Tokyo travel guide: neighbourhoods, food and five good days
The world's largest city is surprisingly calm, clean and easy to navigate. Tokyo is many small cities stitched together by trains that run to the second, and each district keeps its own pace.
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Shibuya
Photo: Denys Nevozhai / Unsplash
Tokyo, chaos in perfect order
The lights change at Shibuya and thousands of people step into the road from every side at once. Nobody pushes, nobody shouts, and a minute later the crossing is empty again. That is Tokyo in a single scene: vast, efficient and oddly quiet.
Japan's capital is the world's largest metropolitan area. It has no single centre, just many, and trains connect them all. For the rest of the country, see our Japan travel guide.
Neighbourhoods to know
Shinjuku
Skyscrapers, department stores and the lanes of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, with bars the size of a wardrobe. A practical base with big rail links.
Shibuya and Harajuku
The crossing, street fashion and the Meiji Jingu shrine in the forest next door.
Asakusa
Old Tokyo, with the Sensō-ji temple and the small shops of Nakamise Street.
Ginza and Marunouchi
Elegance, flagship stores and the Imperial Palace with its gardens.
Five days in Tokyo
Day 1: Asakusa and Sensō-ji early, then a river boat or train to Ginza. Evening in Shinjuku.
Day 2: Meiji Jingu, Harajuku and the Shibuya crossing from an observation deck.
Day 3: breakfast at Tsukiji outer market, the Hamarikyu garden and museums in Ueno.
Day 4: a day trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone, or to the shrines of Nikkō.
Day 5: Shimokitazawa or Yanaka, quieter districts of vintage shops and cafés.
Food
Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, yet some of the best meals come at a counter in a tiny shop. Ramen, sushi, tempura and yakitori are everywhere, and convenience-store food is surprisingly good. Do not tip. It is considered impolite.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Shinjuku and Shibuya are the most practical bases, Ginza and Tokyo Station suit travellers riding bullet trains, and Asakusa is calm and traditional. Our Tokyo hotel guide has the picks, and our Fuji and Hakone guide covers the classic day trip.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Good to know
Buy a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or Pasmo for trains and the metro. It works in shops too.
Distances between districts are long. Plan one or two areas a day.
Cherry blossom season, from late March into early April, is lovely and very busy.
Frequently asked questions about Tokyo
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
At least four or five. The city is huge, and many visitors spend a day at Fuji or Hakone.
Which area is best to stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku or Shibuya on a first visit, for the transport links and the evenings.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Spring and autumn. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but clear.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Hotels can be, but food and public transport are better value than many expect.