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Tokyo

Neon, temples and the best food of your life.

Japan · Asia ·

#3 in Euromonitor's overall city ranking (2025)

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Tokyo moves from quiet shrines to glowing crossings in a single subway stop.

Top attractions in Tokyo

  1. Shibuya and HarajukuThe famous crossing, then Meiji Shrine next door.
  2. AsakusaSensō-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street.
  3. Tsukiji Outer MarketSushi and street snacks for breakfast.
  4. Shinjuku by nightOmoide Yokocho alleys and city views.
  5. teamLabImmersive digital art; book ahead.
  6. Day trip to Nikko or HakoneTemples or hot springs with Mt. Fuji views.

Where to stay

Shinjuku or Shibuya for transport links; Ginza for calm.

LuxuryAman TokyoOtemachi
Mid-rangeHotel Gracery ShinjukuShinjuku
ValueTokyu Stay ShibuyaShibuya
Get hotel rates for Tokyo

Getting there and around

From the airport. Haneda (HND): monorail or Keikyu line to the center in 20–30 min. Narita (NRT): Narita Express in about an hour.

In the city. Trains and subway run on the minute. Load a Suica or Pasmo card on your phone.

Train and bus tips

Events, nightlife and sports

Late March–early AprilCherry blossom seasonPicnics under the blossoms in Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen.
Late JulySumida River FireworksTokyo's biggest fireworks.
MaySanja MatsuriAsakusa's lively shrine festival.
October 31Halloween in ShibuyaStreet costumes (crowd rules apply).

Nightlife and parties. Golden Gai's tiny bars, Shibuya clubs, Roppongi for international crowds.

Sports. Sumo at Ryōgoku (January, May, September), Yomiuri Giants baseball at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Marathon (March).

Dates change every year; check official sites before booking. The concierge can get tickets.

What to eat

Sushi at TsukijiRamenTempuraYakitori in Omoide YokochoConvenience-store snacks

Local tours in R Travel

Our picks for Tokyo, plus more options once you search.

Coming soonTokyo highlights with a localFull day

Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya by train.

  • Sensō-ji temple
  • Shibuya Crossing
  • Train pass included
Coming soonMt. Fuji and HakoneFull day

Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway and Fuji views.

  • Fuji 5th Station (seasonal)
  • Hakone ropeway
  • Lake cruise
Coming soonShinjuku izakaya night3 hours

Bar-hopping through Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.

  • Three stops
  • Food and drinks
  • English-speaking host
Book a tour in Tokyo

Practical info

When to go

Late March–April (cherry blossom) and October–November.

Money

Japanese yen (JPY)

Language

Japanese

Visa (US passport holders)

No visa needed. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

R Travel tip

Get a Suica or Pasmo card on your phone for trains and shops.

Entry rules shown are for US passport holders and change often — always confirm with the destination's embassy or your airline before booking. Other nationalities should check separately.

Good to know

Opening hours, prices, event dates and entry rules change. Check official sites before you go. Written by the R Travel team.