Tokyo is the beating heart of Japan — a massive metropolis where politics, economy, and culture all come together. From the lively neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza to the more traditional areas like Asakusa and Ueno, Tokyo offers a fascinating mix of old and new. Don't miss iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree either!

Known as a trendsetter city, Tokyo is also a fashion and lifestyle hub, always buzzing with the latest styles. It's a paradise for food lovers too, home to countless restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide. Whether you're craving Japanese cuisine, Western dishes, or exotic flavors from around the world, you'll find it here. Add to that world-class shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions, and it's easy to see why Tokyo never fails to impress.

Tokyo is filled with must-see spots year-round. In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms at Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, while summer brings beach vibes at Odaiba and the lively Sanja Festival in Asakusa.

Come autumn, admire colorful leaves at Meiji Jingu Gaien or the illuminated gardens at Rikugien. Winter transforms the city with dazzling lights, especially around Omotesando and Roppongi Hills.

Tokyo is full of places where you can experience its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit historic sites like Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Meiji Shrine for a look into the city's spiritual roots, or explore the architecture of the Imperial Palace and Former Iwasaki House Garden.

Art and history lovers will enjoy top institutions like the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno and the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi. Year-round festivals and traditional events also offer a great way to experience local culture up close.

Tokyo is a paradise for shopping and entertainment. In areas like Ginza, Omotesando, and Harajuku, you can shop for everything from luxury brands to the latest fashion trends. Akihabara is a must-visit for tech enthusiasts and anime fans, offering a treasure trove of gadgets and collectibles.

For entertainment, there's something for everyone — from spectacular musicals by the Shiki Theatre Company to sports events at the Tokyo Dome and National Stadium, both of which draw huge crowds.

Tokyo is also a food lover's dream, offering a wide variety of cuisine. From traditional Japanese dishes like Edomae sushi, tempura, and eel to the latest fusion creations and international flavors, there's something for every palate. You can also enjoy incredibly fresh seafood at Tsukiji and Toyosu markets.

When it comes to sweets, Tokyo has no shortage of delicious treats. Whether trying the iconic kaminari okoshi and ningyo-yaki in Asakusa or indulging in high-end sweets at one of Ginza's luxury dessert shops, Tokyo will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tokyo, as Japan's capital, is very accessible from both within the country and abroad. Here's how you can get from Narita or Haneda Airport to the heart of the city.

To get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, you can take the JR Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner, both of which will get you there in about an hour. The JR Narita Express is very convenient, as it offers direct service to major stations like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. The Keisei Skyliner is a popular choice for tourists, offering smooth access to Ueno and Nippori Stations. Additionally, there are limousine buses that provide direct access to major hotels and popular tourist spots.

To get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, you can take either the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line, both of which will get you there in about 30 minutes. The Tokyo Monorail runs directly to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can easily transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line. The Keikyu Line goes directly to Shinagawa Station, offering easy transfers to JR lines and the Shinkansen. There are also limousine buses from the airport that provide easy access to popular tourist spots.

For detailed routes and timetables, you can use the convenient LIVE JAPAN Route Search.

To make the most of your Tokyo trip, using discount tickets is highly recommended. For example, the 'Tokyo Subway Ticket' gives you unlimited rides on both the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, making it easy to access major tourist spots. Even on a short trip, this pass lets you explore the city efficiently. So take advantage of these great tickets and fully enjoy all that Tokyo has to offer!

Additionally, there are various JR passes available that offer great value for traveling around the city. Be sure to check them out and find one that suits your travel needs.

Spring in Tokyo is relatively warm, with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F) in March and rising to about 20°C (68°F) in April and May. During the day, a light jacket or cardigan is usually enough, but mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so having a thin coat or scarf on hand is a good idea. From late March to early April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, attracting many visitors to the city.

Tokyo summers are extremely hot, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), and sometimes even exceeding 35°C (95°F). Humidity can also be high on certain days, so it's important to take precautions against heatstroke. Dress lightly, stay hydrated, and take care of yourself in the summer heat.

Autumn in Tokyo brings gradually more comfortable weather, with average temperatures around 22°C to 24°C (72°F to 75°F) in September, dropping to about 15°C (59°F) in November. However, in recent years, lingering summer heat can make September afternoons feel quite hot, so be mindful of temperature fluctuations. Having a light jacket or cardigan handy will help you adjust. By mid-October, the autumn breeze becomes pleasant, making it the perfect time to enjoy the stunning fall foliage.

The average winter temperature in Tokyo ranges from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). You'll need a warm coat, down jacket, gloves, and a scarf to stay comfortable. Nights can get especially chilly, so it's important to dress warmly. Many indoor places are well-heated, so it's a good idea to wear layers that allow you to adjust to different temperatures easily.

The Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree area is a vibrant district where history, culture, and modern attractions come together. You'll find popular sights such as Ueno Onshi Park, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and the iconic Tokyo Skytree. The area also offers family-friendly spots like Ameyoko Shopping Street and the Sumida Aquarium, making it perfect for a variety of experiences. It's easy to explore using the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, or the Tobu Skytree Line.

Ueno Onshi Park is a vast area that features museums and a zoo, making it a perfect spot for a full day of sightseeing. In spring, the park is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, attracting many visitors for hanami (flower viewing).

Senso-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, famous for its Kaminarimon Gate and five-story pagoda. You can enjoy street food and shop for traditional souvenirs along Nakamise Street, which leads up to the temple.

Ameyoko Shopping Street is a bustling street located between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, offering a wide variety of products. From food to clothing and miscellaneous items, you can find affordable products here, making it a popular spot not only for locals but also tourists.

Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest broadcasting towers in the world at 634 meters (2,080 feet), offers sweeping panoramic views of the Kanto Plain from its observation decks. At its base, Tokyo Solamachi is home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants, making it a great place to explore. The Tokyo Skytree Town complex also includes the Sumida Aquarium, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a full day of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.

The Imperial Palace & Ginza Area is the heart of Tokyo, where history and modern attractions blend seamlessly. This area is home to historical landmarks like the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower, as well as popular spots for shopping and dining, like Ginza and Marunouchi. With Tokyo Station nearby, it's easily accessible from all over Japan.

The vast grounds of the Imperial Palace are home to beautiful gardens and historic buildings. The East Gardens, in particular, are open to the public and offer a chance to enjoy seasonal flowers and plants throughout the year.

Tokyo Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, offers eye-opening views from its observation decks, with the night view being especially popular. The surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a great place to explore.

Ginza is an upscale area lined with luxury brand shops and top-tier restaurants, making it perfect for shopping and dining. Marunouchi is known as a business district, but in recent years, stylish cafes and shops have popped up, making it a popular spot for tourists as well.

The Shibuya and Shinjuku area is a lively region where youth culture and business districts coexist. It's not only great for shopping and dining, but also home to nature-filled attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Yoyogi Park. The area is easily accessible by JR, private railways, and the subway.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world, and the sight of it is truly awe-inspiring. It's also known as a hub of youth culture, with landmarks like Shibuya Center-gai and Shibuya 109, where the latest trends are set.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an urban oasis, offering a variety of landscapes, including a Japanese garden, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden. It's especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and in autumn when the leaves change color.

Kabukicho is the dazzling nightlife district in Shinjuku, where neon lights shine brightly after dark. It's filled with restaurants and entertainment venues, making it the perfect area to enjoy Tokyo's nightlife.

The Odaiba a Toyosu area is a waterfront region where you can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere. It features attractions like Odaiba Seaside Park and teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM. There are also plenty of shopping and dining spots, including Toyosu Market and Ariake Garden, making it a great destination for family trips.

Odaiba Seaside Park faces Tokyo Bay, offering beautiful views of the ocean. In the evening, you can also enjoy stunning sunsets.

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com is a digital art museum offering an immersive art experience. It was renovated in January 2025 and remains popular among repeat visitors.

Toyosu Market is known as one of the world's leading fish markets, offering fresh seafood. The restaurants inside the market serve top-quality sushi and seafood bowls, allowing you to enjoy the freshest flavors.

Edomae Sushi
Edomae sushi is one of Tokyo's signature dishes. Around Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market, you'll find many long-established sushi restaurants. These shops serve sushi made with incredibly fresh ingredients, and many of them showcase the skill of expert sushi chefs. It's definitely a must-try when visiting Tokyo.

Monjayaki
Monjayaki is a beloved dish in Tokyo's downtown areas, especially in Tsukishima. It's made by grilling a mixture of cabbage and other ingredients on a hot plate, then adding a savory sauce to create a delicious, crispy treat.

Tokyo Ramen
Tokyo Ramen refers to the traditional soy-sauce-based ramen, which is considered the origin of Japanese ramen. Tokyo has countless ramen shops, each offering its unique take on the dish. Typically, the soup is made with a rich, umami-filled stock, flavored with soy sauce, and served with medium-thin, curly noodles.

Tempura
Tempura, a dish that dates back to the Edo period, is another must-try in Tokyo. You can find tempura all over the city, but famous spots like Daikokuya Tempura in Asakusa and Tempura Kaneko Hansuke in Nihonbashi are especially well-known for their high-quality offerings.

Unagi (Eel)
Tokyo's historic eel restaurants are also highly recommended. Grilled eel, cooked with a secret sauce, has a fragrant, irresistible flavor. The soft, tender eel served in a donburi (rice bowl) is definitely worth trying!

Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Banana is a very famous souvenir from Tokyo. It's a soft sponge cake filled with banana cream. There are various flavors to try, including seasonal options like caramel and chocolate, and there are also popular collaborations with characters like Pokémon and Doraemon, making it a fun gift for both kids and adults.

Ningyo-yaki
Ningyo-yaki is a traditional Japanese sweet, made from a batter of flour and eggs, filled with red bean paste. With a history dating back to the Edo period, these treats come in a variety of shapes and flavors. They're particularly popular around the Asakusa Temple area, and are perfect for eating on the go or as a thoughtful souvenir.

Kaminari-okoshi
Kaminari-okoshi is a traditional candy from the Edo period and a local specialty of Asakusa. Made from rice and barley, it's a crunchy, sweet treat that has been loved for generations. You can find it for sale around the Kaminarimon Gate or at local stations.

Edo Kiriko
Edo Kiriko is a traditional craft from Tokyo, known for its beautiful cut glass designs. Items like glasses and vases are both practical and stunning, making them a perfect choice for a special gift or souvenir.

Tokyo offers a wide variety of attractions to enjoy no matter the season. When planning your trip, try tailoring your itinerary to match the events and activities available during your visit!

(Note: The information in this article is current as of April 2025. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)