the voyage a tokyo

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Tokyo Story

An old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention. An old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention. An old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention.

Yasujirô Ozu
Chieko Higashiyama
Sô Yamamura
215 User reviews
112 Critic reviews
100 Metascore

Shukichi Hirayama

Tomi Hirayama

Koichi Hirayama

Noriko Hirayama

Shige Kaneko

Fumiko Hirayama - his wife

Kyôko Hirayama

Sanpei Numata

Kurazo Kaneko
Keizo Hirayama
Osamu Hattori

Yone Hattori
Oden-ya no onna

Rinka no saikun
(as Toyoko Takahashi)

Tetsudou-shokuin
Aparto no onna
Minoru Hirayama - Koichi's son
Isamu Hirayama - Koichi's son
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Trivia The film is notable for its use of the "tatami-mat" shot, in which the camera height is low and remains largely static throughout.
Goofs (At around 1hr 45 mins) When the children are visiting their mother at home and leave the room to talk with the father in an adjoining room, just as they sit on the floor, the shadow of the boom-mic can be seen to drop into the scene and back out again, just over the son's head on the top right of the screen. This shadow is well into the frame against the edge of what appears to be a bookshelf and should not be considered a masking mistake of the projectionist.

Kyoko : [after the rest of the family had left] I think they should have stayed a bit longer.

Noriko : But they're busy.

Kyoko : They're selfish. Demanding things and leaving like this.

Noriko : They have their own affairs.

Kyoko : But you have yours too. They're selfish.

Noriko : But Kyoko...

Kyoko : Wanting her clothes right after her death. I felt so sorry for poor mother. Even strangers would have been more considerate!

Noriko : But look Kyoko. At your age I thought so too. But children do drift away from their parents. A woman has her own life, apart from her parents, when she becomes Shige's age. She meant no harm I'm sure. They have to look after their own lives.

Kyoko : I wonder: I won't ever be like that. Then what's the point of family?

Noriko : But children become like that, gradually.

Kyoko : Then... you, too?

Noriko : I may become like that in spite of myself.

Kyoko : Isn't life disappointing?

Noriko : Yes, it is.

Connections Featured in Tokyo-Ga (1985)

Technical specs

Runtime 2 hours 16 minutes
Black and White

More to explore

Districts [ edit ]

The capital of Japan is not a city, but is actually Tokyo Metropolis (東京都 Tōkyō-to ), which apart from the name is indistinguishable from a prefecture: it's equal in status with the other 46 prefectures, and is about as big (containing large suburban and even rural areas to the west, as well as islands as far as 1,000 km (620 mi) south). Even more strangely, there is no such thing as the "city of Tokyo". What most people, both foreigners and Japanese, are thinking of when they hear "Tokyo" is the special wards of Tokyo (特別区 tokubetsu-ku ), sometimes just called the 23 wards (23区 nijūsan-ku ). They're somewhat like the boroughs of London or New York, except there's no "city government" banding them together. The wards refer to themselves as "cities" in English (since they behave as such, each having its own mayor and council), but to avoid confusion, most people prefer to call them "wards".

This article is about the 23 special wards, while the western suburbs and the islands are covered in Tokyo Metropolis .

The geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line (see Get around ). The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era oldtown (下町 shitamachi ) is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly are Yokohama , Kawasaki and Chiba , Tokyo's suburbs. Together, the entire metropolitan area has a population of over 40 million, making it the most populated urban area in the world.

Central Tokyo [ edit ]

Old Tokyo ( Shitamachi ) [ edit ]

Suburbs [ edit ].

Understand [ edit ]

Over 500 years old, the city of Tokyo was once the modest fishing village of Edo (江戸 - literally Gate of the River ) due to its location at the mouth of Sumida-gawa. The city only truly began to grow when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, who decided to set up a new seat of power far away from the intrigues of the imperial court in Kyoto . After the Meiji restoration in 1868, during which the Tokugawa family lost its influence, the emperor and the imperial family moved here from Kyoto, and the city was renamed to its current name, Tokyo, literally the "Eastern Capital". The metropolitan center of the country, Tokyo is the destination for business, education, modern culture, and government. (That's not to say that rivals such as Osaka won't dispute those claims.)

Culture [ edit ]

Tokyo is vast : it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's districts vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda , from the hyperactive youth culture hub of Shibuya to the pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa . If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different.

The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.

Expenses [ edit ]

The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities in the developed world. Visitors from San Francisco , Los Angeles , New York , Chicago , London , Paris , Sydney , Toronto and Dublin will not find it any more expensive than back home. Rent will be significantly cheaper than big Western cities like NYC, London, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Travelers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city in Europe , North America or Australia . Locals will know the bargains, but experienced cheapskates from anywhere in the world can get by with a little ingenuity. Tokyo is one of the most popular places to live in Japan. Rent for a single's apartment could range from US$500 to US$1,000 a month. Tokyo is so overwhelmingly crowded that many people live in apartments no bigger than 16 square meters (175 square feet). That being said, with excellent transportation throughout Tokyo and its outskirts, living five minutes further away from central Tokyo could mean hundreds of dollars less for living expenses each month or allow for larger housing. Many parts of Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa, or even Ibaraki prefectures may allow the feeling of "living in Tokyo". Still, nothing compares to Tokyo itself in regards to waking up and stepping outside instantly into metropolitan life.

Climate [ edit ]

Tokyo is classified as lying in the humid subtropical climate zone and has five distinct seasons.

Spring kicks off with plum blossoms in late February, followed by the famous cherry blossoms ( sakura ) in March–April. Parks, most famously Ueno , fill up with blue tarps and sozzled salarymen.
Rainy season ( baiu or tsuyu ) in late May to June means a month of overcast skies and drizzle punctuated with downpours, with temperatures in the twenties.
Summer really kicks off in July, with clear skies but temperatures peaking into the high thirties and brutal steam bath humidity. Even a short walk outside will leave you drenched in sweat, so this is probably the worst time of year to visit, and is best avoided if you have a choice. The one bright spot is the plethora of fireworks , most notably the epic pyrotechnic extravaganza of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival on the fourth Saturday in July. Sunrises occur before 04:30, and sunset is always before 19:00, save for a week in late June.
Fall from September onwards means cooler temperatures and fall colors. While southern Japan is regularly battered by typhoons this time of year, they mostly (but not always) veer clear of Tokyo.
Winter is usually mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 0-10 °C, though occasional cold spells can send temperatures plummeting below zero at night, and indoor heating can leave much to be desired. Snow is rare, but on those rare occasions once every few years when Tokyo is hit by a snowstorm, much of the train network grinds to a halt. Sunsets occur before 16:30 in December, and sunrise is always before 07:00.

Tokyo is hotter than surrounding areas due to the urban heat island.

Visitor information [ edit ]

GO>TOKYO is a well-maintained sightseeing guide site for foreigners by the government. The site includes a search page for restaurants with multi-language menus .

Talk [ edit ]

It's possible for English speakers to navigate their way around Tokyo without speaking any Japanese. Signs at subway and train stations include the station names in romaji (Romanized characters), and larger stations often have signs in Chinese and Korean as well. Though most people under the age of 40 have learned English in school, proficiency is generally poor, and most locals would not know more than a few basic words and phrases. Some restaurants may have English menus, but it does not necessarily mean that the staff will speak much English. Reading and writing comes much better though; many people can understand a great deal of written English but can't speak it properly, because English uses so many vowels and consonants non-existent in Japanese. That being said, staff at the main hotels and tourist attractions generally speak a decent level of English. While it is possible to get by with only English, it will nevertheless make your trip much smoother if you can learn some basic Japanese .

Get in [ edit ]

In Japan, all roads, rails, shipping lanes and planes lead to Tokyo.

By plane [ edit ]

Tokyo ( TYO IATA for all airports) and the Kanto Region are served by two major airports. Narita International Airport ( NRT IATA ) is Tokyo's main airport for international flights, but also serves a handful of domestic flights, particularly on low-cost carriers, and is convenient as a transit airport for those travelling between North America to most major East and Southeast Asian cities. Tokyo Haneda Airport ( HND IATA ), which is much closer to central Tokyo and thus much more convenient and economical for getting into Tokyo and vicinity, is the main airport for domestic flights, but has also become a major hub for international flights as of the 2020s, particularly on routes that see heavy business traffic. There is also Ibaraki Airport ( IBR IATA ) for some low-cost carriers, and the Chōfu Airfield , serving turboprop flights to the Izu Islands .

By train [ edit ]

For all trains on the northern route, you can get off at Ueno , while trains on the western route call at Shinagawa . Most non-Shinkansen services usually stops at Shibuya and Shinjuku stations as well. Ueno and Ikebukuro stations connect to the northern suburbs and neighboring prefectures.

There are multiple departures every hour from Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo, with three types of shinkansen trains. The Nozomi is the fastest, with trains taking 2½ hours from Osaka. The Hikari makes more stops and takes 3 hours, and the Kodama is the slowest, making all stops and reaching Tokyo in 4 hours. The Nozomi trains are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Multiple cities from the north offer direct Shinkansen services to Tokyo, including Akita , Aomori , Fukushima , Hakodate , Kanazawa , Morioka , Nagano , Nagoya , Niigata , Sendai , Toyama , Yamagata and Yuzawa . All trains from these cities converge at Ōmiya in Saitama , then run south to Ueno and Tokyo stations.

Although Japan is dominated by fast Shinkansen trains there are still a couple of sleeper trains left: The Sunrise Izumo (サンライズ出雲) runs daily to Tokyo from Izumo while Sunrise Seto (サンライズ瀬戸) connects with Takamatsu , the second largest city on the Shikoku island. Both trains run coupled together between Tokyo and Okayama .

By car [ edit ]

While you can drive into the city, it is really not recommended as the city can be congested, signs may be confusing and parking fees are astronomical. One option that should be considered is cheaper 24-hour parking lots in cities bordering Tokyo. For example, Yashio city's train station in Saitama (prefecture) has hundreds of spaces at ¥500 per day, and is just minutes from Kita-Senju or Akihabara. A car of people can travel by highway at a fraction of the price of each person traveling by train, and can take the last leg by the cheapest train ticket into Tokyo.

For groups of 3-5 tourists traveling in Japan, a rental car to or from Tokyo to be returned at the agency counter in another city may prove to be a major chance for savings compared to train or air travel.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult. It's definitely possible for determined cheapskates though, see Hitchhiking in Japan for a detailed list of tested escape routes from the city.

By bus [ edit ]

Highway bus services link Tokyo to other cities, resort areas and the surrounding prefectures. There are JR and private bus companies. Bus service may be cheaper, but the train is probably more convenient, especially with the JR pass.

Long-distance buses use a number of terminals scattered throughout the city. At Tokyo Station, the main boarding point for buses is at the Yaesu Exit (八重洲口) on the east side. Some buses lines, including Keisei Bus, have moved to the new Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu (バスターミナル東京八重洲) which is across the street and can be accessed by underground passage from Tokyo Station. In Shinjuku , nearly all services use the new 35.688533 139.700942 6 Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal , abbreviated Busta Shinjuku (バスタ新宿), which is above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station.

The JR Bus Group - A major operator of bus services to and from Tokyo. Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made at JR Bus counters in Tokyo and Shinjuku stations, and in JR train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. JR Bus Kanto and JR Tokai Bus offer online bookings for their buses in English.
Willer Express - A company that has nightly bus services to and from Tokyo. Its bus services link many cities in Japan. Online booking available in English.
Kokusai Kogyo Bus
Keikyu Bus [dead link]
Keio Bus (Japanese Website) .
Nishi Tokyo Bus (Japanese Website) .
Odakyu Bus (Japanese Website) .
Odakyu Hakone Bus .
Tobu Bus (Japanese Website) .
Tohoku Kyuko Bus

By boat [ edit ]

One of the great ports of the world, Tokyo also has domestic ferry services to other points in Japan. However, none of the regular international ferries to Japan call at Tokyo.

The main long-distance ferry terminal is 35.617288 139.79561 7 Tokyo Port Ferry Terminal , on an artificial island adjacent to Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The nearest station is Tokyo Big Sight on the Yurikamome line, but it's still a bit of a hike. You can also take a direct bus from Shin-Kiba station on the Metro Yurakucho line. The main services from this terminal are:

Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen ( 川崎近海汽船 ), ☏ +81 3-3528-0718 . This ferry has no passenger facilities, so it can only be used if you have a car. Fares for a car and driver start at ¥25,820 . ( updated Dec 2017 )
Ocean Tokyu Ferry ( オーシャン東九フェリー ), ☏ +81 3-5148-0109 . Tokyo-Kitakyushu passenger fares are ¥16,420 for second class, ¥30,550 for first class .

Ferries to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands leave from Takeshiba Terminal (竹芝客船ターミナル), adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line. Cruise liners tend to use the Harumi Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル), best accessible on bus 都05-1 (To-05-1) from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit. International ferries and cargo ferries that also take passengers can leave from other terminals too, enquire with your shipping company.

Get around [ edit ]

Instead of getting a headache from the many options for getting around in Tokyo, try Google Maps for navigation – it will show you various options and fares, so you can choose between the cheapest, the most convenient, or the quickest option, depending on your preferences. If you have a map of all metro and train stations, it might be quicker and cheaper to mainly go through them and ignore taking smallish bus rides to and from them, which will easily cost ¥200 per ride.

By train and subway [ edit ]

Tokyo has one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world and is the most used subway system in the world in terms of annual passenger rides. It is clean, safe and efficient – and confusing. The confusion arises from the fact that several distinct railway systems operate within Tokyo – the JR East network, the two subway networks, and various private lines – and different route maps show different systems. Avoid rush hours if possible; trains get overcrowded very easily.

The defining rail line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen ), which runs in a loop around central Tokyo; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in the core of Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote. JR's lines are color-coded, and the Yamanote is light green . The JR Chuo Line ( orange , 中央線 Chūō-sen ) and Chuo-Sobu Line ( yellow , 中央・総武線 Chūō-Sōbu-sen ) run side-by-side, bisecting the Yamanote loop from Shinjuku on the west to Tokyo Station on the east. JR's other commuter lines, the Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku, run off the rim of the Yamanote loop to the north and south. JR East has a good English information line, 050-2016-1603 or 03-3423-0111.

Tokyo has an extensive subway network, which is the oldest network in Asia, with frequent trains, and these are primarily useful for getting around within the Yamanote loop. The Tokyo Metro runs nine lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines. Toei operates the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. While the JR Yamanote Line is not a subway line, due to its importance as a major transportation artery in downtown Tokyo, it is usually featured on subway maps. In addition, there is a largely underground Rinkai Line, a private line which is operated by Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) , that passes through the island of Odaiba .

Announcements and signs are usually bilingual in Japanese and English, though in some areas frequented by tourists, signs in Korean and Chinese can also be seen. That said, staff working at the stations rarely speak much, if any English.

A number of private commuter lines radiate from the Yamanote loop out into the outlying wards and suburbs, and almost all connect through directly to subway lines within the loop. The private lines are useful for day trips outside the city, and are slightly cheaper than JR. Among these, the most important to visitors is arguably the Yurikamome which offers great views on the way to the island of Odaiba .

Keep in mind that it is impolite to speak on the phone while aboard the train. Instead, you should send text messages while switching it to silent mode. It used to be a rule of etiquette to "stand on the left so people in a hurry can pass you on the right when using the escalator", however the current etiquette is to stand on both sides of the escalator without walking, because walking on the escalator can cause injuries.

Fares and hours [ edit ]

Most tickets and passes are sold from automated vending machines. These machines are cash only but give change. At many JR stations, there are purple-colored reserved seat ticket vending machines where you can purchase tickets for JR lines using a credit card. JR trains are free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Smart cards , instead of tickets, are convenient and highly recommended, because they allow you to ride trains without having to read the sometimes Japanese-only fare maps to determine your fare – see Japan/Get around/Smart cards and Japan/Money/Smart cards for more details on purchase, usage and card conditions.

Otherwise, the following day passes are available:

Tokyo Subway Ticket : 24-hr (¥800), 48-hr (\1200), and 72-hr (\1500) passes are available along with other combos.
The Tokunai Pass (都区内パス) is a one-day pass good for travel on JR lines anywhere in the 23 wards of Tokyo (including the entire Yamanote Line and many stations surrounding it). It costs ¥760, making it economical if you plan to make five or more train hops in one day. A variant is the Tokunai Free Kippu (都区内フリーきっぷ), which also includes a round-trip into Tokyo from stations in the surrounding prefectures. The Monorail And Tokunai Free Kippu , which is good for two days and includes a round-trip from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, costs ¥2,000.
The Tokyo Free Kippu (東京フリーきっぷ) covers all JR, subway and city bus lines within the 23 wards. It costs ¥1,600 for one day and covers a number of areas that are not served by JR, such as Roppongi and Odaiba.
The Holiday Pass (休日おでかけパス) covers the entire JR network in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and west Tokyo. It costs ¥2,720 for one day, and is only available on weekends, national holidays and during the Golden Week (Apr 29 to May 5), summer vacation (July 20 through Aug 31) and New Year (Dec 29 to Jan 3). But you will barely ever hit such high daily costs when travelling on Tokyo's public transport — you will want to spend you time sightseeing and shopping, not sitting in the train.

If you are paying à la (smart) carte , subway and train fares are based on distance, ranging from ¥110 to ¥310 for hops within central Tokyo. As a rule of thumb, Tokyo Metro lines are cheapest, Toei lines are most expensive, and JR lines fall somewhere in the middle (but are usually cheaper than Metro for short trips, i.e. no more than 4 stations). Many of the private lines interoperate with the subways, which can occasionally make a single ride seem unreasonably expensive as you are in essence transferring to another line and fare system, even though you're still on the same train. E.g. changing between Metro subway line and Tokyu private line amounts to paying the sum of each fare: minimum fare Metro ¥160 + minimum fare Tokyu ¥120 = ¥280. In addition, several patterns of transfer are listed as "Transfer Discount", and the most famous one is ¥70 discount, that applies to a transfer between Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines. When using Suica or PASMO, you can get all transfer discounts automatically. At some transfer stations, you may need to pass through a special transfer gate (both for paper tickets and PASMO/Suica) which is coloured orange – passing through the regular blue gate will not get you your transfer discount and if you have a paper ticket, you won't get it back. At some transfer points (e.g. Asakusa station) you may actually need to transfer on street level as the two stations (Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line) are not physically connected and are about one block apart.

It pays to check your route beforehand. The Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists by the Tokyo Metro, is a mobile app that allows you to plan subway and train travel from point A to point B, based on time, cost, and transfers. This app provides information for Tokyo only. For other apps or sites which cover the whole country, see the Japan page.

If you can't figure out how much it is to the destination, you can buy the cheapest ticket and pay the difference at the Fare Adjustment Machine ( norikoshi ) at the end. Most vending machines will let you buy a single ticket that covers a transfer between JR, subway and private lines, all the way to your destination, but working out how to do this may be a challenge if you are not familiar with the system. When transferring between systems, whether paying with tickets or smart cards, use the orange transfer gates to exit. Otherwise, you'll be charged full fare for both separate parts of your trip, instead of the cheaper transfer fare.

Most train lines in Tokyo run 05:00–01:00. During peak hours they run about once every three minutes; even during off-peak hours it's less than ten minutes between trains. The only night when regular passenger services run overnight is for the New Year's Holiday on select lines.

For additional information for train travel in Japan generally, refer to the By rail section in the Japan article.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are very pricey, but may be a value for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.

Fares were revised in 2022 in an effort to make taxis more attractive for short-distance trips, though longer trips are still very expensive. The fare for the standard taxis starts at ¥500 for up to 1.096 km (0.681 mi), and goes up ¥100 every 255 metres (0.158 mi) and for every 95 seconds in stopped or slow traffic. A 20% night surcharge is tacked on from 22:00-05:00, and tolls are added for any trips using the expressway.

Here are some daytime fare examples based on Nihon Kotsu's taxi fare estimates (actual fares may vary):

Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station – 3.0 km (1.9 mi), ¥1,600
Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station (Bus Terminal) – 8.1 km (5.0 mi), ¥4,300
Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport Terminal 1 – 19.2 km (11.9 mi), ¥10,200 including expressway fare

Taxi rear left passenger doors are operated by the driver and open and close automatically. Don't open or close them yourself.

Do not count on your taxi driver speaking English—or knowing more than the best-known locations, though most taxis have GPS "car navi" systems installed. The best and easiest thing to do is to prepare a map marked with where you want to go, and point it out on the map to the taxi driver. If you are staying at a hotel, they will provide a map. If possible, get a business card, or print out the address in Japanese of any specific places you wish to go. However, because in Japan streets are often unmarked, if the taxi driver does not have GPS he may not be able to do more than take you to the general vicinity of where you want to go. Also, taxis can get caught in traffic jams. No tips are expected or given.

Nihon Kotsu has a 24-hr English telephone number, 03-5755-2336, to call for a Nihon Kotsu taxi within Tokyo. There is a booking fee payable to the driver at the end of the trip: ¥410 for an immediate hail or ¥820 for an advance booking. If you already have a destination (or a few) in mind, the receptionist will electronically transmit the information to the driver so that you don't have to tell the driver yourself. If you are hailing a taxi right away, the English receptionist will inform you about your assigned taxi by color, company name and taxi number.

A growing number of companies in Tokyo also offer taxi hails and ride requests by mobile apps including GO Taxi, DiDi and Uber. Your hotel's front desk can also call a taxi for you, subject to the same booking fees.

By ride hailing [ edit ]

You can use Uber to hail limousines and taxis for a ¥500 surcharge, which may be worth it to bypass both the language barrier and potential payment hassles.

Starting in April 2024 the Japanese government is planning to allow limited ride-sharing services under the supervision of taxi companies.

Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with slow-moving traffic and extremely limited and expensive parking. In this city with such an excellent mass transit system, you would need a good reason to want to drive around instead. While renting a car can make sense in Japan in some contexts (e.g., visiting a rural onsen resort), in general it is neither convenient nor economical to rent a car to get around metro Tokyo. Taxis are much more convenient if your budget allows it; walking or public transportation is much less expensive and given the difficulties of navigation and finding parking in popular areas, probably easier too.

If you do decide to plunge in and drive around by car, the main expressway serving Tokyo is the Shuto Expressway, abbreviated to Shutoko (首都高). The C1 Loop Line forms a circle around central Tokyo, similar in fashion to how the Yamanote Line does it by rail. But whereas the Yamanote Line charges ¥140-200 for a single trip, driving a car onto the Shutoko in Tokyo costs ¥1320 every time you enter the system (compact cars slightly cheaper), with additional tolls collected at various other locations. Vehicles equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) tags pay a cheaper rate based on the distance driven.

Driving on the Tokyo Expressway at night can be a pleasant and beautiful experience as you whiz through and around the Tokyo nightlife. When driving at night you should exercise caution and obey speed limits: Street racing over the Shutoko at night became popular in the 80s and 90s and still happens today, albeit on a less frequent basis. Street racers often concentrate their driving on the C1 Loop Line and the Bayshore (more popularly known as the Wangan) Line. "Competitors" sometimes hang out at parking and service areas on the Shutoko, especially the large Daikoku Parking Area at the intersection of the Bayshore Line and the K5 Daikoku Line in Yokohama .

The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies. Buses operating within 23 wards of Tokyo have a fixed fare regardless of distance (¥210 on Toei buses and ¥220 on other private bus companies), which is paid upon boarding from the front door. The fares are not transferable; however most buses do accept Suica or PASMO fare cards (see above). Compared to the trains, the buses run much less frequently, carry fewer passengers, and are much slower. This makes them amenable to the elderly residents of Tokyo, but rather inconvenient for travelers, who will also have to deal with lack of information in English and sometimes very well hidden bus stops. Bus routes can be fairly complicated and are often not listed in detail at the bus stops; signs on the buses themselves often list only two or three main stops in addition to the origin and destination. Inside the bus the next stop is usually announced several times, sometimes by a taped voice and sometimes by a mumbling driver. Taped announcements in English are used on some lines, but are still rare. Nevertheless, north–south routes are useful in the western side of the city since train lines (Odakyu, Keio, Chuo, and Seibu) tend to run east–west.

In an attempt to provide some information about their buses to foreign visitors/residents, Toei Bus has a web site that shows some of the main bus routes used to go to certain destinations in Tokyo. This information is provided in English and several other languages. You can download English route maps and apps at this site .

In addition, most private railway companies are accompanied by bus companies with corresponding names. They serve the areas outside of Yamanote Line loop, around their railway lines.

Sky Hop Bus [ edit ]

Willer Express operates a hop-on, hop-off bus service called the Sky Hop Bus , which bills itself as "the first open-top double decker bus in Japan". At a charge of ¥1,800 for a 24-hour pass and ¥2,500 for a 48-hour pass (children half price), you can ride these buses and hop on and off as often as you wish. There are three bus routes that operate, all from the Marunouchi Building next to Tokyo Station: One route serves Asakusa and Tokyo SkyTree, the second runs to Roppongi and Tokyo Tower, and the third runs to Odaiba . The service only runs hourly, with departures from the Marunouchi Building between 10:20 and 18:30.

The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series of Water Bus ferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa , Hinode , Harumi and Odaiba . The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English as well as Japanese and a trip on one makes for a relaxing, leisurely way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. The super-futuristic Himiko ferry , designed by anime and manga creator Leiji Matsumoto, runs on the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. You might want to arrive well before the departure time just in case tickets on the Himiko sell out!

Tokyo Mizube Line (東京水辺ライン) also operates short routes starting from Ryogoku-Asakusa area.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Bicycles are very commonly used for local transport, but amenities like bicycle lanes are rare, drivers pay little heed to bikes and traffic can be very heavy on weekdays, so if you use a bicycle, do not be afraid to cycle on the sidewalk (everyone does). Parts of Tokyo are surprisingly hilly, and it's a sweaty job pedaling around in the summer heat. Central Tokyo can still be covered fairly comfortably by bike on the weekends. Tokyo Great Cycling Tour offers a one-day guided tour for biking around major tourist spots in Tokyo, like Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, Odaiba, Tokyo tower, Imperial palace and so on.

Parking your bicycle becomes a challenge in Tokyo, especially in the downtown area where you need to pay for parking and cannot simply leave the bike by a store/restaurant/shrine entrances on the sidewalk. Keep this in mind with renting a bicycle in dense urban areas of Japan.

Renting a bike is possible from some youth hostels, particularly around Asakusa, although it's not common. However, buying a simple single-speed roadster is fairly cheap, and comes complete with a built-in bicycle wheel lock system (this is what most Tokyoites use). An imported multiple-geared bike will be much more expensive so get a good lock, as bike theft is a common threat, although the problem is nowhere near as serious as in other countries.

Bicycle rentals are common around all of Japan and increasingly so in the more rural areas at train stations.

For rentals in the Tokyo area GS Astuto cycle shop has a full range of rental bikes geared at regular cyclists who primarily ride road bikes. GS Astuto can also deliver bikes to your hotel where you will stay.

Another option is to choose a cycling tour with a company. This can be a great way to get on a bike and see the best parts of Japan by bicycle. Within Tokyo Soshi's Tokyo Bike Tour , Tokyo Great Cycling Tour , and Bicycle Tours Tokyo offer day tours of popular sites within central Tokyo by bike. For an escape into the rural edges of Tokyo Bike Tour Japan takes guests on week long cycling adventures in the countryside just 1-2hrs from central Tokyo.

On foot [ edit ]

In this large city with such an efficient public transportation system, walking to get from point A to point B would seem a bit stupid at first glance. However, as the city is extremely safe even at night, walking in Tokyo can be a very pleasant experience. In some areas, walking can be much shorter than taking the subway and walking the transit (the whole Akasaka/Nagatacho/Roppongi area in the center is for instance very easily covered on foot). If you have the time, Shinjuku to Shibuya via Omotesando takes roughly one hour, Tokyo Station to Shinjuku would be a half a day walk, and the whole Yamanote line Grand Tour takes a long day.

See [ edit ]

Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa , the gardens of the Imperial Palace (in Chiyoda ) and the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮 Meiji-jingū , in Harajuku ).

Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for experiencing the modern Japanese urban phenomenon. Each of these areas have unique characteristics, such as dazzling Shinjuku , youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza . These areas are bustling throughout the day, but they really come to life in the evenings.

If you are looking for a viewing platform, Tokyo has plenty of options:

The Tokyo SkyTree is Tokyo's latest attraction in Sumida , not to mention it's also the third-tallest structure in the world at 634 m above the ground. However, its location away from downtown means the view is a distant jumble of buildings.
The more familiar Tokyo Tower in Minato is still around, and it is not as expensive as the latter and newest rival, but neither is the view as good as some alternatives.

For a view that is light on your wallet, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center (in effect, Tokyo's City Hall) in Shinjuku . Its twin towers have viewing platforms that are absolutely free, and offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond.
Another equally light-on-your-wallet option is the Carrot Tower in Setagaya , just 3.2 km west of Shibuya Station. It has a restaurant on the 26th floor with views to the west and south ( Yokohama ) — the views can be enjoyed without having to eat at the restaurant.
Tokyo City View in Roppongi has an observation deck with great views of Tokyo Bay and downtown Tokyo including the nearby Tokyo Tower — admission is a steep ¥1,800-2,300 though, but includes admission to the Mori Art Museum .
The Rainbow Bridge linking Tokyo to Odaiba is another good option, if you don't mind traffic noise and smell. The bridge's pedestrian walkways (open until 20:00) are free, and the night-time view across Tokyo Bay is impressive. Odaiba Rainbow Bus starting at Shinagawa and Tamachi stations is a cheap way (\220) to enjoy the view.
The Bunkyo Civic Center next to the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo , dubbed by one newspaper as a "colossal Pez candy dispenser", has a free observation deck on the 25th floor offering an iconic view of Shinjuku against Mount Fuji on a clear day.

The city is dotted with museums, large and small, which center on every possible interest from pens to antique clocks to traditional and modern arts. Many of the largest museums are clustered around Ueno . Though, at ¥500–1,000 or more, entrance fees can add up quickly.

Yanaka is Tokyo's most traditional and quaint district. It retains its pleasant atmosphere and old town ambience and offers a sightseeing opportunity from different parts of the city's metropolitan area.

Riding Sky Bus Tokyo , an open-top double-decker operated by Hinomaru Limousine (hourly 10:00–18:00), is a good option to take a quick tour around the city center. The 45-min bus ride on the "T-01 course" will take you around the Imperial Palace via Ginza and Marunouchi district, showing the highlight of Tokyo's shopping and business center. The fare is ¥1,500 for adults of 12 years old and over, and ¥700 for children between 4 and 11 years old. You can borrow a multi-language voice guide system free of charge upon purchasing a ticket, subject to stock availability. Four other bus courses are offered, including a night trip to Odaiba, but those trips are conducted in Japanese with no foreign language guidance.

Do [ edit ]

See the tuna auction at the Toyosu Market and eat a sushi breakfast at the former Tsukiji Fish Market .
Take a boat ride on the Sumida River from Asakusa .
Lose yourself in the dazzling neon jungle outside major train stations in the evenings. Shibuya and east Shinjuku at night can make Times Square or Piccadilly Circus look rural in comparison — it has to be seen to be believed.
Enjoy a soak in a local " sento " or public bath. Or one of the onsen theme parks such as LaQua at the Tokyo Dome ( Bunkyo ).
Go to an amusement park such as Tokyo Disney Resort , which consists of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea which are Asia's most visited (in Urayasu City Chiba ) and second most visited theme parks respectively, or the more Japanese Sanrio Puroland (in Tama ), home to more Hello Kitties than you can imagine.
Join and bar hop or pub crawl along with events groups in Roppongi ,
Check out the hip and young crowd at Harajuku 's Takeshita-Dori (Takeshita Street) or the more grown up Omotesando .
In the spring, take a boatride in Kichijoji 's lovely Inokashira Park , and afterwards visit the Ghibli Studios Museum (well known for their amazing movies, like Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke), but you will need to buy tickets for these in advance at a Lawson convenience store.
Take the Yurikamome elevated train across the bay bridge from Shimbashi station to the bayside Odaiba district, and startle at the scenery including a giant Unicorn Gundam robot statue.
Watch a baseball game, namely the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome, or the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. Nearby Chiba hosts the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Take a stroll through the Imperial Palace's East Gardens (open to the public daily at 09:00, except Fridays and Mondays).
Have a picnic in a park during the cherry blossom (Sakura). Unfortunately Sakura only lasts for about 10-14 days in Spring. But be warned, parks are usually very crowded during this time.
Join a local for a short lunch or dinner homestay with Nagomi Visit's home visit program or participate in their cooking classes.
Raising a glass in this colourful nightlife at Shinjuku district.
Joining the Harajuku 's eccentric fashion tribes as they shop.
Losing yourself in the vestiges of the old area Yanesen ( Ya naka- Ne zu- Sen dagi).
Akihabara — Venturing into the belly of pop culture beast.

Festivals [ edit ]

Sanja Matsuri (三社祭), third weekend in May. Tokyo's largest festival, held near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa , this three-day extravaganza sees up to 2 million people turn out to watch the parade of portable shrines ( mikoshi ) with music, dancing and geisha performances.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会 Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai ), fourth Saturday in July. Huge fireworks competition that sees up to a million people line the banks of the Sumida River.

Learn [ edit ]

The curious can study traditional culture such as tea ceremony , calligraphy , or martial arts such as Karate, Judo, Aikido and Kendo. There are also many language schools to help you work on your Japanese. Several universities in Tokyo cater to international students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Universities [ edit ]

Keio University (慶應義塾大学 Keiō Gijuku Daigaku ) — Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Waseda student). Established in the samurai days of yore and has a stuffier rep than Waseda, with alumni including former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi. Main campus in Mita .
Sophia University (上智大学 Jōchi Daigaku ) — A prestigious private, Jesuit university well known for its foreign language curricula and large foreign student population. Main campus in Yotsuya .
Tokyo Institute of Technology (東京工業大学 Tōkyō Kōgyo Daigaku ) — Tokyo's top technical university. Main campus in Ookayama .　Going to be merged with a medical university and become "Institute of Science Tokyo" in Oct 2024.
University of Tokyo (東京大学 Tōkyō Daigaku ) — Japan's uncontested number one university, especially strong in law, medicine and literature. For locals, passing the entrance exams is fiendishly difficult, but exchange students can enter much more easily. Five campuses are scattered around the city, but the main campus is in Hongo . Colloquially known by the shortened form 東大 ( Tōdai ).
Waseda University (早稲田大学 Waseda Daigaku ) — Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Keio student), famous as a den of artists and partiers. Current prime minister Fumio Kishida is an alum. Main campus in Waseda .

Work [ edit ]

Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is still the easiest way to work in Tokyo, but the city also offers more work options than other areas of the country: everything from restaurant work to IT. Certain nationalities are eligible for working holiday visas: for others, work permits can be very hard to come by without a job offer from a Japanese company. Consult your local Japanese consulate/embassy as far in advance as possible.

Buy [ edit ]

Tokyo is one of the fashion and cosmetic centers in the Eastern world. Items to look for include electronics, funky fashions, antique furniture and kimono, as well as specialty items like Hello Kitty goods, anime and comics and their associated paraphernalia.

Credit cards are widely accepted by major retailers, and there is a major government push to move towards cashless means of payment, including subsidies of 2-5% for doing so. "Cashless" here includes credit cards, transport cards like Suica/PASMO, Google/Apple Pay on your phone and a plethora of local apps. That said, cash remains king and many smaller shops and street stalls are still cash only. ATMs usually give out only ¥10,000 notes, but retailers are generally happy to make change. Most major bank ATMs now allow withdrawals from overseas banks with your usual ATM card. Japan Post ATMs are bilingual and will allow you to withdraw money at the day's exchange rate without charging you any special fees.

The crime rate is very low, so don't be afraid of carrying around wads of cash as the Japanese do. The average Japanese citizen will carry a month's worth of expenses on them (around ¥40,000 give or take). See Buy under Japan for general caveats regarding electronics and media compatibility.

There are numerous convenience stores throughout Tokyo (such as Seven-eleven, Lawson, and Family-Mart), which are open around the clock and sell not only food and magazines, but also daily necessities such as underwear and toiletries. Supermarkets are usually open until 22:00, while drugstores and department stores usually close at 21:00.

Anime and manga [ edit ]

Akihabara , Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics). Another popular district for all things manga/anime is the Nakano ward and its Broadway Shopping arcade. Check out the Mandarake shop for loads of used and rare mangas.

There has been an "otaku boom" in Akihabara. A lot of attention in particular was paid to the town thanks to the popular Japanese drama "Densha Otoko", a (true) love story about an otaku who saves a woman from a molester on a train and their subsequent courtship.

Akihabara was previously known for its many live performances and cosplayers , some of which had drawn negative attention due to extremist performers. These have become increasingly scarce following the Akihabara massacre in 2008, although girls in various maid costumes can still be seen standing along the streets handing out advertisement fliers to passers by for maid cafes .

If you like a specific anime or character, Tokyo has no shortages of official stores dedicated to a specific character or anime series.

Antiques [ edit ]

Serious collectors should head for the Antique Mall in Ginza or the Antique Market in Omotesando , which are collections of small very specialist shops (samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, etc). However, the prices tend to be very high.

Less wealthy shoppers can venture over to Nishi-Ogikubo , which sells scrolls of calligraphy (and some other similar items) for a few thousand yen.

The Antique Festival (全国古民具骨董祭り) is held over the weekend about 5-6 times a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, on the Tokyo Monorail line, and is well worth a visit.

Books [ edit ]

Jinbocho is to used books what Akihabara is to electronics. It's clustered around the Jinbocho subway stop. The Blue Parrot is another shop at Takadanobaba on the Yamanote line, just two stops north of Shinjuku.

Cameras and electronics [ edit ]

Ever since Sony and Nikon became synonymous with high-tech quality, Tokyo has been a favored place for buying electronics and cameras. Though the lines have blurred since the PC revolution, each has its traditional territory and stores: Akihabara has the electronics stores, including a large number of duty-free shops specializing in export models, and Shinjuku has the camera stores. Unfortunately, local model electronics are not cheap, but the export models are similar to what you'll pay back home. You can sometimes find cheap local models if you avoid big shops and check smaller retailers. It's also surprisingly difficult to find certain things e.g. games machines.

Fashion [ edit ]

Shibuya and neighboring Harajuku are the best-known shopping areas for funky, youthful clothes and accessories. Almost without exception, clothes are sized for the petite Japanese frame.

Department stores and exclusive boutiques stock every fashion label imaginable, but for global labels prices in Tokyo are typically higher than anywhere else in the world. The famous Ginza and Ikebukuro 's giant Seibu and Tobu department stores are good hunting grounds. Roppongi Hills and the adjacent Tokyo Midtown have emerged as popular shopping malls for high-end shopping, with many major global and local Japanese brands. Other department stores in Tokyo are Isetan , Mitsukoshi , Marui (OIOI), Matsuzakaya , Matsuya and Takashimaya . Mitsukoshi/Isetan group is Japan's biggest department store chain. Mitsukoshi's anchor store is in Nihonbashi, and is particularly known for its premier kimono department. Marui Men store in Shinjuku has eight floors of mid to high-end fashion for men only.

Kitchenware [ edit ]

The district for this is Kappabashi Street near Asakusa , also known as “Kitchen Town.” The street is lined with stores selling all kinds of kitchen wares — this is where the restaurants of Tokyo get their supplies. It's also a great place to find cheap Japanese ceramics , not to mention plastic food!

Music [ edit ]

Ochanomizu is to the guitar what Jinbocho is to used books. There, you'll find what must be the world's densest collection of guitar shops. Plenty of other musical instruments (though not traditional Japanese ones) are also available.

Souvenirs [ edit ]

For touristy Japanese knickknacks, the best places to shop are Nakamise in Asakusa and the Oriental Bazaar in Omotesando , which stock all the kitschy things like kanji -emblazoned T-shirts foreigner-sized kimono, ninja outfits for kids and ersatz samurai swords that can be surprisingly difficult to find elsewhere. Both also have a selection of serious antiques for the connoisseur, but see also Antiques above.

Tokyo has more than 50 satellite shops (called "antenna shops" in Japan) for other prefectures and smaller municipalities around Japan - you can buy foods and souvenirs of rural areas without actually going there. Some of these shops have local cuisine restaurants too. They have an official multilingual site searchable by region and shop location in Tokyo.

Street markets [ edit ]

Bustling open-air bazaars in the Asian style are rare in Tokyo, except for Ueno 's Ameyoko , a legacy of the postwar occupation. Yanaka Ginza in the Shitamachi Taito district, a very nice example of a neighborhood shopping street, makes for an interesting afternoon browse.

There are often small flea and antique markets in operation on the weekend at major (and minor) shrines in and around Tokyo.

Eat [ edit ]

Visitors from Western countries may be surprised to find that despite its justified reputation for being an expensive city, eating out in Tokyo can be surprisingly affordable. While fine dining establishments in Tokyo can be some of the most expensive in the world, at the budget end of the spectrum, it is fairly easy to find a basic rice or noodle joint serving up meals starting from ¥400; a price that is unmatched even by McDonald's or other fast food chains in the West.

Tokyo has a large quantity and variety of food. Department stores have food halls, typically in the basement, with food which is comparable to top delicatessans in other world cities (though mostly Japanese and Japanized foreign food). Some basements of train stations have supermarkets with free taste testers. It's a great way to sample some of the strange dishes they have for free. Tokyo has a large number of restaurants, so see the main Japan guide for the types of food you will encounter and some popular chains. Menus are often posted outside, so you can check the prices. Some shops have the famous plastic food in their front windows. Don't hesitate to drag the waiting staff out to the front to point at what you want. Always carry cash. Many restaurants will not accept credit cards.

Tokyo has tens of thousands of restaurants representing many cuisines in the world, though sometimes adjusted for local tastes, but it also offers a few unique local specialties. Within Japan, Tokyo cuisine is best known for 3 dishes: sushi, tempura, and unagi (freshwater eel). Nigirizushi (fish pressed onto rice), known around the world simply as "sushi," in fact originates from Tokyo, and within Japan is known as Edo-mae zushi (Edo-style sushi). Another is monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き), a gooey, cabbage-filled version of okonomiyaki that uses a very thin batter to achieve a sticky, caramelized consistency. It is originally from the Tsukishima area of Chuo and today there are many restaurants near Asakusa offering monjayaki.

Budget [ edit ]

Go to a convenience store ( konbini ), there is one on every second corner. Really, the options may surprise you. You can get rice balls ( onigiri ), bread-rolls, salads, prepared foods (like nikuman and oden ), and drinks (both hot and cold) for ¥100-150, bentō lunch boxes for around ¥500 and sandwiches for ¥250-350. At most convenience stores, microwaves are available to heat up your food for no additional cost. Supermarkets ( sūpā ) are usually cheaper and offer a wider choice, but are more difficult to find. (Try Asakusa and the sidestreets of Ueno's Ameyoko market for local—not big chain—supermarkets.). Supermarkets are a good place to buy discount food after 20:00. Also, ¥100 shops ( hyaku-en shoppu ) have become very common, and most have a selection of convenient, ready to eat items. There are ¥100 shops near most minor train stations, and usually tucked away somewhere within two or three blocks of the big stations. In particular, look for the green and red "Lawson 100" signs; these chains are essentially small grocery stores.

Also, look for bentō shops like Hokka-Hokka-Tei and Hotto-Motto which sell take-out lunch boxes. They range in quality and cost, but most offer good, basic food at a reasonable price. This is what students and office workers often eat.

Noodle shops, curry shops, and bakeries are often the best option for people eating on the cheap. They are everywhere. The noodle bars on every corner are great for filling up and are very cheap at ¥300–1000. You buy your meal ticket from a vending machine at the door with pictures of the dishes and hand it to the serving staff. The one question you will typically have to answer for the counterman is whether you want soba (そば) (thin brown buckwheat) or udon (うどん) (thick white wheat) noodles. Some offer standing room only with a counter to place your bowl, while others have limited counter seating. During peak times, you need to be quick as others will be waiting. Pseudo Chinese-style ramen (ラーメン) (yellow wheat and egg noodles) are a little more expensive and typically sold in specialist shops, with prices starting from ¥400, but are typically served in very flavourful pork or chicken broth that has been boiled overnight. Tokyo is generally known among the Japanese for shoyu ramen , in which soy sauce is used to add flavour to the pork broth.

Fast food is available just about everywhere, including many American chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and KFC. But if you are visiting Japan from overseas, and wish to sample Japanese fast food, why not try MOS Burger, Freshness Burger, Lotteria, or First Kitchen? If you're looking for something more Japanese, try one of the local fast food giants, Matsuya , Yoshinoya , and Sukiya , which specialize in donburi: a giant bowl of meat, rice, and vegetables, sometimes with egg thrown in for good measure, starting around ¥450 for the flagship gyūdon (beef bowl). Another good option is oyako don (chicken and egg bowl, literally “mother and child bowl”), which the somewhat smaller chain Nakau specializes in. Drinking water or hot ocha (Japanese green tea) is usually available at no extra cost. There are also a number of tempura chains, with some budget options. More upscale but still affordable and rather more interesting, is Ootoya , which serves up a larger variety of home-style cooking for under ¥1000. Yayoi-ken is a chain of eateries serving teishoku , complete set meals: buy a ticket from the machine, and you'll get miso soup, main course (fish or meat, often with vegetables), rice (bottomless, just ask for refills), a small hunk of fresh tofu, pickles and tea, and still be left with some change from your ¥1000.

Raw fish enthusiasts are urged to try kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi), where the prices can be very reasonable. Prices do depend on the color of the plate, however, and some items are very expensive, so be sure to check before they start to pile up.

A great option for a quick bite or for groups is yakitori (grilled chicken) – individual skewers are often below ¥150.

Many of the larger train and subway stations have fast, cheap eateries. Around most stations, there will be ample choices of places to eat, including chain coffeeshops (which often serve sandwiches, baked goods, and pasta dishes), yakitori places, and even Italian restaurants.

Mid-range [ edit ]

There are a great many excellent and affordable lunch choices in busier neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku, especially during the week – expect to spend about ¥1000 (without drinks) for a meal.

By tradition the basement of almost any department store, including Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, or Isetan, is devoted to the depachika (デパ地下), a huge array of small shops selling all kinds of prepared take-out food. You can assemble a delicious if slightly pricey picnic here – or, if you're feeling really cheap, just go around eating free samples! The very largest department stores are Tobu and Seibu in Ikebukuro , but Shibuya , Ginza and in fact any major Tokyo district will have their fair share. Shinjuku Station is home to several famous department stores, such as the Keio and Odakyu department stores. Many stores begin discounting their selections at about 19:00 each night. Look for signs and stickers indicating specific yen value or percentage discounts. You will often see half-price stickers which read 半値 ( hanne ). This discounting is also common at supermarkets at the smaller stations, although the quality may be a notch or two down from the department stores, it's still perfectly edible.

The ubiquitous izakaya , a cross between a pub and a casual restaurant, invariably serve a good range of Japanese dishes and can be good places to fill up without breaking the bank: in most, an evening of eating and drinking won't cost more than around ¥3000 per person. See Drink for details.

There is a great variety of restaurants serving Tokyo's world-famous sushi at every price point, with fish fresh from Toyosu , the world's largest fish market. It is possible to get sushi for as little as ¥100/piece or less (at chain stores), or spend upwards of ¥10,000 (at elegant Ginza restaurants), but a typical spend is ¥3000–4000, depending on selection (drinks extra). Usually omakase (chef's choice) gives a good deal and selection, to which you can add a piece or two a la carte if desired. A popular choice with tourists is a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji, former home of the fish market, particularly for one's jet-lagged first morning, or after a night out partying. Most sushi shops in the outer market of Tsukiji open at 8 or 9AM, though there are some 24-hour shops, and particularly popular are two small stores in the inner market that open before 6AM and feature market ambience and very long queues; see Chuo: Mid-range dining .

The best-known tempura chain is Tsunahachi, where depending on the store you can pay from below ¥1000 for lunch to over ¥6000 for dinner.

A classic modern Japanese dish is tonkatsu (“pork cutlet”), and there are good Tokyo options; the fattier loin (ロース “roast”) is generally considered tastier than the leaner fillet ( hire ヒレ). The most famous restaurant is Tonki, right by Meguro station (1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo), serving a standard meal at about ¥1600, dinner only (from 16:00). While it is an institution with a loyal clientele (and frequent lines), and decidedly has atmosphere (similar to an established New York deli), the food gets mixed reviews, and is less succulent than other options – an interesting experience, however. Next most famous is the chain Maisen (まい泉), which serves delicious if somewhat expensive tonkatsu (various varieties and seasonal options) at many locations in Tokyo , most notably at their flagship shop in Aoyama by Omotesandō station (Jingumae 4-8-5, closing at 19:00). The top-end dish is Okita Kurobuta (Berkshire pork by Mr. Okita), at ¥3,800 for a meal, though they have cheaper options. A modern option is Butagumi , at Nishi-Azabu 2-24-9 (west of Roppongi station), serving a variety of premium pork brands expertly prepared.

Tokyo also has a large number of Korean restaurants, generally midrange, and many yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants are Korean-influenced.

Splurge [ edit ]

Tokyo has the world's highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, with prices to match. For upmarket Japanese eats, Ginza is guaranteed to burn a hole in your wallet, with Akasaka and Roppongi Hills close behind. Top-end restaurants are primarily Japanese, with a few French. Tokyo is widely regarded as the spiritual home of a fine style of sushi known as edomae-zushi (江戸前寿司). Besides sushi, Tokyo's fine dining scene also includes Japanese contemporary, tempura and kaiseki . You can limit the damage considerably by eating fixed lunch sets instead of dinner, as this is when restaurants cater to people paying their own meals instead of using the company expense account. However, Tokyo's fine dining scene is notoriously inaccessible to foreign visitors, as most establishments do not accept reservations from new customers; you will need to be introduced by one of their regular diners in order to dine there. That said, it is possible to book a spot at some of these establishments through your hotel concierge if you do so many months in advance, though only the most expensive luxury hotels will have the necessary clout to do this. Also keep in mind that many fine dining establishments do not accept credit cards, and you will be expected to pay for your meal in cash .

There are four 3-star sushi restaurants in Tokyo, of which the most famous internationally is Sukiyabashi Jiro ( home [dead link] ), due to the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi; reservations must be made on the 1st day of the preceding month, as they book up that day, and dinner is from ¥30,000. The cheapest of these top sushi restaurants is Saitō Sushi (+81 3 3589 4412), where a small lunch can be had for as little as ¥5,000.

Drink [ edit ]

The party never stops in Tokyo (at least in the karaoke bars), and you will find good little bars and restaurants everywhere.

The most Japanese way to spend a night out as an individual or in a small group would be at Japanese-style watering holes called izakaya (居酒屋), which offer food and drink in a convivial, pub-like atmosphere (see Japan for details). Cheaper chain izakaya like Tsubohachi (つぼ八) and Shirokiya (白木屋) usually have picture menus, so ordering is simple, even if you don't know Japanese – but don't be surprised if some places have Japanese only touchscreen ordering systems.

Another common option, which is often unbelievable to non-Japanese ears, is “all you can drink” ( nomihōdai, 飲み放題), where you can drink all you want from a fixed menu for 90 minutes or 120 minutes. This is aimed at group parties, and is generally paired with a meal, often “all you can eat” ( tabehōdai, 食べ放題), often in a private room. Receiving the items ordered will depend on how often your servers decide to bring out these items, which means you may be "throttled" to an extent, and may feel less than a true "all you can drink/eat" experience. This depends on the establishment. There are also a number of cheap bars where you can get a drink for ¥300 or even cheaper.

Tokyo's most distinctive drink is Hoppy ( hoppi, ホッピー), a virtually non-alcoholic beer-flavored drink (0.8% alcohol), which is drunk by mixing with shōchū (at 25%) at a 5:1 ratio, yielding an about 5% alcohol drink, essentially a substitute beer. This is available in older izakaya and has experienced a retro revival of late, though it is not particularly tasty. Another distinctively Tokyo drink is Denki Bran (電気ブラン, “electric brandy”), a herb-flavored brandy available (to drink in or in bottles) at the Kamiya bar (神谷バー) in Asakusa , right at the main intersection by the metro station.

The major brands of beer are widely available, typically ¥500–800 per glass or bottle, but microbrews and foreign beer are only rarely available and often very expensive. You're generally better off getting bottles of microbrews at speciality stores. Popeye in Ryōgoku is a rare exception, with 70 beers on tap! Another popular choice is Beer Station at Ebisu, serving a variety of Yebisu beers and matching German food.

For a splurge on a beverage or two, Western Shinjuku's Park Hyatt Tokyo houses the New York Bar on level 52. Providing stunning views day and night across Tokyo, it was also the setting for the movie Lost in Translation . Cocktails here start around ¥1400 – single malt whiskies are upwards of ¥2000. Amazing cocktails, served in “tasting flights” of 4 or 6 drinks, are made by Gen Yamamoto at his bar in Azabu-Jūban, at about ¥6000 for 6 drinks (a la carte cocktails are available in larger pours for ¥1600–1800).

Visiting clubs and western-style night spots can get expensive, with clubs and live houses enforcing weekend cover charges in the ¥2000–5000 bracket (usually including a drink coupon or two).

If you're new in town, Roppongi has establishments which specialize in serving foreigners – but it's also overflowing with foreigners, hostesses, and 'patrons' who will continually hassle you to visit their gentlemen's clubs, where drinks cost ¥5000 and up. Many Japanese and foreigners avoid this area, preferring the clubs and bars in Shibuya instead, or trendy Ginza , Ebisu , or Shinjuku .

HUB and 82 Ale House , a chain of British-style cash-on-delivery pubs, has branches near most major stations and is reasonably priced and popular among foreigners and Japanese alike. Other British/Irish pubs can be found in Roppongi, Shinjuku and Shibuya. Expect to pay around ¥1000 a pint, although happy hours can reduce this by a few hundred yen.

In Shibuya , the bar area behind 109 and next to Dogenzaka ("Love Hotel Hill") has a large number of clubs. Unlike those in Roppongi, these clubs have entrance fees, but clubs without entrance fees often hassle you all night to buy drinks which ends up just as expensive and without people who are actually there to enjoy the music. Shinjuku is home to Kabukichō, Japan's largest red-light district. Also in Shinjuku is the gay bar district of Shinjuku-nichome. A little further from the city center are Shimokitazawa , Koenji and Nakano , full of good bars, restaurants and "live houses" offering underground/indie music popular with students and 20/30-somethings.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are thousands of hotels in the Tokyo area, ranging from cheap to very expensive. They are distributed throughout the city, with some of the high end and the low end almost everywhere. Many Western-style hotels, especially those affiliated with American hotel chains, have English-speaking staff.

For long-term accommodation, be prepared to splurge as Tokyo's real estate prices are among the highest in the world, and apartments in the area are typically very cramped. Many locals actually live in the neighbouring cities and commute to Tokyo for work everyday due to the astronomical rents in Tokyo, and one-way commuting times can often last more than 2 hours.

Much of Tokyo's budget accommodation can be found in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno . But if you are not afraid of being a little bit off-center, you may have a look to the surroundings: Yokohama , etc.

Most of the cheap accommodations in the Taito area (near JR Minami-senjuu) have curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so be sure to check that in advance if it bothers you. One hotel that does not have a curfew is Kangaroo Hotel , rooms starting at ¥3200. There's also Economy Hotel Hoteiya , rooms starting at ¥2700.

Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option. They may be reluctant to play host to foreigners as there are quite a few rules of behavior which may be difficult to explain; see the Japan article for the full scoop. Most capsule hotels are men-only. Akihabara Capsule Inn is among the very few to have women-only floors.

24-hour comic book library/internet cafes known as manga kissa, are common in Tokyo. This is one of the cheapest ways to crash if you miss your last train and need to wait for the early morning transit service to get started. No bed, but you have a comfy chair and a PC and/or DVDs if you can't sleep. Later in the evening, karaoke boxes often offer discounted prices for the whole night, they usually have a couch you can sleep on. Most of these cyber cafes charge ¥1500–2500 for 8 hours.

One of the cheapest ways to stay can be also a youth hostel, prices start at ¥1200, e.g. in the Shinjuku area.

If you are truly on a budget, it is possible to go homeless and camp in public parks, for free. You can do this with a tent, if you want to carry one, and you can also sleep on benches, as exhausted salarymen and students do. It's also possible to do this all over Japan, It's called nojuku in Japanese.

There is a wide range of choices in hotels while at Tokyo, most of the hotels are rated 3 stars or more. Tokyo is among most of the other cities when it comes to hotels because their services and hotel locations are the best of the best.

Keep an eye out for what is called a business hotel . The rooms are usually tiny, but they are near stations and rates start from around ¥6000. Staff may speak minimal English, but it's not too hard to figure out. These are the best options for solo travelers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo include Tokyu Stay , which offers free internet access and breakfast, Toyoko Inn , Chisun and Sunroute .

Tokyo has some self-proclaimed ryokan (Japanese inns) that cater largely to foreign tourists, mostly concentrated around Ueno and Asakusa . While not as opulent as the real thing, they offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates.

Japan's infamous love hotels can be a reasonable (and interesting) option in Tokyo. Shibuya's Dogenzaka ("Love Hotel Hill") offers the widest selection in the city. If you're really going to spend the night, be sure to check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest". Be warned that some love hotels (at least around Shinjuku) have a 'No Japanese, no stay' policy, presumably to avoid confusion over billing; others lock you into your room until you pay into a slot by the door to leave.

You can spend a fortune on accommodation in Tokyo. Most of the high-end international chains are well represented. Particular concentrations of luxury hotels can be found in western Shinjuku (including the Park Hyatt Tokyo, featured in Lost in Translation ), near Tokyo Station and Marunouchi (including the legendary Imperial Hotel) and in Akasaka .

Beware of hotels marketing themselves as being at "Tokyo Bay". At best, this means you'll be in or near the Odaiba district, built on reclaimed land half an hour away from the city center; at worst, you'll end up somewhere on the coast of the adjacent prefecture of Chiba , which is handy for visiting Tokyo Disneyland but quite inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.

Connect [ edit ]

Free wifi [ edit ].

Tokyo Metro About 100 metro (not JR) stations have free Wi-Fi, with SSID "Metro_Free_Wi-Fi" or "Toei_Subway_Free_Wi-Fi", email registration necessary.
FreeSpot FreeSpot offering free wireless Internet access, check out their maps of service areas
Free Wi-Fi Japan [dead link] Visitors to Japan can use NTT East Free Wi-Fi for up to 14 days, completely free of charge, on presentation of your passport. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi in half of Japan through just one ID.

Internet cafe [ edit ]

Good connections are available at Internet cafes everywhere. Expect to pay ¥400–500 per hour. "Gera Gera" is a popular chain. Paid WiFi service is also taking off in Tokyo with reasonable coverage – at a price. WiFi services are probably not convenient for those just visiting.

It is possible to find wireless connections in fast food outlets like McDonald's or Mos Burger. You also have a good chance to find a connection in one of the numerous coffee shops. Just look for a wireless connection sign in the front window or computers within the shop. Free wireless is not nearly as prevalent in Japan as it is in the West.

Mobile phones [ edit ]

Foreigners are forbidden from buying disposable "burner" mobile phones and SIM cards, but it is possible to rent mobile phones, SIM Cards, and portable wifi hotspots.

Rentafone Japan Rents basic mobile phones with texting, calling, and mobile internet service.
eConnect Rents "WiFi-To-Go" mobile hot spots, for ¥ 432 - 1,080 / day and prepaid data-only SIM Cards lasting as long as 30 days.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Tokyo is probably one of the safest big cities you will ever visit, and Japan in general is one of the safest places to visit in the world. Most people, including female travellers, would not encounter any problems walking along the streets alone at night. Street crime is extremely rare, even late at night. However, "little crime" does not mean "no crime" , and common sense should still be applied as anywhere in the world. Often the biggest risk is travellers taking Japan's visibly apparent lack of crime too close to heart and doing things they would never do back home.

The most common crime is sexual harassment on crowded trains, pressed up against each other, hands wander. This is more of a local problem as westerners are considered more aggressive and would stick up for themselves. The best way to deal with any wandering hands is to yell " Chikan! " which is the Japanese term for "pervert". There are railway police offices inside major railway stations in Tokyo, and their locations can be found here . You may alternatively dial the police at ☏ +81-03-3581-4321 to report sexual harassment.

Small police stations, or kōban (交番), can be found every few blocks, and provide community policing. If you get lost or need assistance, by all means go to them; it's their job to help you! They have great maps of the surrounding area, and are happy to give directions. They may, however, have difficulties with English, so some knowledge of the Japanese language helps. Staffing of kōbans is usually limited, and should you need to report a crime, you should lodge them at your nearest police station (警察署), which are marked with a circle with a cross on maps and signs.

Take usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and trains. Also, theft is more likely to occur in hangouts and bars popular with travellers and non-residents.

The red-light and nightlife districts can be a bit seedy, but are rarely dangerous. Some small, back-street drinking establishments in red-light districts have been known to charge extortionate prices. Similar problems exist in the seedier clubs in Roppongi, where it may be wise to check cover charges and drink prices in advance. Pick your own bars instead of letting touts lure you in.

Still in a jam? Call Tokyo English Life Line , tel. 03-5774-0992, daily 09:00-23:00.

If you make it as far out as the Izu Islands , visitors to Miyakejima Island are required to carry a gas mask, due to volcanic gases. Those in poor health are advised against travelling to the island. In addition, Tokyo, like the rest of Japan is at risk for earthquakes .

Cope [ edit ]

Addresses [ edit ].

In Tokyo, like other Japanese cities, a place's address is nearly useless for actually getting there. Most roads have no name. Addresses are written in order from largest to smallest; an example address written as 丸ノ内1丁目5-6 or 丸ノ内1-5-6 would be the neighborhood of Marunouchi (丸ノ内), district ( chōme ) 1, block 5, house 6. (Addresses are usually written in English as "Marunouchi 1-5-6", or "1-5-6 Marunouchi".) Additional numbers may be appended for the floor or room number.

Numbering for districts, blocks, and houses is often not sequential; numbers are usually assigned as buildings are built, chronologically, or based on distance from the city center. Small signs near street corners display the ward/neighborhood and district in Japanese (such as 丸ノ内1丁目, Marunouchi 1-chōme); they often include the block number, but sometimes not, in which case the signs are very unhelpful since a district could be a dozen or more blocks. A building's entrance will usually show the block and house number (such as 5–6, sometimes written 5番6号), but not the district.

To find your address, make your way to the ward, then start looking for the signs near street corners. The chōme s may be numbered in a logical way — chōme 4 next to chōme 3, or they may not be. Once you locate the correct chōme , start looking for your block. Again, block 5 may be close to block 4. Then walk around the block looking for building 6. Ganbatte ! (Do your best and good luck.)

Healthcare centres [ edit ]

[dead link] Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center , ☏ +81 3-5285-8181 . 09:00-20:00 . Information about medical institutions as well as about the medical and health insurance system in Japan. (English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish).
Emergency Translation Services (for Medical Institutions) , ☏ +81 3-5285-8185 . Weekdays:17:00-20:00, Weekends and Holidays:09:00-20:00 . It's a service used by doctors, not by travelers. But, if doctor doesn't speak English, you may want to tell him or her about this service so he or she can see you more smoothly. (English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish).

Babysitting [ edit ]

chezvous .
Kinder-Network , ☏ +81 3-6415-8271 , [email protected] .
Babysitters , ☏ +81 45-507-1888 , [email protected] .

Accessibility [ edit ]

Tokyo is the most accessible city in Japan with over 90% of the train stations being wheelchair accessible, along with most tourist attractions. Crowding on trains can be difficult for some people, but wheelchair spaces are available.

Finding accessible restaurants can be hard to access since they often have steps or are very small. Department stores often have accessible restaurants on the top floors.

Accessible Japan - general information, list of hotels with accessible rooms, tourist attractions
Japan Guide: Basic Guide to Accessible Travel in Japan - general info

Embassies [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

From Tokyo, the entire surrounding Kanto region is your oyster. Particularly popular destinations nearby include:

Hakone — for hot springs and views of Mount Fuji , Ashinoko Lake.
Kawagoe — Old historical town also called "Little Edo". Its main street and castle can take you back in time. 60 min train ride from Tokyo station.
Kamakura — home to dozens of small temples and one Big Buddha
Nikko — grandiose shrine and burial site of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu
Odawara — houses the only Japanese castle in greater Tokyo area
Yugawara , Manazuru — for hot springs and coastal resort, eating sashimi and mikan , views of Manazuru Peninsula , some festivals (Matsuri).
Tokyo Disney Resort — with Tokyo Disneyland (just like the ones everywhere else) and Tokyo Disney Sea (an only-in-Japan theme park which includes some unique rides and some imported rides from Disney parks outside of Japan)
Yokohama — Japan's second-largest city and a suburb of Tokyo

The Tokyo area also has some less-famous destinations that are easy day trips from central Tokyo:

Ashikaga — historical hometown of a famous shogun clan, first school in Japan, top flower park in Japan, and beautiful nature
Kiryu — famous historical silk town with museums and bountiful nature for hiking and cycling lovers looking to get a taste of small town Japan
Hachioji — a refreshing climb up Mt. Takao through a forest to a shrine and beer garden
Kawasaki — home to the Nihon Minka-En park with 24 ancient farmhouses (more interesting than it sounds), not to mention the annual Festival of the Iron Penis (Kanamara Matsuri)
Kinugawa — Onsen town in Nikko , home to Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura , a theme park set in the Edo period with shows, ninja, samurai, geisha, et al., in a beautiful mountain setting
Fujino — a small town popular with locals and foreigners alike who are interested in the arts and enjoy beautiful scenery

And don't forget the islands to the south of Tokyo:

Izu Islands — easily accessible seaside and hot spring getaways
Ogasawara Islands — 1,000 km (620 mi) away from big-city bustle, for whale watching, diving and those who want to get away from it all

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The New York Times

Magazine | the voyages issue: six photographers on their dream journeys, the voyages issue: six photographers on their dream journeys.

SEPT. 23, 2015

Photo essays from around the world by Bieke Depoorter, George Georgiou, Glenna Gordon, Alec Soth, George Steinmetz and Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Visual journeys by six photographers

‘‘Travelers tend to go where other travelers have gone, and perhaps this is part of the reason travel photography remains in thrall to the typical. When you do visit Zurich or Cape Town or Bangkok, they are very much alike: The amusement parks have striking similarities, the cafes all play the same Brazilian music, the malls are interchangeable, kids on the school buses resemble one another and the interiors of middle-class homes conform to the same parameters.

This doesn’t mean the world is uninteresting. It only means that the world is more uniform than most photo essays acknowledge, and that a lot of travel photography relies on an easy essentialism. I like Italo Calvino’s idea of ‘continuous cities,’ as described in the novel ‘Invisible Cities.’ He suggests that there is actually just one big, continuous city that does not begin or end: ‘Only the name of the airport changes.’ What is then interesting is to find, in that continuity, the less-obvious differences of texture: the signs, the markings, the assemblages, the things hiding in plain sight in each cityscape or landscape. This is what outstanding photographers are able to do, and it is the target the rest of us chase.’’

—TEJU COLE, from the introduction to The Voyages Issue

“Ever since the railway line connecting Lagos, in Nigeria’s south, with Kano, in the north, reopened in December 2012, I’ve wanted to make this journey. The north and the south are essentially two different entities — Lagos is a hub of growth; Kano is an ancient trading city just south of the Sahara that struggles with incursions from the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. This is among the longest train lines in Nigeria, covering roughly 700 miles from lush wetlands to sweeping desert and brush. Nigeria can be a hard place to take photographs; it’s not a country with press freedom, and people usually greet strangers with suspicion. But on this trip, I became a familiar face. I was surprised how easily I could move around.”

‘‘A few years ago, a friend of mine bought a couple of buildings in a little Bulgarian village called Mandritsa. The village is beautiful, and it has incredible fruits and vegetables. I’ve got my own place there now, and that was my destination this summer. I started in Ukraine, where I’ve been working on another project. Along the way, I wanted to revisit some cities by the Black Sea that I hadn’t seen in years. This is one of the poorest regions in Europe, but there is an emerging middle class, and in summer you get people from all over Eastern Europe and Russia coming in for a budget holiday. I’ve mostly seen the Black Sea out of season, when the feeling is more melancholic, but summer changes everything.’’

“I love the movie ‘Lost in Translation,’ so I decided I would stay in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, where the film was made, and not leave for five nights. Instead, I would bring the city to me, finding people online — through Craigslist and other sites. I brought in singers, a sushi chef, teachers and others. I probably learned as much as if I had gone out and visited temples and wandered the streets. Normally, I have a wariness of photographing in other cultures, but I felt as though I could get away with it here, because I’m not even pretending to enter the city. I was totally lost in translation, presented with this fabulous surface of things that I don’t entirely understand.”

“Over the summer, I got an Instagram note from Francisco Salas, who manages a private airport in Caracas. He offered to take me to Angel Falls and around the tepuis in the southern part of the country. He had a Cessna 206, which you can fly with the rear cargo door open, so it’s perfect for aerial photos. My teenage son and I flew from New York to Caracas, then from there to the tepuis in the Cessna. The falls is so gigantic that without something for scale, you really can’t tell how big it is. So I hired two crack bush pilots, the Jimenez brothers. They wore the planes; it was like ballet. At one point, they were flying so low, they were practically washing the wheels in the river.”

“When I first arrived in Istanbul, I planned on taking street photographs. But after three days, I realized I hadn’t taken a single picture. Instead, I found myself wondering what was happening behind the closed curtains of the homes I passed. With a translator, I approached women on the street or just knocked on doors in neighborhoods all over the city. I asked if I could come to their home in the evening and stay till they went to sleep. It was not very easy — many people said no — but I think the families who said yes were interested in a very short friendship, just for a few hours. I didn’t bring the translator when I was shooting. Without language, we were able to interact in a different way; it was another way of communicating.”

“Last year, when I traveled to Italy to photograph certain buildings and early opera houses, I brought along a book about four young Japanese Christians who made a celebrated tour of Europe in the late 16th century. At the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, I discovered by coincidence that these missionaries had heard a concert there. Looking at other sites on their route, I was amazed that I seemed to be following their trail. I just felt their spirits knocking on my spirit, so I started intentionally visiting places they went, thinking they saw the same things that I was seeing. There is a 400-year gap, but my work is rooted in visualizing the passage of time.”

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The world's best mega city, found in translation. Being here is a fever dream that you don't want to wake up from. The city's real pleasures—the yakitori, underground whiskey bars, the elegance of your daily interactions—are a collection of small and subtle discoveries. Here's our comprehensive guide and a collection of tips for visiting Tokyo, Japan, from the experts at Condé Nast Traveler.

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6 Day Tokyo Itinerary: The Tokyo Guide For First Time Visitors

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Tokyo, one of the most vibrant, lively and exciting cities in the world. A city filled with contrast, from robot bars to peaceful Shinto shrines, Tokyo has it all. With tons of districts to choose from, planning your trip may be a little overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together a 6 day Tokyo itinerary to guide you. Tokyo is one of my all-time favourite cities in the world and I hope that this travel guide helps you with your own trip.

When visiting Japan for the first time, six days may seem like a long time to spend in Tokyo. There is so much to see in Japan! But because Tokyo is such a special city, I do recommend spending enough time here. This 6 day Tokyo itinerary includes 5 days in Tokyo and one day trip. This way, you can see the best things Tokyo has to offer, but also enjoy some of the great places just outside of Japan’s capital city. Let’s not waste more time, and dive in…

Shopping in Shibuya

Try purikura, drinks & pachinko, grab lunch at coco curry ichibanya, dinner and karaoke in harajuku, predict the future with o-mikuji, dinner in akihabara, hello kitty store, metropolitan government building, tokyo tower, roppongi hills mori tower, omoide yokocho (memory lane), day trip to mount fuji, how to get to tokyo from narita airport, international currency card.

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6 Days in Tokyo Map

Tokyo Day 1: Pink Tokyo Day 2: Yellow Tokyo Day 3: Teal Tokyo Day 4: Green Tokyo Day 5: Dark Blue Tokyo Day 6: Light Blue Click here to view the map in Google Maps.

Planning your trip to Japan? Make sure to also check out my other articles about this beautiful country. Including:

My Ideal Two Week Japan Itinerary For First Time Visitors
Planning to spend more time in Japan? Check out my Three Week Japan Itinerary.
How Expensive Is Japan? A 2 Week Budget Breakdown
Looking for more cool Japan activities? Check out my top 50 best things to do in Japan !

6 Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1: shibuya, harajuku and shinjuku.

We start our six days in Tokyo in the Shinjuku district. This is where I also recommend booking a hotel. Shinjuku is a lively part of Tokyo and is known not only for being the commercial and entertainment centre of the city, but also for housing the busiest railroad station in the world: Shinjuku station .

The reason I recommend staying in Shinjuku is that it’s quite local to most things that are included in this itinerary and it’s easy to navigate to other parts of Tokyo using the metro/trains from here. On top of that, Shinjuku is filled with exciting bars and restaurants that you can visit in the evening after a long day of exploring.

The hotel we stayed in is called Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku and is located right next to the Higashi-Shinjuku station . This station is a LOT smaller compared to Shinjuku station, making it much easier to use. You can also check out the best ryokans in Tokyo .

We start our first day in Tokyo in Shibuya. From Shinjuku, you can use the metro to get here. It only takes a few minutes. Shibuya is the perfect place to start your Tokyo adventure because you immediately dive into the busy city life. It feels like Tokyo straight away – exactly what you’d expect. Shibuya is mainly known to be Tokyo’s business centre . And of course, the world-famous Shibuya Crossing !

Hachiko Statue

Right outside Shibuya Station, you can find stop number one : the Hachiko Statue . You might have seen the movie or heard tales about this famous dog. If not, here is the tale of Hachiko:

Hachiko the dog came to meet his master every day at Shibuya station. Even after his master died, Hachiko would show up every single day until his own death. The statue is to commemorate his loyalty. Many people take pictures with the statue.

Shibuya Crossing

Then it’s time for the famous Shibuya Crossing! This crossing is one of the most famous and busiest crossings on the planet. Up to around 3000 people can cross here at the same time. As soon as the traffic lights allow pedestrians to cross, a sea of people washes over the streets. It’s quite remarkable – especially walking it yourself. One for the Tokyo bucket list for sure.

TOKYO T IP: Right across Shibuya Crossing, you can find a Starbucks Coffee. There is a seating area on the first floor, where you can find one of the best places to view the crossing from above. It’s the perfect place for some photos or a timelapse while getting your morning caffeine.

Combining the excitement of finally being in Tokyo and your Starbucks caffeine, we move over to some Shibuya Shopping. Shibuya is filled with some great shops. You can find some of the bigger main shops here, like Zara, H&M and Adidas, but there are also some unique Japanese gems here! Some shops to check out include:

Vanguard Village (Pop culture and souvenirs) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 11 PM
Shibuya 109 (Many smaller boutiques) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 9 PM
MODI (Fashion shops, restaurants, bookstores and karaoke bars) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
MARUI (Also known as OIOI -mainly fashion items) Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM – 9 PM Sun 11 AM – 8:30 PM
MUJI (Wide variety of items) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 9 PM
Disney Store Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Tokyu Hands (Crafts and DIY items) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 9 PM

Our afternoon starts in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Harajuku refers to the area in Tokyo near Harajuku station (right between Shinjuku and Shibuya) – and is mainly known for its vibrant fashion and pop culture. You can take the metro from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station, but it’s only 10-15 minutes on foot. If you have enough time after your shopping spree, I’d recommend walking. It’s a great way to see more of the city and enjoy the sights rather than looking at the metro walls. It also gives you a chance to grab some lunch at a 7-Eleven or Family Mart.

TOKYO TIP: Make sure to sit down somewhere to eat your lunch though – it’s frowned upon in Japanese culture to eat and walk at the same time!

Shopping in Harajuku

Harajuku is filled with the cutest shops in Tokyo. Many Harajuku-styled outfits and accessories can be acquired here. It’s really fun to just have a wander around, checking out the shops on Takeshita Street and Omotesando Avenue . In these areas, there are tons of cute cafes and trendy restaurants to try too. Wander around, get lost here, you will find something worth taking home without a doubt.

TOKYO TIP: There is a small souvenir shop at the end of Takeshita Street that sells engraved chopsticks for a very affordable price. You can leave your name with the owner and he’ll engrave your name (+ your name in Japanese) on the chopsticks for you to take home.

If time allows it, wander around Ura-Harajuku . You’d be surprised how many amazing hidden gems you can find in the backstreets of Harajuku. Takeshita and Omotesando are great fun and are the main streets everybody recommends, but there are some lovely shops to discover in the streets surrounding the two main ones.

Enjoy a Harajuku Crepe

One thing you should definitely try whilst in Harajuku is the Harajuku crepe. The crepes sold in Harajuku are quite well known, and with good reason. There come with countless fillings to choose from and they are very, very tasty. There are a few shops selling them on Takeshita Street.

Another thing on the Harajuku-bucket-list is Purikura . Purikura is quite popular among Japanese teenagers, and a fun must-try while visiting this district. It’s kinda like a photo booth, but you can edit your photos afterwards. Edit them specifically to look more kawaii. Make your eyes bigger, add tons of sparkles and get a printed copy when you’re done.

We did this in a Purikura parlour on Takeshita Street named Purikura Nora . It had many different booths to choose from and seemed to be quite popular among the locals! It’s a nice little keepsake to take home with you for only 400-500 yen.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 9 AM – 11 PM

Shinjuku at night

After our afternoon strolling through Harajuku and picking up the necessary new outfit pieces and souvenirs, it’s time to slowly head back to Shinjuku. Because we really enjoy exploring the smaller, less touristy streets, we decided to walk back to Shinjuku rather than to take the metro. It only took 10-15 minutes. I would recommend you to do the same. This way, you’ll be able to find some of the best backstreets in Tokyo.

On your way back to Shinjuku, try to find a nice place for dinner. There are so many restaurants in Shinjuku, but I’d highly recommend finding a family-owned restaurant in one of the backstreets. We sat down somewhere and had some of the tastiest ramen I had all trip, for at little as ¥300. You can save so much money by avoiding the main streets where they know tourists will look for a quick bite to eat. Yay for yummy food and supporting local family-owned businesses!

End your evening by trying out one of the SEGA arcades or Japanese Pachinko! The arcades are filled with fun games to play and prizes to win. Do make sure to check out more than one floor though. We made the mistakes of only checking out the bottom floor for the first few days in Tokyo and got bored of all the crane machines. The fun games sit on the first floor and up – where you can play rhythm games and other fun arcade games.

Shinjuku is also home to many pachinko parlours. Pachinko is the Japanese form of gambling ( oops ), but instead of winning money, you win prices. I’m not suggesting you should go and gamble away your money, but it’s quite the experience to walk into a pachinko parlour and give it a go. Even just walking in and being overwhelmed by the sound of thousands of pachinko balls being won is an experience on its own.

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Day 2: Ikebukuro and Meiji Shrine

On day two of this six day Tokyo itinerary, we are going to explore Ikebukuro in the morning and head back towards Harajuku in the afternoon to visit Meiji Shrine. Ikebukuro is another one of Tokyo’s main city centres and is filled with shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Sunshine City Shopping centre, in which the Pokemon Mega Store is located. The Meiji Shrine, our afternoon plan, is located next to Harajuku. It is one of Japan’s most popular shrines to visit. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Meiji Shrine stands beautifully and peacefully in the busy heart of Tokyo.

As we planned to spend the morning in Ikebukuro, we took the metro there in the morning. You can find a Family Mart right outside of the hotel in Shinjuku, where you can find some cheap but tasty breakfast items. We picked up a couple of bits there every morning as breakfast. This is much cheaper than having breakfast in your hotel and supermarket food is surprisingly tasty in Japan! Supermarkets like 7Eleven , Lawsons and Family Mart are a great way to save money while in Tokyo and not compromise on taste.

Explore Ikebukuro

Once we got to Ikebukuro station, we started exploring! This upcoming part of Tokyo is also known as Sunshine City. Shopping and entertainment are at heart and it really gives you that Tokyo-vibe you experienced in Shibuya on day one. Some shops you should definitely check out when in Ikebukuro:

Bic Camera Ikebukur o (Electronics and tech) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
Loft (Cool household items and stationary) Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 9 PM, Sun 10 AM – 8 PM
Sun Drug (Japanese drugstore and cosmetics) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM – 10:45 PM
Sunshine City Shopping Centre (Shopping centre filled with cool shops and restaurants) Opening hours: Shops open Mon-Sun 10 AM – 8 PM, restaurants are open Mon-Sun 11 AM – 10 PM

Visit Japan’s biggest Pokemon Centre

One of the main reasons we are spending the morning in Ikebukuro is the Pokemon Mega Store. This is the biggest Pokemon Centre in Japan! Once we arrived at Sunshine City shopping mall, we made our way to the second floor. This is where the Pokemon Mega Store is located. An absolute must-see for every fan of the gaming franchise!

Another fun thing to try when at the Pokemon Centre is to play the arcade game Ga-Olé . This arcade game that can be found at every Pokemon Centre and in a few arcades across Japan. In the game, you battle and catch Pokemon. Just like the regular Pokemon games. But if you do catch one, you get a physical cartridge with that exact Pokemon printed on it. You can then use that same cartridge to battle other Pokemon in the game. We had a lot of fun playing it! Especially because we visited the Pokemon Centre in Kyoto and Osaka, we were able to use the Pokemon we caught in our battles there.

TOKYO TIP: Make sure to walk to the back of the Pokemon Centre to find a wall filled with all the Pokemon in the franchise. A lot of people miss it because it is hidden a the back of the shop, but it’s a great photo opportunity.

You can find one of my favourite Japanese restaurant chains inside the Sunshine City shopping mall: CoCo Ichibanya . Obviously, Japanese cuisine has some of the most delicious dishes including sushi and ramen. But what most people don’t realise is that Japan does the best curries. CoCo Ichibanya is a great place to try them! (We totally didn’t end up eating at CoCo Curry four times during our first trip to Japan because we loved it so much…)

Ordering is super easy. You pick the amount of rice you’d like, the level of spice (personally, I’m very happy with a level 1) and add toppings. CoCo Curry only has one franchise store in Europe (London), and we went there just to relive the experience after returning from Japan. It’s just SO good!

CoCo Curry Ichibanya Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM – 10 PM

Meiji Shrine

In the afternoon, we head back to Harajuku station. You might have seen the iconic torii gate entrance of the Meiji Shrine on day one when visiting Harajuku. But today, it’s time to actually visit the famous shrine. From Harajuku Station, walking to the entrance only takes a couple of minutes.

This iconic shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. It was completed in 1920, eight years after his passing. After entering the temple grounds through the beautiful torii gate, you can enjoy a very serene walk through a beautiful forest which is made out of more than 100,000 trees. You almost forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest metropolitan cities! It’s so peaceful and quiet.

The shrine is open to visitors from dawn till dusk – make sure to check what time they close when you want to visit. We had to rush our visit a little because we arrived a bit later than planned! Especially during the darker months (October-March), the shrine closes a bit earlier.

Arriving at the main building of the Meiji Shrine, you might see tons of wooden plaques hung close together. These are called Ema plaques and are part of a special Shinto activity. You can buy one for ¥500, write down a wish or prayer and hang it with the others. The profits are used to maintain the shrine and its gardens.

After the Meiji Shrine closes, you can head back to Harajuku and grab some dinner. There are some great sushi and ramen places in Harajuku that are worth checking out. If you wanna avoid the pricy, more touristy places, it’s better to have a look in some of the quieter backstreets.

If you still have enough energy, Karaoke is the perfect way to end day two of this Tokyo itinerary. In the Harajuku area, there are many karaoke bars to choose from and it’s a really, really fun experience! You book a room for you and your travel company, order some drinks and snacks and sing your heart out. We were very lucky to have met up with a few friends that speak fluent Japanese, which made booking a karaoke room much easier.

Day 3: Asakusa and Akihabara

Day three of this six day Tokyo itinerary starts with a more traditional side of Tokyo. The Asakusa district lays in the north-east side of central Tokyo and is home to the popular Sensoji Temple. In the afternoon, we amplified Tokyo’s great contrast of the old and the new by visiting Akihabara (also known as Electric Town ). As a polar opposite of Asakusa, Akihabara is filled with skyscrapers and shops selling the latest electronics and merch to anime fans.

In the morning, we made our way to Asakusa to visit Sensoji Temple. From Asakusa station, you can walk to Sensoji Temple within 10-15 minutes. There are some little shops and eateries on the way to the shrine. If you haven’t had your breakfast yet, this is a great place to quickly grab something to eat.

Visit Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon ) is the oldest Buddhist temple in the whole of Tokyo. It dates back to the year 645. Legend says that the temple has been build for the goddess of mercy, Kannon.

More than 30 million people visit the temple every year, so you can expect it to be a little busy. The temple grounds are gorgeous, you can easily enjoy walking around here for hours. Smaller temples and places to pray are spread across the map. Because the temple is popular by both tourists and locals, it’s recommended to not go on a weekend day ( like we did… ). The earlier you go, the quieter it will be. You can also visit the temple in the evening, that’s another way to avoid the huge crowds.

Opening hours: The temple grounds are open 24/7, whereas the main hall is open from 6 AM till 5 PM (from 6:30 AM in October to March). The temple is open every day of the year. Entree fee: It’s free to visit Sensoji Temple

One thing we tried was O-mikuji ( おみくじ). It’s a form of Japanese fortune telling. You can get any kind of fortune from “very fortunate” to “a great curse”. I bet you can guess how lucky I got….

Here is how it works. You pay ¥100 and shake the wooden box filled with sticks. After shaking, you remove one of the sticks. This stick has a number written on it. You then match the number with the drawers and receive your fortune. Even though I got the great curse, I’m still smiling 😉

If you also receive a bad fortune, you can follow the tradition of tying the paper to one of the poles provided or a tree. The idea behind it is that the bad luck will stick to the poles or the tree instead of the person who drew it. Fingers crossed that actually worked. (Update: looking back now, I think the curse has followed me nonetheless!).

After visiting the temple, you can walk through Nakamise Street . This 200-meter long shopping street is located right outside Sensoji Temple. It’s the perfect place to find some souvenirs and snacks.

In the afternoon, it’s time to travel forward in time and visit Akihabara. Akihabara is also known as Electric Town . In this district, you can find everything electronic, anime and video game-related. It’s turned into a special kind of heaven for Japan’s diehard fans of manga, anime and other pop culture references – and man, it’s such a cool place to explore!

TIP: If possible, try to visit Akihabara on a Sunday. They close down the street for cars, which allows you to walk across the entire street and… you know… take some pictures for the gram 😉

Shopping and playing games in Akihabara

Akihabara turned into one of my favourite places in Tokyo. It’s basically video-game, electronics, and anime heaven. Even though I’m not big on anime, I love a good video game and the vibes reminded me of all the games I played and shows I watched as a kid. Akihabara has everything: game shops, electronic shops, anime figures and manga shops. Even if you’re not planning on spending any money, it’s fun to look at all the crazy stuff they sell. There are endless lists of things I could recommend in Akihabara, but here are a few things you should definitely check out:

Retro game shopping in Retro Game Camp (and other retro game shops – for a full list, check out my full retro game shopping guide )
Play in one of the many arcades
Visit a Maid Cafe
Shop in Yodobashi (basically a mall that sells EVERYTHING!)
Shop in Don Quijote . There are many of these shops all across Japan, but the one in Akihabara is LARGE! A perfect place to find some affordable and weird souvenirs for friends and family.

Akihabara lights up at night – so it’s worth staying around until the evening. Some of the main restaurants in this part of Tokyo can get quite expensive, so we ended up grabbing some cheap ramen near the train station. Akihabara also has a few crepe shops, and they’re just as tasty as the ones in Harajuku. If you missed out on trying one on the first day in Tokyo, I’d highly recommend giving it a go today. Also, make sure to try some of the arcades in Akihabara while you’re there in the evening. There are some great games to play!

Day 4: Ginza and Koto City

On the fourth day in Tokyo, we travelled down to Ginza and Koto City. It’s a little trip from Shinjuku, but because we’ve planned a full day on this side of the city, it’s more than worth it. On this day, we also plan on visiting the Teamlab Planets art exhibition and the Gundam Base.

Ginza is another famous shopping and entertainment hub in Tokyo. It’s on the expensive side, hosting upmarket brands and restaurants. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to wander around and ( window )shop. Ginza is quite upmarket and it’s not the cheapest place to shop. One square meter of land is worth over 10 million Japanese yen, making Ginza the most expensive part of Tokyo! Here are a few things to do and check out while in Ginza:

Visit the Alice in Labyrinth restaurant. Themed restaurants and cafes are very popular in Japan. Many can be found all across Tokyo. This one, in particular, is very popular because of its amazing interior and dishes that are inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Shop until you drop in Chuo-dori, the most exclusive shopping paradise in Tokyo. (Or… window shop and save the oney for another trip to Japan).
Watch a play in Kabukiza . There are daily shows where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese theatre.
Escape the busy shopping street and relax in the Hamarikyu Gardens.

After having spent our morning in Ginza, we head over to Koto City. Its name translates to “ River East “. It may not be as popular as Shinjuku, Ginza or Shibuya, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a place on your itinerary! Let me show you why.

Visit Teamlab Planets/Borderless

Teamlab Planets or Teamlab Borderless is an art exhibition where you are part of the art – sounds pretty cool right? You move through water, climb a waterfall, get lost in an infinity room and bounce off massive bouncy balls.

I was really glad that nobody rushes us through the exhibition. Because you are given a specific time to enter the building, I expected it to be a timed experience. But luckily, we were able to walk through everything at our own pace. In total, we spent about 2 hours here.

Visit the Gundam Base

Next up: The Gundam Base! Gundam is an anime series that I was pretty unfamiliar with. Richard loved it as a kid, which is why we made sure to stop by. Even though I had never seen the show before, seeing the life-sized Gundam made it more than worth it.

TIP: Every hour, on the hour, the life-sized Gundam outside the shopping centre moves!

Inside the mall (hidden behind the massive robot), you can find the Gundam Base. Here you can pretty much any Gundam you want. Richard ended up buying four Gundams to put together after we arrived back home. It’s really cool to see how much creativity people put into these figures.

After visiting the Gundam Base, you can have a wander through the rest of the mall. There are some great shops located there – like the Hello Kitty Store and tons of cute fashion shops.

Day 5: Shinjuku, Minato, and Roppongi

On our fifth day in Tokyo, we take some time to properly explore Shinjuku. Even though we’ve obviously stayed in this part of Tokyo, we’ve not taken the time to see some of the main highlights of this exciting part of the city. In the afternoon, we move over to Minato and Roppongi – two more lively parts of Tokyo (including Tokyo Tower).

Home to the busiest train stations in the world, Shinjuku never sleeps. More than 2 million passengers use Shinjuku train station every single day. This Tokyo ward is home to many shops, offices and bars. From the skyscraper district, where you can find the Government Building, to Kabukicho – a popular part of Shinjuku for nightlife, nightclubs, love hotels and more…

Gyoen National Park

Even though Shinjuku is one of the busiest and most exciting parts of Tokyo, it also has a little green oasis where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. In this park, you can find a variety of French, English and Japanese gardens. As well as some beautiful pagodas, ponds, teahouses and little cafes where you can buy fresh ice cream and mochi. This park is a must visit when you are in Japan during cherry blossom season. But even in the other seasons, it’s a lovely little break from the business that is Tokyo.

Gyoen National Park opening times: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays) Entrance fee: 500 yen

You may have come across a few themes cafes/restaurants by now. Japan is FULL of them. Name a theme and there is probably some type of eatery out there that fits your wishes. Personally, I would recommend avoiding any animal cafes in Japan because there is a lot of evidence that shows these are very cruel to the animals that live there. Instead, why not try one of the other crazy themed restaurants. Need a recommendation? Check out the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku .

This overload to your senses is one of the most unique Japanese experiences in this itinerary. It’s crazy! But really fun! While enjoying your meal, you can enjoy humans take the stage with… robots. Have you ever heard anything more anime? Do make sure you have a reservation if you want to visit the Robot Restaurants, it’s a very popular one!

In the Skyscraper District of Shinjuku, you can find the Metropolitan Government Building. This 243 meter tall building with two large towers is a popular tourist attraction due to its observation decks. At 202 meters high, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city for FREE. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji from here!

Visit Zojoji Temple

Because there’s no station near Tokyo Tower, I’d recommend heading to Hamamatsuchō Station and walk from there. The walk to Tokyo Tower from Hamamatsuchō station has some pretty sights. My favourite has to be the Zojoji Temple. It feels so serene and peaceful at the temple and we really enjoyed feeling the calm after such a busy week in Japan’s busiest city.

Afterwards, head towards Tokyo Tower. This iconic piece of Tokyo stands 333 meters tall, making it the second tallest structure of Japan. The Tokyo Skytree takes the top spot on that list 😉 The Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eifel Tower, but is 13 meters taller.

You can visit the main deck at 150 meters for a small fee. This can be reached with an elevator or the stairs – both are paid. You can go even higher to the top deck at 250 meters. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from there! It is, quite expensive though (in my opinion). You can find up-do-date ticket prices here . Personally, I think you can get a better view of the Tokyo Skytree. (That way, you can also see the iconic Tokyo Tower in your view!).

If you want to avoid paying the fee, I’d still recommend going inside. You can explore the first few levels for free. There are shops and restaurants, including the One Piece Tower indoor amusement park and One Piece shop. Perfect for those who enjoy the anime!

Roppongi is the most high-class district of Tokyo. With a vibrant nightlife scene and some of the best art museums of the city, it’s a pretty great spot to add to your itinerary. The name of this Tokyo ward literally translated to “six trees”.

Roppongi Art Triangle

As well as being a business hub, Roppongi is known for its art museums. Three of the best art museums in Tokyo are located within walking distance from each other in the Roppongi Art Triangle.

Mori Art Museum
The National Art Museum
Suntory Museum of Art

The luxury of Roppongi doesn’t end at its art scene. You can also find one of the most stunning views across Tokyo in Roppongi Hills. The open-air observation deck on the Mori Tower allows you to see Tokyo from above (with the iconic Tokyo Tower right in the middle).

Go all the way to the top of the Mori Tower to find the “Tokyo City View”. For an admission of 1800 yen, you can enjoy the view from even higher.

Back to Shinjuku

And we end our 5th day in Tokyo back in Shinjuku. Only a few minutes from the train station, you can find Omoide Yokocho (also known as Memory Lane). Make sure to check this before going back to your hotel.

Omoide Yokocho is a narrow but extremely atmospheric alleyway in Shinjuku. Decorated with lanterns and seasonal decorations (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves…), it really shows the contrast between old and new in Tokyo. Especially with the big neon advertising boards luring in the background.

You can find many traditional eateries on this street too. Small yakitori stands where smoke is being blown into the street from their grills. Sit down, enjoy some freshly grilled chicken skewers and a cup of delicious sake. What a way to end this day!

Omoide Yokocho is open every day from 5PM till midnight.

Day 6: Day Trip From Tokyo

Even though you could easily spend a month in Tokyo and still find new places, taking a day trip from Tokyo is something I’d highly recommend. It’s a way to see more of the country and experience Japanese culture in a new way. Here are four options for day trips when spending six days in Tokyo.

Disney Sea Or Disneyland Tokyo

Make sure to buy tickets for Disney Sea or Disneyland Tokyo before you leave, this way you’ll be able to save some money. It also avoids any waiting time in the queues when arriving at the parks. Just like any other Disney park, Disney Sea is filled with rides, shops and amazing decor. Our favourite rides were:

Journey to the centre of the Earth
Raging Spirits
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Skull
Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage

Unfortunately, the day we visited Disney Sea was a rainy day! Make sure to keep an eye on when the shows and parades happen the day you’re visiting. You can find this in the daily schedule you receive when entering the park. Japan knows how to do their shows and the Fantasmic! end show was absolutely amazing – totally made up for all the rain!

Day trip to Hakone

Hakone is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo, because of its beautiful scenery. It takes about 1 to 1,5 hours to get to Hakone from Tokyo. Calming onsens (Japanese hot springs), one of the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the Hakone shrine that looks out over Lake Ashi. Visiting Hakone for the day makes for a little escape from all the Tokyo chaos. Here are a few things you should definitely do/see when in Hakone:

Hakone Shrine: Possibly the most famous attraction in Hakone is Hakone Shrine (pictured below). This large torii gate stands on the banks of Lake Ashi. Especially after having spent a few days in the busy metropolitan city of Tokyo, taking some time to enjoy the serene atmosphere of this shrine is a perfect way to unwind.
Visit an onsen: Known for its many onsens, Hakone is the place to visit one yourself. These hot springs are very popular in Japan – by both tourists and locals alike – and make for a unique experience. In more traditional onsens, you have to be completely naked and genders are separated. If that’s not your thing, check out Yunessun Onsen. Here, you can keep on your bathing suit and they don’t separate men and women.
Owakudani (Boiling Valley) : If you want to see the remains of an erupted volcano, you can do that in Hakone. By taking up a gondola towards the mountain summit, you can walk around the volcanic zone. Even though it’s been over 3000 years since this volcano erupted, you can still see the smoke. You can also buy a black egg here, which has been boiled in naturally boiling water. Legend says it will prolong your life.

You can find more information about how to get to Hakone from Tokyo, how to get around the city and what other things you can do there in this article by Japan Rail.

Day trip to Nikko

Another great option for a day trip from Tokyo is visiting Nikko. It takes about 2 hours to get there, but the beautiful scenery is more than worth it. With the Nikko Pass , you can save some money on your day trip to Nikko. This city is mainly known for its forests, waterfalls and nature hikes. If you want to visit Nikko for one day , make sure to add these to your to-do list:

Rinnoji Temple: This UNESCO world heritage site was originally founded by the Buddhist monk. This monk brought Buddhism to the city in the 8th century.
Toshogu Temple : This temple is most likely to be the most popular temple in Nikko. This resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu is beautifully decorated and unlike any other temple in Japan.
Shinkyo Bridge : A sacred bridge that acts as a gateway to the temples (pictures below). It’s an icon of Nikko.

Mount Fuji isn’t located too far from Tokyo, making this a great day trip when staying in Tokyo. Japan’s most famous and iconic volcano is often pictured when portraying Japan and turned into a must-see when you have enough time. This 3776 meter high volcano is also the tallest mountain in the whole of Japan. During the months of July- September, you can also choose to climb the mountain. But because this takes a good chunk of time, I would recommend booking a hotel in the vicinity.

If you’re not really the climbing kinda person (or you’re not visiting during the climbing season), you can still enjoy some of the great views of this stunning mountain. Because there are no direct trains to most of these viewing spots, I recommend booking a tour with a travel company . They will drive you there and make sure you get to see the best spots for photos and viewing. The advantage of booking a tour is that you don’t have to worry about finding the best spots yourself.

Tokyo Travel Tips

Now we’ve covered what to do when spending 6 days in Tokyo, let’s cover some tips on how to make your trip to Tokyo without any hassle. Please find some extra information about Tokyo, where to stay, how to get there and some cultural differences to keep in mind.

Where to stay in Tokyo?

Picking a hotel in Tokyo can seem a little daunting. The city is enormous, so where is the best place to stay? I’ve written a full guide on where to stay in Tokyo with my favourite hotels and areas.

We stayed in Shinjuku, right next to one of the metro stations. Shinjuku is a very exciting part of Tokyo – tons to do and it has a great nightlife scene. Because the metro was literally right outside the door, we could easily go to other parts of Tokyo without any hassle. The hotel we stayed in is called Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku.

During our time in Japan, we also stayed in Central Tokyo for a few nights. We stayed in the Belken Hotel Tokyo . The location is perfect, only a short walk from Tokyo Central Station and the room was very affordable. The only downside was that the room was incredibly small. Most hotel rooms in Japan aren’t huge, but the hotel in Shinjuku was a lot bigger and more comfortable – which makes sense when looking at the price difference. If you want to travel on a budget, I’d recommend the Belken Hotel Tokyo . The beds were perfectly fine, and so was the bathroom (even though it was on the small side). Plus, you probably won’t spend a lot of time in the hotel anyway.

How to get to Tokyo?

If you are flying to Tokyo, you most likely will arrive at either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport . Either airports have relatively easy access to the city centre, even though Haneda is located much closer to the centre.

How to get to Tokyo from Haneda airport?

Haneda Airport is located only 15 kilometres from the city centre. To get to Tokyo, you can either take the train, bus or get a taxi. The cheapest and fastest way is by taking the train. Taxis might be a little faster but are a lot more expensive.

After arriving, I’d recommend buying a Suica Card at the airport’s train station. This card is an electronic travel pass which can be topped up at any station in Japan. After buying it and putting some money on it, you are good to go!

The best way to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport is by taking the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then change to the Yamanote Line to Tokyo Central. This takes about 30 minutes in total. You can check out this article that explains how to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport via different routes.

If your flight arrives at Narita Airport, it’ll take a little longer to get to the city. This airport is located 60 kilometres away from Tokyo. Here are the two easiest ways to get to Tokyo from the airport:

Use the JR Narita Express to get from the airport to Tokyo Station. This journey will cost 3000 yen and takes one hour. This journey is covered by the JR Pass , in case you are planning to use it for your time in Japan. Otherwise, I’d recommend getting a Suica Card at the train station or buying a single ticket. If you are unsure what the JR Pass entails, please check out my Japan Rail Pass Guide .
On a budget and not using the JR pass? You can use the JR Sobu Line to get to Tokyo too. This will cost 1340 yen and will take an hour and a half.

How to get around Tokyo?

Tokyo is a large city and because this 6 day itinerary covers more than one district, you are going to use the public transport system available. It’s impossible to explore the city entirely on foot! Luckily, Tokyo has an amazing metro system that is very easy to use – even if you don’t speak Japanese.

It’s a good idea to get a Suica card . This electronic travel pass allows you to scan in and out of any train station in Japan and automatically takes the correct fee. You can top them up at any train station. This way, you save a lot of time and hassle having to buy individual tickets. You also save money, as the card takes the exact fee from your card every time you tap out.

Culture tips for Tokyo

Japanese culture and customs may differ quite a bit from what you’re used to at home. In order to avoid looking like a fool (or accidentally offending anybody), here are a few tips to keep in mind when in Tokyo.

Don’t walk and eat at the same time: this is frowned upon in Japan. If you buy a snack, either stand still while eating or find a place to sit.
Don’t eat on public transport (unless you’re on the Shinkansen): Eating on the metro or on the bus is also something that’s not done in Japan. The only exception is when you are travelling by bullet train.
Don’t make phone calls on public transport: Another no-go is making phone calls while travelling on public transport. As many locals use this time to relax, think or sleep (especially on longer journeys), it’s very rude to be loud.
Don’t tip at restaurants: While tipping is seen as a nice gesture in most other countries, it’s not something you should do in Japan. It’s actually seen as an insult – “You must not make enough money, so here is some extra”.
Don’t play with your chopsticks: This is seen as bad table etiquette. Also, stay clear from putting your chopsticks up straight in your bowl of rice – in Japanese culture, this is only done at funerals.
Do carry a plastic bag for trash: Even though Japanese streets are among the cleanest I have ever seen, there are NO trashcans anywhere. Most Japanese people keep their trash with them and throw it away at home. Make sure to pop a little plastic bag in your backpack to store trash if needed.

Tokyo Travel Essentials

Pocket wifi.

One of the best tips for Japan that I can give you is to get pocket wifi! This little device gives you access to the internet literally everywhere – it is an absolute lifesaver on a trip like this. We got ours from Japan Wireless (for 16 full days, we only paid £60).

Make sure to book your Japan Pocket Wifi before your trip. You can pick it up from the airport after arriving, and you drop it off at the airport again once you leave the country.

Plug adaptor

For those travelling from the UK, mainland Europe or North America, you will need an adaptor plug to charge any of your electronic devices. Personally, I use the one from Iblockcube. You can use this adapter wherever you go and use any type of plug (even comes with 4 USB hubs). I’d highly recommend getting one of these. Especially when travelling to Tokyo and you want to charge your camera, phone and pocket WiFi, you will need all the hubs you can get!

Suica Travel Card

Getting around Tokyo on public transport is a lot easier than I expected. All you need to do is get a Suica Card and you’re good to go. This card can be bought and topped up at any train station. Once bought, you tap in and out of stations when using the metro, train or tram. It automatically takes the correct amount of yen off. Super easy and it saves you so much time and money. If you’re travelling to other cities like Kyoto and Osaka, you might want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass in order to save some money.

You can buy a Suica Card at the train station at the airport after arriving in Japan. Buying one is super easy and can be done at one of the ticket machines. There is an “ English ” button to guide you through the process without any hassle.

Even though Japan is known to be a very cash-based society, having an international currency card is a must. Rather than a credit card, you can top up a currency card whenever you want to. If you lose it, you don’t have to worry about it being linked to your bank account. I would recommend getting a card with Monzo (if you are a UK resident) or Transferwise. They use the daily exchange rate when taking out yen or paying in shops – meaning you get the best currency rates wherever you are.

Conclusion: 6 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

That concludes my 6 day Tokyo itinerary. I cannot wait to return to the city and explore it some more – I have the feeling you could spend weeks there and still find new places!

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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33 thoughts on “6 Day Tokyo Itinerary: The Tokyo Guide For First Time Visitors”

If I didn’t want to go to toyko before then I definitely do now! Everything looks amazing, and Im not going to lie the Pokémon mega store sounds like a dream in itself. Id literally end up buying everything x

Kayleigh zara 🥀 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com

Thank you Kayleigh, such a sweet comment! So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Haha, I definitely had to keep an eye on my purse when going to the Pokemon store – so much cute plushies!!

What an amazing post! So detailed and your photos are incredible! I’d loooooove to visit Tokyo one day.

Thank you Olivia, so glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you get to visit it one day, it’s such an amazing city <3

Japan is one of those places that is on my bucket list. I am fascinated by all the contrasts you can find in there – Tokyo is a perfect example. I have to admit crossing that road seems frightening! I always wonder when I think about visiting there whether it’s an overwhelming place. I loved reading this post and your pictures are amazing.

Thank you Madi! <3 Such a sweet comment 🙂 I really loved seeing the contrast in the city, from such old temples to the latest high-tech. Haha, I can see why you think it might be a bit scary - it's definitely super busy but when you cross it yourself, it doesn't feel as bad! I thought it felt really cool, actually ^^

Wish i had spent more time in Tokyo and hope to go back!

I hope so too, Roo! Miss it so much!

Oh my gosh this post is amazing! I love how detailed you’ve been and I have wanted to go to Tokyo for so long, there are definitely some places I’ve added to my list for Tokyo!

Love, Amie ❤ The Curvaceous Vegan

Thank you Amie, super glad you liked the post! If you need any help planning a trip to Japan, feel free to ask me anything! <3

Never noticed how bright and rich in colour Tokyo is till I read your post and saw all your pics! Looks like you’ve had an adventure-filled week! Also the pic of you sitting on the street with all that life around you is dope!

Akihabara is definitely a town I wanna visit as gaming was such a big deal in my childhood and it’d be nice to literally go to a place that’s heavily inspired. Since some of the biggest gaming consoles and PCs I played on were manufactured in Japan.

Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures https://johnnystraventures.com

Thank you Johnny, what a lovely comment to read! I’m so happy I was able to bring that across through my photos 🙂

Akihabara is THE place for you then, my friend! Such a cool part of Tokyo, especially if you like video games 🙂

The crepe looks good!

It was delicious!

You packed so much into your time! Your photos are amazing, and it sounds like you had an incredible time. I gotta say, all of that food looks delicious and has made me hungry haha. Cora | http://teapartyprincess.co.uk/

Hahaha, we tried to make the most of it! Thank you so much, it really was such a beautiful city to visit – I’d love to go back soon!

This is such a beautiful post, especially since Tokyo has been on my wishlist for the longest time and I am hoping to be there this Autumn. Your post will surely help me plan my days there. I love the pictures too

So glad you enjoyed the post! If you need any help with planning your Japan trip, feel free to message me 🙂

Love how detailed this itinerary is. Japan has to be my number one place I want to travel right now! Thanks for the well-rounded post!

Thank you for those kind words! Hope you get to visit Japan soon, it really is such an amazing country!

Loving this guide – Japan is next on my list. P.S that curry looks AMAZING. drooling.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrieproject/

Lovely detailed post Nele, we recently saw a lot of the same places on our trip, except Disney. We’ve just come back from our third Japan trip and miss it like crazy!

I am travelling with four kids….and have googled so many things about what to do in one week stay in Tokyo. Your detailed account is very helpful and very detailed. I am better prepared. Thanks again.

I really loved your detailed post about Tokyo. It was my daughter who provided me the link to it because I am really trying to convince my wife for a 7-day stay in that city. Since we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary next year in April, it might be the perfect timing to do so. We will surely need some more time to do the things you did and described so well. I cannot wait till the moment that the flight tickets come on sale! I think I will feel a kind of lost in this Tokyo world but I am sure I will be loving it.

One thing though: what is the best way to get from the closest airport to the city?

Hey! Thank you so much for your comment, super glad to hear you enjoyed the post. I think Tokyo would be fabulous for a 7-day stay with your wife. There is so much to do and see, and it really makes you appreciate the culture in Japan.

As for your question, I’d recommend flying to Haneda airport because it’s located close to the city. From Haneda, it’s really easy to take public transport (like the train or tram) and it takes you to the centre of Tokyo in about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from there (it’ll just be a bit more expensive) – Hope that helps! 🙂

Hi. Very useful post. I’m planning on taking my two teenage kids to Tokyo soon. I’m sorry to ask the obvious question, but how much did the week there cost you, a rough ball-park figure, of course. Thanks.

Thanks so much James, really glad you enjoyed the post! I have a full budget breakdown of our trip here: https://thenavigatio.com/is-japan-expensive/ – hope that helps ^^

Wow that’s a great list ,comprehensive and so useful

Tokyo is one of my favourite places in the world! I just loved the contrast between the history and temples to the modern bustle and manga culture. Can’t believe I totally missed Ginza and Koto City, gives me a reason to go back I guess! My favourite area was Akihabara haha

Missing Japan so much after reading this article! I thoroughly enjoyed Tokyo during my trip a few years ago but didn’t manage to go to Nikko, which sounds really interesting. Also, the culture tips section is very useful, well done!

I have been twice to Tokyo and there are still a few things from your list I didn’t do! Thanks to you I know what to do next time I will go there!

I’m one of the few people in the world that has never really been interesting in traveling to Japan, but in recent years I’m getting more and more curious. I suppose Tokyo would be the first place I would visit once I go so this is super helpful!

Im so sad coz i was meant to be flying there in May! thanks for this article, im saving it for when i reschedule!

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Most popular tokyo flight and hotel deals, last minute vacation packages to tokyo, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in tokyo, tips for finding tokyo package deals.

There are loads of types of vacations in Tokyo and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $664; Family vacation $562; Romantic vacation $854; Luxury vacation $857; Budget vacation $455.

Why should you book a vacation package to Tokyo?

Add in the snazzy restaurants that make Tokyo the most Michelin-starred world city, a vibrantly rich pop culture scene and the majestic Skytree, the world's tallest tower, and the city is unmissable.

When should you book a vacation package to Tokyo?

The months of March, May, October, and December offer the best weather while March, April, October, and November are best for sightseeing. Romantic Tokyo trips should be taken in spring (cherry blossom glory) and late fall (foliage season).

Where should you stay in Tokyo during your vacation?

For any vacations in tokyo:.

Next to the museums at Roppongi Hills is the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Its sleek rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and DVD players, free Wi-Fi and desks. The suites feature separate sitting quarters. Club level rooms have lounge access with free evening appetizers and breakfast.

Visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower is a highlight for Tokyo getaways, and the high-end Westin Hotel, just 2 miles from this landmark, offers amazing city views. Standard but elegant European-styled rooms feature minibars, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (for a fee) while upscale rooms offer workstations, free breakfast, and private lounge access.

For family vacations in Tokyo:

Rooms at the sprawling Imperial Hotel in Tokyo's Uchisaiwaicho neighborhood feature mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, plus tea and coffee makers. Sitting areas in the upgraded rooms are standard, and suites come with a kitchen. With free breakfast, free stays for kids under 4 years, and in-room massages, this is a perfect pick for Tokyo package deals.

All-inclusive Tokyo vacation deals at the Intercontinental Tokyo afford you cozy and tastefully furnished rooms with minibars, coffee and tea stations for standard rooms, city views and access to a lounge complete with free breakfast and cocktails in the evening for upgraded rooms, and espresso machines, Blu-ray players, and living rooms for suites.

For romantic vacations in Tokyo:

Romantic Tokyo vacation deals should include a spa, fine dining, loads of pastries, and a swimming pool. The Andaz Tokyo Hotel at Toranomon Hills has it all, with rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows allowing panoramic city views, free Wi-Fi and minibars, soaking tubs in all bathrooms, and an open terraced rooftop cocktail bar.

With free breakfast and parking, room and laundry service, elegant restaurants and a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, the Claska Hotel makes romantic Tokyo trips worth every dime. The rooms are equipped with desks and sitting areas with some having tatami floors, dining tables, and even a terrace. Flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are standard.

For luxury vacations in Tokyo:

The kid-friendly Mandarin Oriental is the epitome of class, luxury, and opulence in Tokyo. With chic, sophisticated rooms featuring panoramic city views, minibars, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, this hotel located on the upper floors of a 34-level tower has it all. Suites offer additional living areas and freestanding tubs.

Over in the Marunouchi business district is the upscale Peninsula Tokyo. To dressing rooms, city views, tea and coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi in their standard contemporary rooms, suites add living rooms, and some even provide a balcony, grand piano, and a complimentary tea ceremony.

For budget vacations in Tokyo:

With cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, washers/dryers, modern family rooms with living quarters and bunk beds, some complete with terraces and/or kitchenettes, the Centurion Hotel Residential Akanaka is an ideal pick for cheap Tokyo vacation packages.

Ryogoku View Hotel features unassuming standard rooms with free Wi-Fi, balconies, bunk beds with sitting areas underneath, and panoramic city views, sofas or tatami mats, and traditional Japanese tables. This child-friendly establishment also boasts hot tubs, a laundry service, and a cozy restaurant.

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The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours)

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One common question we get from readers planning a family trip to Japan is where to stay in Tokyo with kids. In such a massive, dense city it can be hard to pick!

This helpful guide will help you choose the family-friendly Tokyo hotel for your needs, whether you love luxury hotels, budget hotels, or something in between. Read on to find out what to look for when you’re choosing your Tokyo accommodation and some top options that you’re sure to love.

Quick picks: Best hotels in Tokyo for families

Don’t have time to read this entire guide? Here are a few stand-out Tokyo family hotels you can’t miss:

Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori – for space, convenience and Pokémon themed rooms
Park Hyatt Tokyo – for luxury
Hilton Tokyo Bay – for a visit to Tokyo Disney

What to look for in Tokyo family hotels

Choosing a family friendly base for exploring Tokyo can be a little tricky because there are many factors to consider. You’ll want to think about several aspects unique to visiting Tokyo with kids before you start digging into specific hotels in Tokyo.

Occupancy limitations – Simply put, some hotels in tokyo only let you book rooms for 2 or perhaps 3 people. Most can accommodate 4 people (though not all) and a few allow 5+ in a family room. Since occupancy limits are strict, be sure to put in the correct number of people and ages – you don’t want to be turned away from triple rooms because you really should have booked quad rooms! Japanese front desks are generally inflexible about this so be sure your searches are accurate.
Western vs traditional Japanese style rooms – Even in central Tokyo you can find traditional Japanese style rooms if you look for them. They’re outfitted with tatami mat floors and hotel staff roll out a row of futons to sleep on in the evening. We found futons very comfortable but they would be a big surprise if you were expecting a Western room with fixed beds – especially if you get an early check-in after a long flight across the Pacific.
Nearby train stations – You will take trains in Tokyo, that’s not a question. You definitely want to be walking distance to a train station (or two) but you may want to consider which type of station. Local transportation includes JR trains, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and several other lines. If you plan a lot of day trips from Tokyo, it can be helpful to stay near one of the major JR station hubs like Tokyo station or Shinagawa station, which have are shinkansen stops, or Shinjuku station or Shibuya station where you can easily make connections. On the other hand, if you’ll spend most of your time exploring within central Tokyo, being walking distance to a less crowded train station may be easier to manage with young children.

Chances are you won’t spend a ton of time in your hotel room even if it’s centrally located, but taking these particularities into account can make your visit much smoother!

Best downtown Tokyo family hotels

Hyatt regency tokyo.

I’ll start with the Hyatt Regency Tokyo in Shinjuku, which is where we stayed. Th mid-priced Tokyo hotel is very conveniently located above a relatively quiet Tokyo metro station, but it’s also only a 10 minute walk to the world’s busiest train station! From Shinjuku Station you can get anywhere, and there are tons of great restaurants surrounding (and inside) the station.

Thankfully the area right around the Hyatt Regency is very quiet. It’s next to the Municipal Government Building, which offers a free observation deck. The line can be long at mid-day but is generally short (or non-existent) if you go right at opening or shortly before closing.

The Hyatt itself has a striking lobby and comfortable, if simple, rooms. We booked the “twin room with a view” and it offered two beds plus an ample seating area for our family (the couch even converts to a sleeper which we didn’t realize at the time). It was the perfect spot to sample and trade our 7-11 hauls – there’s one right under the hotel, which is convenient if you need anything! Like many Japanese hotels, our room came with slippers and yukatas to wear while we relaxed.

Note: Some people are reporting that they are only able to book the Hyatt Regency Tokyo for 3 people. If you’re seeing that but feel like it’s the right option for you, book a cancellable rate and then reach out to the hotel to add another child.

The concierge and front desk were very helpful in meeting all our needs, from forgotten charging cables to arranging for our luggage to be shipped to our hotel in Kyoto .

The price for booking several months in advance was very reasonable, but I also could have transferred points from our Chase Sapphire Preferred card to book this Tokyo hotel for free. It ranges from 12,000 to 18,000 points per night, which is a real bargain! If you’re a Hyatt loyalist, know that as of this writing it’s a Category 4 so this is a great choice if you have a free night certificate in your account.

After you book your room, be sure to drop the hotel a note requesting a view of Mt. Fuji! That was a welcome surprise on a clear morning.

Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori or Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East

Without a doubt, the most popular family hotels in Japan belong to the Mimaru “aparthotel” chain. They’ve thought of everything a family could want!

We didn’t stay at one of these location but did have an excellent experience at their sister property in Kyoto with kids . Why should you stay at Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori or Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East ? For starters, because these are the Tokyo Pokemon hotels! There are plenty of Pokemon things to do in Japan , but this was a favorite for our family as you can see.

If you book early enough, you can snag a Pokemon themed room in this apartment style hotel. You’ll have ample sleeping space for four people plus the option to add a crib for free. There’s also a compact but fully-functional kitchen in case you want to have breakfasts or snacks in the room.

The entire Mimaru chain is extremely family-friendly, even if you don’t choose a Pokemon room. They offer several configurations that accommodate families perfectly, including options with bunk beds. You’ll find large rooms at many of their locations, though sizes vary among their family friendly rooms.

My daughter loved the child-sized slippers, kid toothpaste and board game loans! This is also the best place to stay in Tokyo with a baby because you can reserve a baby-friendly room that includes gear like a baby bath tub, toddler potty seat, baby toys, high chair, feeding set and more.

The Hatchobori location is a great choice for all-around convenience. It’s just a 15 minute walk to Tokyo Station, and the even-closer Hatchobori Station is on the same line as the Tokyo Disney Resort – perfect if you want to avoid changing hotels. If we were planning our trip again, I’d strongly consider this hotel instead of the Hyatt Regency for its central location.

The Ueno East location is great for visiting Tokyo with a family because you can walk to the lovely namesake park, which is home to the zoo. The Ueno Station provides excellent connections to the rest of the city since it is served by multiple subway companies and offers a quick connection to Tokyo Station. It’s also really close to the station served by the Narita International Airport train , making for a quick fuss-free arrival.

Hotel Gajoen

If you’re looking for a peaceful refuge from the overload of Tokyo, consider Hotel Gajoen in Meguro. The hotel was suggested by a member of our Facebook group who loved her stay there! We visited the Meguro neighborhood twice during our family trip to Tokyo because it was such a lovely area.

The rooms at Hotel Gajoen are enormous – they start at 750 square feet! There are plenty of choices that will accommodate a family of four. There’s plenty of opportunity to find tranquility thanks to the “living lobby” as well as the beautiful outdoor garden on the hotel premises.

While Meguro isn’t as central as the other locations above, that doesn’t mean it’s inconvenient: the hotel is just a three minute walk from the robust Meguro Station, which gives you access to all of Tokyo’s major subway lines. It’s also really close to Shinagawa Station, which is the transfer point for a day trip to Hakone or the long-distance train to cities further south like Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima .

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, the gorgeous lights along the Meguro riverwalk will be the highlight of every evening. This would be a great location to settle into if you plan a longer visit to Tokyo.

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Park Hyatt Tokyo

If you dream of staying at a luxury hotel in Tokyo, put the Park Hyatt Tokyo at the very top of your list. It’s the hotel featured in “Lost in Translation” and the only thing most guests don’t love about it is the price tag.

Surprisingly, and thankfully, the Park Hyatt Tokyo allows you to book their spacious rooms for 5 people. Since the hotel sits atop a 52-story tower, you’re guaranteed amazing views of the surrounding Shinjuku neighborhood and beyond – all the way to Mount Fuji from some rooms. This is also one of the best family hotels in Tokyo that offers an indoor pool, so it could be a great choice for summer visits when kids may fade quickly in the heat and humidity.

Like the Hyatt Regency Tokyo that’s just across the park, you could book this hotel by transferring points earned on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. As a Category 7 hotel, it’s a steep 25,000-35,000 points per night for a standard room. But friends who have stayed there report that it’s worth the splurge, especially if you have Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status and can take advantage of free breakfasts, suite upgrades and potential a free night certificate.

Sunshine City Prince Hotel

The Sunshine City Prince Hotel gets high marks from families in our Facebook group, and it has family rooms that can accommodate up to 9 people . That’s surely record-breaking, and amazing if you’re visiting Tokyo with a large family. That said, some of the rooms are very compact while the Japanese family suites and Japanese Western rooms are very spacious rooms. Generally the higher floor rooms are nicer and more updated, while rooms on the lower floors are more basic.

The appeal of this hotel is that it’s directly connected to the amazing Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro. Sunshine City offers a huge range of entertainment for kids and you can access it all without going outside, making it a perfect fallback for rainy days (which you’re almost sure to encounter at least once unless you visit in winter). Some of the cool options include a Pokémon Center and Pikachu Sweets, an aquarium, a planetarium, an observation deck that doubles as an indoor garden, an “only in Japan” theme park, a theater, arcades and more – plus tons of restaurants and convenience stores to choose from.

Some parts of Ikebukuro – notably on the west side of the JR station – have a bit of a seedy reputation. But there’s really no need to go to that side and it isn’t unsafe, just more “adult”.

Best family hotels near Tokyo Disneyland

We didn’t visit Tokyo Disneyland on our first family trip to Japan but we can’t wait to experience it next time we go! Whether you choose to stay right near Tokyo Disneyland or in central Tokyo depends in part on how many days you’ll spend at the Tokyo Disney resort and also whether you’ll visit during your time in Tokyo or tack it on to the end of your trip after traveling around the country.

If you’re only going to visit Disneyland or DisneySea for one day, consider staying at Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori . I discussed this chain of ultra family friendly hotels above, but the great thing about the Hatchobori location is that you can be at the Tokyo Disneyland station in under 30 minutes and the Tokyo DisneySea station in under 40 minutes. That’s completely doable and saves you from having to change hotels in Tokyo!

For families who plan to spend two days at the Tokyo Disney theme parks or will visit them separately from the rest of their time in Tokyo, it definitely makes sense to stay at an on-site official Disney hotel option rather than one of the other Tokyo Bay hotels. Why? Because Tokyo Disney has a monorail that makes a loop around the theme parks and official hotels in just 13 minutes!

By contrast, some of the “off property” Tokyo Bay hotels require an hour to get to Tokyo Disney using transit despite their proximity. Most families don’t want to bring a car seat and pay for a taxi, so being in a monorail hotel makes a lot more sense and will save you a huge amount of time.

Hilton Tokyo Bay

If you’re looking for a Western-style hotel room near Disneyland, go for the Hilton Tokyo Bay . It has an excellent location a short walk from the monorail stop and nice-sized, high quality rooms.

You can opt for a normal room or they offer several themed room options – that’s fairytale-inspired “Happy Magic” above and futuristic “Celebrio” below. You also have the option of family rooms with a bunk bed, family suites and more. Rooms are also distinguished by having either a park or ocean view.

Beyond the great location, one of the other awesome family-friendly amenities at the Hilton Tokyo Bay is the seasonal outdoor pool – perfect when you need to decompress after time at the theme parks! There’s also a heated indoor pool that’s available year-round, but (as with many hotel pools in Tokyo) there’s a fee to use it.

The Hilton Tokyo Bay is also a stop for the Limousine Bus, which is a convenient and affordable way to get to/from Narita International Airport . It’s the perfect option if you’ll visit Tokyo Disney at the beginning or end of your trip!

Planning your trip to Tokyo with kids

This roundup of the best family hotels in Tokyo should give you a great jumpstart to your Japan family trip planning! Be sure to read the helpful articles below to plan the rest of your visit:

Buy your Japan Rail Pass
Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel
Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips
Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss
What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)
Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take
Awesome Pokémon Things to do in Japan
Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids
10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List

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Guide to Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort

Ikspiari is a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex located within walking distance of Tokyo Disneyland, the JR Maihama railway station, and with its own monorail station. It’s Japan’s take on the Downtown Disney concept, and in this guide we’ll cover some basics tips for visiting Ikspiari, along with restaurants and stores we recommend.

With that said, this is not a comprehensive guide to all things Ikspiari. With roughly 150 restaurants and retail shops, that would be an exercise in futility. Moreover, most of these stores are not relevant to our interests and have very little to do with Disney. Speaking of which, while we referred to Ikspiari as Tokyo Disney Resort’s twist on Downtown Disney, it is decidedly not Disney.

As a reminder, Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by Oriental Land Company (OLC) and not the Walt Disney Company. While we’re not privy to the whole backstory, it’s likely that OLC purposefully developed Ikspiari without Disney branding to avoid paying licensing fees. This isn’t to say Ikspiari is not nicely designed or inviting. To the contrary, it bears plenty of similarities to Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World…

The question is whether that’s enough to justify spending any significant amount of time at Ikspiari while you’re visiting Tokyo Disney Resort. Our view is that Ikspiari is fine for quick stops for specific purposes, such as dinner on arrival night, grabbing groceries for in-room breakfast, or searching for media not sold in the park.

With that said, we would strongly recommend that you do not build free time at Ikspiari into your itinerary for Japan. What we mean by this is that you should not plan to explore Ikspiari for a half-day or even a few hours. It’s not like Disney Springs in that regard.

For those who are big into shopping and want to do some of that in Japan, we’d encourage you to do so in Tokyo proper. There’s no shortage of superlative shopping in Tokyo, with literally every major train station having an above or underground labyrinth of retail and dining.

If you want the easiest of these options, we’d recommend a half-day in Odaiba, which is on an artificial island across Tokyo Bay and about 30 minutes from Tokyo Disney Resort. Then there’s the bright neon of Akihabara’s electronics and otaku culture, the chic storefronts of Ginza and Roppongi Hills, and the unique items of Asakusa and Harajuku.

However, none of these places will be as compelling for Disney fans as Nakano Broadway. It’s hard to describe what, exactly, this is–but it’s like a scrappier version of Akihabara. Most of the shops here are second-hand stores that cater to collectors and geeks, and it’s an eclectic mix of stuff for everyone.

Several of the stores have Disney items, and we frequently buy great Tokyo Disney Resort collectibles here. We absolutely love Nakano Broadway, and make a point of spending a few hours there on each trip to Japan. For more info & tips, see our Shopping Guide to Nakano Broadway on our non-Disney blog, TravelCaffeine.com .

Back to Ikspiari. The first thing you need to know is that Ikspiari is sprawling, laid out in a confusing manner, and you will get lost your first or (in our case) fiftieth time visiting. Just accept that now, as it’s going to happen. Stop worrying and succumb to your fate.

Even following this interactive online map or directional signage within the Ikspiari complex, getting lost is pretty much unavoidable. The layout makes no intuitive sense, not every stairway or corridor connects, and the whole place was designed by monkeys drunk on sake (probably). Just think of Ikspiari as an open world ( and free! ) escape room. Who says there’s nothing adventurous about doing Disney?!

A couple of the easier, front-and-center places to find are among our recommended stops.

The first of these is Tsukiji Tamasushi, which serves authentic sushi at a reasonable price using fresh ingredients shipped directly from the Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Markets. We’re big fans of their fatty tuna or salmon nigiri sushi.

Second, Ippudo. This is a famous ramen chain (that now has a few locations in the United States). Yes, it’s a chain but it has some of the best ramen you’ll find in Japan. Ippudo has a location in Ikspiari on the third floor.

Be warned that you’ll often find long lines here on weekends and around meal time. We usually do Ippudo first thing in the morning or late at night. (They open at 11 am and close at 11 pm.)

Other solid options include Tonkatsu Wako, which serves fried pork cutlets; Mai Chibo, which is a great and fun way to try okonomiyaki; and, Rin-Ya, which serves soba noodles, tempura, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

This is just a small sampling of the restaurants at Ikspiari–we haven’t tried the vast majority of them, preferring to eat most meals in the parks or the city.

For those picky eaters who want some boring American chains, there are a variety of options including T.G.I. Friday’s, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, and Rainforest Cafe.

We’d implore you not to dine at any of these. Japanese food is incredibly mild and not even remotely adventurous in the typical sense of the word–at least give ramen, tonkatsu, and tempura a try. They’re all crowd pleasers.

On the first floor you’ll find a food court called “Ikspiari Kitchen.” This is basically the fast food area of Ikspiari, and it’s very hit or miss.

We’ve had some awful meals here (avoid all of the noodles spots and westernized locales) as well as some good ones. Our biggest recommendation would be to not put all of your eggs in one basket–order a sampling of items from a variety of the vendors.

On the first floor across from Ikspiari Kitchen, you’ll also find Seijo Ishii, which is a moderately-sized supermarket with a variety of items. It’s a tad overpriced, but still cheaper than the parks. We typically stock up on bananas plus other fruits and vegetables, as those can be difficult to get in the parks without doing a buffet.

At Seijo Ishii, you’ll also find the bizarre seasonal or Japan-exclusive flavors of Coke and Pepsi, plus pizza potato chips. We always stock up on all of these things–no joke!

Behind Seijo Ishii there’s a pathway with storage lockers and restrooms. More importantly, there’s a 7-11 ATM where you can use your American debit card to withdraw Japanese Yen. (There are no such ATMs in the parks, but a couple at the monorail loop hotels.)

Around the corner on the first floor is the Medi+Plus pharmacy, which hopefully you won’t need. Across from that is Maruzen, which is described as a “shop has various books, both Japanese and foreign, that were selected for fashionable women.” You might be able to find some Tokyo Disney Resort photo books there.

Better for Tokyo Disney Resort media shopping is Shinseido, which is located on the second floor. If you want Tokyo Disney Resort CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray videos, this is definitely the place to go. Their selection is far superior to the in-park stores, as they have many out-of-print titles.

The large Disney Store on the second floor is going to be a big draw of Ikspiari, and it’s worth noting that this sells different items than what you’ll find in the parks. This is Disney Store stuff made for the Japan audience.

For Tokyo Disney Resort shopping outside the park, visit the large Bon Voyage store between Ikspiari and Tokyo Disneyland. Although there’s a Disney Vacation Club storefront in a couple of these photos, that no longer exists.

Other than that, you’ll find a bunch of familiar stores like Gap, Guess, and Lacoste, plus a ton of unfamiliar ones. Unfortunately, there’s no UNIQLO…yet.

The only other store we’d recommend checking out is ASOKO & 3COINS, which is a 300-yen store. (If you’re heading into the city of Tokyo, be sure to look for Daiso and Seria, which are the best 100 yen stores.)

We’d also recommend continuing on past Ikspiari and visiting Disney’s Ambassador Hotel if you’re in the area. Tick Tock Diner always has some delicious and cute baked items.

Overall, Ikspiari is a serviceable option for an arrival or departure day meal, to stock up on stuff for your hotel room fridge, or to buy select souvenirs that are not sold inside Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. However, that’s about it. Ikspiari is not a place where you should aimlessly wander (although you’ll do that when you invariably get lost!) or plan to allocate valuable vacation time in Japan.

If you’re thinking of visiting Japan for the first time and are overwhelmed with planning, definitely check out our Tokyo Disney Resort Planning Guide . It covers much more than the parks, from getting there to WiFi to currency and much, much more. For more photos and an idea of what we did day-by-day during our first visit, read our Tokyo Disney Resort Trip Report .

Your Thoughts

Have you visited the Ikspiari shopping & dining complex at Tokyo Disney Resort? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Think it’s worth setting some time aside to explore Ikspiari? Have any favorite restaurants or stores here? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

We are visiting Tokyo Disney Resort for first time in December (husband, teen daughter, myself). On Sunday Dec 18 we are moving from Hilton Tokyo Odaiba (checkout 11a) to Hilton Tokyo Bay (checkin 3p). We plan to do 1 day at Tokyo Disneyland (Mon 12/19) and 1 day at Tokyo Disney Sea (Tue 12/20). For Sunday Dec 18, wondering on what to do out of a couple choices: 1 – 11a store luggage at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and take train/subway to Harujuku for afternoon, then return to Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, pickup luggage and take to Hilton Tokyo Bay to checkin for night, and explore Ikspiari for dinner/shopping. 2 – 11a take luggage to Hilton Tokyo Bay, store luggage there and spend time at Ikspiari lunch/shopping before checking in at 3p, then going to Disney Sea for half day (evening) on Sunday… Any advice on which to do? Or suggestion on something different?

Hi May – what did you end up doing? We have a very similar itinerary in a couple of weeks and wondering how things turned out for you.

Why I’d say that you’ve missed the best restaurant in Ikspiari, much better than any restaurant in either Disneyland or DisneySea, which is a branch of the famous restaurant Imahan. Located in Chef’s Row on the 4th floor, the specialties are Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu. The food is heavenly–the kind of thing you will dream about long after you return home. It’s not cheap (no good beef in Japan is cheap), but it’s Wagyu beef and two people can eat for a minimum of $100 (more if you buy extra plates of beef, which is inevitable). It’s so good that, seriously, I eat there at least three or four times during my yearly trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort.

A podcast I was listening to recently brought up one use for Ikspiari that I hadn’t considered-as a way to expand the number of options at the resort for vegetarians. I could certainly see people with more specialized diets using it more often.

Indeed, the Mexican restaurant (Guzman y Gomez) was a lifesaver for my eternally-picky mother, and she returned multiple times during our trip.

We ended up with a half day free before our park tickets started, so we wandered around Ikspiari. Although it never really got to the point that I was totally familiar with it, it did a better job at orienting me than the previous trip. It really is an interesting mall if you take the time to explore it, and there are some beautiful areas (if malls can be beautiful). I’d put it in the upper tier of Disney (or “Disney”) shopping districts. We even stumbled on a magician who kept us entertained for ~20 minutes!

Shinseido was fantastic! I spent far more money than I should have in that store on TDR CDs and Blu-rays!

Okay, so I know it’s American food, but Kua’Aina, the Hawaiian Burger place (their sign is featured in your second photo from the top with all the neon signs) is amazing! Reasonably priced, huge and delicious! We ate tons of ramen & other Japanese foods in Japan (and loved it all), but we couldn’t resist the burger joint at Ikspiari by the end of our trip when we arrived at Tokyo Disney. If you haven’t tried it yet, Tom, you really should. We happen to be going to Kauai over New Year this year, and will make a point of going to the original location. So, so, so yummy!

Do locals tend to frequent Ikspiari, or is that too “touristy” for them & they stick to those other shopping neighborhoods you mentioned?

We like the little snacks you can find on the basement floor – there’s a cool cheese tart place (we saw really long lines somewhere in Tokyo proper, but found it here with no line!), serviceable onigiri, good takoyaki, and the waffle place wasn’t bad either!

I think you’re thinking of Bake Cheese Tart? Yes, they’re fantastic. (We waited in a really long line for their seasonal variety in Hiroshima once!)

I don’t recall its name, but we also found the takoyaki (pictured above in the article) place to be pretty good.

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10 of the best hotels in Tokyo, from charming ryokans to Japanese onsen retreats

Japan’s capital is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Here are 10 places to stay in Tokyo to make your trip all the more memorable.

With its glinting skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, lantern-festooned temples and neon-clad arcades, Tokyo is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Over the past decade, accommodation options have broadened to include trendy ryokans (traditional inns) and indie hotels. Because there’s no single city ‘centre’ in the Japanese capital, you’ll almost certainly have to do some travelling — likely on the efficient metro system — to see its highlights, so don’t get overly hung up on location. Instead, think about what’s more important after a day’s sightseeing: an al fresco pool or a cool in-house bar.

1. Hoshinoya Tokyo

Best for: cultural immersion Leave the city, and your shoes, behind as you step onto the tatami floors of this skyscraper ryokan. It’s a low-lit retreat of shoji screen doors and incense-scented air, with a second-floor lobby that includes a little salon for tea ceremonies. The 84 rooms are spread across the next 14 floors, with each level centred around a traditional ochanoma lounge serving teas, sake and house-made snacks. The rooms themselves are plush, with raised-platform futon beds, deep-soak tubs and jersey kimono-style pyjamas. An immense 17th-floor onsen-spa has hot spring waters pumped in from 5,000ft below the city streets, with a vaulted roof that leaves it part-open to the elements. The 10-table basement restaurant serves exquisite French-Japanese tasting menus and the in-room bento box breakfasts are highly recommended. Rooms: From ¥112,000 (£589), two-night minimum stay.

Low-lit lobby with shoji screen doors in Hoshinoya, Tokyo.

2. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka

Best for: budgeting In a skyscraper-cluttered metropolis, a hotel with an intimate, neighbourhood vibe can be a rare thing. Yet this branch of cool, affordable chain Omo, by Hoshino Resorts, has just that, packaged up in a modern building in the northern district of Otsuka. Cleverly designed rooms make the most of every square inch, with loft-style beds suspended above tatami mat seating areas and storage space integrated into walls and stairs. There’s also a laundry room on the fifth floor, where guests can wash and dry clothes for just a few quid, and an all-day cafe that transitions from breakfast space to coffeeshop to bar as the day progresses. Sign up for a local tour with one of the dedicated ‘Omo Rangers’, who will take you around the excellent local tempura and ramen shops — or even on an Otsuka bar crawl. Rooms: From ¥16,000 (£84).

3. TRUNK (Hotel) Cat Street

Best for: loft-style cool This felt like an entirely new concept in Tokyo when it first opened in 2017: a design-forward boutique hotel with universally appealing NYC-style coolness. Seven years on, the concept has now been copied many times in the city, but it’s still hard to top the original in the shopping area of Shibuya, just off Cat Street. Its lounge, restaurants and shop attract fashionable Tokyoites as much as hotel guests, and its bedrooms come with a breezy, minimalist aesthetic. Some have balconies with hammocks while larger options, like the Dining Suite, include spaces such as a kitchen area or terrace. Don’t be surprised to see dapper couples heading for the rooftop; it’s a popular venue for city weddings. Rooms: From ¥51,774 (£273).

A balcony junior room at Trunk Hotel, with dimmed lights, a wooden interior and large double beds.

4. Palace Hotel Tokyo

Best for: royal luxury This elegant hotel in Otemachi has long been a favourite with well-heeled Tokyoites who come for the dining options and spa. It helps that it’s mere steps away from the Imperial Palace, the city’s most exclusive address, and close to the swish shops of the upmarket Ginza district. Good-sized rooms — some of them featuring balconies — overlook an expanse of moat-carved gardens. An extensive breakfast buffet has princely appeal thanks to elegant platings of grilled fish, pickled plums, rice and miso soup; if that’s not to your taste, there’s eggs benedict and croissants, too. The in-house restaurants also have the wow factor, with two Michelin-starred options: French-inspired Esterre, in partnership with Ducasse Paris, and Chinese-focused Amber Palace. Rooms: From ¥91,800 (£483).

5. ONE@Tokyo

Best for: solo travellers In the east of the city, a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Skytree observatory tower, One@Tokyo has a high-profile pedigree for a budget hotel, having been designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma. Functional yet not austere, its communal spaces — from the open lobby to the greenery-dotted rooftop — fuse industrial metallics with warm woods and a palette of unfussy greys. With their friendly price point and compact footprint, the lead-in standard semi-double rooms are perfect for solo travellers who want a step up in comfort and privacy from one of the city’s legendary capsule hotels. Long-stay discounts apply when booking for five nights, making it a perfect base if you’re planning day trips out of the city, too. Rooms: From ¥15,000 (£79).

6. Hotel New Otani Tokyo

Best for: amenities More urban resort than hotel, this vast property — once a filming location for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice — occupies a verdant location between multiple parks in the central Chiyoda ward. The hotel is fringed by 10 acres of 400-year-old Japanese gardens and, unusually for Tokyo, also has an al fresco swimming pool. The 1,474 rooms are spread across three wings, and there are more than three-dozen dining options, plus a lounge with free nibbles and drinks for Executive House Zen guests. Rooms: From ¥36,000 (£189).

7. Shiba Park Hotel

Best for: bookworms The printed page takes centre stage from the moment you walk in to this hotel, which houses a collection of around 1,500 books. As well as a double-height atrium lined with wooden shelves of books, there’s also a fireside library lounge and book corners on every floor, each themed around different aspects of Japanese culture. The rooms are comfy, contemporary retreats in which to curl up in with a good read — and the views of Tokyo Tower, lit up like a beacon at night, aren’t half bad either. Rooms: From ¥21,870 (£115).

8. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Best for: families With reasonable prices, a prime location near Shinjuku station and views out to Mount Fuji on a clear day, this option ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms are a bit bland (unless you plump for a suite with tatami mats and shoji screen doors), but for families, the spacious four-bed options more than make up for the uninspiring decor. On-site experiences such as tea ceremonies make getting a culture fix easy if you’re wrangling kids. The seventh-floor outdoor pool, 11 restaurants and laundromat also help. Rooms: From ¥35,200 (£185).

9. Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel

Best for: nightlife-lovers For years, Shinjuku’s red-light district Kabukicho was rather sordid, the kind of place you’d head to for late-night karaoke and beers but not for a respectable hotel. All that’s changed with this recent opening, which reflects the fun of the city’s party heart but also has style and class. Set across floors 18 to 38 in the new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the neon bustle below, as well as electric-hued carpets and the occasional pop art wall mural. On the building’s lower floors, a retro-styled arcade, cinema, live music space and food hall with regional dishes keep the entertainment flowing around the clock. Rooms: From ¥31,000 (£163).

DJ performing in a hotel lounge in Tokyo.

10. Tokyo Station Hotel

Best for: European-style elegance Opened in 1915, and set within the original 20th-century Tokyo Station, this grand hotel could have been lifted from London or Paris. Red bricks and soaring domes characterise the exterior; chandeliers, marble and button-back headboards are part of the old-world European opulence inside. Take tea in the high-ceilinged lobby lounge, ringing with live piano music and the clink of fine silverware, and end the day at the venerable Bar Oak, which serves up an array of Japanese whiskies in moody, wood-lined environs. If you’re planning to adventure beyond the capital, the location is unbeatable. Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, serving popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, and you can go from bed to boarding in mere minutes. Rooms: From ¥135,332 (£711).

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Monorail Change: Disney Operates New Transportation as of Today

in Disney Parks

One Disney resort has debuted a brand new monorail today.

The brainchild of Walt Disney himself, Disney’s monorails are famous worldwide. Park guests had their first taste of a monorail fleet back in 1959 when the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System debuted at Disneyland Resort alongside the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Submarine Voyage, the expanded version of Autopia, and the Motor Boat Cruise.

Disneyland’s monorail has had more than a name change in the 65 years since. What started as a way to show guests the sights of Disneyland evolved into a fully-fledged transportation system with a 2.5-mile extension added in 1961 to transport guests from the park to a station near the Disneyland Hotel. Nearly 20 years ago, Disney also gave the entire fleet a refurbishment to introduce the Mark VII monorails.

Further east, Disney boasts an even more impressive – but even more troublesome – fleet. Walt Disney World Resort’s monorail system (which visits Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, the Transportation and Ticket Center , Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa across its three routes) carries 150,000 visitors per day and has faced multiple issues over the years, including a fatal crash in 2009 .

To find the cream of the Disney monorail crop, you’ll need to travel even further east. Tokyo Disney Resort boasts its own monorail, the Disney Resort Line, that takes guests between Resort Gateway Station, Tokyo Disneyland Station, Bayside Station, and Tokyo DisneySea Station ( for a small fee , unlike the Disneyland and Disney World monorail).

Unlike its cousins overseas, this monorail is distinctly Disney. Not only are the windows shaped like Mickey Mouse himself, but guests can grab hold of Mickey-shaped straps to keep themselves steady during the ride.

It also routinely receives makeovers to celebrate special occasions – and today marks the premiere of one such makeover.

As of today (May 7), Tokyo Disney Resort guests can ride on a monorail with a Fantasy Springs wrap . Designed to mark the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea on June 6, this includes the land’s logo and silhouettes of characters such as Peter Pan, Anna, and Elsa.

The train interior has also been decorated for the occasion – primarily whimsical nature patterns and the Fantasy Springs logo. Music from Fantasy Springs is also apparently piped into the vehicle.

Service starts today, May 7th! Disney Resort Line Tokyo DisneySea ” #ファンタジースプリングス ” The liner car has silhouettes of Anna & Elsa, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, and the interior is also decorated with exciting decorations ☆

本日5月7日より運行スタート！ディズニーリゾートライン東京ディズニーシー「 #ファンタジースプリングス」ライナー車体にはアナ＆エルサ、ラプンツェル、ピーター・パンたちのシルエット、車内にも期待高まる装飾も☆ https://t.co/Y1ap9U9VYm pic.twitter.com/vDxF09SKND — DtimesDeparture (@DtimesDeparture) May 7, 2024

While there’s currently no firm end date for the Fantasy Springs monorail, local sources estimate that it will run for around a year (as has been the case with other temporary monorail designs).

When Fantasy Springs opens, it’ll allow guests to step into three new fictional worlds inspired by Frozen (2013), Tangled (2010), and Peter Pan (1953) . Across these three mini-lands, the park will welcome four new attractions: Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (a newer, more superior version of Frozen Ever After ), Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, and Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies.

Concept art for the entrance of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. Features plants, waterfalls, and Cinderella

The land will also boast its own hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel. This will be the second hotel situated within Tokyo DisneySea after Hotel MiraCosta and will provide its residents with direct access to the land (although with rooms ranging from $420 to $2,000 per night , this luxury doesn’t come cheap).

Elsewhere at Tokyo Disney Resort, guests can also look forward to a new Wreck-It Ralph (2012) attraction in place of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and the upcoming Marvel overlay for “it’s a small world,” which will see it transformed into “it’s a small world with Groot” in 2025.

Do you plan on visiting Tokyo Disney Resort any time soon? Let us know in the comments!

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Tokyo story
An old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention.Director: Yasujirô OzuWriters: Kôgo Noda (scenario) Yasujirô O...
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage: Best Modern Dark Ride
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage is a dark ride at Tokyo DisneySea located in the Arabian Coast port-of-call. The attraction is a long boat ride, best described to Disney fans who haven't experienced it as a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and 'it's a small world.'. This post is mostly a "ride-through" of the attraction via ...
Tokyo Story (1953)
Tokyo Story: Directed by Yasujirô Ozu. With Chishû Ryû, Chieko Higashiyama, Setsuko Hara, Haruko Sugimura. An old couple visit their children and grandchildren in the city, but receive little attention.
Most epic 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary for first time visitors
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day Tokyo itinerary as you uncover the dazzling gems of Japan's iconic capital city. Having extensively explored Tokyo for months, I've crafted the ultimate Tokyo itinerary to help you tailor your journey to perfection.Tokyo, a city that tops many travellers' must-visit lists, offers a stunning blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
Tokyo with kids: Day 2. Now it's time to get into the heart of exploring Tokyo, which is truly one of the world's greatest cities. Days 2, 3 and 4 of this Tokyo itinerary for families can really be done in any order and will depend on when you're able to book certain activities like TeamLab and a cooking class.
Voyage à Tokyo
Voyage à Tokyo. (2000) 24 Decembre. (2000) Voyage à Tokyo (東京の合唱) is an EP by Japanese pop band Pizzicato Five, released on September 27, 2000 by Readymade Records. [1]
Brief Summary of the Perry Expedition to Japan, 1853
As a diplomatic coup, the date is memorized by every school child. Less familiar are the narrative of the voyage, the difficulties encountered and the Perry traits which made success possible. ... The Japanese receipted for the letters and urged Perry to leave posthaste. Perry, however, stayed on in the Tokyo Bay for an additional 3 days after ...
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage
Sindbad's Storybook Voyage. / 35.6285; 139.8810. Sindbad's Storybook Voyage is a musical boat cruise dark ride at Tokyo DisneySea, inspired by the story of Sindbad the Sailor. The attraction features the song " Compass of Your Heart " composed by Alan Menken [1] and sung by Kenji Sakamoto. Originally titled Sindbad's Seven Voyages, the earliest ...
Tokyo
Tokyo is a huge city with several district articles that contain information about specific sights, restaurants, and accommodation. Tokyo ( 東京 Tōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, and its main city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people. As the most populated urban area in the world, Tokyo is a ...
Travel Japan
The official site of Japan National Tourism Organization is your ultimate Japan guide with tourist information for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido and other top Japan holiday destinations. We offer travel information to make your Japan travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
26 Cool Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan (2024)
9) Sensoji Temple. Sensoji Temple with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. Sensoji is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most traditional neighbourhoods where you can still find old wooden shops amongst the concrete. It's one of the most beautiful things to see in Tokyo.
The Best Things to Do Tokyo
Well, Tokyo is a favorite of many. It is the top favourite city for many globally travellers, and you can't have enough of it. This Tokyo travel guide includes the following top things to do in Tokyo. Let's get a look into what they all are. Tokyo Japan at Tokyo Tower Admire Sensoji Temple: The original temple was first built back in the ...
The Voyages Issue: Six Photographers on Their Dream Journeys
—TEJU COLE, from the introduction to The Voyages Issue. 1 ... A self-portrait of Alec Soth in his room at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Tokyo. Photographs by Alec Soth "I love the movie 'Lost in ...
Tokyo Travel Guide
$$ | Tokyo, Tokyo, 6F, 3 Chome-3-5 Ginza, Chuo City The lobby of the hotel doubles as the store's highest floor, where there's a charming cafe and communal reading room. Read full review
6 Day Tokyo Itinerary 2023: Perfect For First Time Visitors
Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon) is the oldest Buddhist temple in the whole of Tokyo. It dates back to the year 645. Legend says that the temple has been build for the goddess of mercy, Kannon. More than 30 million people visit the temple every year, so you can expect it to be a little busy.
Tokyo vacation packages from $910
Tips for finding Tokyo package deals. There are loads of types of vacations in Tokyo and the cost will depend on what type of trip you're taking and for how long you'd like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $664; Family vacation $562; Romantic vacation $854; Luxury vacation $857; Budget ...
The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours)
Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori or Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East. Without a doubt, the most popular family hotels in Japan belong to the Mimaru "aparthotel" chain. They've thought of everything a family could want! We didn't stay at one of these location but did have an excellent experience at their sister property in Kyoto with kids.
Tokyo Archives
18 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From weird shows and unique bars to peaceful parks and stunning views, these are the best activities in this vibrant Tokyo area. Read More. 25 March, 2024.
Guide to Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort
Better for Tokyo Disney Resort media shopping is Shinseido, which is located on the second floor. If you want Tokyo Disney Resort CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray videos, this is definitely the place to go. ... For Tokyo Disney Resort shopping outside the park, visit the large Bon Voyage store between Ikspiari and Tokyo Disneyland. Although there's a ...
Cruise from Tokyo to Tokyo
Tokyo to Tokyo. Oct 1 → 15, 2024. 14 DAYS. From. $15,100. Per guest. with lowest fare available. Request a Quote Book your Cruise. Fares & Offers.
The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Tokyo DisneySea: Especially For First
Overall Expenses for Visiting. Food cost: Roughly $100 a day per person if you're trying various snacks, have two meals, and get drinks throughout the day. Tokyo Hotel Cost: Estimate between spending $150-$600 per room and per night for a location close to the park. Transporation: Est ¥1600 or roughly $16 per person.
10 of the best hotels in Tokyo, from charming ryokans to Japanese onsen
Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, serving popular destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka, and you can go from bed to boarding in mere minutes. Rooms: From ¥135,332 (£711).
T. Takahashi & The Tokyo Union
Isao Suzuki & His Fellows. Released. 1976 — Japan. Vinyl —. LP, Album. Explore the tracklist, credits, statistics, and more for Maiden Voyage by T. Takahashi & The Tokyo Union. Compare versions and buy on Discogs.
Ship YASA TOKYO (Bulk Carrier) Registered in Marshall Is
Vessel YASA TOKYO is a Bulk Carrier, Registered in Marshall Is. Discover the vessel's particulars, including capacity, machinery, photos and ownership. Get the details of the current Voyage of YASA TOKYO including Position, Port Calls, Destination, ETA and Distance travelled - IMO 9948255, MMSI 538010382, Call sign V7A5968
Monorail Change: Disney Operates New Transportation as of Today
Tokyo Disney Resort is debuting a brand-new monorail as of today, this time inspired by its new land, Fantasy Springs. ... the Submarine Voyage, the expanded version of Autopia, ...