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Tokyo skyline at night with Tokyo Tower illuminated against a dark sky
Japan

Tokyo

Ancient temples. Electric streets. The world's best food.

Best TimeMar–May · Oct–Nov
LanguageJapanese
CurrencyYen (¥)
From USA12–16 hrs
AirportsHND · NRT

Tokyo is one of the world's great cities — a place where ancient tradition and futuristic innovation exist side by side on the same block. From the serene grounds of Senso-ji Temple to the neon-soaked crossings of Shibuya, every neighborhood tells a different story.

Safe, clean, and surprisingly easy to navigate — Tokyo rewards every extra day you give it. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, there is always something new to discover.

Top Attractions

Places every first-timer should experience — and regulars keep returning to.

Kaminarimon gate of Senso-ji Temple illuminated at night in Asakusa, TokyoAsakusa

Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo's oldest temple, founded 628 AD. Arrive at dawn — the lantern-lit gate is yours before the crowds.

Shibuya scramble crossing at night with neon lights and crowds in TokyoShibuya

Shibuya Crossing

Up to 3,000 people cross at once when the lights change. Watch from the cafés above for the full effect.

Fresh seafood and fish stalls at Tsukiji outer market in TokyoTsukiji

Tsukiji Outer Market

Still the city's freshest seafood, tamagoyaki, and street bites. Get here early — vendors sell out fast.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom over a pond in Shinjuku Gyoen garden, TokyoShinjuku

Shinjuku Gyoen

58 hectares of calm inside Tokyo's most electric district. In spring, the cherry blossoms here are unforgettable.

Food & Dining

More Michelin stars than any city on earth — but the best meals often cost under ¥1,000.

Steaming bowl of Japanese ramen with chashu pork and soft-boiled egg

Ramen

Every regional style. Follow the line.

Assorted nigiri sushi pieces on a wooden board

Sushi

Conveyor belt to omakase — both excellent.

Japanese izakaya pub food spread with grilled skewers and small plates

Izakaya

Skewers, small plates, cold beer. Stay late.

Japanese convenience store shelves with onigiri and bento boxes

Convenience Store

7-Eleven here is a proper meal. Seriously.

Golden crispy tempura shrimp and vegetables served with dipping sauce

Tempura

Light, crisp, legendary. Try Asakusa or Ginza.

Japanese street food stall with yakitori skewers grilling over charcoal

Street Food

Yakitori, crepes, ningyo-yaki — eat standing.

Travel Tips for Tokyo

🚇

Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any station — works on all trains, subways, buses, and convenience store checkouts.

💴

Carry cash. Many local restaurants, shrines, and smaller shops remain cash-only outside major tourist areas.

📱

Download Google Maps offline before landing. Add Google Translate with Japanese for instant camera translation of menus.

🤫

Keep noise low on trains — phone calls are considered rude. Watch locals and follow their lead.

🏨

Stay in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa for the best mix of transit access, food, and atmosphere on a first visit.

Getting There from the USA

Airplane wing over clouds at sunset during a long-haul flight
Recommended

✈️ Haneda Airport (HND)

30 min to central Tokyo by monorail. Closer, faster, expanding US routes.

~12–14 hrs from LA · ~14–16 hrs from NYC

✈️ Narita Airport (NRT)

60–90 min from central Tokyo via Narita Express (N'EX) or Limousine Bus. More international carriers fly here.

N'EX: ~60 min to Shinjuku · ~53 min to Shibuya

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