Tokyo

Travel Guide
Tokyo

Tokyo Travel Guide Video

Futuristic and fascinating, Tokyo is a world city that should be on everyone's travel agenda.

One of the world's largest cities – 30 million people call Tokyo home – is a city of contrasts. Few other places in the world are such a jumble of science-fiction-style skyscrapers bristling with modernity next door to narrow alleys packed with dark, smoky restaurants and ancient temples. Though Tokyo was shaken badly by the March 2011 earthquake, the city sustained remarkably little damage, and now life is fully back to normal.

The first Tokyoites settled here around 10,000 BC and Edo, as it was known, remained a sleepy fishing village for thousands of years. But Edo was to grow to become the world’s largest city. In 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning Eastern Capital, as the country embarked on a massive round of empire building, which eventually led to the calamitous World War II. Half the city was completely destroyed in air raids, and what was left now coexists with a thoroughly modern city.

On arrival, the first thing you should do is head up to the top of a skyscraper to get the lay of the land. From the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Mori Tower and Tokyo Skytree, you can admire the city's iconic landmarks and even see all the way to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo's fascinating street life is one of the city's highlights: head to the city's liveliest district Shinjuku to experience its atmosphere. The Roppongi Hills complex in the heart of the city is another unmissable sight with great nightlife and entertainment options galore.

Although thoroughly modern, Tokyo has not forgotten its past. The Tokyo National Museum has a vast collection with some artefacts dating back 12,000 years. Learn more about Japan's emperors at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which has been home to shoguns and emperors for centuries. Visit the Yasukuni shrine, which commemorates the 2 million citizens who gave their lives for their country during the Meiji Restoration. Traditional Buddhist spirituality dates back thousands of years and can be explored at the Sensoji Temple

Despite its huge population, Tokyo has plenty of open spaces. The world-famous cherry blossoms are in bloom in late March and early April, and Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular destination if you want to admire the blooms.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku showing night scenes, a city and nightlife

Shinjuku

4.5/5(477 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Shinjuku. Check out top attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Shinjuku Subnade, and jump on the metro at Shinjuku-sanchome Station or Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station to see more of the city.

Shinjuku
Shibuya showing central business district, street scenes and a city

Shibuya

4.5/5(101 area reviews)

Shibuya is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jingu Shrine. See more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Shibuya Station or Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station.

Shibuya
Ginza featuring a city, skyline and street scenes

Ginza

4.5/5(84 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Ginza. Ginza Six is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ginza Station or Higashi-ginza Station to see more of Tokyo.

Ginza
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Ueno

4.5/5(87 area reviews)

Travellers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ueno Park.

Ueno
Sensoji Temple which includes religious aspects, signage and a city

Asakusa

5/5(62 area reviews)

Asakusa is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sensō-ji Temple or Asakusa Shrine.

Asakusa
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Minato

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay are top sights in Minato, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sengakuji Station or Shirokane-takanawa Station to see more sights in the area.

Minato
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
3 out of 5
1-11-10 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo, Tokyo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM314 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
RM314
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,666 reviews)
"The hotel was nice and close to everything. I didnt like that it took 25-30 minutes to get an elevator"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is RM775 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
RM775
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,285 reviews)
"Good experience"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
3 out of 5
2-3-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is RM879 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
RM879
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,119 reviews)
"I have been staying at this property for over 10 years when I come to Japan. It’s my favorite property because the property is conveniently located amongst great transportation and shopping. I had a quite disturbing experience when I was lining up at the front desk to ask about their takkyubin services. ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rhodes Kagurazaka Hotel
Rhodes Kagurazaka Hotel
3 out of 5
1-17 Saikumachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a hair dryer. Popular attractions Nippon Budokan and Tokyo Dome are located ...
6.8/10 (51 reviews)
"Great stay."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Rhodes Kagurazaka Hotel
MONday Apart Premium NIHONBASHI(Former:GATE STAY PREMIUM NIHONBASHI)
MONday Apart Premium NIHONBASHI(Former:GATE STAY PREMIUM NIHONBASHI)
4 out of 5
4-1-5 Nihonbashi Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
"Very convenient and many dining options."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

MONday Apart Premium NIHONBASHI(Former:GATE STAY PREMIUM NIHONBASHI)
MONday Apart Premium Ueno
MONday Apart Premium Ueno
4 out of 5
1-7-6 Kitaueno, Tokyo, Tokyo
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Ueno Park and Sensō-ji Temple are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"Tiny comfort hotel, love it!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

MONday Apart Premium Ueno
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tokyo

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
959
" "5 - Excellent 71.5137956748695%
4 - Good
358
" "4 - Good 26.69649515287099%
3 - Okay
23
" "3 - Okay 1.715137956748695%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.07457121551081283%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 May 2020

Loved every minute

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

Tokyo's a great place.

5/5 - Excellent

Steve
12 Mar 2020

My 60th birthday wish list. A great place. Everything I thought it was. Also went to Hiroshima and Kyoto. Check the rail pass. Mine cost just over £200 but I spent over £600.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Mar 2020

Nothing to say. People knew that Tokyo is one of the best cities in this world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2020

I love Tokyo. Good food and nice staff.

5/5 - Excellent

David
2 Mar 2020

Tokyo is a unique city for its size. I can’t imagine a European or US version of the city working as well as Tokyo does. It’s a place to allow the city channel you and follow how it’s set up.