JAPAN
TOKYO
Energetic, Entertaining, Incredible
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.
BUCKET LIST
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.
BARS & RESTAURANTS
STAY-SEE-DO
SURVIVAL GUIDE
What to Pack
Bathing suits and a cover-ups for day, beachy dresses, casual resort-wear for night, comfortable shoes, accessories
Transportation
Hire a Private Driver
Aegean Taxi App
Rent a Car or ATV
Public Bus Shuttle
Etiquette
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek
Weather
Hot, dry summers and mild winters, Mykonos is known as the “island of the winds” so a lot of the time, it’s a very windy place. However, during peak summer season the weather gets so hot that the wind actually feels good!
When to Go
High season is during summer months from June to September. The rest of the year, most restaurants and bars shut down and the island is extremely quiet.
Getting There
Arriving by Air: MYK, located about 15 minutes from Mykonos Town, is serviced by domestic flights from Athens and direct flights from a handful of other European cities. There is no public transportation from the airport, but most hotels offer a shuttle service and there are taxis available to take you to your destination.
Arriving by Sea: Ferries are a cheaper option, but the journey takes much longer. There is a ferry that runs from Athens that takes anywhere between 3.5 and 5 hours (vs. the flight that is only 30-40 minutes). There are also ferries to Mykonos that run from the surrounding Cycladic islands. For example, there is a ferry from Santorini that takes approximately 8 hours.