Tokyo
Japan's electric capital — 13 million people, infinite neighbourhoods, and the best food city on Earth.
| Best time to visit | March–May (cherry blossoms), Oct–Nov (autumn) |
| Days needed | 3–5 days minimum, 7 days to explore properly |
| Getting there | Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport |
| Airport transfer | Narita Express (90 min) or Limousine Bus to central Tokyo |
| Getting around | Suica card + JR/Metro subway (most comprehensive in the world) |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (¥). Carry cash — many places still cash only. |
Why Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world's great cities for first-time visitors — overwhelming in size but surprisingly easy to navigate. The subway is efficient, the streets are safe, and the food at every price point is extraordinary. Whether you spend ¥500 on ramen at a stand-up counter or ¥30,000 on kaiseki, Tokyo delivers.
The city is not one place but dozens — each neighbourhood has its own character. Shibuya is youth culture and nightlife. Shinjuku is the city's beating heart. Asakusa is old Tokyo. Ginza is luxury. Daikanyama and Nakameguro are where Tokyo's creative class lives. Understanding this lets you plan a trip that actually matches what you want.
Best neighbourhoods to stay
Shinjuku — The best base for first-timers. The world's busiest train station is a 30-second walk to anywhere in Tokyo. Accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) has excellent standing-room yakitori bars.
Shibuya — Central, young, energetic. Walk to Harajuku, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro. The famous crossing is here. Best café culture in Tokyo.
Asakusa — Traditional Tokyo atmosphere. Senso-ji Temple is 5 minutes on foot. Cheaper accommodation than Shinjuku. One metro stop from Akihabara.
Ueno — Best value for money. Near the National Museum cluster and Ameyoko market. Good transport links.
What to do in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Tokyo's oldest and most iconic temple. Go before 8am — the narrow approach streets are empty and extraordinary in the early morning light.
Shibuya Crossing: The famous scramble crossing. More impressive in person than photos, especially at night. The Shibuya Sky observation deck has the best views of the city after dark.
Shinjuku Gyoen: The finest park in Tokyo. Cherry blossoms in spring, maple trees in autumn. A small entry fee keeps it quieter than Ueno Park.
teamLab Planets / Borderless: Immersive digital art installations. Book weeks ahead — always sells out. Worth it.
Tsukiji Outer Market: The famous wholesale fish market relocated, but the outer market remains. Best breakfast in Tokyo — tuna sashimi at 7am.
Akihabara: Electronics, anime, gaming culture. Even if none of that interests you, it's worth one visit for the sheer intensity of the experience.
Meiji Shrine: A forested Shinto shrine in the middle of the city, minutes from Harajuku's neon chaos. The contrast is part of what makes Tokyo extraordinary.
Where to eat
Ramen: Ichiran (solitary booths, tonkotsu broth) is everywhere. Fuunji in Shinjuku is the finest tsukemen (dipping ramen) in the city. Budget ¥900–1,400.
Sushi: Tsukiji Market for morning sushi. Midrange conveyor belt sushi at Sushi Saito or Akindo Sushiro. Budget ¥1,500–3,000 for a proper sit-down lunch.
Izakaya: The authentic Tokyo evening experience — small plates, beer and sake, shared with strangers. Omoide Yokocho, Ebisu Yokocho, and Koenji have the best concentrations.
Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson sell genuinely excellent food. Onigiri (¥150), hot foods, sandwiches, and fresh pastries. One of the authentic pleasures of Tokyo.
Practical tips
Get a Suica card at Narita or Haneda the moment you arrive. It works on every train, subway, and bus in Tokyo, and at most convenience stores. Never buy individual tickets.
The Tokyo subway looks complex but is intuitive once you understand the colour-coded lines. Download Google Maps with offline Tokyo maps before you arrive — it gives exact transit directions including the correct exit number.
Tokyo is extremely safe. Follow basic urban awareness and you will have no issues.
