Japan · Asia
Tokyo
Neon districts, ancient shrines and precision food
Trip length
4–6 days
Best time
March–April (blossom) and October–November (autumn)
Mid-range budget
¥22,000–38,000 / day
Overview
Tokyo is the future and the past at once — serene shrines and centuries-old gardens tucked between neon canyons, robot precision beside deep tradition. It's the world's greatest food city (more Michelin stars than anywhere), impeccably clean and safe, and each district feels like its own city. Overwhelming and mesmerising, it rewards both meticulous plans and getting happily lost.
Where to stay & explore
Shinjuku
Neon nightlife, skyscraper views, Golden Gai's tiny bars and the vast station — a buzzing base.
Shibuya & Harajuku
The famous scramble crossing, youth fashion, Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park side by side.
Asakusa & Ueno
Old Tokyo: Senso-ji temple, riverside streets and Ueno's museums and park.
Ginza & Marunouchi
Elegant shopping, department-store food halls and the Imperial Palace gardens — polished and central.
Top attractions
- Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street
- The Shibuya scramble crossing and Meiji Shrine
- Sushi and a food-hall crawl (Toyosu / depachika)
- TeamLab digital-art museum
- A day trip to Nikko or Hakone with Mt Fuji views
Sample itinerary
Old Tokyo
Senso-ji in Asakusa, a Sumida river walk, and Ueno's park and museums.
West side
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya crossing, then Shinjuku's skyscraper views and Golden Gai bars.
Culture & neon
Imperial Palace gardens and Ginza by day, teamLab and Akihabara by night.
Day trip
Hakone for hot springs and Mt Fuji, or Nikko's shrines and forests.
Budget guide
Budget
¥9,000–14,000 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
¥22,000–38,000 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
¥80,000+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card (or add it to your phone) for trains, buses and convenience stores.
- 2A Japan Rail Pass pays off only with intercity travel; within Tokyo, pay per ride.
- 3Carry some cash — smaller restaurants and shrines may not take cards.
- 4Trains stop around midnight; plan your last ride or expect a pricey taxi.
Plan your own Tokyo trip
Turn this guide into a personalised 4–6 days itinerary — with hotels, restaurants and hidden gems matched to your exact budget, in seconds.