Tokyo · Japan

Tokyo

Japan’s capital brings together Asakusa’s temples, the Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Ueno’s museums and the gardens of the old Edo Castle, all linked by a network of trains and subway lines.

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In the photo: Tokyo Station, seen from the Marunouchi side.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the gateway for most travelers, through Haneda and Narita airports. It does not have a single center: it is a collection of neighborhoods with distinct personalities, connected by JR trains, subway lines, and private railways. The Yamanote loop line runs through Tokyo, Ueno, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya, and serves as a mental map for newcomers.

The old side appears in Asakusa, around Senso-ji Temple, and in Ueno, where the park houses the Tokyo National Museum, other museums and Shinobazu Pond. In the center, the East Gardens occupy part of the former Edo Castle grounds, headquarters of the Tokugawa shoguns, next to the Imperial Palace. The Meiji Shrine sits in a planted forest between Harajuku and Yoyogi.

The modern side is in Shinjuku, with skyscrapers, department stores and the narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai; in Shibuya, with the crossing in front of the station; in Ginza, of luxury shops; and in Akihabara, of electronics, manga and games. The Tokyo Skytree tower dominates the eastern skyline, and the artificial island of Odaiba lies in the bay.

Food is part of the experience: ramen, sushi, tempura, izakayas and the food floors in department store basements. The outer Tsukiji market still has fish stalls and kitchens near the old wholesale market, which moved to Toyosu. From Tokyo you can take day trips to Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone and Mount Fuji.

This destination brings together 1 city: Tokyo.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Tokyo is

Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via Wambacher / geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Tokyo

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Tóquio (Haneda) (HND), in Ota · 20 km to Tokyo

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Narita (NRT), in Narita · 66 km to Tokyo

International flights arrive at Haneda, on the bay, and at Narita, in Chiba, about 60 km away. Both have trains and buses to the city center. From other cities, the shinkansen arrives at Tokyo Station and Shinagawa; from Kyoto it takes about 2h15.

Tokyo · Tokyo Capital

Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, a metropolis of 23 special wards connected by trains and subway. Asakusa houses Senso-ji Temple; Ueno holds the major museums; the center contains the East Gardens of the former Edo Castle. Shinjuku and Shibuya concentrate skyscrapers, shops and nightlife, and the Meiji Shrine sits in a forest between them. The city is also a base for day trips to Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone and Mount Fuji.

The local experience

Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo · Tokyo · Temple

Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple, in Asakusa: the Kaminarimon gate with its large red lantern, the Nakamise shopping street, the Kannon hall and the five-story pagoda.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Shrine

Meiji Shrine

The large Shinto shrine of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a forest planted between Harajuku and Yoyogi.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Neighborhood

Shibuya Crossing

The pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya Station, crossed in all directions at each green signal, with the Hachiko dog statue and viewing points on surrounding buildings.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Park

Shinjuku Gyoen

A former imperial garden in the middle of Shinjuku, with areas of Japanese garden, English landscape and formal French garden, a greenhouse and around a thousand cherry trees.

See 4 more places in Tokyo

Tokyo · Tokyo · Museum

Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest museum, in Ueno Park, with the country’s largest collection of Japanese art: samurai armor, paintings, ceramics, kimonos and Buddhist sculptures.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Garden

East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The area of the former Edo Castle open to the public, with stone walls, the stone base of the main keep, guardhouses and the Ninomaru Garden, in central Tokyo.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Viewpoint

Tokyo Skytree

The 634-meter tower in Sumida, with two observation decks at 350 m and 450 m over the Tokyo plain, and a shopping center and aquarium at the base.

Tokyo · Tokyo · Market

Tsukiji Outer Market

The streets of stalls and shops beside Tokyo’s former wholesale fish market, selling seafood, Japanese omelettes, knives and utensils, liveliest in the morning.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

March and April bring the cherry blossoms, generally from late March to early April. October and November have mild days and autumn foliage in the parks. From June to mid-July is the rainy season; July and August are hot and humid. Winter is usually dry and cold, with clear skies and rare snow.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

In three days, the classic neighborhoods fit without rush. Five days leave room for the bay, the museums and a day trip to the surroundings. Travelers using Tokyo as a base for the rest of the country may set aside one night on arrival and another on departure.

Which city to stay in

The west side, in Shinjuku and Shibuya, has trains in every direction and nightlife. The area around Tokyo Station and Ginza sits midway between neighborhoods and is the most practical for those taking the shinkansen. Ueno and Asakusa are more traditional, with smaller lodgings and direct access to Narita via Keisei trains. Shinagawa is convenient for reaching Haneda and for shinkansen services to the west.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Tokyo

How many days should you stay in Tokyo?

Three days allow you to see Asakusa, Ueno, the East Gardens, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya. With four or five days, you can add Odaiba, Akihabara, more museums and a day trip to Kamakura, Nikko or Hakone.

Which airport is better to arrive at for Tokyo, Haneda or Narita?

Haneda is closer to the center and has fast connections by monorail and trains to Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa. Narita is about 60 km away in Chiba, connected by express trains and buses to central stations. The choice usually depends on the flight; both offer frequent transport options.

Do you need a car in Tokyo?

No. Trains and subways cover the city and day trips, and rechargeable cards like Suica and PASMO pay fares. Parking is scarce. A car only makes sense for itineraries into the countryside after leaving the city.

Can you take day trips from Tokyo?

Yes. Kamakura is about 1 hour by train; Yokohama, less than that; Nikko, about 2 hours; Hakone, about 1h30 by express train from Shinjuku; and the Mount Fuji region is roughly 2 hours by bus or train. Check timetables before you go.

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Beyond the guide

Tokyo

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.