Things To Do
in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan, is a sprawling metropolis that seamlessly blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology, manifesting in its historic temples standing alongside towering skyscrapers. It's renowned for its diverse culinary scene, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors serving delicious local fare.
Tokyo also serves as a hub for fashion, entertainment, and business, making it a vibrant city that pulses with energy both day and night.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $150
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast at a local eatery nearby.
Explore the bustling Nakamise Street for souvenirs and snacks. Head to Tokyo Skytree for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Stroll through the vibrant streets of Shibuya and see the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy dinner at an izakaya for an authentic Japanese experience.
Take a train to Kyoto and start at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walk through thousands of red torii gates and soak in the tranquility.
Visit the picturesque Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its breathtaking views. Explore the nearby streets for traditional crafts and matcha treats.
Dine at a kaiseki restaurant for a multi-course meal. Enjoy an evening walk through the illuminated streets of Gion, the famous geisha district.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and rich history
- Excellent public transportation system
- World-class cuisine and dining options
- Safety and low crime rate
- Clean and well-maintained urban environment
- Diverse entertainment options, including shopping, nightlife, and parks
- Technological advancements and innovations
- Opportunities for both traditional and modern experiences
- High cost of living and expensive housing
- Crowded and busy streets, especially during rush hours
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons
- Limited personal space in public areas
- Strict workplace culture and long working hours
- Environmental concerns, including air pollution in some areas
Best Activities in Tokyo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large public park in Tokyo, Ueno Park is home to museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. It's a great place for picnics, walking, and exploring.
This expansive garden offers a serene escape in the heart of the city, featuring traditional Japanese landscape designs, beautiful flowers, and peaceful walking paths.
A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a lush forested area that provides a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
A spacious park near Harajuku, Yoyogi Park is popular for jogging, walking, and outdoor events. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends.
A futuristic man-made island featuring shopping, entertainment, and attractions like the teamLab Borderless museum and stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
Enjoy picturesque views of Tokyo from the water on a river cruise along the Sumida River, with highlights including the Skytree and historic Asakusa district.
An iconic landmark with observation decks offering panoramic views of the city. The surrounding area has beautiful gardens and parks to explore.
Rent a bike and explore the cycling paths along the Arakawa River, which offers scenic views and a pleasant ride away from the busyness of the city.
Located just outside of Tokyo, Mount Takao is ideal for hiking with various trails, stunning nature views, and a chance to experience a traditional shrine at the summit.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tokyo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tokyo
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic symbol of Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
The tallest structure in Japan, providing breathtaking views and an opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the skyline.
One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, perfect for capturing the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
A peaceful oasis in the city, surrounded by lush forest, offering a contrast to the urban environment.
A beautiful garden that showcases seasonal flowers and landscapes, ideal for stunning nature photography.
Offers an observation deck with a fantastic view of the Tokyo skyline, including the Tokyo Tower and Skytree.
Famous for its historic temple and traditional shopping streets, providing immersive cultural photo opportunities.
A futuristic man-made island with great views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline, especially at sunset.
A large public park with museums, a zoo, and seasonal cherry blossoms, perfect for nature and cultural photography.
Offers scenic waterfront views, particularly beautiful at dusk when the city lights reflect on the water.
Food in Tokyo
Tokyo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly prepared rice accompanied by assorted fish. Recommended at Tsukiji Outer Market.
Must-Try!
Noodles served in a flavorful broth, often topped with sliced pork, nori, and green onions. Try Ippudo in the Hakata location.
Batter-fried seafood and vegetables. Head over to Tempura Kondo for a high-end experience.
A savory pancake filled with various ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood. Check out Okonomiyaki Chibo in Shibuya.
A runny version of okonomiyaki, popular in Tsukishima. Visit Monja Street for the best options.
A traditional multi-course dinner that showcases seasonal ingredients. For a unique experience, try Kikunoi Akasaka.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tokyo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Famous for fresh seafood and produce, the market offers a variety of street food stalls serving up sushi, grilled seafood, and more.
Located near Senso-ji Temple, it features traditional snacks such as ningyo-yaki (cake filled with red bean paste) and senbei (rice crackers).
An open-air market street bustling with vendors selling street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tokyo, politeness is highly valued. Always bow when greeting someone, say 'Arigato' (thank you) and use respectful language.
Keep your voice down in public places such as trains and restaurants. Talking on the phone or playing loud music is considered disrespectful.
When entering someone's home or certain traditional accommodations such as ryokan, it is customary to remove your shoes. Look for a designated area for footwear.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tokyo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tokyo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tokyo, Japan, tipping is generally not practiced and can be considered rude. Service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. Instead of tipping, showing appreciation through polite behavior, such as saying 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much), is more common.
Payment in Tokyo can be made through various methods, including cash, credit cards, and electronic payment systems. While cash is still widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments, credit cards are increasingly common in larger businesses. Additionally, mobile payment apps like Suica and Pasmo are popular for public transport and can be used at many shops and restaurants.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Tokyo, as the cherry blossoms bloom and festivals celebrate Hanami (flower viewing). Expect mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially in parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen.
Summer (June to August) in Tokyo can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season is bustling with festivals such as the Sumida River Fireworks and various street fairs, but be prepared for the occasional rain as June marks the start of the rainy season.
Autumn (September to November) is another ideal time to visit, as the weather is cool and pleasant, and the foliage transforms into beautiful shades of red and orange. Expect various cultural events, including the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly, with temperatures hovering around 1-10°C (34-50°F). However, Tokyo's winter illuminations are spectacular, and visitors can enjoy seasonal activities and unique experiences such as visiting themed cafes and Christmas markets.
Tokyo at Night
Hiking in Tokyo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot located about an hour from central Tokyo, offering scenic views, several trails, and a rich natural environment.
Part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mitake provides beautiful hiking trails, a cable car, and access to the historic Musashi Mitake Shrine.
A mountainous area in western Tokyo known for its extensive hiking trails, lush nature, and the stunning Lake Okutama.
Noted for its panoramic views of the Kanto region, this hike is accessible via the Jinba Trail and features a historic temple at the summit.
Beautiful scenery alongside the river with several trails for walking and cycling, great for nature lovers and casual hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tokyo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tokyo by plane.
Located approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, Narita International Airport is one of the main international airports serving the city and a major hub for international flights.
Located closer to central Tokyo, about 14 kilometers south of the city, Haneda Airport is primarily focused on domestic flights but also handles a significant number of international flights.
Situated in Osaka Bay, approximately 500 kilometers from Tokyo, Kansai International Airport serves as a major international gateway to the Kansai region and offers numerous international flights to and from Tokyo.
Located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, about 350 kilometers from Tokyo, this airport serves the Nagoya area and connects to various international destinations.
Located about 48 kilometers northeast of central Sendai, it serves the Tohoku region and is around 350 kilometers from Tokyo, offering limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Tokyo, making up approximately 92% of the population.
A significant minority group, with historical ties and a population of around 1.2%.
Another notable group, comprising about 1.0% of the city's demographics.
A rapidly growing community in Tokyo, making up roughly 0.6% of the population.
This community, mainly consisting of Japanese-Brazilians, accounts for about 0.4%.
A growing demographic, making up approximately 0.3% of the population.
This includes expatriates from various countries, combining for around 5% of the population.
The Soul of Tokyo
Discover the essence of Tokyo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, with a strong fan base and a professional league known as Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Soccer, or football as it is known in many countries, has gained immense popularity in Japan, especially since the establishment of the J.League in 1993.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that has deep cultural significance and is highly regarded in Tokyo, where major tournaments are held.
Basketball is widely played and followed in Tokyo, supported by a professional league and a strong youth presence in schools.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Tokyo, with numerous clubs and facilities available, and Japan regularly participates in international competitions.
Marathon running is popular in Tokyo, with events like the Tokyo Marathon attracting thousands of participants and enthusiasts each year.
MMA has seen a rise in popularity in Japan, with Tokyo hosting several major events and a dedicated fan base.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tokyo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options can be limited, but many temples offer shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) that excludes meat and fish.
Vegan dining is growing; look for dedicated vegan restaurants like T's Tantan or simply inform the chef about your dietary needs.
While traditional ramen contains gluten, some places offer gluten-free versions. Always double-check ingredients when dining out.
Many restaurants in Tokyo are becoming halal-certified, especially in areas with a high number of tourists. Look for halal ramen shops and kebab stalls.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tokyo with these cultural adventures.
