Tokyo
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21°
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17:13
Tokyo
Tokyo's technological leaps and passion for everything new have made the rest of the world sit up and take notice. A city made of smaller cities, Tokyo's neighbourhoods are individual and unique in what each can offer, from cultural sights to vast shopping malls. Get ready for a whirlwind of modernity and tradition in the neon-lit Japanese capital.Hitta resa
This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings. Near the main complex, the modern Meiji Jingu Museum displays personal artefacts of the imperial couple, from manuscripts to garments. For a small fee, the Inner Garden (Jingu Naien) reveals a landscape of seasonal beauty, most famous for its June iris blooms.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural wonders around World Heritage Mount Fuji and Hakone in just one day. Visit the 5th Station of Mt Fuji, explore the Ninja House, and relax in a Japanese Garden. Later, experience the vibrant energy of Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola, then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise.
The Senso-ji temple is Tokyo's oldest-established Buddhist temple. Though a major tourist attraction, this is primarily a traditional, local site where worshippers cast coins, clap ceremoniously and bow in respect to an image of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion.
The stylised Kabuki-za theatre performance consists of elaborate choreography and makeup combined with colourful traditional nagauta music. In the 17th century, female kabuki performers were banned; men now play the roles of both genders most convincingly.
Crossing the streets in front of the Shibuya Station is an experience on its own. Approximately 3,000 people cross the road at a time. Many street artists gather in this area to show their performances. You can also find the statue of the famous and loyal dog Hachikō between the station and the intersection. The crossing is most electrifying after dark, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, when neon signs and enormous screens bathe the crowds in a kinetic glow. For the best perspective, head to Mag’s Park, the rooftop observatory atop the Shibuya 109-2 department store, which offers a panoramic view of the human tide below.
Experience Tokyo in a fun and unique way on a street go-kart tour dressed in costumes from your favourite game or anime character. Zip past iconic landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, and enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Bay.
Sumo wrestling is possibly Japan’s most recognised cultural event. Dating back 2,000 years, Sumo is the country’s national sport, and as such combines religious, athletic, and traditional features. There are several places to watch, check the tour schedule on their website to find out which suits you best. There is also a Sumo museum.
Ryōgoku is the spiritual home of sumo, Japan's national sport, where it's common to see wrestlers in traditional dress milling about the iconic Kokugikan stadium. The district's identity is deeply rooted in the Edo period (1603–1868), a legacy preserved in its exceptional museums. The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum (reopening in spring 2026) offers a vast, immersive journey through the city's history, while the sleek Sumida Hokusai Museum celebrates the life and iconic woodblock prints of the local ukiyo-e master. Beyond the museums, the area is saturated with sumo culture. You can taste Chankonabe (the wrestlers' hearty stew) in local restaurants and may glimpse trainees from nearby stables. With its historic Ekoin Temple and traditional craft workshops, Ryōgoku offers a compelling, culturally rich escape into old Tokyo.
This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings. Near the main complex, the modern Meiji Jingu Museum displays personal artefacts of the imperial couple, from manuscripts to garments. For a small fee, the Inner Garden (Jingu Naien) reveals a landscape of seasonal beauty, most famous for its June iris blooms.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural wonders around World Heritage Mount Fuji and Hakone in just one day. Visit the 5th Station of Mt Fuji, explore the Ninja House, and relax in a Japanese Garden. Later, experience the vibrant energy of Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley, go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola, then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise.
Roppongi Hills is a landmark "city within a city", a vast integrated complex that redefined urban living in Tokyo upon its 2003 opening. Its centrepiece is the 54-storey Mori Tower, a vertical hub of commerce and culture. The tower's upper floors house two major attractions: the Tokyo City View observatory for panoramic vistas and the Mori Art Museum, a leading venue for contemporary art. Beyond the tower, the complex unfolds with over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, the Grand Hyatt hotel, and the serene Mori Garden. Public art, including Louise Bourgeois’ iconic Maman spider sculpture, is integrated throughout the open spaces.
The Isetan Shinjuku Store began its life as a kimono retailer in 1886 and has since evolved into a landmark of high fashion. The department store styles itself as the 'world's greatest fashion museum'. This vast enterprise spans multiple floors, offering an extensive range of products from cosmetics and household goods to electronics, blending timeless classics with the very latest trends.
Japan’s oldest department store has stores in Ginza and Nihonbashi. Womenswear, accessories, menswear, toys, childrenswear and restaurants from the fourth basement floor to the 12th floor. Mitsukoshi welcomes visitors from all around the world, with free Wifi, a Tax-Free Counter and Foreign Tourist Information Centre.
For a definitive look at Japanese youth fashion, head straight to Shibuya 109. Since its opening in 1979, this cylindrical landmark has become the epicentre of Tokyo's iconic 'gyaru' subculture, a style once defined by dyed hair, deep tans and dramatic makeup. Spread across ten floors, its roughly 120 boutiques offer a concentrated hit of the latest trends in clothing, accessories and cosmetics. While its roots are in a specific aesthetic, the mall continues to draw a fashion-forward crowd, including local and international celebrities, solidifying its status as a barometer of Shibuya's ever-evolving style.
Visit Tokyo’s best-known gift shop to stock up on trinkets for friends back home. Get a kimono, washi paper, Japanese patterned fabric, sensu fans, or a tea set. There are English-speaking staff on each floor. They also offer gift-wrapping and overseas shipping services.
Spanning seven floors, this vast duty-free complex is a one-stop shop for everything from household electronics and cosmetics to fashion and sports goods. It’s a practical choice for tax-free shopping, offering a wide range of products that make for reliable travel souvenirs.
Ginza is Tokyo's definitive luxury quarter, a district where history and high fashion seamlessly intersect. Its name, meaning "silver mint", harks back to its 17th-century origins, but today it is synonymous with global sophistication. The main thoroughfare, Chuo-dori, is lined with flagship stores for elite brands like Chanel, Hermès, and the iconic Japanese department store Wako. While the district is a paradise for label lovers, its appeal extends beyond shopping. The post-war architecture is now punctuated by modern complexes like Ginza Six, a multi-level destination of designer boutiques and dining. For a more local experience, the network of side streets reveals exclusive art galleries, intimate bistros, and traditional department stores like Mitsukoshi.
Harajuku is Tokyo’s nexus of youth culture and cutting-edge fashion, centred on the famously crowded Takeshita Street. This pedestrianised lane is a sensory overload of trendy boutiques, crepe stands and colourful street style. Just a short walk away, the tree-lined boulevard of Omotesando offers a more refined contrast, with its flagship designer stores and modernist architecture. The district is defined by its iconic department stores, which act as fashion incubators. Laforet Harajuku (1-11-6 Jingumae) is a multi-level epicentre of avant-garde brands and subcultures, while the cylindrical 109 Store (2-29-1 Dogenzaka) in nearby Shibuya is a legendary hub for bold, teen-oriented trends. Beyond shopping, Harajuku offers a peaceful retreat at the adjacent Meiji Jingu shrine and Yoyogi Park.
Roppongi Hills is a landmark "city within a city", a vast integrated complex that redefined urban living in Tokyo upon its 2003 opening. Its centrepiece is the 54-storey Mori Tower, a vertical hub of commerce and culture. The tower's upper floors house two major attractions: the Tokyo City View observatory for panoramic vistas and the Mori Art Museum, a leading venue for contemporary art. Beyond the tower, the complex unfolds with over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, the Grand Hyatt hotel, and the serene Mori Garden. Public art, including Louise Bourgeois’ iconic Maman spider sculpture, is integrated throughout the open spaces.
The Isetan Shinjuku Store began its life as a kimono retailer in 1886 and has since evolved into a landmark of high fashion. The department store styles itself as the 'world's greatest fashion museum'. This vast enterprise spans multiple floors, offering an extensive range of products from cosmetics and household goods to electronics, blending timeless classics with the very latest trends.
Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly for national flights). Narita Airport is accessible by the Narita Express Train (N'EX), which is the fastest way to get from the city centre to the airport. It takes approximately 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and 40 minutes to Ueno Station. Trains depart every half hour. You may consider getting a N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket in the JR EAST Travel Service Centers and from JR Ticket Offices at Terminal 1 or 2. This ticket allows you to transfer to any other JR stations within Tokyo once. The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in about 45 minutes. For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in 65 minutes. Limousine buses run regularly from Narita airport to key points in the city in 75–125 minutes. Taxis are available for the 70-kilometre journey, but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approximately 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. Keikyu’s limousine buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes about 40 minutes.
During the high season, mid-June to mid-September and late April to early May, the weather in Tokyo is very hot and humid. It is also the peak tourist season, which you will quickly notice from long lines at the museums and higher accommodation rates. Early June through July is also the rainiest part of the year. By August, the heat is at its peak. This is the month many students and workers are on summer vacation. April and November, the weather is dry and sunny. It is considered a pleasant time to be in Tokyo. It is also in April when locals and visitors flock to Tokyo's urban parks to witness the bloom of cherry blossom trees. Winter is the low season (from January to March), and if you don't mind colder weather this is a good period to travel to Tokyo. The humidity is low and snow is rare. During this time the accommodation rates are slightly lower.
Travellers from most countries will need a visa to enter Japan unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and many European countries can enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. However, visitors from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling. Always check the latest entry requirements as they can change.
Tokyo has one of the most efficient train and subway systems in the world. Trains are clean and fast, and all stations have signs in English. The major train and subway systems are East Japan Railway (JR), Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. There are other railway companies. Each company has its own ticketing system. A variety of tickets and passes are on offer to make it easier than buying individual tickets for every trip. You can also consider getting a prepaid Suica Travel pass to travel on JR, subways and buses. These can be purchased at JR ’Green Window’ areas or ticket machines. The East Japan Railway (JR) is represented by the green letters 'JR' logo, offering the fastest service but at a higher price. Overland train lines are colour-coded, the most frequently used line in Tokyo municipality is the Yamanote line (green). Tokyo Metro is run by a private company. The subway consists of 9 lines with the light blue letter 'M' logo. Subways and trains operate from 5am to midnight. The prepaid card for Tokyo Metro is called Pasmo. Toei Subway operates 4 subway lines by the Bureau of Transportation with a green shape logo. Buses in Tokyo are run by several different companies. It is less confusing to take the subway or train around the city, but bus routes are efficient. Nevertheless, few signs are in English which makes navigation difficult. Bus route guides in English are available at Toei subway stations and hotels.
Taxis are an expensive but convenient way to move around in Tokyo. Weekend rates are even more pricey, as are rides between 11pm and 5am. Taxi stands are located in almost all busy areas and tipping is not expected. In Tokyo, several ride-sharing and taxi-hailing apps are available to make transportation even more convenient, such as Uber, DiDi and GO.
In Tokyo, the postboxes are red. The slot on the left is for domestic mail, and the right one is for international. English script is acceptable when writing addresses and stamps can be purchased at convenience stores. Post offices are indicated by a red and white ’T’ and are located everywhere.
The word for pharmacy in Japanese is 'yakkyoku'. Generally, pharmacies are open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and closed on Sundays, while drugstores are usually open 7 days a week and sometimes round the clock. One of the biggest and most popular pharmacy chains is Matsumoto Kiyoshi. They have stores scattered around the whole island and offer original brands of drugs and medicines including cosmetics and beauty products. Other chains in Japan are SunDrug and Tsuruha Drug.
Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly for national flights). Narita Airport is accessible by the Narita Express Train (N'EX), which is the fastest way to get from the city centre to the airport. It takes approximately 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and 40 minutes to Ueno Station. Trains depart every half hour. You may consider getting a N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket in the JR EAST Travel Service Centers and from JR Ticket Offices at Terminal 1 or 2. This ticket allows you to transfer to any other JR stations within Tokyo once. The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in about 45 minutes. For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in 65 minutes. Limousine buses run regularly from Narita airport to key points in the city in 75–125 minutes. Taxis are available for the 70-kilometre journey, but fares are astronomical.
Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approximately 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. Keikyu’s limousine buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes about 40 minutes.
