The scale and significance of Tokyo, Japan, is hard to conceptualize. It’s part of the largest metropolitan area in the world by population — at roughly 40 million people, the Greater Tokyo Area has about as many residents as the entire country of Canada. Here, the ultramodern and the traditional blend: sleek skyscrapers stand beside ancient temples, and bustling streets contrast tranquil gardens. It’s a place of endless opportunities for travelers to experience Japanese culture, cuisine, traditions, and more.

Below, we’ve curated a guide with our expert advice on how to get the most out of your trip to Tokyo. Read on for info about the city’s best neighborhoods, meals, activities, attractions, and more. And if you don’t have plans to visit but are inspired to, consider our Insider’s Japan tour.

Click here to explore our Insider’s Japan tour.

Table of Contents

1. The Basics: Language, Currency, Climate, & Safety
2. Getting Around
3. Food & Cuisine
4. Restaurant & Dining Etiquette
5. 10 Areas to Visit
6. 10 Famous Attractions
7. Useful Information
8. Useful Apps
9. Useful Websites

Kyu-Goryo-Tei (Tawain Pavilion) in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

The Basics

• Language– Japanese, naturally, is the city’s official language. People who work in tourism can often speak some English. However, be aware that only a small percentage of Japanese people speak fluent English, so you should plan to learn some basic Japanese in order to communicate effectively. Luckily, important signage – including public transit signs – are multilingual by default.
• Currency– The unit of currency in Japan is the yen (JPY), abbreviated to ¥.  Bills are issued in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000JPY.  Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500JPY.  Visit xe.com for the current exchange rate. Note that Japan largely operates on cash, so credit cards may not always be accepted.
• Climate– The climate in Tokyo is similar to some regions of the Mid-Atlantic. Autumn and spring are extremely pleasant, with temperatures typically peaking in the 60s and 70s. Winters can reach below freezing, but are usually relatively mild, averaging in the 40s. Summers are known to be quite warm and very humid; temperatures easily reach the upper-80s (though in recent years, summer heat waves have reached as high as the mid-90s). During typhoon season (August to October), rain is more frequent, but otherwise rainfall is typical of a subtropical climate. Visit com for more climate information.
• Safety – Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world and has very low crime rates. Still, travelers should be vigilant towards petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, especially in high-traffic areas. Practice common sense safety measures to protect your belongings while on-the-go: wear bags in front of your body, use a money belt, wear neutral colors, etc.

Getting Around

Tokyo’s public transportation system is lauded as one of the largest, most efficient, and most reliable in the world. It carries over 14 billion passengers every year on its network of buses, subways, and trains.

The public transit system includes several train operators, with Tokyo Metro being the largest, followed by Toei and JR. For this reason, different subway lines may be referred to by different nicknames.

Though this may all sound a bit overwhelming, using Tokyo’s public transit is quite easy, even for tourists. Metro signage is multilingual, and maps are color-coded to make navigation simple. Because buses can be unreliable due to traffic, trains are the primary form of transportation in Tokyo.

To travel via public transit, purchase a ticket or obtain a rechargeable IC card at a ticket machine (available at every station). Alternatively, you can purchase a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour pass for unlimited use on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines at a cost of ¥800, ¥1,200, or ¥1,500, respectively.

For more information on the Tokyo public transit system, click here.

Shio ramen

Food & Cuisine

Many Japanese foods are well-known and well-loved in the U.S. Below are some foods and meals we recommend trying in Tokyo.

For a helpful breakdown of different food-related terms, as well as a list of popular dishes and restaurants, click here.

Foods:

• Noodles – Many Japanese dishes center around the type of noodle used. To name a few: soba (chewy buckwheat noodles with a nutty flavor, often served cold), udon (thick, chewy noodles made from wheat flour and usually present in soups and stir-fry), fensi (“cellophane noodles” or “glass noodles” made from starch and water, and which get their name from their nearly transparent appearance), somen (thin wheat noodles), and ramen (Chinese-style wheat noodles present in the beloved soup dish by the same name).
• Sushi – Sushi emerged during the Edo period as a sort of ancient “fast food.” Now, sushi is enjoyed all over the world. Many types of sushi exist, but the primary components are a mouthful-sized lump of rice topped or wrapped with raw seafood. Other ingredients range from dried seaweed (nori) and pickled vegetables to wasabi or a soy-based sauce.
• Breaded fried meats and veggies – Foods like tonkatsu (breaded fried pork cutlet) and gyukatsu (breaded fried beef cutlet) are common in many Japanese meals. Tempura refers to a dish made up of battered and fried veggies and seafood.

Meals:

• Nigiri – A type of sushi consisting of rice topped with raw fish (often salmon or tuna) and sometimes a dollop of wasabi. Real sushi fanatics should try one of the many Kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants, where seemingly endless plates of sushi rotate on a conveyor belt that slowly passes each table. Just grab a plate (or many) and enjoy!
• Zaru soba – A classic comfort food consisting of cold buckwheat noodles (soba) and a soy-based dipping sauce called tsuyu. Zaru soba is often the first choice of busy individuals who gulp the noodles down before quickly leaving the restaurant – a practice that inspired the saying, “soba should be swallowed rather than chewed.”
• Sukiyaki – An Edo-period meal known in the U.S. as “hot pot.” A pot of boiling broth sits in the center of the table and is used to cook strips of beef, as well as other ingredients like vegetables and noodles.
• Ramen – A soup dish with ramen noodles, flavored broth, and toppings such as meat (often pork belly), bean sprouts, soft-boiled egg, carrots, dried seaweed (nori), fish cakes, and bamboo shoots. The type of noodles, broth, and toppings depends on the type of ramen; the four main versions are Tonkotsu (thin noodles, creamy pork bone broth, pork belly, dried seaweed, and egg), Miso (ramen noodles, miso broth, and toppings like pork, corn, bean sprouts, and green onions), Shoyu (soy-sauce broth, meat like chicken or pork, pork belly, pickled bamboo shoots, and boiled egg), and Shio (characterized by a light salty broth that allows the toppings to provide most of the flavor).
• Okonomiyaki – A savory pancake with a choice of different ingredients mixed in.
• Takoyaki – A popular ball-shaped street food made primarily from fried batter and octopus tentacles.

A Note on Breakfast

One aspect of Japanese cuisine that Americans may find surprising is that breakfasts are almost exclusively savory and often contain many of the same foods you’d eat for lunch and dinner. A traditional breakfast might include rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and eggs.

Shinjuku is one of the main foodie hotspots in Tokyo, and the famous alleyway Omoide Yokocho is one of its many bar-and-restaurant-laden streets.

Restaurant & Dining Etiquette

Dining in Japan is relatively straightforward, but some practices may be different from what you are used to in the States. Below are some tips about restaurant etiquette to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for all.

• Eat inside the restaurant or store. Eating “on-the-go,” especially on buses and trains, is considered bad manners. Even where street foods are sold, it’s customary to step to the side to enjoy your food rather than eat while walking.
• Wait to be seated. Lines at restaurants are not uncommon in Tokyo. Even when there isn’t a line, you should wait for a host to escort you to a table.
• Call your waitstaff when needed. Because Japanese culture values efficiency, waitstaff don’t usually check on tables. Rather, you are expected to call for a waiter if needed. Sometimes a table will have a call button; otherwise, being direct and saying “Sumimasen!” (“Excuse me!”) is normal and expected.
• Avoid modifications to the menu. Unless you have an allergy, you should avoid asking for modifications to a dish on the menu. If you do require a special diet due to allergies, calling ahead to notify the restaurant of this is always appreciated, especially at high-end restaurants.
• Before your meal: You will often be given a wet cloth upon sitting at a table; this should be used to clean your hands before, during, and after your meal. Once food is at the table, it is customary to say “itadakimasu” (“I receive”) before digging in.
• Practice using chopsticks. Chopsticks are the traditional utensil in Japan. If you have trouble using them, most restaurants will be able to provide you with a fork or spoon.
• Don’t use your chopsticks as skewers, rub them together, or gesture with them. You also shouldn’t pass food from one person to another with chopsticks or stick them upright in your rice, as these acts are associated with Buddhist funeral rituals.
• Know your manners. For example, it’s normal to hold your bowl under your chin while eating rice. Slurping soup and noodles is very common as it helps cool the food down while you eat (but other eating sounds are considered poor manners). It’s okay to begin eating before others at the table have been served their food, but you should wait until everyone has their drink before indulging in alcohol. And, it’s customary not to pour your own drink, but polite to pour for others.
• Pay at the counter. In most restaurants – except for high-end ones – bills are paid at the counter, not at the table.
• Tipping isn’t necessary. At restaurants, tipping is not expected or accepted and can even be offensive. In Japan, “the customer is God;” excellent customer service is the standard, not something that requires extra compensation. If, for some reason, you ever do feel it is necessary to tip, do so discreetly and respectfully. Place the money in an envelope and hand it directly to the recipient by holding it in both hands and bowing slightly.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan.

10 Areas to Visit

Tokyo is unique in the sense that it is a true metropolis: a conurbation made up of 23 distinct wards, as well as other cities, towns, and villages. Keep this in mind when exploring the areas listed below.

1. Shibuya – This busy commercial epicenter can be compared to Times Square in New York City; it’s full of neon lights, flashing billboards, and the two busiest railway stations in the world: Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station. It offers all manner of trendy shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
2. Shinjuku – Shinjuku is like the older sister of Shibuya and is considered more adult-centered, with more upscale bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues. This is where the iconic alleyway, Omoide Yokocho, resides, offering nostalgic pubs and food stalls reminiscent of old Tokyo.
3. Asakusa – The “low city” offers a more historic look at Tokyo, with the 7^th-century Buddhist temple Senso-ji as the main attraction. On the way there, you can stroll the Nakamise, a shopping street full of traditional snacks and tourist souvenirs.
4. Roppongi – As a cultural center, Roppongi is especially popular with tourists. Art galleries, museums, and ample nightlife gives this district an artsy yet cosmopolitan vibe. Highlights include the Mori Art Museum, the National Art Center, tranquil Mori Garden, several observation decks, and tree-lined Keyakizaka Street.
5. Ginza – Known for its elegant atmosphere, Ginza is full of luxury department stores, high-end boutiques, and fine dining. Chuo-dori is the main shopping street and makes for a perfect place to window shop.
6. Ueno – Another major tourist destination offering attractions such as the huge Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, several major museums (including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science), and the pedestrian-filled Ameyoko street market.
7. Daikanyama – The laid-back atmosphere of this Brooklyn-like district is perfect for a slow afternoon of lazy exploration. Breweries, cafés, bakeries, and delis serve locally sourced products along the narrow streets, providing an easy getaway from the bustle of nearby Shibuya.
8. Nakameguro – This residential district is perhaps best known for the cherry trees lining the Meguro River. In spring, the cherry blossoms form an enchanting tunnel along the waterway. It’s a picture-perfect spot for people watching and shopping at indie stores.
9. Harajuku – Considered the fashion capital of Japan, Harajuku is fittingly colorful, youthful, artsy, and quirky. While here, you will likely see unique street fashion while enjoying independent boutiques, vintage stores, dessert shops, and trendy bars.
10. Akihabara – Famed for its technology retailers, Akihabara boasts many stores specializing in electronics, anime, manga, and pop culture. It’s easy to see why this district is nicknamed the “Electric Town.”

The Nakamise shopping street leads the way to Senso-ji, the famous Buddhist temple in Asakusa.

10 Famous Attractions

There’s no way to summarize all the sites, events, activities, and attractions available in Tokyo. We could easily create specialized “top 10” lists for almost any interest. So, we recommend you cater to your wants and needs when planning your trip. Below, you can find a list of some of the more famous attractions in Tokyo – along with the ward they are located in – to give you an idea of what’s available.

1. Senso-ji (Asakusa) – The iconic 7^th-century Buddhist temple known for its bright red accents and five-story pagoda.
2. Meiji Jingu (Shibuya) – A Shinto shrine set within a vast forest in the middle of bustling Shibuya.
3. Tokyo Skytree (Sumida) and Tokyo Tower (Shiba-koen) – Tokyo Skytree is a landmark tower with a glass-floor observation deck, offering panoramic views of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower also offers panoramic city views, as well as a view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Shinjuku) – A 144-acre park with traditional Japanese, French, and English gardens.
5. Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya) – The main intersection in busy Shibuya, surrounded by neon lights and flashing billboards.
6. Isetan (Shinjuku) – Tokyo’s most famous nine-story department store, dating back to 1886 when it began as a kimono shop.
7. Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) – Located on the former site of Edo Castle, the home of the Tokugawa shogun (c. 1603–1867), the palace is set within acres of gardens and surrounded by a moat. Two famous bridges – Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) and Nijubashi (Double Bridge) – make for great photos.
8. Tokyo National Museum (Ueno) – Hosts the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, religious sculptures, samurai swords, woodblock prints, kimonos, and more.
9. Ueno Zoo (Ueno) – Animal-lovers should stop by Ueno Zoo, where the famous Giant Pandas Rī Rī, Shin, and Xiang Xiang live.
10. Golden Gai (Shinjuku) – An alleyway lined with miniscule bars, some no bigger than a closet and many only seating about a dozen at a time. Run by “masters” or “mamas,” each bar is unique and attracts international bar hoppers and local regulars alike.

Cherry blossoms in bloom along the Meguro River in Nakameguro.

Useful Tips & Information

• Bring cash. Because Japan operates largely on a cash-based economy, some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards. So, as a precaution, bring enough cash to cover any purchases you plan to make for the day. Just be sure to properly safeguard your money from pickpockets (with a money belt, for example).
• Greetings are often hands-off. Handshakes, high-fives, hugs, and other displays of public affection are not common in Japan. Because the Japanese have different comfort levels towards physical touch, it’s best to follow their lead. A short bow is always appropriate when greeting someone.
• Keep the volume low. With how large and busy Tokyo is, one would assume the city would be noisy. However, Japanese people tend to be soft-spoken and relatively introverted, and they value their peace and quiet. Museums, galleries, and libraries are especially silent, and at restaurants and on public transit, voices are kept very low (or conversation may be avoided totally, especially on transit). You should feel free to chat, but be mindful of your volume and the setting.
• Medical masks are common. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many East Asian countries regularly practiced mask-wearing, especially during flu season. If someone is experiencing signs of sickness, wearing a mask to avoid potentially infecting others is common and respectful. Ultimately, it is a personal choice, and this is understood in Japan; however, to leave a good impression, you may wish to mask in crowded or confined areas, especially if you have cold-like symptoms.
• Trash bins are rare in public areas. People don’t often carry food with them while on-the-go in Japan, so trash bins aren’t considered necessary in public areas. Most of the time, you are expected to carry your garbage with you and dispose of it when you get home. If needed, train stations and convenience stores often have trash bins.
• Dress up.Tokyo is a fashion epicenter and Japanese people generally tend to value looking put-together and well-dressed. “Smart casual” is a safe style choice if you wish to blend in.

Akihabara, the vivid tech and pop culture center of Tokyo.

Useful Apps

Google Translate – Instantly translate text, speech, and even images in over 100 languages, including Japanese.

Google Lens – An image recognition tool that can translate text in real time; just point your smartphone camera at signs, menus, or any other text to see the English translation.

Google Maps – Even the Japan National Tourism Organization recommends using Google Maps to navigate Tokyo. With Google Maps, you can get real-time info on traffic and public transportation, and also read reviews of restaurants, stores, attractions, and more.

Tokyo Metro Subway Map – Provides offline maps for the Tokyo Metro, Toei, and JR Yamanote subway lines.

Japan Transit Planner – Offers route planning for public transit across all of Japan. It can provide info on fares, routes, rail transfers, and more.

Duolingo – A free language learning app featuring an option to customize your lessons to teach you useful words and phrases for travel.

GetYourGuide – Easily book travel experiences and purchase tickets for thousands of tours, day trips, activities, events, and more.

Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan.

Useful Websites

www.gotokyo.org

www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/tokyo

www.japan-guide.com

girleatworld.net/tokyo-food-guide