Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Tokyo (TYO)

About Tokyo

Discover Tokyo

Why visit Tokyo?
Tokyo blends dazzling cityscapes with intimate neighbourhoods, where neon towers stand beside calm gardens and narrow backstreets. You can move from quiet traditional lanes to cutting-edge districts in minutes, always finding something unexpected along the way.

What to expect
The city is made up of distinct hubs such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza, each with its own character. Trains run with impressive frequency, and streets feel safe and well organised, making it easy to explore even on a first visit.

Plan your trip
Tokyo works well as both a standalone city break and the starting point for a wider journey across Japan. Bullet trains and regional services fan out from the capital, so you can combine the city with nearby mountains, coastal towns, or historic cities on the same trip.

Top sights in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

Watch the famous scramble of people and lights, then explore the side streets filled with shops and cafés.

Tokyo Skytree

Ride up to the observation decks for sweeping views over the city and the distant outline of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Asakusa and Senso-ji

Wander through Asakusa's nostalgic streets and admire the grand gate, pagoda, and historic architecture around Senso-ji.

Ueno Park and Museums

Stroll through tree-lined pathways and visit major museums and galleries set around this expansive urban park.

Odaiba Waterfront

Head to this bayside district for futuristic buildings, a Ferris wheel, and night views of the Rainbow Bridge.

Ginza District

Explore broad boulevards lined with flagship boutiques, elegant department stores, and refined cafés.

Harajuku and Omotesando

Experience creative street style in Harajuku, then walk along tree-lined Omotesando for designer stores and sleek architecture.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Browse stalls selling fresh seafood and local ingredients, and sample small bites at casual counters and eateries.

Experience Tokyo's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The best way to move around Tokyo is by using the extensive metro and JR train network, which connects major hubs quickly. For a different view, ride the Yurikamome line over the bay to Odaiba, and use walking or short taxi rides for the final stretch to smaller streets.

Local life & culture
Each neighbourhood offers a different side of daily life, from office workers and department stores in Marunouchi to relaxed backstreets in Shimokitazawa and Nakameguro. Small galleries, music venues, and quiet residential lanes sit just a few minutes away from busy main roads, rewarding those who explore on foot.

Where to unwind
Tokyo offers many calm spaces, including landscaped gardens such as Hama-rikyu and Shinjuku Gyoen, along with riverside paths and smaller local parks. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for gentle walks, when the light softens and the city takes on a more relaxed pace.

A taste of Tokyo

Street food & local specialties
You can try noodles, grilled skewers, and savoury snacks in areas such as Asakusa, Ueno, and around busy stations. Narrow alleyways like those in Shinjuku and Yurakucho are known for small counters where you sit close to the action.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and station complexes gather many casual restaurants in one place, making it easy to sample different flavours in a single day. Portions are often modest, so you can enjoy several dishes, from noodles and rice bowls to modern takes on international favourites.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal with a view, head to restaurants on upper floors in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Marunouchi, where glass-fronted dining rooms overlook the skyline. Around Tokyo Bay and Odaiba, waterside venues offer wide windows and relaxed settings for a slower-paced evening.

Retail therapy in Tokyo

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large complexes around Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro offer international brands, lifestyle stores, and entertainment under one roof. These hubs are popular meeting points, combining fashion, cafés, and rooftop spaces with easy access from the train station.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and design-focused stores, explore neighbourhoods such as Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Kichijoji. Here you will find vintage clothing, handmade goods, and independent labels, often on walkable streets with relaxed cafés and record shops.

Evening retail scene
Districts like Ginza and Shibuya stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores. Some streets are pedestrian-only at certain hours, creating a relaxed atmosphere for browsing, and frequent train and metro services make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Tokyo

Spring (haru, March to May, shoulder season)
Average temperatures range from about 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with mild days and cool evenings. Parks and streets are lined with blossoms, and outdoor festivals and walks along riversides are particularly enjoyable.

Summer (natsu, June to August, peak season)
Temperatures typically sit between 22°C and 31°C (72°F to 88°F), with warm, humid conditions and occasional showers. This is a lively time with outdoor events, illuminated evenings, and long days for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions.

Autumn and winter (aki and fuyu, September to February, low season)
Autumn offers 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) with colourful foliage, while winter is cooler, from around 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F), often dry and bright. Clear skies make city views especially crisp, and indoor attractions feel welcoming after time outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions