Table of contents:
Summary
Discover the vibrant and unique metropolis of Tokyo, a city that offers a thrilling blend of bustling streets, colorful cosplayers, delicious noodle restaurants, and cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive guide provides essential travel information, including visa requirements, transportation options, and the best times to visit—favoring the pleasant spring and autumn seasons while avoiding crowded holidays. Whether you have a few days or a month, there’s an abundance to explore, from iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, as well as trendy neighborhoods such as Shibuya and Harajuku. Enjoy leisurely moments in Ueno Park, especially during cherry blossom season, and indulge in the unique experience of the Robot Restaurant. With tips on dining and key attractions, this guide will help you make the most of your Tokyo adventure.The luminous, colorful, and vast metropolis of Tokyo is unlike any other place in the world. Immerse yourself in a labyrinth of bustling streets, cosplayers, delicious noodle restaurants, and cutting-edge technology.
Getting to Tokyo
To enter Japan, you don't need a visa, just a valid passport — provided you stay less than 90 days in the country. We have gathered all entry information for you:
You can reach Tokyo either by plane from international destinations or by train from other Japanese cities such as Kyoto.
When should I travel to Tokyo?
Tokyo is most beautiful and has the most pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn. Summer brings oppressive, unbearable heat, and winter can be uncomfortably cold. However, be careful: try to avoid official holidays in Japan — all attractions are very crowded during these times, and accommodation prices also rise. We have created a comprehensive guide for you here:
One-day tour of Tokyo – leisurely discover the highlights
Experience the highlights of Tokyo in just one day – the tour comfortably takes you by bus to famous sights such as the Tokyo Skytree, includes a matcha experience, a delicious izakaya lunch, and even a boat ride – all stress-free and guided.
*Affiliate link: If you book an activity on viator.com through my widget or link, I receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you, and you support my blog. I am very grateful to you and wish you lots of fun traveling (^_^)
How long should I stay in Tokyo?
Of course, that depends on your travel budget! Tokyo is a huge city with an incredible number of sights, and you could easily fill a month with exciting activities. However, for a first trip, four days to a week is enough.
What should I do in Tokyo?
There is certainly so much to do and see – but one of the highlights of your trip to Tokyo is guaranteed when you simply take the time to let the city wash over you and drift for a while. Sit in a café and watch life go by. Of course, we have also compiled the best sights for you.
Sights in Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree
This TV tower is the second tallest structure in the world. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the city and take a souvenir photo from one of the two observation decks.
Tokyo Skytree admission ticket – breathtaking views of Tokyo
With this admission ticket, you can visit both observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, feel the thrill of the glass floor, and stroll through the world’s highest skywalk gallery. Ideal for an unforgettable view over Tokyo!
Tokyo Tower
This is one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks — and an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! You can even go up the tower.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Tokyo's fish market is the largest fish market in the world. Every morning, a fish auction takes place here where giant tuna are auctioned off.
Tsukiji food tour – discover Tokyo's street food
Explore the famous fish market with a guide, sample fresh sushi, wagyu, and other Japanese delicacies.
Shibuya
This district is known for its shopping streets — and for one of the most famous intersections in the world: the massive Shibuya Crossing.
Harajuku
This is Tokyo's fashion hub! Here you can see wildly styled cosplayers, shop in chic clothing stores, and have a beer in cool bars.
Robot Restaurant
You may have heard of the world-famous Robot Restaurant. It’s not a traditional restaurant but a show — a pretty unique one at that! However, tickets aren’t exactly cheap.
Ueno Park
This beautiful park is especially worth a visit during cherry blossom season. But even outside the bloom, the park and its two shrines are worth seeing. Tip: plan your visit on a weekday — the park is much less crowded then.
Food & Drinks
Of course, there are an incredible number of restaurants serving delicious Japanese specialties. An absolute must in Tokyo is ramen noodles — they are especially good in the Japanese capital. You can find them almost everywhere: from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap snack bars. Here are five restaurants you absolutely must visit.
Sushi at Midori
This is one of the most popular sushi restaurant chains in Tokyo. There are several branches, including in Shibuya and Ginza.
Larve
Here you'll find the famous ramen of outstanding quality: this ramen bar even has a Michelin star.
Nakiryu
Here, too, it’s a ramen bar — and it also has a Michelin star. In both restaurants, by the way, you order ramen from a vending machine and then pick it up in the restaurant.
Otsuka Fish
The traditional Japanese dishes here are authentic and delicious. The menu changes constantly, and some of the ingredients you’ve probably never tried before!
Kondo
The tempura here tastes particularly delicious: the fried vegetable and seafood pieces are incredibly light and wonderfully crispy.
Nightlife
There’s always something going on in Tokyo! So take it easy with sightseeing so you’ll still have enough energy in the evening!
Shinjuku
This district is perfect for an evening in Tokyo. It hosts three highlights:
- Omoide Yokocho: this nostalgic alley is full of traditional pubs, so-called izakayas
- Golden Gai: a colorful collection of small bars and restaurants
- Kabukicho: Tokyo’s red-light district. Here you’ll also find numerous clubs, bars, and arcades.
Ginza
Here you’ll find elegant bars and exclusive clubs. Please note: many of them are members-only.
Shibuya
In this district, Tokyo’s hipsters gather at night. There are many bars with live music and clubs for every genre.
Clubs
There are some very famous nightclubs, especially in Shibuya and Roppongi.
Karaoke
This is one of the Japanese people's favorite pastimes — and an essential part of Japanese culture! Karaoke bars can be found on almost every street corner in Japan.
Karaoke Bar Kabuki – singing in the heart of Shinjuku
Dive into Tokyo's nightlife and enjoy karaoke with friends in Kabukichō — with private rooms, drinks, and a huge song selection for an unforgettable evening.
Hotels / Hostels / Airbnbs in Tokyo
In Tokyo, there are accommodations for every budget. You can choose between hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs. We’ll tell you what to look for when booking — and we also have some Airbnb tips for you.
Hotels
Let’s start with hotels. Hotels are — as in the “Western world” — typically equipped with beds, access to a bathroom, and a certain level of comfort. Depending on how much money you want to spend, your room in Tokyo can be fairly cramped or very spacious. In Japan, and especially in Tokyo, there is chronic space shortage in accommodations. Therefore, it’s definitely worth looking at photos beforehand if you’re specifically looking for a more spacious room.
By the way: we partner with the most popular hotel booking portal Booking.com. This means we receive a commission if you book a hotel through us on Booking.com — it helps us a lot. There are no additional costs for you! And of course we don’t choose only expensive hotels to earn more commission — we offer alternatives for every budget! The decision of where and whether you book is entirely up to you :) #Transparency :)
Budget Hotels
Would you rather spend your travel budget on things other than your hotel? Then this category is just right for you! With around €50–100 per night, hotels in Tokyo are still not exactly cheap. A tip: if you can stay a bit outside the city, it’s usually a bit cheaper. Unfortunately, you’ll find hardly any cheaper hotels within the city. It’s best to look closely at all the photos and read the reviews carefully to avoid nasty surprises.
What should I look for when choosing budget hotels in Tokyo?
There are many accommodations that are not true hotels. This means you have a private room, but you share facilities such as showers, toilets, etc. If you want a private room and a private bathroom, read the description carefully!
Location is also very important! Tokyo is a huge city. If you don’t want to spend too much time on the train, you should look for hotels near train stations. However, be sure to find out in advance how long it takes you by train to get to the main sights.
Henn na Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi
The Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi is located in Tokyo, just 300 meters from the Honpo-ji Temple, and offers concierge service, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and a bar. The hotel has family rooms and a terrace. The accommodation is close to popular attractions such as the tomb of Katsushika Hokusai. – Source: Booking.com
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kanda
The Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi is located in Tokyo, 300 m from the Honpo-ji Temple and offers concierge service, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and a bar. The hotel also has family rooms and a terrace. The accommodation is located near popular attractions such as the tomb of Katsushika Hokusai. – Source: Booking.com
Mid-range hotel
By this we mean hotels in the price range between 100 and 150 € per night and person. However, prices can vary significantly. Depending on the hotel's amenities, it can quickly become more expensive.
In “standard” hotels, you can expect quite a bit. A private bathroom should at least be included in the price. The location should also be relatively central — after all, you’re paying more for a reason!
What should I look for in mid-range hotels in Tokyo?
Since you’re paying a bit more, you can also expect a bit more. Think about what’s important to you and choose your hotel according to your priorities.
If you want a good view, you should definitely look for hotels in relatively tall buildings. But also pay attention to whether the good view is only possible from a certain side!
Food can also be an important factor. If you like to eat at the hotel, choose a hotel with a well-rated restaurant. This also contributes to a higher price.
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
The Prince Hotel offers 15 restaurants and bars, two pools, and its own aquarium. It is located right next to JR Shinagawa Station, just 25 minutes by train from Tokyo Haneda Airport. The 39-story hotel offers a stunning view of Tokyo and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. – Source: Booking.com
Shinagawa Prince Hotel East Tower
The Shinagawa Prince Hotel East Tower offers city views in Tokyo, 3.7 km from the Tokyo Tower. The 4-star hotel features a bar and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant. Happoen Garden is 1.9 km away. – Source: Booking.com
Good hotels
From €200 per night, we consider it a good hotel — perfect for travelers who want an especially comfortable and quiet stay in Japan.
What should I look for in expensive hotels in Tokyo?
If you don’t have a fixed budget, you can fully follow your personal preferences! Tokyo has some truly chic hotels — you’re sure to find a real highlight!
Mitsui Garden Hotel
Renovated in March 2013, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier offers elegant and stylish rooms with views of the city and Tokyo Bay. It is just a 4-minute walk from Shinbashi Station and a 10-minute walk from the Ginza district. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. – Source: Booking.com
The Prince Hotel offers 15 restaurants and bars, two pools, and its own aquarium. It is located right next to JR Shinagawa Station, just 25 minutes by train from Tokyo Haneda Airport. The 39-story hotel offers a stunning view of Tokyo and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. – Source: Booking.com
Hostels
Hostels are much simpler than hotels, but ideal if you’re traveling alone or want to meet other travelers. Bathrooms and common areas are usually shared with other guests. In Japan, capsule hotels are very popular, where the beds are separated. This way, you get the typical hostel feeling and still enjoy a relatively high degree of privacy.
Buena Arte Hostel
The Buena Arte Hostel in Tokyo is located 300 meters from Yokoamicho Park and offers air-conditioned accommodations and a bar. Facilities include a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a common lounge, and free Wi-Fi in all areas. – Source: Booking.com
Mustard Hotel Shibuya
The Mustard Hotel Shibuya offers air-conditioned accommodations in Tokyo, 600 meters from Kin-Hachimangu Shrine. The property features a bar. Other facilities include a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared kitchen. – Source: Booking.com
Samurai Hostel Asakusa
Opened in May 2016, Samurai Hostel Asakusa is located in the Taito district of Tokyo, just a 3-minute walk from Asakusa subway station. Sensō-ji Temple is just a 1-minute walk away, and the Tokyo Skytree is reachable by train in just 3 minutes. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building and its own bar. – Source: Booking.com
Airbnb
Airbnbs are a very convenient alternative to hotels and hostels. However, since June 2018, new laws in Japan have greatly restricted Airbnbs. Hosts now have to comply with very strict regulations. Also, make sure that hosts speak at least some English — that is not a given in Japan. Here are three Airbnb accommodations for you:
- Budget: Seidokan Private Room
- Mid-range: Gallery Stay Denchi
- Luxury: Yuuntei Asakusa
Flights to Tokyo (NRT / HND)
The flight from Germany to Japan takes about 11 hours. It can be either direct or with a stopover. Near Tokyo, there are two airports: Narita International Airport (about 60 kilometers east of Tokyo) and Haneda Airport (about 14 kilometers south of the city). Both airports offer convenient train connections to the city center.
Flight to Narita (NRT)
Narita Airport is Japan’s second largest airport. It is served by most international airlines, including low-cost carriers like Jetstar. From Narita International Airport, two rail lines run to central Tokyo.
Flight to Haneda (HND)
This airport is just 14 kilometers south of Tokyo. You will land here when flying from another airport within Japan. Some international airlines also fly there occasionally. Traveling from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo is significantly cheaper.
Tips for your Tokyo/Japan trip
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Get a rechargeable travel card for public transport. It is valid on all trains and buses in Tokyo.
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Rent a mobile Wi-Fi router. Here We have compiled all the details for you.
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Learn about Japanese cultural etiquette before your arrival. If you’re unsure, simply follow the locals' advice.
- Don’t tip — it’s not part of Japanese culture!
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Eat soba noodles to satisfy your hunger — soba restaurants can be found on almost every street corner and even in subway stations.
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