hotel: Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu – Modern, well-located just a short walk from Shibuya Station, and connected to the vibrant Shibuya Stream complex with shops and restaurants.

Ginza – Upscale and Sophisticated
Ginza is Tokyo’s luxury district, known for high-end shopping, fine dining, and sleek architecture. It’s quieter in the evenings and well-located for those who want a more refined stay.
Why stay here: Best for couples, business travelers, or anyone looking for a polished, peaceful home base.
Suggested hotel: Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo – Clean, beautifully designed, and located right in the heart of Ginza, just across from the subway. A great mix of comfort and style without the sky-high price tag.

Bonus: Tokyo Station/Marunouchi – Ultra Convenient for Transit and Day Trips
If you’re planning to take a lot of day trips or hop on the Shinkansen, staying near Tokyo Station puts you in a prime spot. It’s more business-focused but very efficient and well-connected.
Suggested hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi – Steps from Tokyo Station with easy train access and views of the city skyline. Ideal for convenience and comfort.

How to Get Around Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo is surprisingly easy, thanks to one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. While taxis and Ubers are available, they tend to be expensive and are usually not the most practical way to get around the city.

The Tokyo Metro and JR train systems are the go-to options for both locals and visitors. They’re clean, punctual, and reach virtually every part of the city. Navigating them is straightforward, especially with the help of Google Maps, which offers incredibly accurate, real-time transit directions—down to platform numbers and even which train car to board for the smoothest transfer.

Tip: Make sure you have reliable data while you’re in Tokyo. An eSIM or pocket WiFi rental will make it much easier to use Google Maps and stay connected throughout the day.

For paying fares, skip the paper tickets and use a Suica or PASMO card, which you can pick up at any train station. These pre-paid IC cards can be used on:

• All subway and train lines
• Buses
• Convenience stores like 7-Eleven
• Vending machines and many shops with the Suica or PASMO logo

You can also add Suica or PASMO to your Apple Wallet (or compatible Android app) to make contactless payments even easier—no physical card required.

Explore Tokyo

Explore Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo is a city that truly offers something for everyone—whether you’re here for the food, culture, history, fashion, or just the thrill of exploring one of the world’s most dynamic cities. It’s also incredibly welcoming to solo travelers, with safe neighborhoods, plenty of single-friendly restaurants, and an overall vibe that makes wandering on your own feel easy and enjoyable.

While it’s impossible to see everything in one trip, the good news is that Tokyo is the kind of place you can return to again and again—discovering something new each time. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of your time in Japan’s capital.

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