Narita or Haneda?
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo — Narita works with Narita Express or Limousine Bus.
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Tokyo Travel Guide
Things to do in Tokyo — Explore Tokyo
Why visit Tokyo
Tokyo layers neon districts, serene shrines, world-class sushi, teamLab art and day-trip options to Nikko or Hakone across a vast but impeccably organised metro region.
Tokyo is a stop in Japan, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine and Harajuku instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–220 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: March–May (cherry blossom) and October–November (autumn colour). Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
March–May (cherry blossom) and October–November (autumn colour)
Weather
Humid summers, mild sunny winters, brief rainy season in June
Airport
Haneda (HND) & Narita (NRT)
Getting around
Suica/PASMO IC card for JR and metro; Shinkansen for day trips; airport trains from Narita and Haneda
Experiences
Things to do in Tokyo
1
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
2
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
3
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
4
Tokyo Skytree
5
teamLab digital art museum
6
Shinjuku nightlife and Omoide Yokocho
7
Tsukiji Outer Market
8
Day trip to Mount Fuji / Hakone
Budget travel
Free things to do in Tokyo
Visit Mount Fuji (free entry)
Visit Sensō-ji Temple (free entry)
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
Tsukiji Outer Market
Todoroki Valley walk
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Tokyo itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
East Tokyo classics
- Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street
- Tokyo Skytree observation deck
- Sumida River evening stroll
- 2
Day 2
Neon and fashion
- Meiji Shrine forest walk
- Harajuku and Omotesando browsing
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Golden Gai bars in Shinjuku
- 3
Day 3
Day trip
- Hakone loop and Lake Ashi cruise
- Owakudani volcanic valley
- Onsen soak before return
Prefer a full 11-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Tokyo itinerary guide.
Budget
Tokyo trip cost
Budget
USD 70–100
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–220
per person / day
Luxury
USD 250+
per person / day
Rail and lunch sets help — omakase and luxury hotels dominate upper tiers. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Tokyo
Estimated total (USD)
$3,090
≈ $1,545 per person · $441 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $180/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Tokyo mid-range ground costs (budget 70–100 · mid 120–220 · luxury 250+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku
Best for: Transit hub
JR lines everywhere; lively at night
Shibuya
Best for: Youth culture
Central for fashion districts and crossing views
Asakusa
Best for: Traditional atmosphere
Quieter evenings near Senso-ji
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Afuri
Ramen · Local favourite for yuzu shio ramen
- $
Tsukiji Outer Market stalls
Seafood · Fresh sushi and grilled scallops where Tokyo eats
- $$
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
Izakaya · Classic izakaya atmosphere beloved by locals
- $
Kozasa Soba
Soba · Hand-cut soba institution near Asakusa
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Shinjuku · Iconic Lost in Translation hotel with skyline views
- $$$$
Aman Tokyo
Otemachi · Quiet luxury overlooking the Imperial Palace
- $$$$
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Otemachi · Modern ryokan with onsen baths in the city
- $$$
The Tokyo Station Hotel
Marunouchi · Historic hotel inside Tokyo Station
Shopping
- Ginza
- Shibuya 109
- Nakamise-dori
- Akihabara
Nightlife
- Golden Gai
- Shinjuku
- Roppongi
- Shibuya
Museums & culture
- teamLab Borderless
- Ghibli Museum
- Tokyo National Museum
Local foods to try
- Sushi
- Ramen
- Monjayaki
- Tempura
- Wagyu
Hidden gems
- Yanaka's old-town lanes
- Shimokitazawa vintage shops
- Todoroki Valley walk
Travel tips
- Carry cash — many small restaurants are cash-only
- Trains stop around midnight — plan last ride home
- Remove shoes where indicated in temples and restaurants
Nearby
Attractions in the city
In pictures
Tokyo gallery
Good to know
Tokyo travel FAQs
Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?
Only for multiple long-distance trips outside Tokyo — local IC cards suffice in the city.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
Top picks in Tokyo include Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine and Harajuku, Tokyo Skytree. See the full list and itinerary on this Tokyo travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
March–May (cherry blossom) and October–November (autumn colour).
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
Plan at least 3 days in Tokyo for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
Base yourself in Shinjuku (Transit hub), Shibuya (Youth culture), Asakusa (Traditional atmosphere). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
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