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JPY (¥)Tokyo is known for its friendly locals and impressive public transportation. It also has a rich and storied past. This is a city full of history, culture, and attractions that everyone should experience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or heading back to the city, our ultimate Tokyo travel guide has you covered. You can explore the city like a pro and enjoy all that Tokyo has to offer.
Best Known For: The Shibuya Crossing
Among the rich history of Japan in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, you will find the Shibuya Crossing. This famous intersection is located right outside Shibuya Station. Here, five roads meet and radiate out into the city. Some 2,500 people cross the street simultaneously every two minutes.
What began as a simple train stop is one of the most notable locations in the country, and perhaps the world. Many movies have showcased this crowded intersection, as well. Shibuya Crossing is home to dozens of bars, restaurants, stores, and other businesses.
Of course, it’s all a bit overwhelming when you take it in alone, so cross the Shibuya Crossing with an expert guide on our Best of Tokyo Half Day Afternoon Tour. If you want to make sure that you get a true sense of Tokyo nightlife, book our Bar Hopping Night Tour, one of the best things to do in Tokyo this weekend. Escorted by an expert insider guide, you’ll head to all the best places in the Shibuya Crossing area.
Tokyo Essential Travel Information
| Money | The currency in Tokyo is the Japanese yen. Japan has historically been a cash-based society, but that is changing. More locations are accepting digital and electronic payment methods. ATMs are also easy to find throughout the city. Many attractions and tourist sites still only operate with cash. Beware that Japan is notoriously a “no tipping” culture. A simple “Arigato!” (thank you) will do. |
| Language | In Tokyo, standard Japanese is the spoken language. However, there are some slang dialects and regional pronunciation differences. English signage and speakers are plentiful in most of the tourist areas. |
| Transportation | Tokyo is famous for its public transportation system. Driving is not advised for first-time tourists. Traffic is heavy and the driving rules are quite different. Tokyo’s public transit system goes all over the city. It is efficient, timely, and affordable. You can also find buses and taxi cabs. Rent a bicycle if you want to tour Tokyo like a local. |
| Culture | Japanese culture and customs are quite unique, but we have a guide to help you better understand the local culture for your visit. |
| Clothing | In Japan, Western clothing styles are common. You will see locals wearing jeans, T-shirts, and business clothes. Those who still wear traditional Japanese clothing mostly save it for special occasions. |
How To Visit Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s most well-connected cities, offering multiple transportation hubs for seamless travel. According to our Tokyo travel guide, it is served by two major international airports-Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND)-which welcome thousands of flights daily. As a key railway hub, Tokyo features major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Ueno Station, providing access to the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and an extensive local rail network.
For travelers arriving by sea, Tokyo International Cruise Terminal and Harumi Port welcome cruise ships, while Yokohama Port, one of Japan’s busiest cruise terminals, serves as another key entry point just a short distance from Tokyo.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival, we offer private transfers between Narita Airport and Tokyo City Center and between Haneda Airport and Tokyo City Center. In addition, we offer Tokyo International Port transfers, private transfers between Tokyo International Port and the city center, and between Yokohama Port and Tokyo. Whether you’re traveling by air, sea, or rail, we provide a comfortable and convenient way to reach your accommodation with ease.
Interactive Map of Tokyo
More Things to See in Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that is full of attractions to explore, as you’ll see in our Tokyo travel guide. One must-see on your trip is the Tokyo SkyTree. This unique structure is the world’s tallest tower. The SkyTree measures an impressive 634 meters in height. There’s a shop, café, and even a luxurious restaurant that offers 360-degree views of the dazzling Tokyo skyline. Book your tour in advance to beat the crowds at this popular destination. Our Best of Tokyo in a Day Small Group Tour includes tickets and a guide to this wonderful attraction.
You will also want to visit the Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, completed in 645 AD. This is also one of the most colorful and popular temples in the city. Book a tour in advance because this is a popular attraction. Our Best of Tokyo half-day tour, for example, will help you explore the Temple and give you a true sense of Japanese history and culture in the city. This is a fantastic way to take in all the city’s most famous landmarks with an expert to make sure that you see it all.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
In Tokyo, there are several international hotel chains, local boutique accommodations, capsule hotels, and other funky places to stay. You will find accommodations for every taste and budget. Check out our handy guide to the best hotels in Tokyo to help you narrow down which hotel is best for you, and our LGBTQ Tokyo travel guide for further insights on LGBTQ friendly hotels.
The Mandarin Oriental is a towering five-star hotel located at the top of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. It offers state-of-the-art accommodations with traditional Japanese design. You will also find advanced tech, top-of-the-line cuisine, and a prestigious spa.
You can also book a room at Shangri-La. This luxury hotel is located next to Tokyo Station. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city from this impressive 11-story hotel.
Check out One@Tokyo Hotel for unique accommodation. This hotel is located in Oshiage. The building was designed by Kengo Kuma. It features views of SkyTree and 142 rooms. Plus, prices are more reasonable than you’ll find at many chain locations. You can also join Tokyo package tours that include accommodations, exciting guided day trips, and smooth transfers between cities in one booking!
Restaurants and Markets
This is an extremely fast-paced city with thousands of convenience stores and markets. Many are open 24/7 and sell all kinds of things you wouldn’t expect. You’ll find quick snacks, ready meals, and plenty of drinks. You may even find alcohol at convenience stores, but that will vary.
No ultimate Tokyo travel guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s unique and renowned restaurants. You’ll find life-changing sushi at locations like Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi and Manten Sushi. Try great local cuisine at Den, Ginza Uchiyama, Jomon, and others. Head to Takahashi, Fuunji, or Soranoiro NIPPON at Tokyo Station for the best ramen. For an interactive, unforgettable culinary adventure, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market on our Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Small Group Food & Tasting Tour, where you can sample the freshest seafood and learn about the market’s rich history from an expert local foodie. You can also join food tours to explore the city’s cuisine in a new, exciting way.
Our Tokyo Travel Guide Recommendation: Book Ahead
As this ultimate Tokyo travel guide has shown, this city has so much to offer. Unfortunately, this is not a secret, and the crowds can get large at peak times. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure that you book certain aspects of your trip well in advance. Most importantly, secure your hotel reservation ahead of time. You should also make sure to arrange your transport to and from the airport. Finally, book our Tokyo day tours to experience the city’s must-see attractions with ease. With expert local guides, insider tips, and thoughtfully planned itineraries, these Tokyo tours let you explore iconic neighborhoods, historic temples, and vibrant markets without the stress of navigating on your own.
The city also serves as the perfect base for unforgettable day trips from Tokyo, with nearby destinations like Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko just a short journey away. For travelers looking to spend even more time in Japan, our Tokyo Package Tours are ideal. Throughout these multi-day, multi-city adventures, you’ll stay in handpicked accommodations, take part in exciting guided day trips in Tokyo and other remarkable destinations in Japan, and enjoy smooth transfers between locations, ensuring a stress-free, once-in-a-lifetime Japanese getaway.
