Tokyo Travel Guide: First-Timers Tips & Travel Ideas
It is easy to get lost in Tokyo, especially if you are a first-time visitor to this cyberpunk metropolis. Bustling scramble crossing that is busy from night to dawn, and a labyrinthine train station with more than 300 exits, can make your steps a little confusing.
Below we've put together a comprehensive Tokyo travel guide. Whether you're looking for the best time to visit, exploring the city's top districts, or the best activities to do, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Japan. Read on to discover all that Tokyo has to offer!
Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Spring & Fall
Tokyo is a vibrant, year-round destination, offering a variety of activities to enjoy in every season. However, if you're seeking pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times to visit. These seasons bring mild, sunny weather, perfect for discovering the city's many attractions.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo for Sakura & Momiji
The peak tourist season occurs from late March to early April, coinciding with the cherry blossom (sakura) bloom, when Tokyo is adorned with breathtaking spring colors. Autumn, my favorite season, is popular for its stunning fall foliage (momiji). It offers cooler weather and relatively fewer crowds, making it a comfortable and enjoyable time for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo for Fireworks
During the summer season, especially from June to July, Tokyo experiences its rainy season, or tsuyu, when indoor activities are more suitable. Fortunately, Tokyo boasts an abundance of fascinating museums and cultural attractions to keep you entertained, rain or shine.
If you don't mind the humidity - or, like me, enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops on an umbrella - a summer visit can be particularly rewarding. Crowds are smaller, prices are often more affordable, and it's the vibrant festival (matsuri) season to immerse yourself in the lively celebrations with fireworks, street food, and traditional yukata, making it a truly memorable experience.
Where to Stay: Popular Districts in Tokyo, Japan
Wondering about the popular places to visit or an ideal accommodation to stay in? Check out the Tokyo Travel Map below for your reference.
Tokyo Travel Map
Shibuya
Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the iconic Statue of Hachiko, and the heart of Tokyo's youth fashion culture, is an ideal base for anyone interested in the latest trends.
It's the perfect spot for magazine-style photoshoots, exploring the vibrant streets of Harajuku, or heading up to Shibuya Sky for stunning panoramic views of the city.
I also prefer a stroll through Yoyogi Park to enjoy its seasonal beauty or visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, nestled deep within a lush forest, for a peaceful escape from the urban rush.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the place where getting lost feels like part of the adventure - a sleepless district that offers the ultimate entertainment. Neon lights, bars, karaoke spots, and countless surprises make it a hub of vibrant nightlife. From the ever-lively Kabukicho, home to the iconic Godzilla head, to the labyrinthine Shinjuku Station with its 300 exits, even your electronic map may struggle to keep up in this dynamic area.
For a quieter retreat, consider staying near the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen. This urban oasis offers a peaceful escape while providing convenient access to the bustling Shibuya district.
Shinjuku, Tokyo
Akihabara
Akihabara, the hub of cutting-edge electronics and the mecca of anime culture, is always a must-visit on my Japan journey. The streets are lined with manga shops, anime posters, video game arcades, and a plethora of electronic gadgets, drawing fans of gaming and anime from around the world.
It's also the birthplace of Japanese idol culture, where you can catch underground live performances or special events. If you're fortunate, you might even have the chance to meet idols in person and collect their autographs.
Top Things to See in Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree
Soaring at 634 meters, from the top of the Tokyo Skytree, you can have a panoramic view of the whole city, including row upon row of tall buildings, winding streets, and even Mount Fuji in the distance. There is also an aquarium in the tower, where you can spend a pleasant day with friends and family. The tower is also full of commercial facilities, lots of interesting shops, and good food to try.
Imperial Palace
If you are interested in Japanese history and traditional architecture, then the Imperial Palace is recommended. Apart from the delicate East Garden, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots to capture the spring colors, you can also enter the inner palace grounds guided by the staff with English explanations, where you can take a glimpse of its ancient Lotus Moat and cross over the iconic Nijyo Bridge.
Imperial Palace
Meiji Shrine
Tucked away in a large forest, the Meiji Shrine is a place where you can enjoy the peace and quiet away from the metropolis. It's a long walk from the entrance to the throne room, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Walking along the street, you can see many shelves of wine bottles where the Japanese offer wine to the gods. You can also buy an omamori (good luck charm) to pray for health and happiness.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
Pray at Sensoji Temple
Japan is a country deeply rooted in spirituality, and Tokyo is home to many temples visited by devout believers. Among these, Sensoji Temple stands out as the oldest and most historic.
Although not strictly necessary, there are traditional steps you can follow to make your wishes heard by the gods. Start by washing your hands at the water fountain, then wave incense smoke towards yourself as a symbol of good luck. Finally, pray after dropping coins into the offertory box.
In Japanese culture, the number five is considered particularly auspicious and a symbol of good fortune. Bringing coins such as five yen or 500 yen is a meaningful way to strengthen your prayers and seek blessings.
Take the Best of the Cherry Blossoms
Spring is the perfect time to visit Tokyo, where you can experience the bustling city paired with the vibrant beauty of cherry blossoms. With thousands of cherry trees scattered across the city, there’s no shortage of stunning spots to enjoy hanami.
Whether you're savoring wagashi during a picnic under the soft pink canopy at Ueno Park or gliding through blooming flowers on a boat ride with the magnificent Imperial Palace as your backdrop, spring in Tokyo invites you to fully immerse yourself in its enchanting atmosphere and embrace the magic of cherry blossoms.
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
Watch Kabuki Performances
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of drama that evolved from folk art, renowned for its stunning visual presentation and profound artistic impact. Combining rich performance techniques with elaborate costumes, Kabuki demands exceptional skill from its actors, complemented by traditional Japanese music that enhances the emotional depth of the characters.
While the performances are typically delivered in classical Japanese, Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo provides real-time translation devices, ensuring you can fully enjoy the captivating experience without language barriers.
Immerse in the Anime World
Japan is famous for its anime culture, and Tokyo is one of the best places to take a glimpse of the otaku culture, which is a collision of the fancy imagination paradise and the real world. From Akihabara bustling with the animation atmosphere, where is quite easy to find some maid or butler cafe for a special afternoon tea, or a huge anime shop to soak yourself into the world of manga, video games and goods for the whole afternoon; to the Otome Road in Ikebukuro to encounter some cosplayers in various anime characters. And if you like a certain anime character, you might find a kindred spirit here.
Akihabara, Tokyo
Dojo Experience With Kyokushin Karate
If you are looking for some authentic cultural experiences, a visit to a local dojo - a traditional martial arts training hall - is a must. From kendo dojos to wave bamboo swords to sumo stables ready for a new competition, as well as the exciting Kyokushin karate which you can visit its headquarters in Tokyo.
Put on the karate-gi (karate uniform), fastened my white belt, bow before entering the dojo, and followed the sensei to move the body in prearranged movements. Though it is quite hard for me to keep the balance at first, it is still fun to make my final strike pose, which also gives me a little inspiration for the ultimate truth.
Sample the Authentic Flavor of Tokyo
From streetside ramen-ya to Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan offers endless opportunities to savor its iconic dishes—whether it's sushi, Kobe beef, sukiyaki hot pot, or a refined kaiseki meal. Yet, for a truly authentic experience, indulging in local street food is unbeatable.
Start your day with an early visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can enjoy freshly made sushi or onigiri with just-caught seafood, followed by a sweet taiyaki fish cake for dessert, made with a unique stall recipe. For a trendy twist, try fully loaded crepes or vibrant rainbow cotton candy in Harajuku.
To cap off the evening, nothing beats an izakaya - a traditional Japanese bar - where you can relish grilled chicken skewers paired with a bottle of sweet sake, my favorite way to savor the genuine local flavors.
Sushi
Best Day Trips From Tokyo
With an extensive transport system and the convenience of the Shinkansen network, Tokyo is an excellent base for your next adventure. Whether you're wrapping up your exploration of Tokyo or looking for an exciting day trip to make the most of your free time, the city offers seamless connectivity for a refreshing getaway.
From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: Mountain & Nature Beauty
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo lies the iconic Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most renowned landmarks. This popular day-trip destination offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, featuring serene lakes, swaying trees, and the majestic snow-capped summit, ideal for lakeside camping or an Arakurayama Sengen Park visit to enjoy a leisurely afternoon escape.
From Tokyo to Hakone: Hot Springs Fun & Experience
Also just a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo, the serene onsen town of Hakone is ideal for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Here, you can enjoy an authentic onsen experience in traditional bathhouses while benefiting from the soothing, therapeutic waters. For those curious about the origins of these hot springs, a visit to the nearby Owakudani, with its steaming vents and bubbling sulfur pools, is well worth the trip.
From Tokyo to Atami: Beach & Early Cherry Blossoms
For a romantic getaway, Atami is an excellent day-trip destination just a 2-hour drive from downtown Tokyo. This coastal city offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and rejuvenating hot spring hotels lining the seaside. A standout feature of Atami is its early cherry blossoms, which bloom as early as February, providing a unique and enchanting floral experience.
Enjoy Your Tokyo Exploration With Odynovo
From the unique charm of Japanese culture to the natural beauty you can capture between the modern skyscrapers, Tokyo is always a great place to start exploring Japan. If you have any ideas, questions, or curiosity about traveling to Tokyo, please do not hesitate to contact us to discover more new and interesting destinations.
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