Tokyo
Photo by Louie Martinez on Unsplash
1 / 5Japan · Capital city
Tokyo, Japan's capital, mixes centuries-old shrines, futuristic skyscrapers, neon districts, and a famously strong food scene, making it a city that rewards both careful planning and spontaneous wandering. With 2,584 hotels, from compact apartments to luxury mainstays like Palace Hotel Tokyo and Kimpton Shinjuku, it easily fits every traveler's needs and budget.
Known for: Urban life · Food · Culture · Shopping · Architecture
A first-timer's route through Japan: how to split 10-14 days between Tokyo and Kyoto, which sites now need advance booking, and where day trips to Nikko, Nara, or Hakone actually fit — with sourced travel times and a 2025 freshness check.
Read on
Ask about Tokyo in chatThe best times are spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, and autumn (October to November) for clear skies and pleasant temperatures. June brings the rainy season, while July and August are hot and humid. Winter is cold but dry, with fewer crowds.
Shinjuku suits first-timers and nightlife lovers, with easy transit and hotels like Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo. Shibuya is great for shopping and young travelers, near SHIBUYA STREAM HOTEL. Asakusa offers a traditional feel with Sensō-ji nearby, and Hotel Gracery Asakusa is there. Ueno is convenient for museums and parks, with NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO as an option.
Sensō-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, with its iconic Kaminarimon gate and lively Nakamise shopping street. Meiji Jingu offers a serene forested retreat near Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Tokyo Skytree provides sweeping city views from its observation decks. Tokyo Tower, a symbol of the city, also offers panoramic vistas. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a spacious park with Japanese, French, and English landscape styles.
Mt Fuji and Hakone, a classic volcano and lake combo. Nikko for its ornate shrines, Kegon Waterfall, and Lake Chuzenji. Kamakura for the Great Buddha and temple-lined streets. Yokohama for its waterfront and Chinatown. These are all full-day trips from Tokyo, so plan a full day for each.
Plan 4 to 5 days for Tokyo. In that time you can cover the major sights: Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park and its museum, plus Tokyo Tower or Skytree and Shibuya Sky. Add an extra day if you want a day trip, like to Mt Fuji or Nikko. With 5 days you could also fit a day at Tokyo Disneyland.
