🇯🇵 Japan · East Asia

Tokyo travel guide

Huge, but far easier to handle than it looks

Written and last reviewed by the Bemer Travels team on 19 September 2026

The size of Tokyo puts people off, but in practice the city is easy: trains run to the minute, signage is bilingual, and each district has its own character within a 15-minute ride of the next.

The planning that pays off here is choosing a base near a major line, booking anything ticketed well ahead, and accepting that you cannot 'do' Tokyo in one trip.

Why visit Tokyo

Food at every level, from standing noodle counters to the highest concentration of fine dining anywhere.
Temples, imperial gardens and neon districts within the same city.
Day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mount Fuji's lakes.
Exceptionally safe, clean and punctual — an easy long-haul city for cautious travellers.
Seasonal set pieces: cherry blossom in spring, autumn colour in November.

Best time to visit Tokyo

Late March to May and October to November

Spring (March – May): Cherry blossom typically late March to early April, mild and very popular. Book months ahead.
Summer (June – August): Rainy season in June, then hot and humid at 30-35°C. Festivals and fireworks, but heavy going in daytime.
Autumn (October – November): Our pick: clear, mild, autumn colour in late November, fewer weather disruptions.
Winter (December – February): Cold, dry and bright, with the clearest Mount Fuji views of the year and lower hotel rates.

Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and the New Year period unless you book far ahead — domestic travel peaks and prices rise.

Main attractions in Tokyo

Senso-ji, Asakusa: Tokyo's oldest temple. Arrive before 08:00 for the approach without crowds.
Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky: The observation deck sells timed slots; sunset slots go first.
Meiji Jingu and Harajuku: Forest shrine next to the city's loudest shopping street — a useful contrast in one morning.
Tsukiji Outer Market: The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still serves the best casual seafood breakfast in the city.
teamLab digital art museums: Timed ticketing, sells out. Check which venue you have booked — they are in different parts of the city.
Shinjuku Gyoen: Large formal garden, the calmest place in the centre and the best cherry-blossom spot that is not a scrum.
Hakone or Kamakura day trip: Hakone for hot springs and Fuji views, Kamakura for coastal temples and the Great Buddha.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku: Best transport in the city and endless food. Big, busy and our usual first-visit recommendation.
Shibuya: Younger, fashion and nightlife led, excellent rail links.
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi: Best for Shinkansen day trips and business travel; quiet at night.
Asakusa: Traditional, cheaper, great for temples, further from the nightlife districts.
Ginza: Upmarket hotels and shopping, central and calm in the evening.

Getting around and airport transfers

Get a rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo, including the phone versions) on arrival — it works on almost all trains, subways and buses.
The JR Yamanote loop line connects most districts visitors want; the subway fills in the rest.
A Japan Rail Pass only pays off if you are leaving Tokyo for multiple long-distance trips — for a Tokyo-only trip it does not.
Taxis are clean and safe but expensive; they make sense late at night after trains stop around midnight.
Narita is 60-90 minutes from the centre; Haneda is much closer. Check which airport your fare uses before comparing prices.

Need a vehicle at the other end? Our car rental page explains how driver requirements, deposits and insurance excesses usually work abroad.

Choosing a hotel

Standard rooms are compact. If you need space, look for 'deluxe' or apartment-style rooms rather than assuming.
Business hotels are excellent value and consistently clean, if small.
Lodging tax applies in Tokyo above certain room rates and is charged on top.
Check the nearest station and exit in your booking — a 'Shinjuku' hotel can be a 15-minute walk from the platform you need.

We can shortlist properties against your budget and travel dates — see how our hotel booking service works.

Tours and activities worth booking

Book teamLab, Shibuya Sky and any Ghibli-related tickets as soon as dates are fixed.
A guided food walk in Shinjuku or Tsukiji on the first evening is the fastest way to learn how ordering works.
Hakone is easier as a guided day trip because it chains a train, cable car, ropeway and boat.
For Mount Fuji views, tours are weather-dependent — build in a spare day rather than one fixed chance.

See our tours and experiences page, or tell us what you want to see and we will build the day around it.

Visa information for Japan

Japan's entry requirements depend on your nationality and residence

Japan waives short-stay visas for a number of nationalities and requires an advance application from others, submitted through an embassy, consulate or accredited agency in your country of residence.

Where a visa is required, the file usually covers a day-by-day itinerary, confirmed flights and accommodation, evidence of funds and employment or study documents. Japan also operates an online arrival registration for immigration and customs that most travellers complete before departure.

We confirm the current requirement for your passport and residence, prepare the itinerary and booking documents, and guide you through the application. The decision rests with the Japanese authorities.

How our visa assistance works Travel insurance

Independent agency notice: Bemer Travels is a private travel agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government, embassy or immigration authority. Visa approvals are solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or consulate. Government and visa application fees are paid directly to the relevant authority. See our Disclaimer for details.

Families, couples and solo travellers

First-time visitors: Five nights in Shinjuku: east side temples, west side city, Harajuku and Shibuya, one day trip, one free day.
Families: Tokyo Station or Shinjuku base; Ueno zoo and museums, Odaiba, and theme parks booked in advance.
Couples: Ginza or Shibuya, a Hakone hot-spring night, one high-end dinner booked weeks ahead.
Multi-city Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on the Shinkansen — this is the trip where a rail pass may pay for itself.

Tips for first-time visitors to Tokyo

Carry some cash. Card acceptance is widespread but small restaurants, shrines and markets are often cash-only.
Trains are quiet spaces — phone calls are not done, and bags go in front of you in a crowd.
Tipping is not practised and can cause confusion.
Luggage forwarding between hotels is cheap and reliable, and makes multi-city trips far easier.
Rubbish bins are rare in public; carry your rubbish until you find one.

Common mistakes to avoid

Planning four districts in one day and spending the trip on trains.
Buying a rail pass for a Tokyo-only trip.
Arriving in cherry-blossom season without hotels booked months ahead.
Assuming everywhere takes cards.
Booking a late Narita arrival without checking that trains still run when you land.

What things typically cost

Mid-range hotel, per night: Roughly ¥18,000-¥35,000, with business hotels lower and peak season higher.
Train travel, per day: ¥800-¥1,500 for typical sightseeing within the city.
Casual meal: ¥800-¥2,000 for ramen, curry or a set lunch; fine dining is a different order of magnitude.
Observation deck: ¥2,000-¥2,800 for a timed slot at a major tower.

Indicative planning ranges only. Actual prices move with season, exchange rates and availability — ask us for a current quote for your dates.

FAQs

Tokyo travel FAQs

How many days do I need in Tokyo?

Five nights is a comfortable first visit. Seven if you want two day trips or a slower pace.

Is English enough to get by?

Yes in stations, hotels and most attractions. Translation apps handle menus in smaller restaurants, and staff are patient.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Transport and everyday food are cheaper than most large Western cities; hotels and premium dining are where costs rise.

Can Bemer Travels arrange Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka?

Yes — we build multi-city Japan itineraries with flights, hotels, rail and transfers, plus visa support where one is required for your passport.

Planning a trip to Tokyo?

Tell us your dates, budget and who is travelling. We will come back with flight options, a shortlist of hotels that fit, and a realistic visa timeline — no obligation.

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