When to Go
Best Time to Visit
March–May, October–November. Cherry blossoms in spring, maple foliage and clear blue skies in autumn.
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$50/day
Mid-range
$120/day
Luxury
$350/day
Mid-range stretches comfortably; convenience stores and standing-bar dinners keep budget days well-fed.
With Kids
Family Travel
Pokémon Cafe, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and Disneyland Tokyo or DisneySea for a full day out. Kids ride the subway free up to age 5.
Together
Couples Travel
Sunset cocktails at Park Hyatt’s New York Bar, izakaya crawls in Shimokitazawa, omakase in Ginza.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Tokyo is unmatched for solo travelers — every counter has a seat for one. Stay in Shibuya for energy, Asakusa for tradition.
Food
What to Eat
- Ramen. Tonkotsu in Shinjuku, tsukemen near Tokyo Station, late-night ramen alleys.
- Sushi. Conveyor belt for fun, omakase counters for the real thing — Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast.
- Yakitori. Smoke-filled alleys in Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) by Shinjuku station.
- Tempura. Light, hot, eaten standing — try a counter spot in Asakusa.
- Wagashi. Seasonal Japanese sweets that pair with matcha at a tea house.
Transportation
Getting Around
Tokyo Metro + JR Yamanote Line reach everywhere. Buy an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at any station.
Taxis are accurate but expensive. Avoid the morning Yamanote rush hour (7:30–9:00 am) unless you’re experienced.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Shibuya. The scramble crossing, izakaya streets, late-night ramen.
- Asakusa. Senso-ji temple, traditional shops, low-rise old Tokyo.
- Shinjuku. Skyline observation decks, Golden Gai bars, Robot Restaurant.
- Shimokitazawa. Indie cafés, vintage shops, the city’s most walkable district.
What to Know
Safety
Among the safest large cities on Earth. Lost items often turn up at the koban (police box). Common sense applies anywhere.