← All Destinations

GoFarGuide.org

Tokyo Japan

A bustling metropolis blending ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples.

MarchAprilMayOctoberNovember

Weather & Climate

Humid subtropical

Jan

10° / 2° 52 mm

Feb

10° / 2° 56 mm

Mar

14° / 5° 118 mm

Apr

19° / 10° 125 mm

May

23° / 15° 138 mm

Jun

26° / 19° 168 mm

Jul

30° / 23° 154 mm

Aug

31° / 24° 168 mm

Sep

27° / 21° 210 mm

Oct

22° / 15° 198 mm

Nov

16° / 9° 93 mm

Dec

12° / 4° 51 mm

Transportation

  • Airport

    Narita International Airport (NRT) · 60 km east

  • Transfers

    Narita Express (N'EX) (60 min, ¥3,070) · Keisei Skyliner (45 min, ¥2,570) · Airport Limousine Bus (90-120 min, ¥3,200) · Taxi (90-120 min, ¥20,000-30,000)

  • Transit

    JR Lines, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Bus

  • Tips

    Get PASMO/Suica card immediately - essential · Trains extremely punctual, plan connections carefully · Last trains around midnight, first around 5am · Download Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner app

  • Walkability

    high

Culture & Etiquette

  • Language

    Japanese

  • Currency

    Japanese Yen (¥)

  • Customs

    Bow when greeting · Remove shoes when entering homes/temples · Use both hands when giving/receiving items · Slurp noodles - it's polite!

  • Etiquette

    No talking on phone in trains · Stand on left of escalators, walk on right · No eating while walking · Cover mouth when using toothpick · No tipping - considered rude

Practical Basics

  • Visa

    Visa required for most. US/UK/Canada/Australia: 90 days visa-free for tourism

  • Power

    100V, 50/60Hz · A, B

  • Healthcare

    Excellent but expensive without insurance. Bring travel insurance.

  • Safety

    VERY SAFE · One of safest cities in the world · Petty crime very rare · Earthquakes possible - follow local instructions · Typhoon season Sept-Oct · Keep IC card topped up for emergencies

  • Emergency

    Police 110 · Ambulance 119

Neighborhoods

Shibuya

moderate

Neon-lit entertainment hub with famous crossing, youth fashion, and nightlife

Best for shopping, nightlife, dining, entertainment

Shinjuku

moderate

Major business and entertainment district with skyscrapers, department stores, and nightlife areas

Best for nightlife, shopping, dining, entertainment

Harajuku

moderate

Youth fashion capital with quirky boutiques, cosplay culture, and trendy cafes

Best for fashion, shopping, culture, cafes

Ginza

expensive

Upscale shopping district with luxury brands, department stores, and fine dining

Best for luxury shopping, fine dining, culture

Asakusa

budget

Traditional neighborhood with Senso-ji Temple, historic atmosphere, and crafts

Best for temples, history, traditional culture, souvenirs

Roppongi

expensive

International nightlife hub with clubs, bars, art museums, and expat scene

Best for nightlife, art, dining, international vibe

Restaurants

Sukiyabashi Jiro

Sushi

3-Michelin star sushi, made famous by "Jiro Dreams of Sushi"

Must-try: Omakase sushi course

Ichiran Ramen

Ramen

Famous tonkotsu ramen chain with individual booth seating

Must-try: Tonkotsu ramen, Extra noodles (kaedama)

Tsukiji Outer Market

Fresh Seafood

Fresh sushi breakfast and street food at former fish market

Must-try: Fresh sushi, Uni don, Tamagoyaki, Grilled scallops

Afuri

Ramen

Light yuzu-infused ramen, refreshing alternative to heavy tonkotsu

Must-try: Yuzu shio ramen, Tsukemen

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Izakaya

Multi-floor izakaya, inspiration for Kill Bill restaurant scene

Must-try: Yakitori, Robata-yaki, Sake selection

Narisawa

Contemporary Japanese

2-Michelin star innovative cuisine blending French and Japanese

Must-try: Satoyama Scenery tasting menu, Bread of the Forest

Itineraries

Tokyo in a Day: Must-See Highlights

1 day

Experience Tokyo's best from ancient temples to futuristic districts in one action-packed day

  • Day 1: Modern & Traditional Tokyo

    Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast · Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa

Tokyo Weekend Explorer

3 days

Three days of temples, tech, food, and culture in Japan's megacity

  • Day 1: Traditional Tokyo

    Meiji Shrine · Harajuku Takeshita Street

  • Day 2: Modern Tokyo

    Tsukiji Outer Market · Ginza shopping district

  • Day 3: Culture & Nature

    Imperial Palace East Gardens · Tokyo Station area

Day Trips

  • Mount Fuji & Hakone

    100 km southwest · Full day (10-12 hours)

    Japan's iconic mountain, hot springs, Lake Ashi cruise, and scenic Hakone area

  • Nikko

    140 km north · Full day (8-10 hours)

    UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples in mountain setting with waterfalls and nature

  • Kamakura

    50 km south · Half to full day (6-8 hours)

    Historic coastal town with Great Buddha statue, temples, and beaches

  • Yokohama

    30 km south · Half day (4-6 hours)

    Port city with Chinatown, waterfront attractions, and museums

  • Kawagoe

    30 km northwest · Half day (4-6 hours)

    Little Edo - preserved merchant town with traditional warehouses and streets