JAPAN
TOKYO
Incredible Culinary & Cultural Adventure Awaits
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How to Best Explore, Eat, Be Entertained & Enjoy Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an extraordinary city, not just by its energy, attractions, and cultural amazements, but in its sheer size. It is the world’s largest and most populated metropolis: like a dozen micro-cities in one. With so many incredible things to offer, the most important thing you need to keep in mind when visiting Tokyo, is that you really won’t be able to see everything (trust us- we’ve tried)— so figuring out what to prioritize and use your time wisely is key.
Its main attraction is exploring Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, and the main activity is eating your way around them.
To make the most of your time in Tokyo. we recommend organizing your trip by which areas you plan to visit— picking 1 or 2 to see each day, and then choosing your best eating options and activities within them. Maybe it’s Ginza, and the Imperial Palace one day, Asakusa’s street markets and temples the next, and Harajuku’s colorful kawaii culture nearby the solemn Meiji Shrine after that.
We’ve broken our Tokyo guide down by areas of the city, highlighting must-sees and recommendations throughout, so that you can plan and better understand it amazements.
Prepare yourself to see, explore, and eat things that you typically wouldn’t, and enjoy and embrace the experience. Tokyo is unlike any other place in the world, so expect the unexpected, and above-all: go with the flow.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
GOLDEN GAI BAR CRAWL
AREA WITH 300+ BARS
HARAJUKU KAWAII CULTURE
TAKESHITA DORI- TOYKO'S ICONIC
POP-CULTURE STREET
ASAKUSA STREET
KAMINARIMON GATE
NAKAMISE SHOPPING ST
SENSOJI TEMPLE
NEIGHBORHOODS
Shinjuku
The biggest and most lively entertainment area. Here you’ll find Tokyo's three biggest nightlife spots: Kabukicho (red light district & the Robot Show), Omoide Yokocho “Piss Alley”(nostalgic Izakaya street), and Golden Gai (micro bars).
Ginza, Chuo, Marunouchi
High-end shopping district filled with luxury designer boutiques, department stores and restaurants. Here you'll find Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and the original Tsukiji Fish Market.
Shibuya
Huge and lively shopping district surrounded by both chaotic, quiet and cultural neighborhoods. Here you’ll find Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Takeshita Street, Harajuku, the Meiji Shrine, and Omotesando.
Akihabara
Here is where you will find all things electronic and technology-focused. Akihabara (aka Akiba) is home to Otaku (geek) culture, and is a must-see even if anime & video games aren't your thing.
Asakusa, Ueno
Historic capital of Tokyo, Asakusa and Ueno are located in the downtown area of the city. Home to the iconic Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, the Skytree, and Tokyo's biggest and best park, Ueno Park (where Ueno Zoo is).
Roppongi, Akasaka
Best known for its lavish and vibrant nightlife, you'll find many bars, luxe hotels and nightclubs. Explore the modern side of Tokyo through its shopping, museums, incredible views of the skyline.
WHERE TO
EAT, SHOP & STAY
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Comfortable Sneakers and Clothing for walking around the city. Tokyo is very fashion-forward, but not too fancy. Jeans are suitable for daytime and nice pants and top for dinners.
WHAT TO PACK
Trains & Subways can you get everywhere throughout the country & cities
Buy an IC Card: Pasmo or JR Pass
Uber & Taxis are available during the day, but very expensive.
TRANSPORTATION
No Tipping
Currency: Yen
Language: Japanese
Have Google translate installed on your phone, (this will come in handy in many situations)
ETIQUETTE
The easiest and most popular city to arrive into Japan is Tokyo.
There are two major international airports in Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), and you can catch a train in Tokyo for pretty much every city via JR or Shinkansen.
If you are coming from another destination, Kansai International Airport, is nearest to Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto; and New Chitose Airport, is nearest to Sapporo.
GETTING THERE
September is Typhoon season & the summer months are typically very warm and rainy. In the North it is colder and snows throughout the winter.
WEATHER
High season is from March through early June & late Autumn after typhoon season ends. Cherry Blossom season is late March -early April. Hotel rates typically lower during low-season.