Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and has a population of roughly fourteen million people within its twenty three central wards, while the broader metropolitan region, stretching from Yokohama to remote island outposts, approaches thirty seven million residents. That figure makes Greater Tokyo the largest urban area on the planet, surpassing cities such as Delhi, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo in both size and economic might.

With that scale comes a staggering lineup of shrines, museums, towers, theme parks, markets, and dining districts. As a result, first time visitors often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin planning! Our Tokyo Travel Guide will help you to get started to plan your visit.

Explore Tokyo by Region

When planning your Tokyo itinerary, it is best to group each day of your visit by region, to minimise travel time to get to and from each area.

East Tokyo – temples in Asakusa, city views at Tokyo Skytree, family fun at Sumida Aquarium
West Tokyo – Shibuya Crossing, hip shopping in Harajuku, late-night food alleys in Shinjuku
North Tokyo – cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, world-class art at Tokyo National Museum, baseball at Tokyo Dome
South Tokyo – waterfront walks in Odaiba, digital art at teamLab Borderless, urban beaches on Tokyo Bay
Tokyo Day Trips – Hakone hot springs, Nikko shrines, coastal charm in Kamakura and Enoshima

People row colourful boats along the calm waters of the Chidorigafuchi moat, surrounded by a tunnel of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, creating a serene and scenic spring atmosphere in Tokyo. — Chidorigafuchi is a stunning location in Tokyo to enjoy the Sakura season

A nighttime scene at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, featuring a vibrant projection mapping display. The building's facade is illuminated with a colorful abstract design of geometric shapes and organic patterns in shades of blue, green, yellow, and pink. In the foreground, a silhouette of a person taking a photo captures the spectacle, while other visitors sit on benches and gather to enjoy the show. The lower level of the plaza is lit, revealing modern artwork and people walking through the space. — Chidorigafuchi is a stunning location in Tokyo to enjoy the Sakura season

Explore Tokyo by Interest

Tokyo with Kids – ninja cafés, interactive science museums, and stroller-friendly parks
teamLab Digital Art Museums – teamlab Planets and teamLab Borderless
Sumo and Sports – sumo tournament calendar, baseball matches, and J-League Football
Theme Parks and Anime Culture – Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli spots, anime streets in Akihabara
Food and Drink – Michelin-rated ramen, standing sushi bars, late-night yakitori lanes
City Views and Observation Decks – Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, rooftop gardens atop high-rise malls

The image shows the brightly lit exterior of the Tokyo Dome at night, with its iconic curved glass facade and the words "TOKYO DOME" glowing in green neon at the top. A large crowd of people is gathered outside the entrance, creating a lively atmosphere typical of a major event or game at the stadium. — The Tokyo Giants baseball team’s Home Stadium is the Tokyo Dome

Hundreds of wooden ema votive tablets hang on display at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, each carrying handwritten personal prayers, wishes, or messages of gratitude left by visitors from around the world. The tablets are neatly arranged on racks beneath a large sign explaining their purpose in multiple languages, set beneath a leafy tree within the peaceful shrine grounds. — The Tokyo Giants baseball team’s Home Stadium is the Tokyo Dome

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo’s hotel scene stretches from luxury towers in Ginza to budget capsules beside commuter stations. We personally are mid-level travellers – looking for comfortable sized rooms and locations with excellent access to the train system. Our top tips are:

Reserve as early as possible with cancellable terms. Availability drops and prices climb as your travel dates approach.
Use Google Maps before booking to check out the transport options and timings

Popular districts such as Shinjuku, Ginza, Ueno, and Shibuya give easy access to nightlife and major sights, but nightly rates in these hot spots rise quickly. For better value, search one to three train stops away; you will still reach the action within minutes while saving a noticeable amount on your room.

Our top value location picks:

Okachimachi – a convenient base near Ueno that blends market stalls with modern shopping and links directly to the Yamanote Line.
Akasuka – within easy reach of Shinjuku and Shibuya yet lined with local eateries, riverside walks, and a quieter evening vibe.
Shinbashi – one stop from Tokyo Station, close to business towers, izakaya alleys, and direct lines to Odaiba.

See the map below to compare locations and travel times, then choose the neighbourhood that matches both your budget and your sightseeing plans.

Getting Around Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo – clear advice on IC cards, subway passes, JR urban lines, taxis, and short-term bike hire.
Private drivers – door-to-door service for families, groups with heavy luggage, skiiers or travellers arriving after public transport closes, and also for private day trips to explore Tokyo, Mt Fuji and other destinations.
Tokyo Airport transfers – return-trip choices to Narita or Haneda, including rail, bus, and luggage delivery services.