Tokyo Travel Guide: Tradition, Future and Accommodation

Tokyo is a city that blends the past with the most advanced future. In the same 24 hours, you can visit an ancient temple, drink matcha in a traditional tea house, get lost in neon-lit streets, and see robots in a café. It is safe, clean, exceptionally organised, and full of surprises.

This guide will help you plan your first trip to Tokyo. You'll find the must-see attractions, neighbourhoods that suit your style, practical tips for the JR Pass, the metro and dining, as well as recommended hotels.

The Travelo Team suggests at least 5 days to absorb the city's energy and take a day trip to a nearby destination.

A Few Words About Tokyo: Geography, History and Identity

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the world's largest metropolitan area, with more than 37 million inhabitants. Although its historical heart beats in places like Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace, Tokyo is synonymous with technology, fashion, and pop culture.

The city is divided into 23 special wards (ku), each with its own character. Shibuya is the centre of youth culture, Shinjuku is a commercial and nightlife hub, Harajuku is the mecca of street fashion, while Asakusa maintains a traditional atmosphere. Akihabara is a paradise for electronics and anime, while Ginza is the most expensive shopping area.

The climate is temperate humid, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The blooming cherry blossoms (sakura) in March-April is one of the most magical times to visit the city, but also the busiest.

Top Attractions in Tokyo

The attractions you should include in your Tokyo itinerary:

1. Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
   Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, with the impressive Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori.
2. Meiji Shrine
   A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, located within a wooded park in the city centre.
3. Shibuya Crossing
   The world's most famous pedestrian crossing, in front of Shibuya Station.
4. Tokyo Tower & Tokyo Skytree
   Two iconic towers with 360° views. The Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan.
5. Imperial Palace
   The residence of the Imperial family, with beautiful gardens and moats.
6. Akihabara
   Electronics, anime, manga, retro games, and maid cafés.
7. Harajuku & Takeshita Street
   Colourful street fashion, vintage shops, crepes, and youthful energy.
8. Tsukiji Outer Market & Toyosu
   Fresh fish, sushi, street food, and Japanese products.
9. Ginza
   Haute couture, art galleries, flagship stores, and fine restaurants.
10. Odaiba
    Artificial island with bay views, museums, shopping centres, and a beach.

Where to Stay in Tokyo: The Best Areas

Each ku of Tokyo has a different character. Choose according to your style:

Shinjuku

Commercial, nightlife, with a huge station and views from the Metropolitan Government Building.

Shibuya & Harajuku

Youthful, trendy, pop culture, and endless shopping.

Asakusa

Traditional, with historic temples, traditional shops, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ginza & Tokyo Station

Luxurious, central, ideal for sightseeing and high-end shopping.

Roppongi & Azabu

International, with galleries, bars, clubs, and tower views.

Ueno & Yanaka

Culture, parks, zoo, and traditional neighbourhoods.

14 Recommended Accommodations in Tokyo

Below you will find selected accommodations for every budget, with a direct link to their page on Booking.com. The links are affiliate links: if you make a reservation, you support Travelo at no extra cost to you.

• Onyado Nono Asakusa Annex - Natural Hot Spring — Taito
• Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya by IHG — Shibuya Ward
• HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel — Shinjuku Ward
• TOKYO EAST SIDE HOTEL KAIE — Koto Ward
• FLOWER TERRACE Higashi Shinjuku — Shinjuku Ward
• MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro — Toshima
• ulu Tokyo — Koto Ward
• MUJI HOTEL GINZA — Chuo Ward
• Conrad Tokyo — Minato
• The Okura Tokyo — Minato
• The Peninsula Tokyo — Chiyoda
• Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo — Bunkyo
• TRUNK(HOTEL)CAT STREET — Shibuya Ward
• Park Hotel Tokyo — Minato

Comparative Accommodation Table

Accommodation	Area	Style / Amenities	Indicative Price
Onyado Nono Asakusa Annex - Natural Hot Spring	Taito	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya by IHG	Shibuya Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel	Shinjuku Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
TOKYO EAST SIDE HOTEL KAIE	Koto Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
FLOWER TERRACE Higashi Shinjuku	Shinjuku Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro	Toshima	Hotel	€€–€€€
ulu Tokyo	Koto Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
MUJI HOTEL GINZA	Chuo Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
Conrad Tokyo	Minato	Hotel	€€–€€€
The Okura Tokyo	Minato	Hotel	€€–€€€
The Peninsula Tokyo	Chiyoda	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo	Bunkyo	Hotel	€€–€€€
TRUNK(HOTEL)CAT STREET	Shibuya Ward	Hotel	€€–€€€
Park Hotel Tokyo	Minato	Hotel	€€–€€€

Prices are indicative for a double room and change depending on the season, city events, and how early you book. Always check the final price and cancellation policy on the accommodation's page.

Food and Flavours in Tokyo

Japanese cuisine in Tokyo is a culinary mother lode. You'll find everything from sushi and sashimi at stalls in Tsukiji, to ramen, tempura, yakitori, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, wagyu, kaiseki, and matcha sweets. Each restaurant specialises in one dish, and the standard is very high. Don't be afraid of vending machine restaurants — they are practical and delicious.

Depachika (department store basements) offer gourmet take-away options. Budget €8-15 for ramen, €30-80 for good sushi, and €5-10 for sweets and coffee. Do not leave a tip — it is not customary in Japan.

When to Visit Tokyo

The best time to visit Tokyo is in Spring (March-April) for the cherry blossoms, Autumn (October-November) for the red leaves, and January-February for winter deals. Summer is hot and humid, with opportunities for festivals and fireworks.

Be prepared for crowds during the sakura season and Golden Week (late April-early May). In contrast, June is rainy (tsuyu) and less appealing.

Period	Weather	What to Expect
March–April	Mild, comfortable	Sakura, crowds, magical atmosphere.
May–June	Warm, humid	Green parks, fewer tourists than sakura.
September–November	Warm, stable	Red leaves, festivals, ideal weather.
December–February	Cold, dry	Lower prices, Christmas illuminations, fewer crowds.

Transport and Practical Information

Narita and Haneda airports are connected to the city centre by train, bus, and monorail. The best card for tourists is the Tokyo Subway Ticket or an IC card (Suica/Pasmo). If you're travelling to many cities, the JR Pass might be worth it. The metro operates with precision and almost 24 hours a day.

Tokyo is safe, clean, and very polite. Avoid talking loudly on the metro, eating while walking, and littering on the streets. Few Japanese people speak fluent English, but signs and apps are very helpful. Use Google Translate with the camera for menus.

Indicative Travel Costs

Expense	Budget Option	Mid-range Option
Accommodation/night	€80–€140	€180–€400+
Meal	€8–€18	€30–€80
Transport/day	€5–€12	€15–€30
Attractions	€0–€30	€50–€100

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Asakusa: Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori, Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree.
2. Day 2
   Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Shinjuku by night.
3. Day 3
   Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Imperial Palace, Akihabara.
4. Day 4
   Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko, return for ramen in the evening.
5. Day 5
   Odaiba, teamLab Planets, Roppongi Hills, night view.

Useful Tips Before Your Trip

• Buy a Suica/Pasmo card and top it up for easy travel on trains, metro, and in shops.
• Book popular restaurants in advance — many do not accept walk-ins.
• Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes, as you'll be entering and exiting temples and ryokans.
• Plan a day trip: Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone or Kawaguchiko are nearby.
• Carry cash — many small shops and vending machines do not accept cards.

Points of Interest: Detailed Guide

Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple, dating from 645, with the huge red Kaminarimon Gate and the Nakamise shopping street, full of stalls selling senbei, ningyo-yaki, and fans. Admission is free, and the illuminated temple at night, without the crowds, is impressive.

Rickshaws operate around Asakusa, old izakayas are open, and Hoppy Street serves cheap beer from midday.

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko

The world's most photographed intersection, with thousands of pedestrians at every green light. Watch it from above for free from the station or from Magnet by Shibuya109, or pay for Shibuya Sky at 229 metres with a panorama towards Fuji on a clear day.

In the neighbourhood, there's the statue of the dog Hachiko, Center Gai with youth fashion shops, and the quieter Uraharajuku.

Shinjuku and Metropolitan Government Building

Shinjuku station is the busiest on the planet with over 200 exits. Nearby are Omoide Yokocho with tiny yakitori shops, Golden Gai with 200 six-seater bars, and Kabukicho with its neon lights.

The observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building on the 45th floor is free and offers some of the best city views.

Meiji Jingu and Harajuku

The Shinto shrine of Emperor Meiji is located within a forest of 100,000 trees, featuring huge wooden torii gates and often traditional wedding ceremonies. Next to it begins Takeshita Street in Harajuku with its youth fashion and crepes.

Imperial Palace and Gardens

The Imperial Palace is not open to the public indoors without a reservation, but the East Gardens with the Edo Castle walls and Kitanomaru Park are freely accessible. The five-kilometre route around the moat is popular for running.

Ginza and Nihonbashi

Ginza features department stores, galleries, the Kabukiza Theatre for kabuki performances (one-act tickets available), and becomes a pedestrian zone on weekends. Nihonbashi hosts historic shops and the zero point of Japan's expressways.

Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower

The Skytree, at 634 metres, is the tallest tower in the world, with two observation decks and tickets starting from 2,100 yen. The orange Tokyo Tower has nostalgic value and offers a better view towards the city with the Skytree in the frame.

Toyosu, Tsukiji and Fish

The wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu, where you can watch tuna auctions from glass corridors in the mornings. The old Tsukiji outer market still operates with dozens of stalls for tamagoyaki, grilled scallops, and sushi.

Yanaka and Old Tokyo

On the northeast side, Yanaka survived bombings and earthquakes. Wooden houses, temples, the cemetery with cherry trees, the Yanaka Ginza shopping street with croquettes and cafes in old bathhouses. It offers the quietest picture of the city.

Odaiba and Tokyo Bay

An artificial island with teamLab digital museums, the giant Gundam, shopping centres, an artificial beach, and views of the Rainbow Bridge. The Yurikamome line runs driverless, and the journey itself is worthwhile.

Akihabara and Nakano

Akihabara is the centre of anime, video games, and electronics, with multi-storey shops and arcades. In Nakano Broadway, you'll find collectibles and second-hand items at better prices.

Museums, Art, and Culture

Tokyo National Museum

In Ueno, Japan's largest museum, featuring samurai armour, swords, kimonos, Buddhist art, and ceramics thousands of years old. Admission approximately 1,000 yen and at least two hours required.

teamLab Borderless and Planets

Digital installations where you walk through illuminated projections and water. It's more of an experience than a museum, with tickets at 3,800 yen and mandatory pre-booking, ideal for families and photos.

Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park

The museum in Mitaka requires tickets that are released on specific dates each month and sell out in minutes. If you miss out, the Donguri Kyowakoku store and the Ghibli-themed cafe offer some consolation.

Edo-Tokyo Museum and Mint

The Edo-Tokyo Museum presents the city before the 19th century with models and reconstructions. It has been undergoing renovations in recent years, so check the schedule; alternatively, the Fukagawa Edo Museum offers a similar experience on a smaller scale.

Mori Art Museum and Nezu

The Mori in Roppongi Hills combines contemporary art with an observation deck, while the Nezu Museum in Aoyama features Asian art and one of the city's most beautiful Japanese gardens.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Spaces

Shinjuku Gyoen

A 58-hectare park with Japanese, English, and French gardens, a greenhouse, and over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom at different times. Entrance fee 500 yen and the most notable park for a quiet time in the centre.

Ueno

Combines museums, a zoo with pandas, a lotus pond, and temples. During cherry blossom season, it fills with hanami picnics and food stalls.

Yoyogi

Next to Harajuku, with huge picnic areas, musicians rehearsing, and festivals almost every weekend. Free and always lively.

Rikugien and Hamarikyu

Two historic gardens designed for scenic walks: Rikugien is best for red leaves in November, while Hamarikyu has a tidal pond and a tea house over the water, serving urakuchari tea.

Meguro and Sumida Rivers

The Meguro, with its cherry blossoms, is the most popular spring stroll, while the Sumida riverbanks host the city's largest fireworks festival in July.

Activities and Experiences

Day Trip to Fuji

A two-hour bus ride takes you to the five lakes, with Kawaguchiko being the most popular. The mountain's visibility is best in winter and during morning hours. Ascending to the summit is only possible in July and August with a reservation.

Sumo and Japanese Sports

Tournaments at Ryogoku Kokugikan take place in January, May, and September; outside of tournaments, you can watch morning practice at a sumo stable with an organised visit. Baseball at Tokyo Dome offers an equally impressive atmosphere.

Onsen and Sento

Modern bathhouses like Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku operate in the city, while within an hour you can reach Hakone with hot springs and Fuji views. Tattoos may be prohibited; check beforehand or choose a private bath.

Tea Ceremony and Workshops

Tea ceremony 2,000-6,000 yen, sushi, ramen and wagashi sweet making classes, calligraphy, and kimono rental for a walk in Asakusa. Book in advance, as spots are limited.

Karaoke and Arcades

Karaoke is charged per hour per person, from 500 yen, often with unlimited drinks. Arcades in Akihabara and Shibuya feature rhythm games, purikura photo booths, and prize machines.

Night Train Ride

The Yamanote line circles in one hour and is the cheapest way to get a first feel for the city. The last train departs around 1 am, after which taxis become significantly more expensive.

Where to Eat: Specific Recommendations

Sushi

From revolving kaitenzushi at 120 yen per plate to omakase at an eight-seat counter for 20,000 yen. For a balance of price and quality, look for shops in Tsukiji market or in department store basements, where a lunch set is 1,500-3,000 yen.

Ramen, Udon, Soba

Each neighbourhood has its own ramen: tonkotsu with pork broth, shoyu with soy, tsukemen where you dip the noodles. Order from a ticket machine, pay 900-1,300 yen and eat in ten minutes. Soba at standing-only stations cost under 500 yen.

Izakaya and Yakitori

The Japanese tavern serves chicken skewers, edamame, karaage, and fried dishes with beer or sake. Expect 2,500-4,000 yen per person. Many charge a small otoshi, a mandatory appetizer that acts as a cover charge.

Tonkatsu, Tempura, Unagi

Three dishes worth trying at specialised shops: breaded pork with cabbage, crispy tempura at a counter, and grilled eel with sauce, the most expensive of the three at 3,000-6,000 yen.

Konbini and Supermarkets

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart have amazingly good onigiri, egg sandwiches, coffee, and ready meals for 200-600 yen. It's perfectly normal to eat there, and they save breakfasts and late nights.

Sweets and Coffee

Mochi, dorayaki, taiyaki, matcha parfait, and Japanese cheesecake. Kissaten, the old cafes, serve filter coffee with egg toast and are a completely different experience from modern specialty coffee shops.

Practical Food Tips

Many shops have plastic models or photos, so you don't need language skills. Do not leave a tip, do not eat while walking, and do not stick chopsticks upright in rice. Queues are normal and usually fast-moving.

Nightlife and Drinks

Shinjuku

Golden Gai with its tiny bars, Kabukicho with its neon lights, and Omoide Yokocho for standing-only food. Be wary of bars with seating charges and avoid anyone approaching you on the street to take you to a venue.

Shibuya and Roppongi

Shibuya has youth clubs and rooftop bars, while Roppongi is more international with larger clubs and an entrance fee of 3,000-4,000 yen. Peak hours begin after 1 am, once the metro has stopped.

Quieter Options

For high-end cocktails, check out Ginza's bars with Japanese bartenders and hand-carved ice, or the craft beer spots in Ebisu and Nakameguro. The quality is excellent, and the atmosphere is serene.

Shopping

Electronics and Anime

Akihabara for electronics, gadgets and collectibles, Nakano Broadway for second-hand items. Check that devices work with 220V or are dual voltage, as Japan uses 100V.

Fashion and Department Stores

Ginza for luxury, Shibuya and Harajuku for youth fashion, Daikanyama and Nakameguro for boutiques. Department store basements, the depachika, are a gastronomic paradise.

What to Buy

Kit Kat in local flavours, matcha, Japanese knives, stationery and pens, ceramics, cosmetics, and yukata. Visitors are entitled to tax exemption on purchases over 5,000 yen with a passport.

With Children: What Works Best

Theme Parks

Disneyland and DisneySea in Urayasu, Sanrio Puroland for Hello Kitty, and Ueno Zoo cover childhood ages. Disney tickets are sold online with a specific date and sell out on weekends.

Science and Interactive

The Miraikan with robots, the Ikebukuro Planetarium, and teamLab Planets are easy with children. The Railway Museum in Omiya is excellent for anyone who loves trains.

Practicalities with Children

Stations have lifts, toilets have changing facilities, and konbini stores stock baby essentials. Distances are long, so plan one area per day and use a lightweight pushchair.

Day Trips

Nikko

Two hours north, with the golden Toshogu shrines nestled in a cryptomeria forest, Kegon waterfall, and Lake Chuzenji. Autumn offers some of Japan's best red foliage.

Kamakura and Enoshima

One hour south, featuring the Great Buddha, bamboo temples, beaches, and Enoshima island with caves. The local Enoden train passes between houses and the sea.

Hakone

Hot springs, Lake Ashi with a boat ride, a cable car over volcanic fumes, and an open-air sculpture museum. Ideal for an overnight stay in a ryokan.

Kyoto by Shinkansen

Two hours and fifteen minutes by bullet train. It's feasible in one day if you aim for Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion, but ideally, allocate two overnight stays.

When to Go: Month by Month

Winter

Dry and sunny, with temperatures between 2-11 degrees and rare snow. It's the best time for Fuji visibility, with cheaper flights and illumination displays in December.

Spring

Cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April, with a two-week variation each year. This is the most expensive and most beautiful period; book months in advance.

Summer

June with tsuyu rains, July and August with 30-35 degrees and high humidity. However, there are matsuri festivals, fireworks, and long days. Plan air-conditioned visits for midday.

Autumn

October and November are perhaps the ideal period: 15-23 degrees, clear skies, and red leaves in the parks from mid-November. Just be aware of September's typhoons.

Suggested Itineraries by Duration

Four Days

First day Asakusa, Skytree, and Ueno. Second day Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu, and Shinjuku in the evening. Third Ginza, Imperial Gardens, Tsukiji, and Odaiba. Fourth Yanaka, Akihabara, and karaoke.

Seven Days

Add one day for Fuji or Hakone, one for Kamakura, and one free day for shopping, onsen, and neighbourhoods like Nakameguro and Daikanyama.

Ten Days with Kyoto

Six days in Tokyo and three to four in Kyoto and Nara by Shinkansen. Consider if the Japan Rail Pass is worthwhile: for a single Tokyo-Kyoto journey, it usually isn't, but with multiple transfers, it can be.

Practical Information for the Trip

Documents and Entry

Greek citizens can enter Japan for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, with a valid passport. Customs and immigration declarations can be completed electronically via the Visit Japan Web service, which saves time upon arrival.

Airport Transfer

From Narita, the Narita Express reaches Tokyo in one hour; the Keisei Skyliner and buses are cheaper. Haneda is closer, with a monorail and metro connection in thirty minutes. A taxi from Narita exceeds 20,000 yen and is not cost-effective.

Transport

Get a Suica or Pasmo card, physical or on your mobile, and top it up. The metro operates from 05:00-00:30 with absolute precision. Stations are huge, so follow exit numbers and allow an extra ten minutes in Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.

Money, Connectivity, Language

The currency is the yen. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry cash for small shops; withdraw from ATMs at 7-Eleven. Get pocket wifi or an eSIM. English proficiency is limited, but signage is bilingual, and translation apps solve everything.

Etiquette

Do not speak loudly on trains, stand on one side of the escalator, remove shoes where there is a step at the entrance, do not tip, and recycle at konbini collection points, as street bins are rare.

Earthquakes and Safety

Small earthquakes are frequent, and buildings are designed to withstand them. Download the Safety Tips app for alerts. Tokyo is one of the safest major cities, with minimal crime.

Budget and Saving

Typical Prices

Ramen 1,000 yen, konbini meal 500-700, izakaya dinner 3,000, coffee 400-600, transport 800-1,200 per day, attraction tickets 500-3,000. A six-day trip for two people with a mid-range hotel typically costs 1,400-2,200 euros without flights.

How to Save

Rely on konbini and lunch sets, use free observation decks like the Metropolitan Government Building, stay in a business hotel or a ryokan outside the city centre with a direct metro line, and avoid cherry blossom season and Golden Week in early May.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are needed in Tokyo?

At least 5 days for the main attractions and a nearby excursion.

Is a JR Pass needed?

If you stay only in Tokyo, no. If you travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, it's worth it.

When are the cherry blossoms?

Usually late March to early April, depending on the area.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Food and transport are affordable, but accommodation can be expensive.

Do people speak English in Japan?

In tourist areas, yes, but in small restaurants, use a translation app.

How many days does Tokyo need?

Five full days is the minimum to see the main neighbourhoods without stress, while seven days allow for trips to Fuji, Kamakura, or Nikko. The city is so large that three days only offer a glimpse.

Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?

For staying only in Tokyo, it's not cost-effective, as the metro is not fully covered. It makes sense if you make many Shinkansen journeys to Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima within one or two weeks.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Less than commonly believed. Food is cheap and of excellent quality, transport is reasonable, and mid-range accommodation is comparable to large European cities. The main cost is airfare.

Will I manage without Japanese?

Yes. Train and attraction signage is in English, menus often have pictures, and camera translation apps solve the rest. Basic politeness in Japanese is highly appreciated.

Which accommodation area do you recommend?

Shinjuku and Tokyo Station for connections, Asakusa for atmosphere and lower prices, Shibuya for nightlife, and Ueno for a combination of price and access to Narita.

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We conclude with a tip: the best way to enjoy your destination is to combine organisation with room for unexpected discoveries. Keep your main visits planned, but also leave time for strolls, conversations with locals, and unplanned meals. Have a good trip!

If you are planning your trip and want more ideas for accommodation, tastes, and experiences, take a look at Travelo.gr's links for destinations, hotels, and flights. Each of our articles is written to help you make a trip to remember.