Tokyo travel guide: sights, food and transport

A vast city where high technology, precise transport, neighbourhood rituals and centuries-old traditions coexist.

Summers are hot, very humid and wet; winters are cool but mostly dry and sunny. June is rainy season and August the most humid period.

• Tokyo has no single centre; group areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno and Asakusa by day.
• Quiet public transport, orderly escalator queues and carrying your litter are common etiquette.
• Carry some cash; not every small business accepts foreign cards.

• Shinjuku: First visits, nightlife and major transport links.
• Shibuya: Fashion, youthful energy and walkable neighbourhoods.
• Ginza/Tokyo Station: Premium stays, shopping and bullet-train convenience.
• Asakusa/Ueno: Traditional atmosphere and better-value stays.

• Sushi and sashimi
• Ramen
• Tempura
• Yakitori
• Tonkatsu and Japanese curry

• Cherry blossom season — late March/April
• Sanja Matsuri — May
• Sumida River Fireworks — July
• Koenji Awa Odori — August
• Tokyo International Film Festival — October/November
• Winter illuminations — November/February

Senso-ji

Tokyo’s oldest temple, framed by lantern gates and Nakamise shopping street.

Meiji Jingu

A peaceful Shinto shrine in a forest beside Harajuku.

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the city’s rhythm from street level and an elevated viewpoint.

Tokyo Skytree

One of the highest viewpoints for understanding Tokyo’s immense scale.

Tokyo Tower

A classic red-and-white silhouette with observation decks over central districts.

teamLab Borderless

An immersive digital-art experience shaped by light, sound and movement.

Tsukiji Outer Market

A lively morning market for sushi, seafood and Japanese pantry goods.

Toyosu Market

Observe the tuna auction and Tokyo’s modern wholesale fish market.

Shinjuku Gyoen

A spacious park combining Japanese, English and French garden styles.

Tokyo National Museum

The essential Ueno museum for Japanese art and history.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Free gardens and stone walls on the former Edo Castle grounds.

Akihabara

A colourful concentration of electronics, anime, manga and gaming culture.

Harajuku & Omotesando

Explore street fashion alongside contemporary architecture.

Odaiba

A man-made island for bay views, modern museums and Rainbow Bridge.

Yanaka Ginza

Small shops and quiet lanes preserving an old-Tokyo atmosphere.

Nezu Shrine

A quieter shrine with red torii tunnels and an azalea garden.

Roppongi Hills

Combines art museums, city views and evening dining.

Kichijoji & Inokashira Park

Local shopping streets, a lake and relaxed weekend atmosphere.

Gotokuji Temple

A quiet outlying temple known for rows of maneki-neko figures.

Mt. Takao

A day-trip hike with possible Mount Fuji views in clear weather.

JR trains, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway work together. Tap an IC card such as Suica or PASMO on most trains and buses.