Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, has been everyone’s favourite. Located at the tip of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo is a living testament to Japan's rich history, cutting-edge innovation, and unrivalled urban dynamism. The heart of the Land of the Rising Sun, Tokyo captivates travellers with its mix of ancient traditions and futuristic wonders, bustling streetscapes and tranquil parks, as well as mouth-watering cuisine and world-class shopping.
So, if you are planning a trip to this high-tech city, you are in a treat! This metropolis is a breeze with a wonderful blend of ancient traditions and modernity. Check out these ultimate guides to get around Tokyo! From available transportation, must-eats, and things to do, to the best hotels for your comfy stay!
Touching down in Tokyo is easier than you might think. Narita and Haneda airports are your main gateways to this city. If you're coming from abroad, you'll likely land at Narita, which is a bit further out. No worries, though! The Narita Express will zip you into the city centre in no time. If you find yourself landing at Haneda, you've hit the jackpot for convenience. It's closer to the city, and with plenty of public transport options, you'll be exploring Tokyo before you can say "sushi."
The capital of Japan is highly accessible with plenty of transport available to get around the city. Once you're here, you won't have to worry about renting a car or motorbike as public transport is incredibly reliable. Check out these options for a seamless holiday:
Tokyo's subway system is renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and wide coverage. With over a dozen subway lines operated by various companies, travellers can easily reach almost any destination in Tokyo and its surroundings. Each subway line is colour-coded and numbered, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. Furthermore, the stations are equipped with multilingual signage and helpful staff to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for travellers.
Japan's extensive railway network stretches far beyond Tokyo, connecting the capital with cities and towns across the country. Within Tokyo, the JR Yamanote Line serves as a convenient ring line that loops around the city's main districts, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ueno. In addition, various other JR train lines and private railway lines traverse the city, providing easy access to popular tourist attractions and suburban areas. With frequent trains running throughout the day and night, travellers can hop on a train and explore Tokyo at their own pace.
While Tokyo's subway and train systems are the primary modes of transport for most travellers, buses offer an alternative option to reach destinations not served by trains. Tokyo's extensive bus network covers areas not accessible by train, including residential neighbourhoods, scenic routes, and tourist attractions. Travellers can choose from a variety of bus types, including local city buses, express buses, and sightseeing buses, depending on their destination and travel preferences. In addition, buses offer a more leisurely way of sightseeing, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful cityscape while travelling from one location to another.
Tokyo offers a wide array of activities! So make sure to stroll around the city and never miss out on any fun things to do! Check out these spots to explore:
First opened in 2018, teamLab Planets TOKYO is a museum located in the Toyosu area, offering a fascinating art experience that highlights interaction and exploration of both the installation and the visitors. This captivating exhibition is crafted by teamLab, a renowned interdisciplinary art collective known for blending technology, design, and nature in innovative ways. Upon entering teamLab Planets, you are invited to wade through water and walk barefoot through a series of rooms and corridors, each presenting a unique digital art installation.
Established in 1873, Ueno Park is a spacious public park located in the Ueno district, offering a serene ambience and if you are lucky, you are welcome to witness the cherry blossom in March. It is not just a place of natural beauty but also a cultural hub, home to several of Tokyo's most prestigious museums and galleries, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Ueno Royal Museum.
This one is the most iconic sight in Tokyo. Often referred as “The Scramble”, Shibuya Crossing is a famous intersection with busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. When the traffic lights turn red at this bustling crossroad, they do so simultaneously in all directions, allowing pedestrians to flood into the intersection from all sides in what can only be described as organised chaos.
Location: Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan.
Japan’s capital city never runs out of culinary delights. There are plenty of must-try restaurants for any food enthusiast to visit! Check out these three for your itinerary reference:
3 minutes walk from Harajuku Station, you will find Ninja Experience Cafe Harajuku. This cafe offers a unique dining adventure. You can choose a wide of dining packages divided into the hours, the ninja costumes, and the ninja tour. If you are into this, you can take the Goemon package which includes ninja training, ninja costumes, drink and dishes, and a ninja tour. That costs about 10,000 yen for 2,5 hours of experience! Or if you are here with a budget-friendly experience, you can still try their Kotaro package with an hour fun dining experience!
For Japanese-Taiwan cuisine, head to Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku. The restaurant has been locals’ favourite as they serve the best dumpling dish in town. Once you step into the eatery, you’ll be greeted by a red-dominant ambience with wooden interiors. Don’s miss out on the signature menu: namesake soup gyoza!
For more wide dining options, you can hop on Jiromaru Akihabara. The restaurant serves grill menu to French cuisine. Once here, you can savour the high-quality meat with various ketchup and vegetables!
Not only playgrounds for day vacation and culinary scene, you can also indulge in vibrant night life of Japan’s capital city. Check out these three bar and clubs!
For a laid-back and serene bar, you can consider Gen Yamamoto. Tucked away in Azabujuban, this hidden gem offers a wide range of premium cocktails with relaxed ambience. Each cocktail is meticulously prepared using locally sourced fruits, herbs, and spirits, resulting in a symphony of flavours that tantalise the palate and awaken the senses. With its minimalist decor and attentive service, Gen Yamamoto provides the perfect setting for a sophisticated night out in Tokyo.
Open from 11 pm to 4.30 am in the morning, you can dance the night away till drop at Womb. Womb boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, immersive lighting effects, and a lineup of DJs. Whether you're into techno, house, or EDM, the club offers a diverse range of music genres and events to cater to every electronic music enthusiast.
Experience the art of cocktail alchemy at Ben Fiddich, a cosy speakeasy-style bar tucked away in the backstreets of Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Renowned mixologist Hiroyasu Kayama concocts innovative and impeccably balanced cocktails using a variety of house-made tinctures, bitters and infusions, as well as rare and exotic spirits from around the world.
Rest your head in style in one of Tokyo's many incredible hotels. From 5-star to budget-friendly 3-star lodges, check out these recommended best hotels in Tokyo:
HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a luxury ryokan nestled in the heart of Japan's bustling capital. It stands out as a rare gem that blends the storied tradition of a Japanese stay with the unsurpassed comfort of a modern five-star hotel. Rewarded as one of the 50 best hotels in the world, the Ryokan welcomes you with a serene atmosphere and outstanding hospitality. Once you’re here, you get to rest in a room with high-quality amenities and features like plushy beds, spa treatments, a sauna, a library, laundry service, to 24-hour front desk service!
Situated only short minutes from Disneyland Tokyo, the Hilton Tokyo Bay is an official hotel of the Tokyo Disney Resort, offering magical stays with unparalleled convenience to the parks. This family-friendly hotel combines the quality and service expected of the Hilton brand with a playful and sleek design, making it perfect for guests of all ages.
&Here TOKYO UENO is a three-star boutique hotel that offers a cosy and intimate experience in one of Tokyo's most vibrant neighborhoods. The hotel's design is modern and minimalist, with a focus on creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests. The rooms are well-appointed, featuring all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
Strolling Tokyo is not an easy feet! You need to be prepared with everything, from what to wear, what to bring, and do’s and dont’s! Check out these travel tips while visiting the city:
Tokyo is a city that has it all – and then some. It's a city where every turn brings a new discovery, every bite a new sensation, and every moment a new story. So, when you're ready to embark on your Tokyo adventure, remember to book on Traveloka. It's your one-stop shop for making those travel dreams a reality. From flights and hotels to experiences that will fill your trip with wonder, Traveloka's got you covered. So, download the app now and Xperience the exciting Tokyo!
Popular Area | Shinjuku, Asakusa |
Popular Hotel | Hotel Livemax Asakusa Ekimae, Hotel Livemax Shinjuku Kabukicho Meijidori |
Popular Landmark | Haneda International Airport (HND), Tokyo Disneyland |