Tokyo blends neon skylines, calm gardens, and creative neighbourhoods into one dynamic city, where centuries-old traditions sit beside cutting-edge design and technology.
Discover Tokyo
Discover Tokyo
Why visit Tokyo?
What to expect
You will find efficient transport, clean streets, and distinct districts, from the buzz of Shibuya and Shinjuku to quieter areas of Asakusa and Yanaka with a more nostalgic charm.
Plan your trip
Use Tokyo as your base to explore wider Japan, with convenient rail links to cities like Yokohama and Nikko, or longer journeys on the shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka.
Top sights in Tokyo
Sensoji in Asakusa
Walk through the Kaminarimon gate and along Nakamise shopping street before reaching Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most recognisable temple complexes.
Shibuya Crossing
Watch the famous scramble crossing from street level or a nearby viewpoint, then explore the surrounding streets filled with boutiques and cafes.
Tokyo Skytree
Head up to the observation decks for wide city views, then browse the adjacent mall and aquarium at the base of this landmark tower.
Meiji Jingu and Harajuku
Enter a forested shrine complex via towering torii gates, then step out into the fashion-forward streets of Harajuku and Omotesando.
Odaiba waterfront
Relax by the bay with views of Rainbow Bridge, visit interactive museums, and enjoy shopping and entertainment in this modern island district.
Ueno Park and museums
Stroll through Ueno Park, especially pretty in spring, and visit major museums and a zoo clustered around its ponds and tree-lined paths.
Akihabara
Explore multi-storey shops dedicated to electronics, anime, games, and collectibles in this bright and energetic district.
Experience Tokyo's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Tokyo's extensive metro and JR train network to move quickly between districts, and try a ride on the Yamanote Line for a loop of key hubs. For the last mile, short walks and local buses or taxis make reaching smaller streets and hotels straightforward.
Local life & culture
Join commuters in the stations at rush hour, then slow down in neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, and Nakameguro, where small galleries and music venues sit beside cosy cafes. Many streets feel safe to wander late into the evening, letting you see the city unwind.
Where to unwind
Find calm in landscaped spaces such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Hama-rikyu Gardens, or the paths along the Meguro River. In the evening, public baths and onsen-style facilities offer a soothing break after a day of exploring.
A taste of Tokyo
Street food & local specialties
Try ramen, sushi, yakitori, and tempura in areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa, or sample casual bites such as takoyaki and taiyaki from small stands near stations and shopping streets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Busy stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro hide entire restaurant floors offering Japanese and international flavours, with smaller portions that make it easy to try several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out high-floor restaurants in districts such as Marunouchi, Shinjuku, and Roppongi for city views, or dine by the waterfront in Odaiba, where you can look out over Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge.
Retail therapy in Tokyo
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore large complexes in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro for international labels, Japanese brands, and entertainment, often linked directly to major train stations for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional goods and souvenirs in Asakusa, discover independent designers in Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama, and look for stationery and lifestyle items in neighbourhood shopping streets.
Evening retail scene
Streets in Ginza, Shibuya, and Akihabara glow with signs and window displays well into the night, and extended opening hours mean you can shop after dinner, with trains and metro lines keeping these districts connected.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather, with temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and blooming trees that draw many visitors. Summer peak season (June to early September) is warm and humid, often 25–32°C (77–90°F), with lively festivals and longer daylight hours. Autumn shoulder season (late September to November) offers comfortable days around 12–22°C (54–72°F) and colourful foliage in parks and gardens, while winter low season (December to February) is cool and crisp, typically 2–10°C (36–50°F).