Tokyo Travel Guide (Tokyo (prefecture)/Kanto/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that is truly unique. It’s the center of the Japanese culture and is home to several historical and cultural attractions. From busy streets dotted with skyscrapers to quiet temples and gardens, Tokyo has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo has a lot of places to visit, catering to the interests of diverse tourists. Here are some must-see places in Tokyo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tokyo National Museum
Meiji Shrine
Senso-ji Temple
Imperial Palace
Edo-Tokyo Museum
National Museum of Modern Art
Ueno Park and Zoo
Ginza District

Natural Attractions of Tokyo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Fuji
Tokyo Skytree
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Yoyogi Park
Tsukiji Fish Market
Odaiba Island
Tokyo Tower
Rainbow Bridge
Tokyo Bay

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tokyo

Tokyo may be a bustling city, but it also has plenty of trails and bike routes perfect for nature enthusiasts. Here are a few popular routes:

Tama River Greenway
Mount Takao
Tokyo Bay Cycling Course
Kasai Rinkai Park

Best Things to Do in Tokyo: Activities and Tours

When it comes to things to do in Tokyo, the options are endless! Here are some popular activities and tours for tourists:

Visit a theme park: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan.
Experience anime and manga culture: Visit Akihabara district or go to Tokyo Anime Center.
Go shopping: Shibuya, Ginza, Harajuku and Shinjuku are some of the most popular shopping areas.
Try Japanese cuisine: Enjoy sushi, ramen, and tempura at some of Tokyo’s most popular restaurants.
Attend local festivals: Tokyo has several festivals throughout the year like the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival and the Kanda Matsuri Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tokyo

For tourists who plan to spend a week in Tokyo, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day	Itinerary
1	Visit Meiji Shrine, Takeshita-dori and Shinjuku at night.
2	Go to Asakusa, explore Senso-ji temple, and take a river cruise.
3	Visit the Tsukiji market, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza district.
4	Climb Mount Takao or try a cycling course.
5	Visit Odaiba Island, the Tokyo Tower, and Rainbow Bridge.
6	Enjoy a visit to Ueno Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and Yoyogi Park.
7	Spend your last day at Disneyland, DisneySea, or Universal Studios Japan.

Food and Drink Scene of Tokyo

Tokyo’s food and drink scene is truly exquisite. From street food to Michelin star restaurants, the city never lacks in delicious dining options. Here are some popular dishes and beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

Sushi
Ramen
Tempura
Yakitori

Local Beverages

Sake
Shochu
Japanese green tea

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to different tastes and budgets. Here are a few options:

High-end Hotels: The Ritz Carlton Tokyo, The Peninsula Tokyo, and The Shangri-La Hotel.
Mid-range Hotels: Park Hotel Tokyo, Hotel Tokyo Dome, and Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.
Hostels and Guesthouses: Khaosan Tokyo Guesthouse, Nui. Hostel and Bar Lounge, and Backpackers Hostel K’s House Tokyo.

What to Buy in Tokyo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tokyo’s culture is unique and its local products reflect this uniqueness. Here are some recommended souvenirs and local products:

Japanese Anime and Manga
Traditional Japanese Kimonos
Sake Wine and Japanese Whisky
Green Tea and Sweet Treats

Local Culture and Customs of Tokyo

Tokyo has a culture that is steeped in tradition and customs. Here are some must-know customs and cultural practices:

Bowing is a common greeting gesture.
Removing your shoes before entering people’s homes and restaurants.
Using chopsticks properly when eating.
Keeping your voice low when in public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is an all-year-round destination, but there are certain seasons that offer unique experiences.

Spring (March-May): This is the season of sakura (cherry blossoms), and the parks and gardens in Tokyo are filled with beautiful flowers.
Summer (June-August): Summer in Tokyo is hot and humid, but the season offers fireworks displays and festivals.
Autumn (September-November): This is the season of colorful fall foliage, which can be seen in parks like Yoyogi and Shinjuku Gyoen.
Winter (December-February): December sees Tokyo illuminated with Christmas lights and in February, plum blossoms bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tokyo

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when exploring Tokyo:

Do:

Take off your shoes before entering homes and some top-end restaurants.
Carry a Wi-Fi device or purchase a SIM card for internet access.
Use the subway system to get around town.
Be respectful of Japanese culture and customs.

Don’t:

Tip waiters or service personnel.
Eat while walking or on trains.
Smoke in public areas.
Forget to try traditional Japanese food.

Safety and Health

Traveling to Tokyo is generally safe, but it’s always important to take precautions.

Safety in Tokyo

Tokyo is known for being a safe city, but it is always important to keep an eye on your valuables, especially in crowded areas.
Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals when crossing the streets.
In case of emergency, call 110 for the police or 119 for an ambulance.

Health in Tokyo

Air pollution is generally not an issue in Tokyo, but visitors with allergies may experience reactions to pollen from the trees and plants in certain seasons.
Visitors should carry insurance or make sure their travel insurance covers any medical issues.
Tap water in Tokyo is safe to drink.

Getting to Tokyo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tokyo is a perfect destination for tourists because it’s readily accessible.

Airports Near Tokyo

Narita International Airport: Serves most international flights from around the globe.
Haneda Airport: Serves most domestic and some international flights.

Bus Stations Near Tokyo

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit

Other Options

Train: The shinkansen (bullet train) is one of the best ways to get around Japan, including Tokyo.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available but can be quite expensive.

How to Get Around in Tokyo

Tokyo has an extensive transportation system that is easy to navigate.

Subway: Tokyo has an extensive subway system, and it is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city.
Bus: Tokyo’s bus system is also reasonably efficient but slower than the subway.
Train: Japan’s railway network is the largest in the world, and it’s a wonderful way to see the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Tokyo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you’ve explored Tokyo, there are many nearby destinations and excursions to add to your travel itinerary.

Hakone: A beautiful place famous for its hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Nikko: Home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the famous Toshogu Shrine.
Kamakura: Known for its historical significance, Kamakura has several temples and shrines.
Yokohama: A maritime city known for its modernity, Ramen Museum, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

Conclusion

Tokyo is an amazing city that can be visited solo or with family and friends. The city’s rich history and culture, combined with modern amenities make it a must-visit destination. With this comprehensive travel guide, tourists can easily plan their visit, knowing what to do, where to go, and how to get around.