Tokyo travel guide

A trip to Tokyo is an immersive experience of the world's largest city, where tradition and cutting-edge design live side by side. From the modern streets of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Akihabara to the Edo-era lanes of Asakusa and Ueno and the trendy cafés of Harajuku and Daikanyama, there is something for every taste, around the clock.

Tokyo's real appeal is its density. Within a five-minute walk you can find a Michelin-starred restaurant and a convenience-store bento, a 100-yen shop and a luxury flagship, a shrine and a skyscraper. Spring cherry blossoms (Ueno, the Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen), autumn leaves (Yoyogi and Hibiya parks) and summer fireworks (the Sumidagawa fireworks) give the city a different face each season.

With a Suica card or a Tokyo Subway Ticket, you can use one of the world's best public transport networks, linking more than 350 subway stations. You can see the highlights in four days, but five nights or more is recommended to really experience Tokyo.

Visa and entry requirements for Japan

Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.

• Visa information and exemptions (short-term stay) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
• Visit Japan Web (online immigration and customs registration) (Digital Agency, Government of Japan)

Shinjuku centers on the world's busiest railway station, used by 3.4 million people a day, with the Kabukicho nightlife district to the east, skyscrapers to the west and the Takashimaya shopping complex to the south. Shinjuku Gyoen (admission 500 yen) is Tokyo's top cherry-blossom spot. The yakitori stalls of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) still look as they did in the 1950s.

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing (in Korean), where 3,000 people cross at once, is a symbol of Tokyo. Night views from the Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck (paid) and new landmarks such as Shibuya Stream and Miyashita Park are worth seeing. Takeshita Street in Harajuku (cosplay, crêpes) and the luxury boutiques of Omotesando are a 15-minute walk away.

Senso-ji in Asakusa (in Korean) is Tokyo's oldest temple (628), and the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise approach recreate the atmosphere of the Edo period. Visit before 7:00 to take photos without the crowds. Rickshaw rides (about 8,000 yen for 30 minutes) and kimono rental (from about 3,000 yen for 1–2 hours) are popular.

Ueno Park (in Korean) is Tokyo's largest cherry-blossom spot (about 1,200 trees) and a cultural belt with the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art. Ameyoko market stretches for 500 m with stalls selling everything from dried seafood and sweets to clothing and cosmetics.

Akihabara is the world's biggest mecca for electronics, anime and figures, from big-box stores such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera to basement otaku specialists. Tax-free shopping (show your passport) lets you skip the 10% consumption tax.

Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment district on artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. teamLab Planets (digital art), the replica Statue of Liberty and night views of the Rainbow Bridge are the highlights, and riding the driverless Yurikamome line is an attraction in itself.

Tokyo Disney Resort is in Urayasu, east of Tokyo (JR Maihama Station), with two parks, Disneyland and DisneySea. One-day tickets cost 9,400–10,900 yen and often sell out, so buy in advance on the official app.

Hakone is about 85 minutes from Tokyo on the Odakyu Romancecar. Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, views of Mount Fuji and ryokan hot springs make it a favorite for honeymoons and anniversaries. A day trip is possible, but a night in a ryokan (KRW 300,000–800,000) is recommended.

Convenience-store culture: rice balls, roll cakes and curry at 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are among the best convenience-store food in the world. Breakfast from a convenience store costs 500–800 yen per person.

• Suica card: issued at airport and station ticket machines (500 yen deposit). Works on subways, JR, buses, convenience stores and vending machines; essential for a Tokyo trip.
• Airport to the city: Haneda to Shinjuku by Tokyo Monorail and JR in about 40 minutes (640 yen). Narita to Shinjuku by Narita Express in about 60 minutes (2,570 yen).
• JR Yamanote Line: the key loop line linking Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno and Akihabara.
• Tokyo Subway Ticket: 1-, 2- and 3-day passes for foreign visitors (800–1,500 yen) with unlimited subway rides.
• Taxis: 750 yen flag fall; you can book with the GO taxi app.

• Spring (late March–early April): peak cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, the Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen and the Chidorigafuchi moat. Average 10–18°C. High season, so hotel prices rise; book two to three months ahead.
• Summer (June–August): hot and humid (30–35°C, 80%+ humidity). The Sumidagawa fireworks are on the last Saturday of July. Crowded and hot.
• Autumn (October–November): autumn leaves and clear skies, 15–25°C, with foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen and Hibiya Park. Tied with spring as the best season.
• Winter (December–February): 5–10°C and dry, with dazzling Christmas illuminations in Marunouchi and Omotesando. Low season, so hotels are cheaper.

Our step-by-step guides (in Korean) cover the route from the airport to each sight. Start with Narita, the Skyliner and Asakusa (in Korean) for your arrival day, then use the guides below to choose your exit.

• Senso-ji: Ginza Line vs Tawaramachi vs TX (in Korean)
• Shibuya: JR vs Metro, Hachiko vs Sky (in Korean)
• Skytree: Oshiage vs Tokyo Skytree Station (in Korean)
• Meiji Jingu: Harajuku vs Meiji-Jingumae (in Korean)
• Ueno Zoo: JR Park Exit vs Bentenmon (in Korean)