Asia · Japan

Tokyo

City BreakFoodCulture

Tokyo is less one city than a cluster of distinct downtowns stitched together by an extraordinary train network — Shibuya's neon chaos, Asakusa's old-town temples, and Shimokitazawa's secondhand shops can each feel like a different city entirely.

Pick two or three neighborhoods per day rather than trying to hit landmarks across the whole city — Tokyo rewards depth in a district over a checklist crossed off from a map.

A Bit of History

Tokyo began as the small fishing village of Edo, which grew into the seat of the shogunate's power starting in 1603 and became one of the largest cities in the world well before it took the name Tokyo — "Eastern Capital" — when the emperor moved there in 1868 following the Meiji Restoration.

The city was almost entirely destroyed twice in the 20th century: first by the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake, and again by Allied firebombing in World War II. Both times, Tokyo rebuilt at extraordinary speed, and its rapid postwar reconstruction and 1964 Olympics helped establish the hyper-modern, densely engineered city visitors recognize today.

What Makes Tokyo Unique

Tokyo has been leveled and rebuilt twice within the last century, and both times chose to rebuild bigger and more densely rather than sprawl outward — which is why it's simultaneously the world's largest metro area and one of its most efficient to move through by train.

Things to Do

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple, best visited at opening before the Nakamise shopping street fills with crowds.

Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky

See the famous crossing from street level, then from the Shibuya Sky observation deck above it.

Tsukiji Outer Market

The retail market survives even after the wholesale auction moved to Toyosu — go early for the best food stalls.

teamLab digital art museum

An immersive, large-scale digital art installation unlike anything else in the city — book timed tickets ahead.

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

A forested shrine complex in the middle of the city, a quiet contrast to Harajuku just next door.

A day trip to Nikko or Hakone

Both offer mountain scenery, hot springs, and, on clear days, views of Mount Fuji.

How Much Time Should You Spend Here?

1–2 Days

Cover Asakusa and Shibuya/Shinjuku — Tokyo's two most different faces.

3–5 Days

Add Meiji Shrine, teamLab, and a day trip to Hakone or Kamakura.

1 Week+

Add Kyoto or Nikko as a multi-day extension via bullet train.

Local Favorites

The food, drinks, and small rituals locals actually build their days around.

Standing-room ramen counters

Order from a vending machine, eat quickly, and free up the seat — the norm at the best local shops.

An izakaya crawl

Small plates and drinks across two or three neighborhood spots is a standard night out, not a splurge.

Convenience store food

Japanese konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) food quality is genuinely good and a real part of daily life.

A neighborhood sento

A local public bathhouse, a quieter and cheaper version of the onsen ritual.

Hidden Gem

Yanaka

An old Tokyo neighborhood that survived both the 1923 earthquake and WWII bombing largely intact — narrow lanes, old temples, and a cat-friendly, low-key local feel.

Things to Avoid

Talking loudly on the train

Trains are notably quiet — phone calls and loud conversation draw real disapproval.

Eating while walking

Generally considered poor etiquette outside of festivals — eat standing still or seated instead.

Skipping cash entirely

Card acceptance has improved but many smaller restaurants and shops are still cash-only.

Assuming English is widely spoken

It's common in tourist areas but not guaranteed — a translation app is genuinely useful.

Local Tips & Tricks

Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately

Works across nearly all trains, subways, buses, and even convenience stores — the single most useful purchase on arrival.

Book teamLab and popular restaurant reservations ahead

Both sell out or fill up days to weeks in advance.

Avoid rush hour if you can

Trains between roughly 7:30–9am and 5:30–7:30pm get genuinely, famously packed.

Recommended Budget by Group Size

Rough totals for a 7-night trip, excluding international flights — actual costs vary by season and travel style.

Couple

$1,500–$2,700 for 7 nights

Based on a shared mid-range hotel room, excluding international flights.

Family of 4

$2,600–$4,500 for 7 nights

Tokyo hotel rooms run small — a serviced apartment is usually more comfortable for a family.

Group of 6+

$3,400–$5,900 for 7 nights

A larger serviced apartment keeps per-person costs down for the group.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Our picks across three budgets.

Budget

UNPLAN Shinjuku

A stylish, well-located hostel with private and shared rooms near Shinjuku.

$40–$55

Mid-Range

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Famous for its rooftop Godzilla head, and steps from Shinjuku's nightlife and transit hub.

$180–$230

Luxury

Aman Tokyo

Minimalist, serene luxury with panoramic city and Mount Fuji views from the top of the Otemachi Tower.

$900+

Good to Know Before You Go

Safety Snapshot

Tokyo is exceptionally safe, with extremely low rates of violent crime and petty theft even in dense, crowded areas. Natural hazards (earthquakes) are the more relevant risk — familiarize yourself with basic safety guidance rather than street crime.

Getting Around

The train and subway network is vast, punctual, and the fastest way to cross the city; a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo card works across nearly all transit. Taxis are safe but expensive relative to trains.

Plug Type

Type A/B, 100V

Tipping

Not customary and can cause confusion — it's not expected anywhere

Tap Water

Safe to drink throughout the city

Visa

Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days

Close By: Day Trips & Nearby Places

Hakone

1.5 hrs by train

Hot springs and, on clear days, views of Mount Fuji, easily done as a day trip or overnight.

Nikko

2 hrs by train

Elaborate shrine and temple complexes set in mountain forest.

Kamakura

1 hr by train

A former shogunate capital with a giant bronze Buddha and coastal temples.

Kyoto

2.5 hrs by bullet train

Japan's former imperial capital, doable as a long day trip or better as an overnight.