Flights from London (LON) to Tokyo (TYO)

About Tokyo

Discover Tokyo

Why visit Tokyo?
Tokyo blends cutting-edge innovation with timeless streetscapes, where neon skylines sit alongside tranquil gardens and traditional architecture. You will find a city that feels dynamic yet orderly, with pockets of calm just a few minutes away from busy crossings and lively entertainment districts.

What to expect
Each neighbourhood has its own character, from the fashion boutiques of Shibuya and Harajuku to the refined avenues of Ginza and the tech-focused streets of Akihabara. Clean, efficient public spaces, polite service, and clear signage make it easy to explore, even on a first visit.

Plan your trip
Tokyo works well as both a standalone destination and a gateway to wider Japan. High-speed rail from the city links you to Kyoto, Osaka, and northern regions, while nearby areas such as Yokohama and Kamakura are ideal day trips that show a different side of urban and coastal life.

Top sights in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

Watch one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings from street level or a nearby viewpoint and feel the energy of central Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree

Take in sweeping views of the metropolis from its towering observation decks, with clear-day vistas stretching to distant mountains.

Asakusa and Senso-ji

Wander historic streets, admire the striking temple architecture, and browse traditional shops lining the main approach.

Meiji Jingu Forest and Harajuku

Stroll through a peaceful, wooded park before stepping into Harajuku’s vibrant fashion streets and creative boutiques.

Odaiba waterfront

Head to this bayside district for modern malls, a scenic promenade, and night-time views of the Rainbow Bridge and city skyline.

Ueno Park and Museums

Explore spacious lawns, a zoo, and several key museums, making this one of Tokyo’s best areas for culture in a single stop.

Akihabara District

Discover multi-storey electronics stores, themed cafés, and specialist shops that showcase Tokyo’s passion for technology and pop culture.

Ginza district

Enjoy wide boulevards lined with flagship stores, galleries, and refined cafés in one of Tokyo’s most elegant neighbourhoods.

Experience Tokyo’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Tokyo’s railway and metro network is the most efficient way to move between districts, with clear maps and frequent services. For a different perspective, ride the Yurikamome line over the bay to Odaiba. For shorter distances, walking often reveals quiet backstreets and small local shops.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Tokyo balances busy schedules with an appreciation for detail and seasonal change. You will notice orderly queues, tidy streets, and compact neighbourhoods where small cafés, galleries, and music venues sit side by side. Many areas feel like villages within the city, each with its own regular visitors and landmarks.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, and Hama-rikyu Gardens offer lawns, ponds, and shaded paths that feel far from the city rush. Early mornings bring soft light and quieter paths, while late afternoons are ideal for relaxing after sightseeing. Along the Sumida River, waterside paths give you open views and fresh air.

A taste of Tokyo

Street food & local specialties
Tokyo is known for ramen, sushi, tempura, yakitori, and countless regional dishes from across Japan. Lively areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa have narrow lanes packed with small eateries where you can enjoy a quick bowl of noodles or grilled skewers.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around major stations and shopping complexes, you will find floors dedicated to restaurants serving Japanese, Asian, and international flavours. Food courts and basement food halls in districts like Ginza, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station offer smaller portions and sets, making it easy to try several dishes in one visit.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider high-floor restaurants in skyscrapers around Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or Roppongi, where large windows frame the night skyline. Waterfront venues in Odaiba or along the Sumida River add a sense of space, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to reflect on the water.

Retail therapy in Tokyo

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large complexes around Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station house international brands, local designers, and lifestyle stores under one roof. Many include bookstores, cinemas, and rooftop terraces, so shopping can easily be combined with dining and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and independent labels, explore backstreets in Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, and Nakameguro. Here you will find vintage clothing, homeware, and hand-crafted accessories in compact shops and studios that reflect Tokyo’s creative side.

Evening retail scene
Major districts such as Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya stay bright and active well into the evening, with illuminated signs and late-opening stores. Seasonal pop-up stalls and department stores encourage relaxed window-shopping after dinner, and frequent trains and metro lines make these areas straightforward to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Tokyo

Spring (haru, March to May, shoulder season)
Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with cool mornings and pleasantly mild afternoons. This period is known for blooming trees and colourful parks, creating ideal conditions for outdoor walks and city sightseeing.

Summer (natsu, June to September, peak season)
Expect warmer weather from around 20°C to 31°C (68°F to 88°F), often with higher humidity. Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls through lively districts, and indoor attractions such as museums and malls provide comfortable breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (aki and fuyu, October to February, low season)
Autumn brings clear skies and temperatures between about 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F), with colourful foliage in parks. Winter is cooler, around 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F), but generally dry and bright, offering crisp views and a calm atmosphere at many city landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions