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Tokyo travel guide

Japan

Basics

CountryJapan

Time zoneAsia/Tokyo

CurrencyJPY

Official language(s)Japanese

The subway system in Japan is very efficient and punctual, so plan your routes in advance. Learning basic Japanese greetings can enhance communication with locals.

Places to visit

Happo-en

A historic Japanese garden offering a peaceful urban retreat with a pond, pine trees, and seasonal flowers.

HoursTypically 10:00–21:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt is beautiful year-round, but especially lovely during autumn foliage and spring blooms.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

A major art museum in Ueno Park, known for its varied special exhibitions and Japanese art displays. The building itself is also a popular architectural sight.

Location8-36 Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationUeno Station

Hours9:30 AM–5:30 PM (varies by exhibition)

AdmissionVaries by exhibition

Travel tipSpecial exhibitions can be popular, so check the official site for advance reservation details.

The National Art Center, Tokyo

One of Japan’s largest art museums, known for rotating special and loan exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. Its distinctive façade and spacious lobby are also worth seeing.

Location7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationNogizaka Station

Hours10:00 AM–6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Fridays; varies by exhibition)

AdmissionVaries by exhibition

Travel tipExhibitions change often, so check the schedule and current shows before you go.

Ueno Zoo

One of Tokyo’s most famous zoos, with a wide range of animals and seasonal sights. It is especially known for its giant pandas.

LocationUeno Park 9-83, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationUeno Station

Hours9:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays; hours may vary)

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt gets very crowded on weekends and holidays, so going early in the day is recommended.

Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden

A historic site preserving the former residence and garden of the Iwasaki family, one of the great business dynasties of the Meiji era. It is a calm place to enjoy Western-style architecture and a Japanese garden together.

Location1-3-45 Yanesen, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationYushima Station

Hours9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed days may vary)

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThe garden is well maintained and great for photos, but the visitor route may be restricted in some areas.

Tokyo National Museum

One of Japan's largest museums, showcasing a wide range of Japanese cultural properties and art. It pairs well with a visit to Ueno Park.

Location13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationUeno Station / Ueno-Okachimachi Station

HoursTue-Sun 09:30-17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCheck the official exhibition schedule before visiting for the best experience.

Senso-ji

Tokyo's oldest temple, famous for the giant Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street. It is a must-visit spot to experience Asakusa's traditional atmosphere.

Location2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationAsakusa Station

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit early in the morning for a quieter experience, and try snacks along Nakamise Street.

Tokyo Skytree

A supertall observation tower in Tokyo with wide views and shopping facilities. On clear days, you may even see Mount Fuji.

Location1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationTokyo Skytree Station / Oshiage Station

HoursDaily 10:00-21:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipDaytime often offers better visibility than nighttime. Advance booking can reduce waiting time.

Tokyo Dome City

A large entertainment complex with a baseball stadium, amusement park, shopping, and spa facilities. It is enjoyable both day and night.

Location1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationSuidobashi Station / Korakuen Station

HoursVaries by facility

AdmissionVaries by facility

Travel tipBook ahead if there is a concert or game. The nighttime lights are especially nice.

Mori Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary art, offering views of the Tokyo skyline.

Hours10:00 - 18:00

Admission1000 yen

Travel tipBe cautious of crowds on Sundays if visiting during the weekend.

Ueno Park

One of the largest parks in Tokyo, home to various museums and a zoo.

Hours06:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit during cherry blossom season for beautiful views.

Meiji Shrine

One of Tokyo's major shrines, located in beautiful natural surroundings.

Hours05:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Akihabara Park

A calm and peaceful park, perfect for escaping the city's hustle.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipAvoid peak times and consider going late afternoon.

Tokyo Tower

An iconic symbol of Tokyo, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Hours09:00 - 23:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt's best to visit in the evening for stunning night views.

Food to try

Nakamise-dori

A famous shopping street in Asakusa where you can enjoy snacks such as melon bread and senbei along with souvenirs.

HoursGenerally 09:00–18:00

AdmissionPay per item

Travel tipIt gets crowded in the afternoon, so morning visits are easier for walking around.

Blue Bottle Coffee Roppongi

A specialty coffee café known for its clean space and consistent coffee quality. It is a pleasant place to take a break during city sightseeing.

Location7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationRoppongi Station

HoursUsually 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

AdmissionDrinks usually start around the ¥500 range

Travel tipSeats can fill up, so takeaway is worth considering.

Ichiran Shinjuku

A popular chain famous for rich tonkotsu ramen. The solo seats make it easy for travelers dining alone.

Location1-17-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationShinjuku Station

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionAbout JPY 1,000 per bowl

Travel tipLines can be long during meal times, so visiting off-peak is easier.

Ramen Taisho

A popular ramen shop offering various types of ramen.

Hours12:00 - 23:00

Admission1500~2500 yen

Travel tipExpect crowds, so avoid peak hours.

Events

Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi

A market held around Asakusa’s Otori Shrine area to pray for business prosperity, famous for its decorative rake charms.

WhenAround November each year

HoursAround November each year (festival dates)

AdmissionFree to view; purchases vary

Travel tipIt gets very crowded in the evening, so going earlier in the day is more comfortable.

Kanda Matsuri

One of Tokyo’s most famous festivals, featuring shrine processions and colorful portable shrines. It is a great event for experiencing the energy of Edo culture.

WhenUsually around May each year

Location2-16-2 Kanda-Awajicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan

Nearest stationOchanomizu Station

HoursHeld at specific times during the festival period

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIf you want a good view of the procession, secure a spot early.

Tokyo Ballet

One of Tokyo’s leading ballet companies, presenting high-quality performances ranging from classics to contemporary works. If your trip matches the schedule, it can be a memorable cultural experience.

WhenPerformances held throughout the year

Nearest stationShinjuku Station

HoursDepends on the performance schedule

AdmissionTicket prices vary by production

Travel tipPopular performances may sell out early, so book tickets soon.

Tokyo Marathon

An international large-scale marathon that runs through central Tokyo. It is fun to cheer along the course while seeing major city sights.

WhenAround February every year

LocationMajor roads in Tokyo

Nearest stationVaries by start point

HoursVaries on event day

AdmissionEntry fee for runners / free to watch

Travel tipRoad closures affect transportation, so check your route in advance. Street-side cheering spots are popular.

Sanja Matsuri

A major traditional festival held around Senso-ji in Asakusa. It is known for lively portable shrine processions and a festive atmosphere.

WhenAround May every year

LocationAsakusa area, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Nearest stationAsakusa Station

HoursVaries by event

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt gets extremely crowded, so public transportation is best. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

Tokyo Art Exhibition

An event showcasing various contemporary art exhibitions.

WhenAround March every year

Travel tipExhibition schedules change frequently, so check before visiting.

Tokyo Autumn Performances

Various autumn performances held each year.

WhenAround September every year

Travel tipIt's recommended to make a reservation before admission.

Subway lines

Airport limited express (Haneda Airport Terminal 1・2 Station->Narita Airport Station)Blue LineŌedo Line (Tochōmae → Hikarigaoka)Enoshima Electric RailwayGreen LineIna Line by New Shuttle (Omiya-> Uchijuku)Kanazawa Seaside Line (to Shin-Sugita)Keikyu & Toei Asakusa Limited Express & Keisei Oshiage / Sky Access Express (Narita Airport → Asakusa → Haneda Airport)Marunouchi Line (Ikebukuro --> Ogikubo)Nippori-Toneri Liner (Minumadai-shinsuikoen -> Nippori)Saitama Rapid Railway Line (Akabane-Iwabuchi -> Urawa-Misono)Seibu Yamaguchi Line (Seibu-Kyūjōmae -> Tamako)Shinjuku Line (Motoyawata --> Shinjuku)Tōyō Rapid Railway Line (Nishi-Funabashi -> Toyo-Katsutadai)Toei Asakusa Line (Nishi-magome --> Oshiage)Toei Mita Line (Meguro --> Nishi-takashimadaira)Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (Yoyogi-Uehara -> Ayase)Tokyo Metro - Denentoshi bypass line (Shibuya -> Chuo-Rinkan)Tokyo Metro - Denentoshi bypass line (Shibuya -> Chuo-Rinkan)Tokyo Metro - Denentoshi bypass line (Shibuya -> Chuo-Rinkan)Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line (Shibuya --> Wakoshi)Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (Asakusa --> Shibuya)Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line (Oshiage --> Shibuya)Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (Kita-Senju --> Naka-meguro)Tokyo Metro - Joban Local Bypass Line (Northbound through service)Tokyo Metro - Mukōgaoka-Yuen Bypass Line (westbound)Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (Meguro --> Akabane-iwabuchi)Tokyo Metro - Odawara Express Line (northbound)Tokyo Metro - Skytree Bypass Line (Hanzomon, South->North)Tokyo Metro - Skytree Bypass Line (Hibiya, North->South)Tokyo Metro - Skytree Bypass Line (Hibiya, South->North)Tokyo Metro - Tōjō Bypass Line (eastbound)Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line Local: Nishi-Funabashi => NakanoTokyo Metro - Toyoko Bypass Line: Shibuya => YokohamaTokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line (Wakoshi --> Shin-kiba)Tokyo subway - Meguro Bypass Line (Meguro -> Hiyoshi)Tokyu Setagaya Line (Shimo-Takaido → Sangen-Jaya)Yokohama Minatomirai Line (Motomachi-chukagai->Yokohama)Yurakucho-Ikebukuro Line (westbound)Yurikamome (Shimbashi → Toyosu)

Basic travel phrases (Japanese)

こんにちは

Konnichiwa · Greeting

ありがとうございます

Arigatou gozaimasu · Thanks

はじめまして

Hajimemashite · Nice to meet you

良い一日を

Yoi ichinichi wo · Wishing a good day

ようこそ

Youkoso · Welcome

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