Tokyo rewards planning more than almost any other city. The right neighbourhood base, the right transport setup, and knowing which experiences require booking changes the trip entirely.
Tokyo is one of the world’s largest and most complex cities, but also one of the most navigable. The infrastructure is exceptional, the English signage is comprehensive, and the city’s culture of precision means that prepared visitors move through it efficiently. This guide pulls together the essential planning decisions.
When to Go
The best time to visit Tokyo is covered in the guide every month. The short version: late March to early April for cherry blossoms (spectacular but crowded); October for perfect weather with no peak-season pressure; January to February for the lowest prices and fewest tourists.
Where to Stay
Tokyo is large, and the neighbourhood you choose as a base matters. See the Tokyo neighbourhoods guide for the full breakdown. The practical summary:
- Shinjuku: Most practical base. Connected to everywhere, Romancecar to Hakone departs from here, and an excellent range of hotels.
- Asakusa: Traditional atmosphere, walking distance to historical Tokyo. See the Asakusa guide.
- Shibuya: Best for access to Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando. See the Shibuya guide and the Harajuku guide for the neighbourhood picture.
Transport Setup
Get a Suica card at the airport before leaving the arrivals. It covers every subway, JR line, and bus in Tokyo. See the Suica guide. For the daily pass question, whether any Tokyo transport pass saves money over individual Suica fares, see the Tokyo subway pass guide.
If carrying large luggage between hotels, use luggage forwarding (takuhaibin) rather than managing bags on the subway. See the Shinkansen luggage guide for how the service works throughout Tokyo and Japan.
Money
Japan requires more cash than most comparable economies. Many excellent small restaurants, temple admissions, and traditional establishments are cash only. The Japan money guide covers which ATMs accept foreign cards (7-Eleven is the most reliable), how much to carry daily, and the tax refund system for visitors.
Electronics and Adapters
Japan uses Type A plugs at 100V. North American devices plug in directly without an adapter. European and Australian devices need one. See the Japan travel adapter guide for exactly what to bring and the voltage compatibility of common devices.
What to Do – Day by Day
The Tokyo in 3 days guide gives the core structure. Key additions for longer stays:
- Tokyo Disney (Disneyland or DisneySea): One full day minimum. Advance ticket purchase mandatory – same-day tickets are limited. See the Tokyo Disney guide for the full planning picture, re including which park to choose.
- Harajuku and Omotesando: The youth fashion street, the finest tree-lined boulevard in Tokyo, and Meiji Shrine are all within walking distance. See the Harajuku guide.
- Roppongi: The Mori Art Museum (open until 10 pm, excellent contemporary art) and the adjacent city view from 52 floors up. See the Roppongi guide.
- Ueno: Japan’s finest national museum, the best cherry blossom park in Tokyo, and the Ameyoko market. See the Ueno guide.
Photography
The Japan photography guide covers the best Tokyo spots with honest notes on timing the Shibuya scramble before 8 am, Senso-ji before the crowds, and the Shibuya Sky observation deck at dusk. Also covers rules around photography at temples and the drone regulations that trip up visitors.
Day Trips from Tokyo
Kamakura (55 minutes by JR), Nikko (2 hours by Tobu), Hakone (90 minutes by Romancecar), and DisneySea are the most rewarding day trips. See the Tokyo day trips guide for the full comparison.
