Things to Do in Tokyo: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide to the Capital of Japan

Tokyo does not ease you in. It greets you with a wall of neon, a wave of commuters moving in perfect order, and the smell of fresh melon bread from a station bakery. Then, ten minutes later, you stand under a giant lantern at a temple founded in the year 628, and the noise drops away. That contrast is the whole point of Tokyo. Ancient shrines sit beside glass towers, and silent gardens hide behind the busiest crossings on earth.

This guide covers the things to do in Tokyo that reward a first visit and a return visit alike. Every entry below is verified against official or major sources and re-checked as of October 2026. Prices and hours change, so treat the figures as a starting point and confirm on the official page before you go.

Top 5 Things to Do in Tokyo

1. Walk through Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the oldest temple in Tokyo.
2. Cross Shibuya Crossing at rush hour, then meet Hachiko, the most loyal dog in Japanese history.
3. See the city from Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world at 634 metres.
4. Walk the forest path to Meiji Shrine, then step straight into the colour of Harajuku.
5. Eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning, when the stalls are at their best.

Freshness note: All opening hours, admission prices, and addresses in this guide were re-checked as of October 2026.

Tokyo at a Glance

Country	Japan
Population	About 14 million in the metropolis
Language	Japanese; English signs are common in stations and major sights
Currency	Japanese yen (JPY)
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC plus 9)
Nearest airports	Haneda (HND), about 30 minutes to central Tokyo; Narita (NRT), about 60 to 90 minutes
Best months	Late March to early April for cherry blossoms; late October to early December for autumn colour
Ideal trip length	3 to 5 days for the city, plus 1 day per day trip

Top 14 Things to Do in Tokyo at a Glance

Attraction	Area	Cost	Time needed
1. Senso-ji Temple	Asakusa	Free	1.5 to 2 hours
2. Tokyo Skytree	Oshiage	From about ¥1,800	1.5 to 2 hours
3. Meiji Shrine and Harajuku	Harajuku	Free (shrine)	2 to 3 hours
4. Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko	Shibuya	Free	1 to 1.5 hours
5. Shinjuku Gyoen	Shinjuku	About ¥500	1.5 to 2 hours
6. Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum	Ueno	Park free; museum about ¥1,000	Half day
7. Akihabara	Akihabara	Free to walk	2 to 3 hours
8. Tsukiji Outer Market	Tsukiji	Free to walk	1.5 to 2 hours
9. teamLab Planets	Toyosu	From about ¥3,600	1.5 to 2 hours
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Decks	Shinjuku	Free	1 hour
11. Imperial Palace East Gardens	Marunouchi	Free	1.5 to 2 hours
12. Ginza	Ginza	Free to walk	2 hours
13. Tokyo City View, Roppongi Hills	Roppongi	About ¥1,800 to ¥2,400	1 to 1.5 hours
14. Rikugien Garden	Komagome	About ¥300	1 to 1.5 hours
Extra: Edo-Tokyo Museum	Ryogoku	About ¥800	1.5 to 2 hours
Extra: Nakano Broadway	Nakano	Free to walk	1.5 to 2 hours
Extra: Shimokitazawa	Shimokitazawa	Free to walk	2 hours

1. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, founded in the year 628 and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. You enter through Kaminarimon, the great Thunder Gate, with its giant red lantern. Beyond the gate runs Nakamise, a shopping arcade of about 250 metres with around 88 to 90 stalls selling rice crackers, sweet bean cakes, fans, and yukata robes. The arcade ends at the main hall, where incense smoke drifts over the courtyard and visitors toss coins and clap in prayer.

Go early. The temple opens before the crowds, and the morning light on the five-story pagoda is worth the alarm.

Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, and photographers.

Do not miss: The view back down Nakamise from the main hall steps, with the Skytree rising behind the rooftops.

Practical info: Free entry. Main Hall open 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM from April to September and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line.

Tip: Visit before 9:00 AM to photograph Kaminarimon without a crowd, then return to Nakamise when the stalls open.

2. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree stands 634 metres tall and is the tallest tower in the world. Two observation levels give you the city in layers: the Tembo Deck at 350 metres and the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres, a sloping glass walkway that circles the tower. On a clear day, Mount Fuji appears on the western horizon. At night, the tower itself is lit in changing colours, and the view turns into a carpet of light.

Book online in advance. Advance tickets cost less than same-day tickets, and buying at the counter adds a surcharge of about ¥500. The Solamachi shopping complex at the base holds an aquarium and dozens of restaurants.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, and sunset lovers.

Do not miss: The glass floor panels on the Tembo Deck, where you look straight down 350 metres.

Practical info: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku. Combination tickets from about ¥3,000 in advance or ¥3,500 same-day; Tembo Deck only from about ¥1,800 in advance or ¥2,400 same-day. Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on holidays, with last entry at 9:00 PM.

Tip: Book a late-afternoon slot to watch daylight fade into night from the Tembo Galleria.

3. Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Meiji Shrine honours Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the rulers who led Japan into the modern age. The shrine was completed in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958. Around 100,000 trees, donated from across Japan, form a 70-hectare forest that muffles the city within minutes of the entrance. The walk from the giant wooden torii gate passes rows of large offering casks.

Step out of the forest and you are in Harajuku, one of the most colourful districts in Tokyo. Takeshita Street is a short, packed lane of crepe stands, street food stalls, and shops selling youth fashion. In the daytime it is pure energy and very family friendly. The contrast between the quiet shrine and the loud street, five minutes apart, is the best free lesson in Tokyo.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, and culture lovers.

Do not miss: The giant torii gate at the shrine entrance, built from 1,500-year-old cypress wood.

Practical info: Free entry to the shrine grounds. Open from sunrise to sunset; hours vary by season. Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line sits beside the shrine entrance.

Tip: Visit the shrine first thing in the morning, then explore Takeshita Street before the midday crowds arrive.

4. Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko

Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. When the lights change, up to about 3,000 people cross at once from every direction, then the flow stops and the cycle starts again. The best way to watch it is from above, from the windows of a second-floor cafe facing the crossing. Then join the crowd yourself and cross diagonally.

Beside the crossing stands the statue of Hachiko, the dog who waited at Shibuya Station for his owner for about nine to ten years after the owner died. The statue is a meeting point for half of Tokyo and a quiet reminder that loyalty is a story the whole city knows.

Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, and evening walkers.

Do not miss: The crossing at rush hour, when the crowd reaches its peak and the neon reflects off the wet pavement after rain.

Practical info: Free to cross and to visit the Hachiko statue. Shibuya Station serves the Yamanote Line, Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and several more.

Tip: Cross once at street level, then watch one full cycle from above to understand the pattern.

5. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the finest gardens in Tokyo, and it sits ten minutes from the busiest station in the world. The garden mixes three styles: a formal French garden, an English landscape garden with wide lawns, and a traditional Japanese garden with ponds and a tea house. About 1,000 cherry trees of more than 65 varieties grow here, so the cherry blossom season runs longer than in most places. The usual peak falls from mid-March to mid-April, with early and late varieties extending the display.

Autumn is the second great season, when the maples turn red and gold in November.

Best for: Nature lovers, families, and cherry blossom chasers.

Do not miss: The Japanese garden in cherry blossom season, when the blossoms reflect in the pond.

Practical info: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku. Adults about ¥500; seniors and students about ¥250; children under 15 free. Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the warm months and 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from October to March. Closed on Mondays, except daily from 25 March to 24 April and from 1 to 15 November.

Tip: Arrive at opening time in cherry blossom season to enjoy the garden before tour groups arrive.

6. Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum

Ueno Park is the cultural heart of Tokyo. The park holds museums, a zoo, temples, and long rows of cherry trees. At its centre stands Tokyo National Museum, founded in 1872 and the oldest and largest museum in Japan. The collection holds more than 120,000 objects, from samurai armour and swords to ancient pottery, painted screens, and Buddhist sculpture. The main Honkan building alone can fill a morning.

Walk the park after the museum. The path from the museum to Ueno Station passes a pond, a pagoda, and Toshogu Shrine, a quiet gold-leafed shrine from the early Edo period. In cherry blossom season, the park is one of the most joyful places in the city.

Best for: History lovers, families, and rainy days.

Do not miss: The samurai armour gallery in the Honkan building.

Practical info: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku. Museum open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and to 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays. Admission is about ¥1,000 for adults; check the official site before your visit, as sources differ on the current price.

Tip: Go on a Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy the museum with smaller crowds and longer hours.

7. Akihabara

Akihabara grew from a post-war black market into Electric Town, the famous denki-gai, where more than 250 electronics shops line the streets. Today it is the world capital of anime, manga, and gaming. Multi-floor shops sell figures, trading cards, retro games, and model kits. Radio Kaikan, rebuilt in 2014 with ten floors of hobby shops, is the landmark of the district.

Even if anime is not your passion, Akihabara is worth a walk. The main street, Chuo-dori, closes to traffic on Sundays and fills with shoppers. Tax-free shopping applies to purchases over ¥10,000 at participating stores, so bring your passport.

Best for: Anime and manga fans, gamers, and electronics shoppers.

Do not miss: The upper floors of Radio Kaikan, where rare figures and vintage games hide.

Practical info: Free to walk. Akihabara Station serves the Yamanote Line, Hibiya Line, and Tsukuba Express. Most shops open from 10:00 or 11:00 AM.

Tip: Visit on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy Chuo-dori as a pedestrian-only street.

8. Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market opened in 1935. When the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu in October 2018, the outer market stayed put, and it is still the best place in Tokyo to eat at street level. Around 400 to 460 shops sell fresh fish, knives, dried goods, fruit, and ready-to-eat snacks. Start with a grilled scallop, a tuna skewer, or a tamagoyaki omelette, then work your way down the lanes.

Go hungry and go early. Most stalls close by early afternoon, and the best vendors sell out before noon. The market is a working market, so keep to the sides of the narrow lanes.

Best for: Food lovers and early risers.

Do not miss: The tuna breakfast at one of the small restaurants behind the main lanes.

Practical info: Free to walk. Best window about 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with most stalls closing around 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Closed mostly on Sundays, some Wednesdays, and from about 30 December to 4 January. Tsukijishijo Station on the Oedo Line, Exit A1.

Tip: Eat small portions at several stalls instead of one big meal, so you can taste more of the market.

9. teamLab Planets, Toyosu

teamLab Planets is an art space where you walk through the art itself. You enter barefoot, wade through shallow water in some rooms, and move through spaces filled with light, mirrors, and floating flowers. The installation has run at Toyosu since 7 July 2018, expanded by about 50 percent in January 2025, and is scheduled to run through the end of 2027. It is one of the most photographed places in Tokyo.

Tickets are date and time specific and are not sold on site, so book online before you go. Wear trousers that you can roll up. Lockers hold your shoes and bags.

Best for: Families, couples, and art lovers.

Do not miss: The Infinite Crystal World, a room of hanging lights that stretches in every direction.

Practical info: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku. About 1 minute from Shin-Toyosu Station. Adults from about ¥3,600; junior and high school students about ¥2,800; children 4 to 12 about ¥1,500; under 3 free. Open from about 8:00 or 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with last entry one hour before closing.

Tip: Book the first slot of the day for the emptiest rooms and the cleanest photos.

10. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks

The best free view in Tokyo sits on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. The twin towers rise 202 metres, and each one holds an observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows. From here you see the Shinjuku skyline, Tokyo Skytree, and, on clear winter days, Mount Fuji. The decks also hold small cafes and souvenir shops, so you can sit with the view for a while.

Security is airport-style, with a bag inspection at the entrance, and queues build at sunset. The North deck and the South deck keep different hours, and each closes on different days, so check which deck is open before you go.

Best for: Budget travellers, first-time visitors, and sunset watchers.

Do not miss: The west-facing windows on a clear winter afternoon, when Mount Fuji is sharpest.

Practical info: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Free entry. North deck 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and to 10:00 PM when the South deck is closed; closed on the second and fourth Mondays. South deck 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM; closed on the first and third Tuesdays. Direct access from Tochomae Station.

Tip: Go on a clear weekday morning to skip the sunset queue and still catch Fuji.

11. Imperial Palace East Gardens

The Imperial Palace East Gardens occupy the site of Edo Castle, the fortress of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle keep itself burned in 1657 and was never rebuilt, but the massive stone walls, moats, and guardhouses remain. Lawns now cover the old castle grounds, and the gardens mix Japanese pines, cherry trees, and seasonal flower beds. The Ninomaru Garden, with its pond and tea house, is the quiet centre of the grounds.

Enter through Otemon Gate, the old main gate. The gardens are free and uncrowded on weekdays.

Best for: History lovers, walkers, and picnic planners.

Do not miss: The stone base of the old castle keep, with views across the gardens from the top.

Practical info: Free entry. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 or 5:00 PM depending on the season; in October, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with last entry at 4:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and Fridays and from 28 December to 3 January. Otemon Gate is about 5 minutes from Otemachi Station, Exit C13a.

Tip: Combine the gardens with a walk around the palace moat, one of the most pleasant loops in Tokyo.

12. Ginza

Ginza is the classic luxury shopping district of Tokyo. Department stores, flagship boutiques, and century-old shops line the main street, and the Wako clock tower at the Ginza 4-chome crossing is the symbol of the district. On weekend afternoons, the main street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian zone, so shoppers stroll down the middle of the road.

Window shopping is the main event here, and it costs nothing. One block off the main street, small galleries and old kissaten coffee shops keep the pre-war character of the district.

Best for: Shoppers, architecture lovers, and food-hall fans.

Do not miss: The Wako clock tower at the Ginza 4-chome crossing, best photographed from the far corner.

Practical info: Free to walk. Ginza Station serves the Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, and Marunouchi Line. Weekend pedestrian hours vary; check the local signs on the day.

Tip: Visit the department-store food halls in the basement floors for the best-value luxury lunch in Tokyo.

13. Tokyo City View, Roppongi Hills

Tokyo City View sits on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, 250 metres above the ground. The indoor deck gives a full 360-degree panorama of the city, with Tokyo Tower in the foreground and the Skytree on the horizon. Admission covers both the deck and the Mori Art Museum, so the visit pairs a great view with a major exhibition. On clear days, the rooftop Sky Deck opens for an extra fee, weather permitting.

Come near sunset to watch the city change colour from the deck.

Best for: View lovers, art lovers, and evening visitors.

Do not miss: The sunset hour, when Tokyo Tower lights up and the city turns gold.

Practical info: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last admission at 9:00 PM. Admission about ¥1,800 to ¥2,400 for adults, with prices varying by season and by online or on-site purchase. Sky Deck extra about ¥500.

Tip: Buy online in advance to save money and skip the ticket counter queue.

14. Rikugien Garden

Rikugien is one of the finest traditional Japanese gardens in Tokyo. The garden was built between 1695 and 1702 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a close aide of the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi. Every path and pond in the garden echoes a scene from classical Japanese poetry, and the central pond reflects maple trees, stone lanterns, and a small hill built to recall Mount Fuji. The weeping cherry tree near the entrance, about 15 metres high and 20 metres wide, is famous across Japan.

Autumn is the finest season here. From late November to early December, the garden opens late for an illumination, with the maple trees lit until about 8:30 PM. Spring brings the weeping cherry into full bloom.

Best for: Garden lovers, photographers, and quiet mornings.

Do not miss: The view of the pond from the Tsutsuji-no-chaya tea house.

Practical info: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku. Adults about ¥300; seniors about ¥150. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Closed from 29 December to 1 January. About 7 minutes on foot from Komagome Station.

Tip: Visit in the first hour after opening to enjoy the garden in near silence.

Three More Worth Your Time

Edo-Tokyo Museum, Ryogoku

The Edo-Tokyo Museum tells the story of Tokyo from a small fishing village to a modern capital. The permanent hall covers about 9,000 square metres and holds a full-size replica of the Nihonbashi bridge, a model of a merchant town from the Edo period, and displays on daily life in old Edo. The museum reopened on 31 March 2026 after a four-year renovation.

Best for: History lovers and families.

Do not miss: The Nihonbashi bridge replica at the entrance of the permanent hall.

Practical info: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku. Adults about ¥800 for the permanent exhibition. Open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and to 7:30 PM on Saturdays. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Mondays. Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line and Oedo Line.

Tip: Pair the museum with a walk around Ryogoku, the home of sumo, for a full old-Tokyo morning.

Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is a four-floor shopping arcade that opened in 1966, and it is the best place in Tokyo for collectors. About 300 shops fill the building: the lower floors sell watches, cameras, and fashion, and the upper floors hold manga, figures, and vintage toys. Mandarake, the famous second-hand manga chain, started here.

Best for: Collectors, manga fans, and bargain hunters.

Do not miss: The eight-flavour soft serve in the basement.

Practical info: 5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku. Free entry. Building open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though many hobby shops open around noon. About 5 minutes on foot from Nakano Station through the Sun Mall arcade.

Tip: Go after noon, when the hobby shops on the upper floors are all open.

Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is the bohemian quarter of Tokyo, a maze of narrow lanes filled with vintage clothing shops, used bookstores, and small cafes. The district sits only three minutes from Shibuya by the Keio Inokashira Line, yet it feels like a different city. The New York Joe Exchange, set in a former bathhouse, and the Toyo Department Annex at MIKAN Shimokita are two of the best vintage stops.

Best for: Vintage shoppers, cafe lovers, and slow afternoons.

Do not miss: The side lanes off the main streets, where the smallest and best shops hide.

Practical info: 2-11-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Free to walk. About 3 minutes from Shibuya by the Keio Inokashira Line, fare about ¥130. Many shops are cash-heavy, so carry about ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 in cash.

Tip: Arrive after noon and stay for an early dinner at one of the small cafes.

Three Easy Day Trips from Tokyo

Nikko and Toshogu Shrine

Nikko, about two hours from Tokyo by Tobu limited express from Asakusa, holds one of the most decorated shrines in Japan. Toshogu Shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and holds eight National Treasure structures. The Yomeimon Gate is covered in carvings, the Three Monkeys panel teaches the old proverb, and the Sleeping Cat guards the path up 207 steps to the Inner Sanctuary.

Best for: History lovers and nature lovers.

Do not miss: The Yomeimon Gate in morning light, before the tour groups arrive.

Practical info: Toshogu admission about ¥1,600. Opens at 9:00 AM, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Shinkyo Bridge crossing about ¥300. Autumn colour peaks from mid-October to early November.

Tip: Catch the first morning train from Asakusa to reach Toshogu before the crowds.

Kamakura, the Great Buddha and Hase-dera

Kamakura, about one hour south of Tokyo, was the first military capital of Japan. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is a bronze statue about 13.35 metres tall and weighing about 93 tons, cast in 1252. You can walk inside the statue for a small extra fee. A short walk away, Hase-dera temple holds an 11-headed Kannon statue more than 9 metres tall.

Best for: First-time visitors and families.

Do not miss: The view of the Great Buddha framed by the temple gate.

Practical info: Kotoku-in, 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura. Adults about ¥300; children about ¥150; interior about ¥50. Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM from April to September and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. Hase-dera, 3-11-2 Hase. Adults about ¥400; check the official site before your visit, as sources differ on the current price. Hours about 8:00 AM to 5:00 or 5:30 PM. Hase Station on the Enoden Line, about 7 minutes on foot.

Tip: Ride the little Enoden train between Hase and Kamakura stations for one of the prettiest train rides in Japan.

Mount Fuji Viewpoints: Lake Kawaguchi and Chureito Pagoda

Mount Fuji is about two hours from Tokyo, and the best way to enjoy it on a day trip is from the viewpoints around Lake Kawaguchi. The Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park frames the mountain behind a five-story pagoda, after a climb of 397 steps. Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi gives a wide, open view across the water. Nearby Oshino Hakkai holds eight spring ponds with clear water fed by melted snow from Fuji.

The viewpoints are open year-round. Winter gives the clearest views, while spring adds cherry blossoms and autumn adds red maples to the foreground.

Best for: Photographers and nature lovers.

Do not miss: The Chureito Pagoda at sunrise, when the mountain glows pink.

Practical info: Free entry to the viewpoints. About 2 hours from Tokyo by train and bus. Start early to allow time for the weather to clear.

Tip: Check a Mount Fuji visibility forecast before you travel, and keep a backup plan for a cloudy day.

Where to Eat in Tokyo

Tokyo holds more Michelin stars than any other city on earth, but the best meals are often the simplest. Start with the halal options below.

Halal Restaurants

Honolu Ramen. Halal-certified ramen with chicken-based broth. Branches include Ebisu at 1-23-1 Ebisuminami, Shibuya-ku; Asakusa at 2-5-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku; and Shinjuku Gyoenmae at 1-11-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Hours about 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Check the branch page before you go, as hours vary by branch.

Toribushi. A 100 percent halal-certified restaurant in the Taito and Okachimachi area, known for tori paitan, a rich chicken ramen. Ask for the halal menu on arrival and confirm the current hours before you go.

Menya Kaijin, Shinjuku. A small ramen shop serving a halal fish ramen with a clear, light broth and a chicken meatball on top. The halal version is served on request and portions are limited each day, so go early. Address: 3-35-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, about 2 minutes from Shinjuku Station South Exit.

More Places to Eat

Tsukiji Outer Market. The best breakfast in Tokyo. Eat tuna, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki omelette at the stalls, standing up, like a local.

Department-store food halls. The basement floors of Ginza department stores sell beautifully packed sushi, fried chicken, and sweets. Buy a bento and eat it in a park for one of the best-value lunches in the city.

Takoyaki and street snacks. In Harajuku and Asakusa, street stalls sell takoyaki, octopus balls with a crisp outside and a soft centre, plus sweet potato snacks and melon bread. Check the ingredients list if you need halal food, and ask the stall staff when unsure.

Book Your Tokyo Tickets Online

Skip the ticket lines and book in advance. Every link below goes to the official ticket page for that attraction.

Attraction	Tickets
Tokyo Skytree	Book Tickets
Tokyo National Museum	Book Tickets
teamLab Planets	Book Tickets
Tokyo City View	Book Tickets
Edo-Tokyo Museum	Book Tickets

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Stay near a Yamanote Line station to keep every sight within one train ride. Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station are the most practical bases. Asakusa is quieter and cheaper, with old-Tokyo charm.

Hotel	Area	Tier	Why stay here
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho	1-2 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku	Luxury	Upper-floor rooms with city views, near the Imperial Palace
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku	1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku	Mid-range	Shinjuku base with a famous Godzilla head on the terrace
Hotel Niwa Tokyo	1-1-16 Kanda Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku	Mid-range	Quiet Japanese-style hotel with four gardens
NOHGA Hotel Akihabara Tokyo	3-10-11 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku	Budget	Stylish lifestyle hotel beside Akihabara

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo runs on trains. The JR Yamanote Line loops the city centre and connects the main districts. Tokyo Metro runs nine subway lines and Toei Subway runs four more, all on the same map. Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any station and tap in and out; the card works on trains, subways, and buses, and at convenience stores and vending machines. The Japan Rail Pass does not cover Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines, so it only helps if you take day trips on JR lines.

Tokyo Metro fares run from about ¥180 to ¥330 with an IC card, depending on distance. Toei fares run from about ¥180 to ¥430. Trains run from about 5:00 AM to midnight. Taxis are clean and safe but costly for long distances.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Late March to early April is the classic season, when cherry blossoms open across the city. Late October to early December brings autumn colour and clear skies. Summer is hot and humid, with the rainy season from June to mid-July. Winter is cold but often bright.

Season	Months	Average temperature	What to expect
Winter	December to February	About 4 to 7°C	Cold, bright, clear Fuji views, few crowds
Spring	March to May	About 8 to 18°C	Cherry blossoms late March to early April, mild and busy
Summer	June to August	About 21 to 27°C	Rainy season June to mid-July, then hot and humid
Autumn	September to November	About 12 to 23°C	Autumn colour late October to early December, heaviest rain in September and October

A 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1: Old and New	Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise in Asakusa	Tokyo Skytree, then Edo-Tokyo Museum	Akihabara lights and dinner
Day 2: West Tokyo	Meiji Shrine and Harajuku	Shinjuku Gyoen, then the Metropolitan Government Building decks	Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko
Day 3: Culture and Food	Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast, then Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum	Ginza shopping and Rikugien Garden	Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills

How Much Does a Trip to Tokyo Cost?

Tokyo can fit almost any budget. The figures below are planning estimates per person per day, in yen, with approximate US dollar equivalents at about 150 yen to the dollar.

Category	Budget	Mid-range	Comfort
Hotel	¥8,000 to ¥12,000 (about $53 to $80)	¥20,000 to ¥35,000 (about $133 to $233)	¥50,000 and up (about $333 and up)
Food	¥3,000 to ¥5,000 (about $20 to $33)	¥8,000 to ¥12,000 (about $53 to $80)	¥15,000 and up (about $100 and up)
Transport	¥800 to ¥1,200 (about $5 to $8)	¥1,000 to ¥1,500 (about $7 to $10)	¥1,500 and up (about $10 and up)
Attractions	¥1,500 to ¥3,000 (about $10 to $20)	¥3,000 to ¥5,000 (about $20 to $33)	¥5,000 and up (about $33 and up)
Daily total	About ¥13,300 to ¥21,200 (about $89 to $141)	About ¥32,000 to ¥53,500 (about $213 to $357)	About ¥71,500 and up (about $477 and up)

Practical Tips for Visiting Tokyo

• Carry cash. Many small shops, temples, and restaurants still take cash only. Convenience store ATMs accept foreign cards.
• Get an IC card on arrival. A Suica or Pasmo card covers almost all city transport and small purchases.
• Book paid sights in advance. teamLab Planets sells no tickets on site, and Skytree advance tickets cost less.
• Stand on the left on escalators. In Tokyo, people stand on the left and walk on the right.
• Keep your voice low on trains. Quiet carriages are the norm in Tokyo, even at rush hour.
• Mosque and prayer spaces. Tokyo Camii and Turkish Culture Center, at 1-19-20 Oyama-cho, Shibuya, is the largest mosque in Tokyo, with an Ottoman-style prayer hall. It is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and free guided tours run on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at about 2:30 PM. Prayer times are not published in this guide; confirm them at the mosque. A second prayer space sits on the 5th floor of Shibuya PARCO at 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya, with room for about four to five people per gender area and ablution water available.
• Check the weather for Mount Fuji. The mountain hides behind clouds on many summer days, so plan viewpoint trips for clear winter or autumn mornings.
• Pack light for temples and gardens. You will walk a lot, and many sights involve stairs, gravel paths, and standing in line.

Map: Tokyo on Google Maps

Conclusion

Tokyo rewards curiosity. Every train stop opens a new district, every side street hides a garden or a tiny restaurant, and every famous sight earns its fame. Start with the classics in this guide, then let the city pull you into its quiet corners. Three days gives you the highlights. Five days lets you slow down.

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