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 Shinjuku Isetan, 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
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! (3,529 reviews)
"Centrally located in a fun and lively part of town. With easy access to train station to all points."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
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 P4,831 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P4,831
P5,432 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (6,241 reviews)
"So convenient to stay at Haneda airport!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
4 out of 5
2-8-16 Shiomi, Tokyo, Tokyo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,230 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
P10,230
P12,715 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
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! (3,139 reviews)
"Breakfast buffet was amazing and a must do. Hotel is very pretty with great amenities. No need to bring toiletries, everything is provided for you including the cutest pj's! The ambience is calm and perfect for vacation mode. We would definitely come back here again."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
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 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! (221 reviews)
"good accommodation, they told us to clean the room every 3 days but they never clean our room until we check out . locationvv"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
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! (255 reviews)
"The room was clean and spacious for our family of 3. The staff was very helpful when services were needed. They assisted with check-in, car service to the airport, recommendations for the surrounding area, and answered any questions that we had. We were very close to a konbini and a three-minute ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi
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! (40 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Friendly staff and very attentive to detail and everyone is nice here"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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!