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Tokyo skyline at dusk with the illuminated Tokyo Tower

Featured Destination

Tokyo

A fast-moving city of neon districts, peaceful temples, world-class food, distinctive neighborhoods and some of the most efficient transportation in the world.

Why Tokyo

Why this destination is worth planning around

Tokyo can feel futuristic one moment and deeply traditional the next. Visitors can cross the lights of Shibuya, explore the towers and shopping streets of Shinjuku, visit historic temples in Asakusa, eat at tiny neighborhood restaurants and spend an afternoon in peaceful gardens only minutes from some of the busiest districts in the world. Its size can seem intimidating at first, but Tokyo’s extensive train and subway system makes it surprisingly manageable once you understand the basic routes. Different neighborhoods offer completely different experiences, which makes Tokyo especially rewarding for travelers who enjoy exploring rather than staying in one central sightseeing zone.

Plan the trip

Tokyo, step by step

1

Top 10 Tokyo Resorts

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2

Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo

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3

Tokyo Travel Guide

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4

Tokyo Vacation Cost

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Where to stay

Three standout ways to stay

A preview of the full list — see all ten in the Top 10 Tokyo Resorts & Hotels.

Hotel room balcony overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens in Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo sits directly opposite the Imperial Palace gardens in Marunouchi and combines a central location with a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Many rooms have expansive city or garden views, and more than half include balconies.

Minimalist hotel lobby with stone garden high above Tokyo

Aman Tokyo

Aman Tokyo occupies the upper levels of Otemachi Tower and is positioned as an urban sanctuary in central Tokyo. Its appeal is space, serenity, minimalist Japanese design and a strong wellness focus.

High-floor indoor hotel pool with Tokyo skyline views at dusk

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

The hotel occupies the top six floors of Otemachi One Tower and offers sweeping skyline views, direct access to Otemachi Station and proximity to the Imperial Palace. It also has a 20-meter indoor pool and high-floor wellness facilities.

Things to do

Make the most of your trip

Four favourites from the full Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo.

Shibuya Crossing seen from above at night

Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo's most recognizable sights, with pedestrians moving across the intersection from multiple directions at once. The surrounding neighborhood adds major shopping, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife, making this much more than a quick photo stop.

Sensoji Temple gate lantern and main hall in Asakusa

Sensoji Temple & Asakusa

Sensoji is one of Tokyo's best-known historic attractions. Visitors pass through the famous Kaminarimon Gate and continue along Nakamise shopping street toward the temple complex, surrounded by a neighborhood that retains a more traditional atmosphere than many parts of central Tokyo.

Giant wooden torii gate on the forest path to Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine & Harajuku

Meiji Jingu sits within a large forested setting only minutes from Harajuku Station. The shrine provides a calm cultural experience that can easily be combined with the fashion, shops and street energy of Harajuku and nearby Omotesando.

Tokyo Skytree above the Sumida River at blue hour

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree rises 634 meters above the city and is Japan's tallest structure. Its observation areas provide panoramic views across Tokyo, and on clear days Mt. Fuji may be visible in the distance.

Best for

Food, culture, shopping, neighborhoods, technology & first-time Japan trips

Ideal trip length

5 to 7 nights

Planning example used on this site

7 days / 6 nights

Best time

March through May and October through November

Known for

Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, temples, sushi & nightlife

Getting there

Tokyo is served by Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, while both airports offer rail and bus connections into the city.

Travel inspiration

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