With more than 30 million residents, Tokyo’s metropolitan region is the largest population center in the world. This position is especially impressive given that half of Tokyo was destroyed during World War II air raids. The city that was rebuilt after 1945 presents a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern leadership. Go to the top of a skyscraper for impressive views of this seemingly endless city. From the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Mori Tower and Tokyo Skytree, you’ll see iconic landmarks in Japan’s modern skyline and even beyond to Mount Fuji. Back on street level, experience the atmosphere of the city’s liveliest district, Shinjuku, home to many of Tokyo’s tallest buildings and the city’s busiest rail station. Although a modern city, Tokyo maintains its links to the past. See art and artifacts from ancient Japan and other Asian countries in the Tokyo National Museum. Its collection includes items up to 12,000 years old. The Tokyo Imperial Palace sits on the site that has been home to shoguns and emperors for centuries. Learn about traditional Buddhist spirituality dating back to 645 at the Sensoji Temple. The Yasukuni Shrine and Yushukan Museum showcase Shinto efforts to commemorate the services of the more than 2 million citizens who died in service to their country over the last century and a half.Tokyo is constantly rebuilding and reinventing itself. The Roppongi Hills multi-use complex was created in 2003 in the heart of the city and provides some of the trendiest scenes for nighttime entertainment. It’s especially popular with expats. Although Tokyo is densely populated, it has plenty of green space throughout its 23 wards. Late March and early April feature the famous Japanese cherry blossoms. One of the most popular places to enjoy the flora with a picnic lunch is Shinjuku Gyoen. Parks in every district are carefully designed with detailed landscape architecture to provide oases for Japan’s citizens and visitors to relax and refresh.
Tokyo
Tokyo Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku
Major commercial hub with the bustling Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and various attractions like Kabukichō, Golden Gai, and Shinjuku Gyoen. Shop at flagship stores and enjoy diverse dining options.
Shibuya
Major commercial and finance hub, Shibuya boasts bustling railway stations, trendy fashion scenes in Harajuku and Omotesandō, and vibrant nightlife. Don't miss the iconic Shibuya Crossing and Hachikō statue.
Ginza
Upscale shopping and luxurious dining await in this elegant district, featuring flagship fashion stores, art galleries, and the renowned Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant. Catch a kabuki performance at Kabuki-za theater or stroll through pedestrian heaven on weekends.
Ueno
Travelers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ameyoko Shopping District.
Asakusa
Discover Sensō-ji, a renowned Buddhist temple, and savor traditional Japanese cuisine at local eateries. Explore Kappabashi-dori for kitchenware, cruise the Sumida River, and stay in a cozy ryokan near the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line subway.
Minato
Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay are top sights in Minato, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sengakuji Station or Shirokane-takanawa Station to see more sights in the area.
Reviewed on May 30, 2024
Reviewed on May 31, 2024
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Reviewed on May 30, 2024
Reviewed on May 23, 2024
Getting around Tokyo
Tokyo is a vast metropolis, but every corner of it is accessible by public transportation. Look at the map of the sprawling subway and train system and you may at first feel intimidated, but it’s easier to get used to than it looks. There are buses within the city too, but these are mostly used by locals and are not recommended for first-time visitors as they are less user-friendly than the rail options. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation website. Browse Tokyo rental cars.
Best time to visit
Tokyo has defined seasons but never gets extremely cold, with the coolest months, January and February, still registering daytime temperatures of around 41 F (5 C). The city is always busy, and that’s part of its charm, but is most popular with tourists during cherry blossom season in spring and fall foliage season. Visit during these beautiful natural spectacles and you won’t even mind the extra crowds.
Popular places to visit
Tokyo Disneyland®
Ride roller coasters and watch theatrical shows as you witness the magic of Disney come to life at this family-friendly amusement park and resort.
Tokyo DisneySea®
Discover the secrets of the oceans in this magical theme park, where Disney’s sea-dwelling characters will take you on a journey to the world below the waves.
Tokyo Dome
Catch an event at Tokyo Dome during your trip to Tokyo. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the temples in this vibrant area.
Tokyo Skytree
Marvel at the views from the top of the tallest self-supporting tower in the world then enjoy the shops, restaurants, aquarium and planetarium at its base.
Tokyo Tower
Appearing as if a Paris landmark has been teleported to Tokyo, this Eiffel-inspired structure offers great daytime or evening 360-degree views of the city.
Shibuya Crossing
Guaranteed to overload the senses, this intersection teeming with people is considered to be a symbol of modern Tokyo.
Things to do
From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour
Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Cultural Theme Park Ticket
Reviews of Tokyo
5/5 - Excellent
Tokyo is beautiful, breathtaking place to visit.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Tokyo we did go to a lot more of locations. Can’t wait to be back.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful city. A lot of day and night activities to realize with great environment.
4/5 - Good
No place is without its faults, but Tokyo is certainly one of those that rank highly in general, in my opinion. Transportation is relatively easy, although it does take some getting used to. So many sites to see with usually not enough time for all
5/5 - Excellent
An amazing experience
5/5 - Excellent
Definitely will return
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Where to stay in Tokyo
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Other places like Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland®
- Tokyo DisneySea®
- Tokyo Dome
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower
- Shibuya Crossing
- Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo Big Sight
- Toyosu Market
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Nippon Budokan
- Ghibli Museum
- Roppongi Hills
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Waseda University
- Ueno Park
- Tokyo Disney Resort®
- Tokyo Midtown
- Ajinomoto Stadium
- National Stadium
- Tokyo International Forum
- Yoyogi Park
- Meiji Jingu Stadium
- Ueno Zoo
- Ryogoku Kokugikan
- Ginza Six
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- University of Tokyo
- KidZania Tokyo
- Ariake Garden