Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a bustling city of culture and excitement. From its modern skyscrapers and ancient temples to high-end restaurants and delicious street food, Tokyo delivers!
If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or are a regular guest, we hope that our guide will give you a good overview. Our Guest Editors and frequent Tokyo visitors have selected the best areas, restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Tokyo to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience!
Fast Facts
The climate
In Tokyo, you can expect hot and humid summers and mild winters due to its location in the humid subtropical climate zone. The average temperature stays around 17°C (62°F)!
The currency
The currency used in Tokyo is the Japanese Yen (JPY). The current exchange rate of 1 USD to the JPY is 109.22!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tokyo depends on what kind of activities you are looking for. Generally, the city enjoys a mild climate year-round, making any season an ideal time to visit. However, if you are looking for more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, visiting during late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October) is recommended.
What to do in Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and is absolutely worth a visit. Standing at 634 meters tall, it is the tallest structure in Japan, offering spectacular views of the surrounding cityscape. The tower features two observation decks at different heights that offer stunning panoramic views of the city below. Visitors can also explore the shopping complex at the base of the tower for a unique cultural experience!
Shibuya Crossing
The Shibuya Crossing is a must-see for any visit to Tokyo, as it is one of the world’s busiest and most famous intersections. It is also known as the ‘Barnes Dance’, after an American traffic engineer who designed the crossing system in the 1950s. With its flashing neon lights and hundreds of people crossing all at once, it is a great spot to watch Tokyo come alive at night.
In addition, since it is located near famous landmarks such as the Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Station, it is easy to visit other nearby attractions!
Sensoji Temple
Sensōji Temple is one of the most important historical sites in Tokyo. Located in the Asakusa district, it is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city and a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Built in 645 CE, this ancient temple is a symbol of traditional Japan and remains an integral part of Tokyo’s culture.
Visitors can explore the grounds and make a wish at the temple’s main hall, as well as browse the nearby Nakamise shopping street for traditional souvenirs.
Most of Japan’s major temples are not in Tokyo, but we still highly recommend visiting this one, as it is one of the most beautiful!
Tsukiji and Toyosu Market
Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets are some of the best fish markets in the world and should be on your list when visiting Tokyo for a few important reasons.
First, these two markets offer an unparalleled selection of seafood from both local and international sources; they have everything from fresh tuna to shellfish, so you’ll be able to find whatever type of seafood you’re looking for.
Secondly, Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets offer visitors a great opportunity to explore Japanese culture through its food scenes. The lively atmosphere is full of vendors shouting prices while selecting seafood or chatting with other customers; it really captures the essence of Japan!
Cherry Blossom
If you want to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms, visiting Tokyo during peak season is a great idea. You’ll be able to witness thousands of these stunning flowers in full bloom all over the city, creating a serene and mesmerizing atmosphere.
Everywhere you go, parks and gardens will be bursting with vibrant colors, making it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics or hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The best park to visit is Yoyogi-kōen, the most famous cherry blossom spot in the city.
Watch Sumo
Sumo is a sport steeped in tradition and culture, representing the values of honor, respect, and discipline. It has been the national sport of Japan since 1684 and is still practiced today. Watching sumo is a great way to experience a traditional part of Japanese culture up close.
Sumo bouts take place on raised rings called dohyōs. During the tournament, two sumo wrestlers wrestle one another in order to determine which is the strongest. Watching a live bout can be quite exciting, and you are sure to enjoy it!
Ryōgoku Kokugikan is the biggest and most famous sumo arena in Tokyo, so if you are in town when there is a tournament, make sure you secure your tickets early!
Where to stay
Tokyo has many great areas to stay in, depending on one’s budget and interests. The most central and popular ones are Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ginza.
Shinjuku is the busiest and most vibrant area in Tokyo, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and theaters. Tokyo Station is more business-oriented and offers easy access to other parts of the city. Lastly, Ginza is the most upscale area in Tokyo and a great place for those who enjoy luxury shopping and high-end restaurants.
Shinjuku
If you want to explore Japanese culture and enjoy exciting nightlife, Shinjuku is the ideal area for you. It is the liveliest part of Tokyo, with many options for dining, entertainment, shopping, and performance venues. Shinjuku is renowned for attractions like the Kabukicho entertainment district and revered religious sites such as the Hanazono and the Meiji Shrines.
Shinjuku is also a great place to stay for those who want easy access to other parts of Tokyo; all of the city’s 24-hour train lines are accessible from Shinjuku Station.
Keio Plaza Hotel
The Keio Plaza Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tokyo, offering guests a wide range of luxurious amenities and services. Located in the heart of Shinjuku, it is ideal for those who want to experience Tokyo in all its glory.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a highly-rated hotel located in the Shinjuku area. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms with Hokkaido wood paneling and high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets. In addition, the hotel features a first-class spa and an indoor pool for guests to enjoy.
Tokyo Station
If you want to explore Tokyo easily, choosing Tokyo Station as your base is a great idea. This area provides access to all the 24-hour train lines, allowing you to move around the city conveniently. Besides, Tokyo Station is a business hub, so there are many options for entertainment, shopping, and food within the vicinity, including shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters.
Two popular spots in Tokyo Station are Tokyo Ramen Street and Yaesu Shopping Mall. Yaesu Shopping Mall has a variety of stores that offer clothing, accessories, and electronics. Tokyo Ramen Street is an excellent spot to try out different variations of the city’s popular ramen dishes from various regions!
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a 5-star hotel located near Tokyo Station, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting to explore the city with ease and convenience. This luxurious property offers guests a high-end experience with its fine dining restaurant and award-winning spa!
The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo is a top-rated luxury hotel known for its exceptional service and extravagant amenities. They offer personal training services, and guests can enjoy airport transportation through a Rolls-Royce limousine.
Ginza
If you enjoy shopping and treating yourself, Ginza is an excellent destination for you. Located in Tokyo, this upscale area is home to a variety of luxury boutiques, high-end stores, and gourmet restaurants. Ginza is renowned for its lavish sushi bars and cocktail lounges, where you can indulge in delicious sushi and drinks while admiring the city’s stunning views!
In addition, Ginza’s central location makes it convenient to visit other areas of Tokyo; it boasts several significant landmarks, including the Wako Building and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, which have historical importance.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
The Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo is one of the best hotels in Ginza, offering an unforgettable luxury experience for its guests. It provides a range of luxurious amenities, such as exquisite Japanese-style decor, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a swimming pool. Guests can also relax in the hotel’s signature spa and enjoy relaxing treatments!
Conrad Tokyo
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay in Ginza, consider the Conrad Tokyo. It offers modern amenities like spacious flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, and an amazing spa. Plus, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the rooftop terrace. The hotel’s restaurant has won awards, too!
Our favorite restaurants in Tokyo
With so many delicious options in Tokyo, it can be hard to choose which restaurants to visit. Here are some of our favorites:
SÉZANNE
Sézanne, a Michelin-star restaurant located on the seventh floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, offers modern French cuisine with a classic twist. The food, prepared by Chef Daniel Calvert, is complemented by the beautifully designed interiors brought to life by award-winning interior designer/architect André Fu from Hong Kong.
KOZUE
Kozue, located in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, serves up artfully crafted Japanese cuisine with a modern international twist. The chefs use fresh ingredients to create exquisite dishes that delight the senses. Without a doubt, Chef Yushida creates some of the best Japanese food in the world.
Sushi Katsura
For a genuine and local sushi experience in Tokyo, I recommend checking out Sushi Katsura. This cozy and family-run restaurant has been serving traditional Japanese sushi for more than three decades, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to craft delectable dishes that truly embody the flavor of Japan!
Day trips from Tokyo
Kamakura
Kamakura, a city boasting rich history and scenic views, is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. It is situated just an hour to the south and was the seat of Japan’s first military government in the late 12th century. It is renowned for the blend of temples, shrines, and historical sites it offers. The iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, the second-largest bronze statue in Japan, can also be found there and is definitely worth a visit!
Mount Fuji
If you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to see Mount Fuji, which is just two hours away. It is an amazing natural wonder and Japan’s highest mountain, standing at 3,776 meters tall. You can enjoy stunning views of the mountain, which offer a great insight into Japanese culture and history. And if you love hiking, there are plenty of opportunities for you here as well!
Yokohama
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is an excellent destination for a day trip from Tokyo. There are many attractions to enjoy, including a lively nightlife scene with top clubs and bars, as well as art galleries and museums highlighting the city’s culture and history. Don’t miss the chance to see iconic Yokohama landmarks like the Landmark Tower and Sankeien Garden!
Tokyo – Final words
Tokyo is one of the most interesting cities in the world, offering endless opportunities for exploration and fun. With its unique culture, incredible food scene, stunning scenery, exciting activities, and interesting people, it’s no wonder why so many visitors fall in love with Japan’s capital city! Especially if you haven’t experienced Japanese culture before, then Tokyo will most likely blow you away!