Our vacation in Japan started in Tokyo, a city that hits you with its energy from the very first second. We were amazed by the fascinating mix of towering skyscrapers and centuries-old temples, ultra-modern districts and traditional streets where time seems to have stopped. It’s an intense city, sometimes overwhelming, but incredibly captivating. And when I say that, believe me! The variety of things to do in Tokyo is almost endless. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most fascinating cities in the world. If you can, give yourself at least a week to truly experience it.
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A complete guide to organizing a trip to Japan, including transportation, accommodation, food, budget, and practical tips.
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Getting to Tokyo
Tokyo is the main entry point for most international tourists. For us, it was the perfect starting point for exploring Japan.
Airports in Tokyo
Tokyo is served by two international airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Both are well-connected to the city, making it easy even for first-time visitors.
- Narita International Airport (NRT) – about 60 km from the city center
- Haneda Airport (HND) – much closer to central Tokyo, ideal if you find flights here
Getting from the Airport to Tokyo
From Narita:
- Narita Express (N’EX): 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, ~3000¥. Connects to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama.
- Keisei Skyliner: 45 minutes to Ueno, ~2500¥.
- Local trains or metro: Cheaper, but involve more transfers depending on your destination.
From Haneda:
- Tokyo Monorail: 15–20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, then connect via JR Yamanote Line. ~500¥
- Keikyu Line: 15–30 minutes to Shinagawa, Asakusa, or Ginza. ~300–500¥
Tokyo is huge, so choosing the right location is key:
- Group attractions by neighborhood to save travel time.
- You don’t have to stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku; even if you don’t, you can visit them easily.
- Proximity to a metro station is crucial. Ideally, stay near the Yamanote Line.
- Choose your accommodation based on budget, amenities, and location.
We stayed in Ueno at Hotel Graphy Nezu, a 3-star hotel very close to Ueno Park and the metro station. We paid €590 for 7 nights, with breakfast included. Everything was very clean, and they even provided pajamas along with a wide range of toiletries.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo is amazing year-round, but your experience may vary by season:
- Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms (sakura) – extremely popular, but crowded and expensive.
- Autumn (September–November): Mild weather, fewer crowds, beautiful foliage.
- Avoid the coldest winter months if you prefer mild weather.
How Many Days to Spend in Tokyo
We spent 7 days in Tokyo and still felt there was more to see. I recommend a minimum of 5 days, ideally a full week.
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Transportation in Tokyo
The metro is the main mode of transport, extremely intuitive and reliable. Google Maps works perfectly.
- IC Cards (Suica or Pasmo): Rechargeable cards for trains, metro, buses, and even small purchases in convenience stores and vending machines.
- Digital versions: Can be added to Apple Wallet for convenience.
Food to try
Tokyo is a food paradise with more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Must-try dishes:
- Sushi & sashimi
- Ramen (traditional noodle soup)
- Tempura (fried vegetables and seafood)
- Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet)
- Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- Japanese desserts like mochi, dorayaki, or matcha sweets
Eating in local izakayas and small neighborhood restaurants is often the most authentic and affordable experience. Even if the menu is in Japanese, translation apps work very well.
Top Things to see in Tokyo
Tokyo is enormous and diverse. To see as much as possible, organize your visits by neighborhood.
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Unique Experiences in Tokyo
- Visit a local izakaya
- Enjoy panoramic city views from an observation deck
- Try an urban onsen (hot spring)
- Visit themed cafes (anime, cats, owls, etc.)
- Experience Tokyo nightlife in Shinjuku
- Participate in a traditional tea ceremony
Day Trips from Tokyo
Thanks to Japan’s excellent train network, Tokyo is a perfect base for day trips:
- Nikko (~2h): UNESCO site, famous for Toshogu Shrine
- Kamakura (~1h): Former medieval capital, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)
- Hakone (~1h30): Views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and hot springs
- Kawaguchiko: Best views of Mount Fuji
- Yokohama (~30 min): Modern port city
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, always vibrant, and endlessly fascinating. Whether it’s your first visit to Japan or one of many, there’s always something new to discover.
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Happy travels! 🥰
