Tokyo Travel Guide
- Tokyo
- 26 Jun, 2025
Make the most of your trip to Tokyo with our comprehensive Tokyo itineraries, our definitive list of the best places to eat in Tokyo and rundowns of essential attractions in each of Tokyo’s fascinating districts
Tokyo Itineraries
Maximize your time in Tokyo with my carefully planned itineraries for
trips from 1 to 5 days. Also, theme-based and Tokyo/Kyoto itineraries.
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Tokyo Hotels
Here are the best hotels in each district and each price bracket. All personally inspected.
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Tokyo Ryokan
Want to try a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)? Here are my favorite ryokan in Tokyo.
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First Time In Tokyo
So you want to see Tokyo? Start here: When, where, why and how. And, of course, how much.
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Tokyo Districts
Tokyo is like 14 distinct cities with a great transport system. Here’s my guide to each of Tokyo’s 14 major districts.
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Things to Do In Tokyo
Our comprehensive overview of the best things to do in Tokyo can help you make the most of your time in the city.
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Visiting Mount Fuji
It’s easy to visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo, whether you want to view the mountain or, in summer, climb it.
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Best Time To Visit Tokyo
The best times to visit and details on monthly weather and festivals.
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Tokyo SIM Cards
How and where to buy a data-only or voice SIM in Tokyo or online before arrival. Or, rent a pocket wifi. The best deals, personally tested.
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Getting Around Tokyo
The smart way to use Tokyo’s excellent subways, trains, buses and taxis.
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Eat Like A Local In Tokyo
Want to eat where Tokyo locals actually eat? Then check out our guide to some of Tokyo’s best local restaurants.
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Japan Travel Guides
There are several must-see destinations in Japan within easy reach of Tokyo. They all make great additions to any Tokyo itinerary. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.
Nara Travel Guide
Nara is a spectacular contrast to Kyoto — and only half an hour away by express train.
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Kanazawa Travel Guide
Sometimes called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is a superb destination in its own right.
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Hiroshima And Miyajima
Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima provide some of Japan’s most memorable sights.
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Takayama Travel Guide
Takayama is a great stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto with its own distinct cultural heritage.
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New And Updated On Truly Tokyo 2025
- [UPDATED] Things To Do In Tokyo 2025 — Trying to decide what to do in Tokyo is enough to cause a serious case of information overload. To help you choose, we’ve created this high-level guide so you can make the most of your time in the city. Read More
- [UPDATED] Where To Stay In Tokyo 2025 — Where should you stay in Tokyo? In this section, I’ll give you my picks for the best, most convenient and most interesting neighborhoods in Tokyo as of February 2025. Read More
- [NEW] Private Buddhist Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Temple in Tokyo — If you’d like to delve deeper into Japan’s religious and culinary background, one of the best ways is by studying shojin ryori, Japan’s ancient Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. A great place to do this is at Jojokuji Temple in Akasaka, where you can study the cuisine with an experienced teacher and Buddhist monk. Read More
- [NEW] Book Tea Bed Shibuya — If you’d like to try the capsule hotel experience, Book Tea Bed is a great place to do it. Located a short distance up the hill from Shibuya Station, it’s a friendly place that welcomes both men and women (something of a rarity). Read More
- [NEW] Karaska Hotel Tokyo Station — Just steps from the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, the Karaska Hotel Tokyo Station is a good mid-range hotel that is ideal for traveling families. It offers easy access to transport, shopping, dining and some sights. Read More
- [NEW] MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae — With rates that can sometimes dip below US$50 per night and a location within walking distance of Asakusa, the MyCUBE by MYSTAYS is a great option for budget travelers looking to stay in the Asakusa/Ueno/Sky Tree area. Read More
- [NEW] Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa — Resol Poshtel is a friendly and fun modern capsule hotel just steps from the temple district of Asakusa. For backpackers and other budget travelers in search of a cheap and sociable place to stay in Asakusa, this should fit the bill nicely. Read More
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Tokyo.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.