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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- Recommended stay: 3–5 days
- Best season: Late March–early April (cherry blossom) and November (autumn leaves) are the most pleasant; July–August is hot and humid.
- Getting there: Haneda is 30 minutes from the centre; Narita is 60–90 minutes by Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner or limousine bus.
🏨 Area
| Area | Good for | Access | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | First-timers, nightlife and getting anywhere easily | Japan's biggest hub for JR, subways and airport buses | ¥¥ | Hotels in this area |
| Shibuya | Youth culture, cafés and shopping | Yamanote Line, subways and direct buses to Haneda | ¥¥ | Hotels in this area |
| Asakusa / Ueno | Old-Tokyo charm, good-value hotels, direct trains from Narita | Keisei and Asakusa lines run straight to Narita and Haneda | ¥ | Hotels in this area |
| Ginza / Tokyo Station | Shinkansen day trips, shopping and upscale hotels | Shinkansen terminus; Narita Express departs here | ¥¥¥ | Hotels in this area |
| Ikebukuro | Anime fans, families and budget travellers | Busy JR and subway hub with relatively cheap hotels | ¥ | Hotels in this area |
| Shinagawa | Haneda flyers and shinkansen users | About 15 minutes to Haneda on the Keikyu line; shinkansen stop | ¥¥ | Hotels in this area |
🤩 WOW spots nearby
Shibuya Crossing
Up to 3,000 people cross at once on a single green light, making it the world's most famous intersection.
Senso-ji Temple & Kaminarimon
Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 628). Pass under the 700 kg lantern into the 250 m Nakamise shopping street. 30 million visitors a year.
Tokyo Skytree
At 634 m, the world's tallest free-standing broadcast tower. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji from the deck.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but 400 outer-market shops remain. Graze on tamagoyaki, tuna bowls and seafood skewers from early morning.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
A 70-hectare forest next to Harajuku Station: 100,000 donated trees grew into a real forest in a century. Japan's busiest New Year shrine with about 3 million visitors.
Akihabara Electric Town
From electronics district to the holy land of anime, games and maid cafés. Pedestrian paradise on Sundays.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Some 60 tiny yakitori bars in alleys that began as a post-war black market. Smoky lantern-lit counters that seat a handful.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
280 tiny bars in six alleys, each seating 5–8 with a cover charge. A night culture once frequented by filmmakers and writers.
Kyoto · Osaka · Sapporo · Fukuoka · Okinawa · Hakone · Kanazawa · Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first stay in Tokyo?
For a first visit, Shinjuku is the best choice: First-timers, nightlife and getting anywhere easily. Shibuya is also popular.
