Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city of contrasts. In the same day, you can wander through a centuries-old temple garden, eat world-class sushi in a basement stall, and sing karaoke in a neon tower. It is safe, clean, and endlessly fascinating — but its sheer scale can be overwhelming for first-timers. This guide breaks it down.

Top Things to Do

• Shibuya Crossing – Experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, especially magical at dusk.
• Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple, in the historic Asakusa district.
• Meiji Shrine – A peaceful forest oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji, right next to Harajuku.
• Tsukiji Outer Market – Eat the freshest tamagoyaki and tuna onigiri without the 4 a.m. auction wake-up.
• TeamLab Planets – An immersive digital art museum that will blow your mind (book weeks ahead).

Where to Eat

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city on earth, but you do not need a big budget to eat well. Hit an izakaya in Ebisu, slurp tsukemen in Ikebukuro, or grab a konbini onigiri — convenience store food here is genuinely good.

Getting Around

Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card and tap in and out of trains and buses. The JR Yamanote Line loops around the main hubs and is the best friend of every tourist. If you have a JR Pass, you can use it on the Yamanote Line too.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for fiery foliage are peak seasons. Summer is hot and humid but packed with festivals. Winter is crisp and ideal for clear skyline views.