Tokyo Travel Guide – Best Things to do in Tokyo
There’s no city quite like Tokyo. From towering skyscrapers and bustling markets to serene temples, neon-lit streets, and mouthwatering cuisine, Tokyo offers an endless array of experiences for every traveler.
In this mini guide to Tokyo, we’ll share essential tips on how to explore this dynamic metropolis, covering must-see attractions, getting around, where to stay, and top things to do in Tokyo. Get ready to discover the best of Tokyo, one of the world’s most exciting cities. Plus, you can book many of these activities and even your train to Kyoto on Klook using my code MINYWANDER for 10% off!
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How to Get to Tokyo:
✈️ Tokyo is serviced by two major international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both airports offer convenient transportation to the city center, though Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo. No matter which airport you arrive at, there are plenty of efficient and comfortable ways to get into the city. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for getting to Tokyo from both airports.
How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo:
Trains
–Narita Express (N’EX) – The Narita Express is one of the fastest ways to get from Narita to Tokyo. Trains run every 30 minutes, stopping at major stations like Shibuya and Shinjuku. The journey takes about 53 minutes to Tokyo Station and 1 hour 25 minutes to Shinjuku Station. Tickets cost around $20. It’s a comfortable, direct option with plenty of luggage space.
–Keisei Skyliner – The Keisei Skyliner is another efficient train option, running every 20-30 minutes, but it only stops at Nippori and Ueno Stations. The Skyliner takes about 41 minutes to Ueno Station. You can book your tickets on Klook, and when you arrive at the station, simply scan the QR code in the Klook app for a smooth boarding experience.
Airport Limousine Bus – This is my favorite way to get to the city from the airport in Japan. Although it takes a bit longer (1.5 hours), these stop at major hotels in Tokyo and therefore no hassle of transferring from trains with luggage. Runs every 20-30 minutes. Purchase tickets ahead of time here, and simply scan QR code to board the next available bus. There is safe luggage storage area.
Private airport transfers – if you don’t mind spending a bit more for convenience, you can book private transfers to your Tokyo destination.
While taxis are available, they are generally expensive, and I recommend avoiding them unless you have no other options.
How to get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo:
Trains
–Tokyo Monorail – The Tokyo Monorail takes about 13 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (train) to reach other popular destinations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station.
–Keikyu Airport Line – This train takes you to Shinagawa Station in 11 minutes and from there you can transfer to other JR lines, such as the JR Yamanote Line.
Airport Limousine Bus – Similar to Narita, this is my favorite option as it involves least amount of transfers and luggage hauling. The buses stop at many major hotels throughout the city. Takes about 45 minutes and there is a separate luggage storage area. Purchase tickets here for QR code boarding.
Private airport transfers – if you don’t mind spending a bit more for convenience, you can book private transfers to your Tokyo destination.
🚅 From other major cities in Japan like Osaka or Kyoto, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo.
How to Get ARound in Tokyo:
Public transportation is efficient and easy in Japan. Use Google Maps to figure out what mode of transportation options there are, and then use an IC card (Suica, Pasmo or Icoca) on your phone (if you have an iPhone you can add any of these to your wallet) or the physical card to pay for trains, subways, buses or taxis. Read my article on Japan’s Transportation Guide for an in-depth understanding of how the transportation system in Japan works.
I recommend getting the Tokyo Subway Ticket from Klook. Keep reading to understand Tokyo’s subway systems.
- Tokyo has 2 major subway systems: Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway – they are pretty well interlinked and most likely you’ll be riding on both systems if you are exploring all of Tokyo
- Each ride costs 180 to 330 yen for Tokyo Metro, and 180 to 430 yen for Toei
- Individual tickets can be purchased at time of travel at the station, but I recommend against this as this is time consuming and the machines can be confusing
- Japan’s IC cards (transportation cards) Pasmo, Suica, and Icoca are reloadable and you can scan these to ride either of the two subway systems. IC cards are simply transportation cards, not discount cards.
- There are various discount cards such as Tokyo Combination Ticket, or Common One-day Ticket but the best one to purchase is Tokyo Subway Ticket that is available in 24/48/72 hour uses.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket includes unlimited rides in both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines, and is only available to foreigners visiting Japan.
🎟️ Pricing:
24 hours – 800 yen adult, 400 yen child
48 hours – 1200 yen adult, 600 yen child
72 hours – 1500 yen adult, 750 yen child
I bought mine on Klook before traveling to Japan, and received an email with a voucher. Once arriving in Tokyo, head to any major station and scan the QR code at a ticket vending machine to retrieve a physical card. You then use to insert and retrieve each time you ride the subway. The time starts when you first insert it for the first ride.
Trust me, it’s nice knowing you have unlimited rides. Our 48 hour ticket was only $7.85 per person, and with each ride being on average $1.50, this saved us some money and the gave us ease of not having to calculate every ride.
Tips to make your Tokyo trip Easier
- Stay connected with an e-sim to navigate
- Utilize luggage transfer services: Navigating Tokyo’s streets and transit stations with heavy luggage can be challenging. Japan offers efficient luggage delivery services that allow you to travel hands-free. You can send your bags from the airport directly to your hotel or from one hotel to another, freeing you to explore the city.
It’s also particularly useful if you have an early morning flight in to Tokyo, and you don’t want to go to your hotel just to drop off bags (since check-in is not ready yet). This way you send off your luggage from the airport, and head into your first sightseeing destination without wasting any time. - Cash: Japan is becoming more and more credit card friendly, but some places (for example some street food vendors and restaurants) still only accept cash. Make sure to exchange some currency. If you are in Japan, use the ATMs at 7-11 as they have the best rates.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Deciding where to stay in Tokyo can get a bit overwhelming with so many choices and areas, each with a different atmosphere. Here is a comparison of areas of Tokyo.
Shinjuku – Home to one of Tokyo’s largest train stations, well connected to all of Tokyo, and other parts of Japan. Day trips such as Mt. Fuji is a breeze. One of the busiest areas and the massive train station can be overwhelming.
My hotel recommendation: Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Shibuya – Close to well known attractions such as Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Yoyogi Park, Harajuku. Also a very busy part of Tokyo.
My hotel recommendation: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, JR Kyushu Blossom Hotel
Ginza – Most luxurious. Central, has a good luxury shopping & dining scene, and upscale hotels although pricey. Streets are clean and pleasant. Close to Tsukiji Market.
My hotel recommendation: Hyatt Centric Ginza, Tokyo Edition
Asakusa – unlike the modern areas of Tokyo like above, Asakusa has a historic charm with cultural sites such as Senso-ji Temple. Prices are more affordable here, but it is further away from Central Tokyo.
Roppongi – Located between Shibuya/Harajuku and Ginza/Chiyoda, it is easy to explore rest of Tokyo from this area. Known as a fun, exciting neighborhood with abundance of bars, nightlife and party scene.
My hotel recommendation: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
There are other parts of Tokyo you can choose to stay in, but the above are solid options for first-time visitors. My favorite area was Ginza – although convenient, I found Shinjuku and Shibuya to be too congested and busy, and Ginza had cleaner streets.
Tips for Tokyo Hotels:
🚇 Choose a hotel near a Yamanote subway line for convenience.
🏪 Bonus points if there are Konbinis (convenience stores) nearby.
🧳 If you stay in more than 1 hotel, ship your luggage from one hotel to the next (ask your hotel front desk and it usually takes 1 day) instead of lugging it around on subway or having to use expensive taxis.
🛏️ Japanese hotel rooms tend to be small. Make sure to check room size when you’re booking.
Best Hotels in Tokyo
Shinjuku
$ Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
$$ JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
$$ Hotel Groove Shinjuku
$$$ Hilton Tokyo
$$$ Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
Ginza
$ Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome
$$ The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
$$ MUJI Hotel Ginza
$$ Hotel The Celestine Ginza
$$$ Tokyo EDITION
$$$ Hyatt Centric Ginza
Shibuya
$ JR East Hotel Mets Shibuya
$$ sequence MIYASHITA Park Shibuya
$$ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
$$$ Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
$$$ Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo Station
$ Remm Tokyo Kyobashi
$$ Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station
$$ Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier
$$$ The Tokyo Station Hotel
$$$ Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
$$$ Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
How Long to Stay in Tokyo
I would recommend at least 4-5 full days to see Tokyo. This would give you time to explore the city’s top attractions with a mix of modern landmarks and cultural sites, and experience various neighborhoods. Add an extra day for day trips to Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea or Mt. Fuji.
10 Best Things to do in Tokyo
1. 🗼 Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark you can’t miss in Tokyo. Standing at 333 meters tall, it serves as a symbol of Japan’s economic growth and technological progress.
I didn’t go up the tower but if you are interested in learning its history and seeing views from above, book tickets here.
One of my favorite spots to see the tower was at the Zojoji Temple. The ancient temple juxtaposed against the modern tower creates a unique photo backdrop.
2. 💫 teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless
I’ve seen so much about teamLab prior to going to Japan, I was worried it might be overhyped. It was not. I chose to go to the Borderless as the location fit in with my itinerary better. This was the most immersive, interactive art exhibit I’ve ever experienced and I was fascinated the entire time.
📍 Location:
teamLab Planets: 6-chōme-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
teamLab Borderless: Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5-chōme−９, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1 (in the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM)
🪐 Difference between Borderless and Teamlab Planets:
- Borderless is larger (although Planets is being expanded in 2025).
- Planets involves more tactile experiences – done barefoot, with walking through shallow water in some areas.
- Planets is structured with a designated path whereas Borderless is meant to be explored freely – they don’t provide you with a map of any sort.
- Some rooms can be found in both but there are rooms special to each. I really wanted to visit the floating orchid room but this is only at Planets.
🎟️ Tickets:
Start at 3600 JPY on the official website (refer to their calendar for pricing for each date)
You can also purchase on Klook below – use code MINYWANDER for a discount (10% for new Klook users, 3% for existing, $50 and above).
✨Tips:
🎟️ Tickets do tend to sell out so purchase in advance, especially if you want specific time slots.
👗 Avoid wearing short skirts since some of the rooms have mirrored floors.
⏳ Entry is timed, but you can stay as long as you want. I’d give it at least 2 hours to explore.
3. 🚦 Watch the Shibuya Crossing
Often referred to as the “world’s busiest pedestrian crossing,” this iconic intersection sees thousands of people crossing from all directions at once, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of coordinated chaos. It is estimated to have 1000-2500 people crossing at once.
Walk through the intersection to experience it for yourself, but I found it interesting to see it from above.
This Starbucks is known as a view spot for the Shibuya Crossing.
Starbucks Coffee – Shibuya Tsutaya 2F.
It gets quite crowded but I was able to squeeze into a corner spot by the windows on the second floor to capture the crossing.
Another great spot is the pedestrian skybridge of Shibuya Station.
The last spot I recommend is from Shibuya Sky (more information below in #4).
4. 🌆 Shibuya Sky
Tokyo has a number of observatory decks.
Shibuya Sky is a 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. It is 47 floors above ground at a height of 229 meters and you can enjoy expansive panoramic views of Tokyo. There are 3 different zones of Shibuya Sky: the “Sky Gate” elevator experience, indoor “Sky Gallery,” and the open-air rooftop area called the “Sky Stage.” On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji from Shibuya Sky – we were able to see its faint outlines when we went.
Sunset time is the most popular for obvious reasons, and incredibly difficult to get tickets for. The official website releases tickets 4 weeks in advance, at midnight Japan time. Create an account before, log in 5 minutes before, as there may be a queue to get into the website. Refresh exactly at midnight Japan time, and purchase tickets. To tell the truth, I failed at it as it sold out instantly. We ended up going earlier than sunset and it was still an amazing experience.
I did read that many people had trouble using their credit cards on the official website. My AMEX card worked on any Japanese website that accepted credit cards, but failed with my VISA a few times. For this reason I always recommend Klook for the ease of booking as you can use any credit card.
Book on Klook here: Shibuya Sky Tickets
Check out these observation decks in Tokyo:
5. 🍣 Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Market is one of the city’s most iconic destinations for food lovers and travelers. The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018, so the current Tsukiji Outer Market mostly consists of food stalls and restaurants. There’s lots of reviews saying that the market is a tourist trap and overpriced, and while I agree to a certain degree (especially about the prices), I still thought it was worth checking out, and the food was good quality. The narrow streets do get quite crowded, so this is another place you’ll want to visit as early as possible.
Check out these fun activities in Tokyo
Klook.com6. 🏮 Explore and bar hop through a yokocho
If you’re looking to experience a more authentic and local side of Tokyo, visiting a yokocho should be at the top of your list. A yokocho refers to a narrow alley or side street, often brimming with small pubs, izakayas, and quaint restaurants. These tiny alleyways are scattered throughout Tokyo, offering a charming and nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past. Walking through a yokocho is like stepping back in time, with their retro atmosphere and close-knit spaces that make you feel as though you’re in an entirely different era.
Yokochos are most magical when the sun sets and the neon lights flicker to life. These alleyways are transformed at night, with lanterns casting a warm glow on the tightly packed bars and eateries.
Here’s a list of yokochos you can visit:
- Omoide Yokocho – Shinjuku
- Golden Gai (“Piss Alley”) – Shinjuku
- Harmonica Yokocho – Kichijoji
- Ebisu Yokocho – Ebisu
- Nonbei Yokocho – Shibuya
7. 🏯 Senso-ji Temple
Located in the historic Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Its iconic Kaminarimon Gate, vibrant Nakamise shopping street, and tranquil temple grounds should not be missed.
Head to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center which is just directly across a street from the Kaminarimon Gate, and you can get views of Nakamise street and the temple from above at the 8th floor observation deck. It’s free! You also get amazing views of Tokyo Skytree
9. 🎀 Shopping at Harajuku, Takeshita Street
Harajuku, a trendy district in Tokyo, is famous for its vibrant street style, and Takeshita Street is at the heart of it all. This street is lined with colorful boutiques, quirky shops, and cafes. I remember feeling somewhat overwhelmed with all the stores – don’t be afraid to get lost and have fun exploring.
Don’t forget to try crepes at one of the many crepe stores. Marion Crepes is Japan’s oldest crepe store, opening in 1976 as a food truck.
10. 🏯 Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines, and is a pleasant forest area just next to the bustling Harajuku neighborhood. Walk through its tranquil paths, admire at the towering torii gates, and don’t forget to see the colorful display of kazaridaru – decorative sake barrels donated by brewers across Japan to honor and celebrate the connection between culture, religion and tradition.
Bonus: 🗻 Day Trip to Mt. Fuji
A day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo is one of the most iconic and memorable experiences you can have while visiting Japan. Fortunately it’s easily accessible as a day trip. Two of the best places to explore Mt. Fuji’s beauty close to Tokyo are Hakone and Lake Kawaguchiko, both offering unique experiences and stunning views of the mountain. Whether you’re looking for hot springs, outdoor activities, or serene lakeside views, these two locations make for an unforgettable escape from Tokyo.
Hakone is a hot springs town about 1.5 hours away from Shinjuku by train. Things to do in Hakone include enjoying an onsen (hot springs), Open Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway.
Lake Kawaguchiko is located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, and about 2 hours by bus or train from Tokyo. Highlights include Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oishi Park, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Oshino Hakkai, Shimoyoshida area and even a thrilling amusement park called Fuji-Q Highland. Read my guide on how to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo here.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is one of those cities that leaves a lasting impression, where tradition and innovation coexist in the most fascinating ways. The city truly offers something for every kind of traveler.
This guide is just a starting point. No matter how many days you spend here, you’ll quickly realize there’s always more to discover. From hidden alleyway izakayas to quirky themed cafés, peaceful gardens, and unexpected moments of beauty around every corner. This is why we were so quick to return and visited for a second time in less than a year!
I hope this travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Tokyo. If you found it helpful, be sure to check out my other Japan travel guides—and feel free to share your Tokyo favorites or questions in the comments!
USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
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