Tokyo

Tokyo is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture, and global business with remnants of old Japan. From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture. Tokyo truly has something for every traveler, whether you seek temples, nightlife, or budget-friendly eats.

Tokyo is served by two major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Narita is about 60 km east of central Tokyo, while Haneda is closer in Ōta ward. Ibaraki Airport (IBR) also offers limited flights. High-speed Shinkansen services arrive at Tokyo Station, and there are also ferry terminals at Tokyo Port and Kawasaki.

The best way to navigate Tokyo is using Google Maps, which shows various options and fares. The JR Yamanote loop line connects major districts. Metro and train fares vary; a bus ride costs about ¥200 per ride. The Suica/PASMO contactless cards are convenient for all public transport.

Tokyo has five distinct seasons. Spring (March–April) is famous for cherry blossoms (sakura) in parks like Ueno. The rainy season (late May–June) brings overcast skies and drizzle. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid with occasional typhoons, but also features fireworks festivals like the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in late July. Fall (September–November) offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Winter (December–February) is mild with occasional cold spells and rare snow.

Tokyo has thousands of hotels, ranging from cheap to very expensive. Post-COVID, prices have skyrocketed: anything under ¥10,000 is cheap (often for a reason), cramped business hotels are ¥20,000 and up, and luxury can exceed ¥100,000 per night. For long-term stays, be prepared for high real estate costs; many locals commute from neighboring cities.

Eating out in Tokyo can be surprisingly affordable – basic rice or noodle joints start from ¥400. Local specialties include sushi (originating here as Edo-mae zushi), tempura, unagi (eel), and monjayaki (a gooey okonomiyaki from Tsukishima). Izakaya (Japanese pubs) like Tsubohachi and Shirokiya offer picture menus. For drinks, try Hoppy (a beer substitute) or Denki Bran at Kamiya Bar in Asakusa. The New York Bar at Park Hyatt offers stunning views with cocktails from ¥1,400.

Top sights include the temples of Asakusa (Sensoji), the Imperial Palace gardens, and Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. For views, visit the Tokyo SkyTree (634 m), Tokyo Tower, or the free observatories at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Bunkyo Civic Center. Activities include the tuna auction at Toyosu Market, a boat ride on the Sumida River, visiting Disney Resort or Sanrio Puroland, exploring Harajuku's Takeshita Street, and soaking in a sento (public bath) like LaQua.

Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, but common sense still applies. The most common crime is sexual harassment on crowded trains – yell "Chikan." if needed. The San'ya area near Minami-Senju has cheap hostels but is safer for men than women. Police kōban (small stations) are everywhere and provide directions. Avoid following touts in Roppongi – they may lead to overpriced bars. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Getting a SIM card is easiest at Narita or Haneda airports. Free Wi-Fi is not widespread, but Tokyo Metro offers free Wi-Fi at about 100 stations (registration via email). FreeSpot and the Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app also provide free spots.

A daily backpacker budget in Tokyo might be around ¥5,000-8,000, including a cheap meal from ¥400, a bus/metro ride ¥200, and a dorm bed from ¥3,000. Many attractions are free or low-cost.

Popular day trips from Tokyo include Hakone (hot springs and Mt. Fuji views), Kamakura (temples and Big Buddha), Nikko (grandiose shrine), Yokohama (Japan's second-largest city), and Kawagoe (Little Edo). Also nearby: Hachioji (Mt. Takao), Ashikaga (flower park), and the Izu Islands.

While English is spoken at major hotels and attractions, learning basic Japanese phrases will smooth your trip. Signs at stations include romaji. Avoid public drunkenness and loud behavior on trains. Shoes are removed when entering homes and some traditional restaurants.

From Tokyo, Shinkansen high-speed trains connect to destinations throughout Japan: north to Niigata and Aomori, west to Osaka and beyond. The surrounding Kanto region offers many easy day trips. For longer journeys, consider the Izu or Ogasawara Islands.