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Japan · Kantō

Tokyo travel guide

Neon districts, ancient shrines and the world's best food

Shinjuku at night. Photo: Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 15mflight from London
HNDnearest main airport
27° in Augwarmest month
5° in Jancoolest month

Tokyo is a vast, safe and fascinating city made of many neighbourhoods: neon Shinjuku, fashion in Harajuku, the famous crossing in Shibuya and old temples in Asakusa.

Most first trips to Japan start here. Spend at least four days, and use the excellent trains for day trips to Mount Fuji, Hakone or Nikko.

Good forCity breaksFoodShoppingCulture

What Tokyo is known for

  • Neon districts

    Shinjuku and Shibuya lit up at night.

  • Sushi

    From Toyosu fish market to tiny counters.

  • Sensō-ji

    Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa.

  • Anime and gaming

    Akihabara's electric town.

Top things to do in Tokyo

  1. 1

    Shibuya Crossing

    The world's busiest crossing, best from above.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Sensō-ji, Asakusa

    A temple with a long shopping street.

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  3. 3

    Meiji Shrine

    A forest shrine next to Harajuku.

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  4. 4

    teamLab Planets

    Immersive digital art. Book ahead.

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  5. 5

    Shibuya Sky

    An open-air rooftop deck for sunset views.

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  6. 6

    Tsukiji Outer Market

    Street food and fresh sushi.

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See all tours and tickets in Tokyo

Where to stay in Tokyo

Find a hotel in Tokyo

Best time to visit Tokyo

Best value: May, Oct. Late March to May for cherry blossom and spring weather, and October to November for autumn colours.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
4.7 C5°J5.6 C6°F8.8 C9°M13.5 C14°A18.2 C18°M21.8 C22°J25.5 C26°J26.9 C27°A23.6 C24°S18.1 C18°O12.7 C13°N7.3 C7°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Tokyo, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 15m from London to HND, and flights from most UK airports.

Get a Suica or Pasmo card for trains and metro. Taxis are clean but expensive.

Find flights to Tokyo (HND)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Don't eat while walking in busy streets.
  • Many places still prefer cash.
  • Carry your rubbish home: bins are rare.
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Tokyo FAQ

How many days in Tokyo?

Four or five days.

Is Tokyo expensive?

Hotels can be, but food and transport are good value.

More places in Japan

Back to the Japan travel guide + Add Tokyo to your bucket list