Tokyo Complete Guide

The world's largest metropolitan area. A city where ancient temples stand next to neon-lit skyscrapers, and every neighborhood is its own universe.

Population

14 million (37 million metro)

Getting There

Narita (90 min) or Haneda (30 min)

Best Duration

4-7 days minimum

Language

Japanese (English limited but improving)

Tokyo Neighborhoods

Tokyo is a city of cities. Each neighborhood has its own personality.

Shinjuku

Must Visit

The city's busiest hub. Neon-lit nights, incredible food, and the world's busiest station.

Golden Gai barsOmoide YokochoKabukichoGyoen Garden

Shibuya

Must Visit

Youth culture capital. The famous crossing, Harajuku nearby, endless shopping.

Shibuya CrossingHarajukuMeiji ShrineOmotesando

Asakusa

Must Visit

Traditional Tokyo. Senso-ji temple, old-school vibes, traditional crafts.

Senso-ji TempleNakamise StreetSumida RiverTokyo Skytree

Ginza

Worth Visiting

Upscale shopping and dining. Department stores, galleries, sophisticated nightlife.

Department storesArt galleriesTsukiji Outer MarketKabuki-za

Akihabara

Interest-Based

Electronics and anime mecca. Gaming, manga, maid cafes, tech shopping.

Electronics shopsAnime storesMaid cafesGaming arcades

Roppongi

Worth Visiting

Art and nightlife. World-class museums by day, clubs by night.

Mori Art MuseumteamLabTokyo Tower viewsNightlife

Where to stay in Tokyo

What to Eat

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any city on Earth. But the best meals are often the cheapest.

Ramen

Every style represented. Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, tsukemen.

Where: Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, everywhere

¥800-1,500

Sushi

From conveyor belt to omakase. Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh options.

Where: Tsukiji, Ginza, throughout

¥1,500-30,000+

Izakaya

Japanese gastropubs. Order small plates, drink, socialize.

Where: Shinjuku, Shibuya, everywhere

¥2,500-5,000

Depachika

Department store basements. Premium prepared foods, pastries, gifts.

Where: Isetan, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi

¥500-3,000

Convenience Stores

7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart. Onigiri, sandwiches, surprisingly good.

Where: Every corner

¥300-800

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

A balanced introduction to Tokyo. Adjust based on your interests.

Day 1

Arrive, settle in Shinjuku area, evening walk through Kabukicho and Golden Gai

Day 2

Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando shopping

Day 3

Asakusa morning (Senso-ji), Akihabara afternoon, Ginza evening

Day 4

Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko

Day 5

Tsukiji morning, teamLab, Roppongi art museums

Day 6

Deeper exploration - Yanaka, Shimokitazawa, or Nakameguro

Day 7

Last shopping, revisit favorites, departure

See all itineraries

Day Trips from Tokyo

Nikko

2 hours

UNESCO shrines, nature, Kegon Falls

Kamakura

1 hour

Great Buddha, beach town vibes, temples

Hakone

1.5 hours

Hot springs, Mt. Fuji views, ryokan

Yokohama

30 min

Chinatown, waterfront, Cup Noodles Museum

Mt. Fuji

2-3 hours

Iconic views from Kawaguchiko

Practical Tips

Get a Suica/Pasmo card

IC cards work on all trains, buses, and many shops. Get at any station.

Download offline maps

Google Maps works great. Download Tokyo before you go.

Cash is still king

Carry yen. Many places don't take cards, especially small restaurants.

Train timing matters

Last trains around midnight. Check schedules to avoid taxi home.

Convenience stores are amazing

ATMs, food, tickets, printing. They do everything.

Ready to Explore Tokyo?

Get a personalized Tokyo itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and how much time you have.

Try Travelmaxing Free Quick reference guide