Tokyo

Travel Guide

Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo which includes skyline, night scenes and a city
Tokyo

Tokyo Travel Guide Video

Futuristic and fascinating, Tokyo is a world city that should be on everyone's travel agenda.

One of the world's largest cities – 30 million people call Tokyo home – is a city of contrasts. Few other places in the world are such a jumble of science-fiction-style skyscrapers bristling with modernity next door to narrow alleys packed with dark, smoky restaurants and ancient temples. Though Tokyo was shaken badly by the March 2011 earthquake, the city sustained remarkably little damage, and now life is fully back to normal.

The first Tokyoites settled here around 10,000 BC and Edo, as it was known, remained a sleepy fishing village for thousands of years. But Edo was to grow to become the world’s largest city. In 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning Eastern Capital, as the country embarked on a massive round of empire building, which eventually led to the calamitous World War II. Half the city was completely destroyed in air raids, and what was left now coexists with a thoroughly modern city.

On arrival, the first thing you should do is head up to the top of a skyscraper to get the lay of the land. From the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Mori Tower and Tokyo Skytree, you can admire the city's iconic landmarks and even see all the way to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo's fascinating street life is one of the city's highlights: head to the city's liveliest district Shinjuku to experience its atmosphere. The Roppongi Hills complex in the heart of the city is another unmissable sight with great nightlife and entertainment options galore.

Although thoroughly modern, Tokyo has not forgotten its past. The Tokyo National Museum has a vast collection with some artefacts dating back 12,000 years. Learn more about Japan's emperors at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which has been home to shoguns and emperors for centuries. Visit the Yasukuni shrine, which commemorates the 2 million citizens who gave their lives for their country during the Meiji Restoration. Traditional Buddhist spirituality dates back thousands of years and can be explored at the Sensoji Temple

Despite its huge population, Tokyo has plenty of open spaces. The world-famous cherry blossoms are in bloom in late March and early April, and Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular destination if you want to admire the blooms.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku featuring a city, street scenes and night scenes

Shinjuku

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Shinjuku. Check out top attractions like Samurai Museum and Hanazono Shrine, and jump on the metro at Shinjuku-sanchome Station or Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station to see more of the city.

Shinjuku
Shibuya Crossing featuring a city, a square or plaza and modern architecture

Shibuya

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Shibuya is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Shibuya Crossing and Yoyogi National Gymnasium. See more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Shibuya Station or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station.

Shibuya
Ginza showing signage, street scenes and skyline

Ginza

5/5(6 area reviews)

Travelers love Ginza for its popular shops, and you can see more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Ginza Station or Higashi-ginza Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Ginza Six and Yamaha Hall.

Ginza
Sensō-ji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, signage and religious aspects

Asakusa

5/5(4 area reviews)

Asakusa is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sensoji Temple or Asakusa Shrine.

Asakusa
Ueno

Ueno

5/5(3 area reviews)

Travelers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ameyoko Shopping District.

Ueno
Akasaka

Akasaka

4/5(4 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Tokyo Midtown while getting to know Akasaka, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nogizaka Station or Akasaka Station to see more of the area.

Akasaka
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is P6,870 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P6,870
P8,312 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,455 reviews)
"Clean. Tavern was limited. Places nearby were only eating."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
4 out of 5
2-8-16 Shiomi, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is P10,415 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
P10,415
P12,945 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,008 reviews)
"The private onsen was comfortable and nice."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
4 out of 5
2-7-1 Hanedakuko, Oota, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is P5,336 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
P5,336
P5,987 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,001 reviews)
"I loved how the hotel is a few minutes walk from the Haneda terminal 3 airport and makes it very convenient to stay when arriving to Japan or when to fly out."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi
3.5 out of 5
2-8- Kotobuki, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (237 reviews)
"The hotel is in a great quieter area that is very close by to train systems. There are multiple konbini stores within minutes of the hotel which is very convenient. The room that we stayed in was large enough for a small family of 4 with separate areas for adults and kids. The addition of washer ..."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
4 out of 5
3-chome-24-2 Nishiasakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Rooms were comfortable and spacious since we got an upgrade. Check-in was quick and easy. We were able to drop off our luggages before checking in."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST
Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST
4 out of 5
1-9-12 Irifune, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"We are so happy with our stay here. Family of 4 (kids 11 and 12). We were lucky to book a larger suite and it felt like home away from home. The property is brand new, and being central to a lot of places we wanted to visit, the location is awesome! We walked to the Pokemon Center DX in Ginza with ..."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Premium Apart MONday GINZA EAST
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tokyo

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
91
5 - Excellent 84%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The best

5/5 - Excellent

Abi

I love Tokyo Japan!

5/5 - Excellent

Clygie

The train system seems complicated at first but once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a very smooth Tokyo experience with their very efficient transport system!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My Family wants to return back again to visit Tokyo and others parts of Japan. We love Japan ❤️❤️❤️

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Have been spending the holidays in Tokyo for several years now and decided to try Osaka in 2018. It was nice but we decided to go back to Tokyo for the holidays in 2019 as it is more our speed there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a mix of modern and traditional and I love it!