Flights from Tokyo (TYO) to London (LON)

About London

Discover London

Why visit London?
London combines grand historic streets with creative modern neighbourhoods, where theatres, galleries, and riverside walks sit side by side. You can expect a cosmopolitan city that feels familiar from films and books, yet still full of small surprises in every area.

What to expect
From the Thames and its famous bridges to districts like Westminster, Soho, and Shoreditch, London offers distinct quarters with their own character. The city moves quickly, but parks, neighbourhood pubs, and local cafés create many places to slow down and watch daily life unfold.

Plan your trip
London works well as both a short city break and a longer base to explore the United Kingdom. Efficient rail links make it easy to reach cities such as Oxford, Bath, and Brighton, turning London into a practical gateway for wider regional journeys.

Top sights in London

Tower of London

Explore this imposing riverside fortress, known for its layers of history, dramatic stories, and atmospheric stone walls.

Buckingham Palace and The Mall

Stroll along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, enjoying formal avenues, statues, and views of one of London’s best-known residences.

London Eye

Glide above the Thames in a glass capsule for sweeping views of the Houses of Parliament, the South Bank, and the wider city skyline.

British Museum

Discover extensive collections from around the world under the museum’s striking glass-roofed Great Court.

Covent Garden

Wander through cobbled piazzas filled with street performers, small boutiques, and covered arcades with plenty of cafés.

South Bank

Walk this lively riverside promenade lined with cultural venues, bookstalls, and broad views across to the City of London.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Relax by the water, hire a boat, or simply cross these expansive green spaces between elegant West London neighbourhoods.

Skyline viewpoints at The Shard

Head up to one of London’s tallest buildings for panoramic views that stretch far beyond the city centre on clear days.

Experience London’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The London Underground and suburban rail are the fastest ways to cover longer distances, with frequent services across the city. Buses and riverboats offer a more scenic ride, while walking often gives the clearest sense of each neighbourhood. Contactless payment keeps journeys simple from the moment you arrive.

Local life & culture
London’s rhythm shifts from busy weekday commutes to relaxed weekends in parks, cafés, and canalside paths. Each area, from Notting Hill to Shoreditch, has its own style, shaped by local shops, galleries, and creative studios. You will notice how quickly you can move between grand avenues and quiet residential streets.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, and Battersea Park offer lakes, viewpoints, and tree-lined paths ideal for slow walks. Early mornings are calm, with locals jogging or walking dogs, while late afternoons bring a warmer atmosphere. Canal paths and riverside walks also provide peaceful routes away from traffic.

A taste of London

Street food & local specialties
London’s food scene includes classic favourites like fish and chips, pies, and hearty roasts, alongside global flavours from its diverse communities. Areas such as Borough Market and Brick Lane are known for casual bites, where you can try different snacks and dishes in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed restaurants and cafés throughout Soho, King’s Cross, and Shoreditch, often grouped around pedestrian squares or renovated warehouses. Food halls and mall dining levels, such as those at Westfield, offer a wide mix of cuisines, making it easy to share plates and sample several styles in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, choose venues overlooking the Thames, city parks, or high-floor skyline views. Dining near the South Bank, around St Katharine Docks, or at rooftop spaces in the City pairs your meal with distinctive perspectives of London. Evening reservations let you watch the skyline gradually light up.

Retail therapy in London

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central London offers large shopping streets and complexes where international brands sit beside British labels. Oxford Street and nearby Regent Street combine fashion, lifestyle, and department stores, while centres such as Westfield group shops, cinemas, and dining in one convenient place.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and stalls, visit areas like Camden, Spitalfields, and Portobello Road. Here you can browse vintage pieces, independent designers, and crafted homeware in historic streets and covered markets. These neighbourhoods often pair shopping with galleries and small cafés for an unhurried afternoon.

Evening retail scene
After dark, streets such as Regent Street, Carnaby, and parts of Covent Garden stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. Seasonal light displays and window designs add to the atmosphere in the cooler months. Well-connected bus, Underground, and rail services make it straightforward to reach your hotel after an evening of browsing.

Best time to visit London

Spring
From March to May, spring brings mild days around 10–17°C (50–63°F) as parks fill with blossom and fresh greenery. This shoulder season offers comfortable walking weather and a busy cultural calendar, with fewer crowds than mid-summer yet plenty of daylight for exploring.

Summer
June to August is summer, with average temperatures of 18–24°C (64–75°F) and occasional warmer spells. This peak season is ideal for open-air events, riverside walks, and long evenings in parks and on terraces. Outdoor theatres, concerts, and city festivals make the most of the extended daylight.

Autumn and winter
From September to February, temperatures typically range from 5–12°C (41–54°F), bringing crisp mornings and cooler evenings. This low season highlights London’s indoor attractions, from museums and theatres to cosy cafés. Festive lights and winter displays add atmosphere, while cooler days are well-suited to unhurried city sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions