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Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide: Where to eat, drink, stay and explore

Tokyo City Guide title overlaying a view of Shibuya, Tokyo skyline

Everything you need to know for visiting Tokyo

Tokyo is one of few cities that not only lives up to its hype, it overdelivers. The largest city on the planet is a sprawling metropolis that never runs out of surprises.

Here, you’ll feel like you’re stepping in to the future and the past at the same time. From its ancient temples and historic gardens, to ultra modern design and technology. Throw in one of the word’s best food scenes, vibrant nightlife and thriving arts and culture – there is so much here to love. It’s no surprise it tops countless travel bucket lists, and the visitor numbers continue to grow – so planning ahead and navigating the crowds is essential.

Below, I’ve gathered all my top recommendations for where to eat, drink, stay and sightsee, along with tips for planning a trip to Tokyo.

Planning your visit to Tokyo

Essentials to know

  • Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). Cash is still widely used so keep some on you. Look out for tax free shopping.
  • Language: Japanese. English is common in central areas, less so elsewhere.
  • Plugs: Type A & B.
  • Weather: Serious seasons – summers can be scorching heat and humidity, winters wet and chilly.
  • Etiquette: No tipping, queue properly, and keep things quiet on public transport.
  • Local Events/Festivals: Cherry Blossom Festival is peak season, along with autumn foliage.

When to visit Tokyo

Tokyo changes significantly with the seasons, so timing your visit can shape your experience.

  • Spring (March to May)
    • Cherry blossom season around March is beautiful but seriously busy. If you’re hoping to see sakura season, build plenty of flexibility into your plans – timing shifts every year and nature doesn’t care about your itinerary.
  • Summer (June to August)
    • Hot. Humid. Slightly chaotic. Festivals and late nights mean plenty to do, but daytime temperatures can soar – so if you’re planning outdoor wanders and temple visits this can be tricky in the afternoon heat.
  • Autumn (September to November)
    • September can still be scorching, but temperatures begin to cool from mid-month onward.October and November have beautiful foliage, and crowds begin to lessen.
  • Winter (December to February)
    • Clear skies, chilly temperates, fewer tourists. Weather can be unpredictable but the trade off is a quieter city with a more local feel.

Getting around

Tokyo’s public transport is elite. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like you’ve won the travel game. Google maps will be your best friend here.

  • Trains & Metro: The Tokyo Metro and JR lines go everywhere. Get a Suica card for easy tap-in/tap-out access. Note that some stations have a LOT of exits, so Google maps is a godsend for helping you navigate where you need to go.
  • Walking: Be ready to clock serious steps each day – Tokyo is super pedestrian-friendly within and between most nearby neighbourhoods (and streets are mostly very safe).
  • Taxis: Clean, convenient, but can be expensive. Not your daily go-to, but great for late nights if you’re out after the trains stop.
  • Bikes: Certain neighbourhoods (like Shimokitazawa or Kichijoji) are great for cycling, with dedicated cycle lanes in some areas.
  • Luggage Transfer: Specifically for getting your luggage around, Japan is way ahead of the game. Luggage services are commonly used by locals and encouraged for visitors – transporting large luggage on the trains should be avoided. Ultra convenient and surprisingly cheap, I’d personally recommend Yamato

What to see and do in Tokyo

First thing to note: Manage your expectations – you’re not going to see everything. But that’s part of Tokyo’s magic – there’s always something waiting for your next trip. Here’s my mix of must-see spots and under-the-radar gems.

Dont miss:

  • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing – chaotic, frenetic, and oddly satisfying to get swept along in the crowd or watch from a nearby vantage point.
  • Takeshita Street, Harajuku
    • A colorful, alternative fashion hub full of boutique clothing shops, capsule toy machines, cosplay, and kawaii everything. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and uniquely Tokyo.
  • Yoyogi Park
    • For a change of pace, Yoyogi park is a perfect spot for a break from the chaos. On weekends, it’s filled with locals, families, musicians, and picnickers.
  • Ryogoku Sumo Hall
    • Catch a sumo match if you’re lucky with the season, or visit the museum year-round. This is where Japan’s national sport comes alive.
  • Ginza
    • Sleek, stylish, and sophisticated. Tokyo’s high-end shopping district also offers hidden cocktail bars, Michelin-starred sushi, and some of the best depachika (food halls) in the city.
  • Akihabara
    • Wall-to-wall anime shops, multi-story arcades, and every kind of niche electronics. Come for retro games, arcade machines, or just the sheer sensory overload.
  • Meiji Shrine
    • A peaceful forested oasis near Harajuku. Walk under towering torii gates and through tranquil paths to the grand Shinto shrine.

Where to eat in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of those places where you can eat exceptionally well at literally any price point. You might have one of the best meals of your life at a standing counter or seated on a plastic stool, or you can splash out on some truly unforgettable culinary experiences:

My top picks include:

  • Uogashi Nihon Ichi
  • Manten
    • One of the best value omakase experiences in the city. Make sure to book ahead.
    • Visit: manten-sushi.com
  • Harajuku Gyoza Ro
  • Sushi Yuu
    • A refined yet unpretentious sushi experience. Meticulously prepared and incredible from start to finish.
    • Visit: http://sushiyuu.com
  • Gyukatsu Motomura
    • Crispy breaded beef cutlet that you sear to your preferred finish on a personal hot stone grill.
    • Visit: gyukatsu-motomura.com

Where to drink in Tokyo

For coffee:

For drinks:

  • SG Club
    • Consistently ranked among the best cocktail bars in the world – creative and cool but not pretentious.
    • Visit: instagram.com/the_sg_club/
  • Grandfather’s
  • Hitachino Brewery
  • Yebisu Brewery

Where to stay in Tokyo

Hotels:

  • Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku:
  • MUJI Hotel Ginza
  • Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
  • K5
    • Boutique, design-led, and one of the coolest stays in the city.
    • Visit: k5-tokyo.com