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The top things to know before visiting Tokyo

Navigate your next trip to Tokyo using this essential travel guide to the Japanese capital. | By Paul Oswell | September 20, 2023

Welcome to Tokyo, the gateway to Japan for most visitors. Tokyo is a huge capital city with a scale that may seem daunting at first. The contrasts are stark here — futuristic shopping and business districts line up next to ancient temples, and state-of-the-art fashion complements centuries of tradition. It’s a dynamic jigsaw of a city, teeming with people but so well organized that the flow of energy and movement works. Tokyo is an intriguing kaleidoscope, full of angles just waiting to be discovered.

Here are our top suggestions for making memories in Japan’s largest city:

  • Shop to it: Find niche gadgets in the tech heaven of Akihabara or designer threads in Omotesando

  • Bask in nature: From cherry blossoms to urban parks, Tokyo offers a wealth of outdoor experiences

  • Explore the menu: Start with rounds of sake and plates of grilled chicken at a casual izakaya (traditional pub), or satisfy your ramen cravings at an upscale noodle joint

Why visit Tokyo?

There are many reasons to visit Tokyo, but chief among them are to experience cultural and culinary adventures. From the food stalls of Tsukiji Market to thehigh-end shopping boulevards of Omotesando and the tranquility of Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine, you’ll be inspired by the sensory experiences on offer. Discover a more futuristic vibe in the shopping district of Akihabara, popularly known as Electric Town, where electronic superstores deliver gadgets galore. Japan’s history is an equally evocative element of the city. Districts such as Yanesen are home to ancient wooden houses and venerable shrines and temples.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

With no extreme seasons and an urban setting, there’s not really a bad time to travel to Tokyo, and you’ll find plenty to do whenever you decide to visit. The cherry blossom season in spring (March and April) is a particularly pleasant time to be here, and the fall colors also stand out between September and November. Summer can see some uncomfortable humidity and heat, and although winters are very manageable in terms of temperatures, you won’t get the full benefit of all that the parks have to offer at other times.

Getting to and around Tokyo

Tokyo is served by two airports, Narita International Airport, 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of central Tokyo, and Haneda Airport, which is 8 miles (13 kilometers) south. Both airports offer international flights and have good transportation connections via Japan Rail Express and Tokyo Monorail Line. The city itself is divided into wards, with central Tokyo arranged across 23 wards, and home to just under 14 million people. The easiest way to get around is by Japan Rail trains or the extensive subway network. The Toei buses are for the more adventurous traveler, but offer excellent value. (Insider tip: get a PASMO card because then you can ride any line (Tokyo subway, JR and Toie) without having to worry that your pass works.) Taxis can be hailed on the street (a red light means available) but are expensive outside of short distances. If you decide on a specific neighborhood to explore, walking is always a good option and guarantees the chance to discover hidden city gems.

Culture, cuisine and customs

Tokyo, like much of Japan, has a more homogenous culture than many countries. Society is based on formalized politeness, including bowing when you meet people. There several do’s and don’ts when sitting down for a meal, such as filling up other people’s glasses and not your own, raising a bowl of noodles to your face and slurping, which is considered good manners and a sign of how much you’re enjoying your meal. Dive into culinary adventures, whether it’s eating Edo-style sushi in and around Tokyo Bay or sitting down for a traditional tea ceremony in Hamrikyu Gardens. There are also many LGBTQ+ establishments, primarily concentrated in the Shinjuku Ni-chome district, famous for nightlife, bars, restaurants, cafes, Pride boutiques, parks, bookstores and more.

Tokyo will leave an impression, especially on first-time visitors to the city. The scale and novelty of the sights and experiences on offer will reward all tourists with a sense of adventure, so bring an open and curious mind. Seek out life beyond your usual horizons and you’ll likely leave with a new favorite food, art form or personal style. Trust the organization and efficiency of the subway, and let chance play a part in your travel. Tokyo will remain an exciting destination no matter how many times you return.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.