Narita Express (N'EX)
Direct from Narita to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations. All seats are reserved with luggage space.
Tokyo Travel Guide
Tokyo is a vast metropolis where skyscraper districts, quiet shrines and tiny alley bars sit side by side. Each neighborhood has its own character, so fans of shopping, food, anime or traditional culture will all fill their days quickly.
Plan your Tokyo trip
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At a glance
- Currency
- JPY (¥)
- Power & plugs
- 100V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- 日本語
- How long to stay
- 4 to 5 days
Emergency numbers
- Police110
- Ambulance119
- Fire119
- Tourist hotline050-3816-2787
When to go
Late March to early April (cherry blossoms) and October-November are ideal. Avoid the June rainy season, the hot and humid July-August, and typhoon season in August-September; Golden Week (late April to early May) and New Year are crowded and pricey.
Airport to the city
Keisei Skyliner
The fastest link from Narita to Nippori and Ueno. Best if you stay around Asakusa or Ueno.
Keikyu Line (Haneda)
Quick and cheap from Haneda to Shinagawa, with some trains running through onto the Asakusa Line.
Tokyo Monorail (Haneda)
Runs to Hamamatsucho, where you transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Nice views of Tokyo Bay.
Getting around
Suica / PASMO IC Card
Buy at station machines or add to Apple Wallet; works on JR, subways, buses and in convenience stores. Top-ups are often cash only.
JR Yamanote Line
A loop line linking Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno and more; the backbone of most itineraries.
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway
Covers the inner city in detail. Tourist 24/48/72-hour subway passes pay off on busy days.
Taxis
Clean and safe but expensive. The rear door opens automatically, so don't pull it.
Walking
Stations are close together, so walking one or two stops is often faster and more fun.
Where to stay
Shinjuku
Good for: First visit, transport hub
Many lines and late-night dining. The station is a maze, so check your exit in advance.
Shibuya
Good for: Shopping, young vibe
The famous crossing and big malls, with Harajuku and Omotesando within walking distance.
Ginza / Tokyo Station
Good for: Comfort, shinkansen access
Clean, calm and upscale with department stores. Hotels are pricier.
Asakusa / Ueno
Good for: Old Tokyo feel, value
Near Senso-ji and Ueno Park with cheaper hotels. Easy access to Narita.
Ikebukuro
Good for: Anime shopping, value
Big malls and anime stores with good transport links. A bit less hectic than Shinjuku.
Top sights
Senso-ji (Asakusa)
Tokyo's oldest temple with snack stalls along Nakamise Street. Go early morning or when lit up at night; free.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The iconic mass pedestrian crossing. For an overhead view, visit the paid Shibuya Sky deck.
Meiji Jingu
A forested shrine right next to Harajuku Station, free to enter. Mornings are the most peaceful.
Tokyo Skytree
The city's tallest observation deck, with Mt Fuji visible on clear days. Book online to cut waiting time.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Seafood bowls, tamagoyaki and skewers from street stalls. Go in the morning; many shops close by early afternoon.
Ueno Park
Museums, a zoo and top cherry blossom viewing. Combine with the Ameyoko market next door.
Akihabara
The hub of electronics, anime and gaming shops. The main street sometimes becomes pedestrian-only on weekends.
Odaiba
A bayside island with malls and Rainbow Bridge night views. The Yurikamome train ride there is scenic.
What to eat
Sushi
Conveyor-belt sushi runs about 150-500 yen (~US$1-3.50) a plate; counter omakase starts around 10,000 yen (~US$67). Tsukiji and Ginza have many options.
Ramen
Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso or tsukemen, often ordered via a ticket machine. About 1,000-1,500 yen (~US$7-10) a bowl.
Izakaya
Japanese pubs serving yakitori and draft beer; Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho alley is classic. Many add a small cover charge (otoshi).
Monjayaki and Okonomiyaki
Savory pancakes cooked on a hot plate at your table; Tsukishima's Monja Street is famous. About 1,500-2,500 yen (~US$10-17).
Konbini and Depachika
Convenience stores and department store food halls sell excellent onigiri, bento and desserts. Late evening often brings discount stickers.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 8,000-10,000 yen (~US$55-67) per day: hostel, konbini, ramen
Mid-rangeabout 20,000-25,000 yen (~US$135-170) per day: business hotel, restaurant meals
Comfortabout 50,000 yen+ (~US$335+) per day: luxury hotel, omakase dinners
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Senso-ji and Nakamise Street in the morning, Tokyo Skytree in the afternoon, then an izakaya dinner near Ueno's Ameyoko.
- Day 2
Meiji Jingu in the morning, Harajuku and Omotesando in the afternoon, then sunset views from Shibuya Sky.
- Day 3
Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza shopping in the afternoon, then Rainbow Bridge views in Odaiba.
- Day 4
Akihabara in the morning, Ikebukuro or Shinjuku Gyoen in the afternoon, then yakitori in Omoide Yokocho.
Local tips
- Cards and IC cards are widely accepted, but small eateries and shrines may be cash only, so carry some yen.
- There is no tipping, and public trash cans are rare; carry a small bag for your rubbish.
- In Tokyo, stand on the left of escalators, and avoid phone calls on trains.
- Show your passport at tax-free stores for consumption tax exemption on eligible purchases.
- An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi makes navigating complex transfers much easier.
- Ignore touts in nightlife areas like Kabukicho; overcharging scams do happen.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.