TOKYO
Tokyo is a pulsing, ultramodern metropolis where ancient temples stand in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers. It is a city of unparalleled efficiency, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class culinary experiences.
This city is a global trendsetter, effortlessly blending the traditional with the futuristic. Tokyo offers an infinite array of experiences, from quiet gardens and imperial history to vibrant street culture and pop art.
Most Popular Attractions
City Core & Historic Sites
Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden: The former site of Edo Castle, now a beautiful public park surrounding the Imperial Palace.
Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in Asakusa, featuring the iconic Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate).
Meiji Jingu Shrine: A peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a vast, tranquil forest.
Tsukiji Outer Market: A bustling marketplace (the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu) famous for fresh seafood, produce, and street food.
Ueno Park: Home to several major museums, the Tokyo National Museum, a zoo, and beautiful gardens, popular for cherry blossom viewing.
Nezu Museum: A private art museum known for its exquisite collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art and its beautiful traditional garden.
Kiyosumi Gardens: A serene Japanese traditional garden from the Meiji era, known for its large pond and walking paths.
Modern Architecture & Observation Decks
Tokyo Skytree: A broadcasting and observation tower, one of the world’s tallest structures, offering spectacular panoramic views.
Tokyo Tower: An iconic communications and observation tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, known for its vibrant evening illumination.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Offers free observation decks with excellent views of the city skyline, including Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest intersection, a spectacular symbol of modern Tokyo’s energy and population density.
Ginza: Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping and entertainment district, known for its department stores and luxury boutiques.
The National Art Center, Tokyo: A striking modern building with a distinctive undulating glass facade, hosting rotating exhibitions.
Culture, Entertainment & Pop Hubs
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A large park with three distinct garden styles: Japanese Traditional, English Landscape, and French Formal.
Akihabara: Known as Electric Town, the center of Japan’s otaku (geek) culture, with electronics shops, anime stores, and maid cafés.
Harajuku (Takeshita Street): A hub for youth culture and extreme fashion, famous for its quirky boutiques and street food.
Roppongi: An entertainment district known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as art museums like the Mori Art Museum and Suntory Museum of Art.
Ghibli Museum (Mitaka): A museum showcasing the work of the famous Studio Ghibli, featuring original art and short films. (Requires advance ticket purchase).
Odaiba: An artificial island in Tokyo Bay, home to futuristic architecture, shopping malls, museums (like the TeamLab Borderless digital art museum), and the Fuji TV Building.
Yanaka Ginza: A charming, traditional shopping street (shotengai) with an atmosphere of Shitamachi (old Tokyo).
Shinjuku Golden Gai: A small, atmospheric area famous for its tightly packed network of narrow alleys and tiny, unique bars.
Nakano Broadway: A multi-story shopping complex famous as a haven for otaku subculture, specializing in anime, manga, and collector’s items.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Digital Art of TeamLab: Immerse yourself in the boundary-pushing, interactive digital art museums, such as teamLab Planets in Toyosu or teamLab Borderless (relocating in 2024 to Azabudai Hills).
Witness the Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Stand above one of the world’s busiest intersections (e.g., at Shibuya Sky or the second-floor Starbucks) to watch the organized chaos of pedestrians.
Stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden: Wander the serene grounds, including the former Edo Castle, for a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Japan’s history.
Visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, starting with the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Nakamise-dori market street leading up to the main hall.
Take a Japanese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes like sushi, ramen, or tempura from a local chef in areas like Tsukiji or Shinjuku.
Experience a Themed Dinner or Café: Dive into Tokyo’s unique subcultures at a themed restaurant (like a Robot Restaurant or themed izakaya) or a quirky animal café.
Go on a Food Crawl in a Yokocho Alley: Explore the narrow, atmospheric alleys like Golden Gai (Shinjuku) or Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for small, traditional izakaya and local food.
Discover Otaku Culture in Akihabara: Browse multi-story electronics stores, anime shops, manga vendors, and arcades to experience Tokyo’s epicenter of pop culture.
Get a Panoramic City View: Ascend one of the city’s towers—the Tokyo Skytree for the highest view, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free observation deck.
Shop and People-Watch in Harajuku: Explore Takeshita Street for youth fashion and street food, then stroll the upscale boutiques and tree-lined avenues of nearby Omotesando.
Relax in Ueno Park and Museums: Spend a day exploring one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces, which is also home to major institutions like the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
Local Tips & Transport
The Rail Network is King: Tokyo’s transport system is dominated by its highly efficient and punctual trains and subways. The two main operators are JR (Japan Railways) and Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway.
IC Cards for Seamless Travel: Purchase a rechargeable IC Card, like Suica or Pasmo, immediately. These cards are used across all major train, subway, and bus lines, and can even be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines—making travel incredibly smooth.
Navigating the Stations: Tokyo’s train stations are massive and complex. Always check your exit number before leaving the station, as a small mistake can add a long walk. Use apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner which are highly accurate for routes and platforms.
Etiquette on the Train: Mind the rules: silence your phone and avoid loud conversations. Stand on the correct side of the escalator (usually the left, but sometimes the right in the Kansai region—follow the crowd). Wait for passengers to exit before boarding.
From the Airport (Narita/Haneda):
- Haneda (HND): Excellent access via the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail.
- Narita (NRT): Fast options include the Narita Express (N’EX), the Keisei Skyliner, or the more budget-friendly local express trains.
Punctuality is Paramount: Japanese society places high value on timeliness. Always strive to be on time for appointments, tours, or reservations. If a train is delayed by even a minute, the conductor will likely apologize repeatedly.
Cash is Still King: While credit cards are accepted in many large hotels and department stores, smaller restaurants, temples, and shops often only accept cash. Always carry enough Japanese Yen (¥).
No Tipping Needed (or Wanted): Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can sometimes be seen as confusing or even rude. The service charge is usually already included in the price. A simple “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you) is enough.
The Quiet Culture: Tokyo is a bustling city, but there is a strong emphasis on quiet, public demeanor. Avoid speaking loudly on the phone or having boisterous conversations in restaurants, trains, or public spaces.
Hidden Gems & Local Spots:
- Yanaka Ginza: A charming, old-Tokyo shopping street in the Yanaka district, filled with traditional wooden shops, yatai (food stalls), and local atmosphere.
- Tsukishima Monjayaki Street: This district is famous for monjayaki, a runnier, local specialty often cooked right at your table—a must-try savory pancake experience unique to Tokyo.
- Gotokuji Temple: Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this temple is famous for being covered in hundreds of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues—the legendary birthplace of the lucky cat.
- Themed Izakaya in Shinjuku: Beyond the famous Golden Gai, seek out the atmospheric, tiny izakaya (Japanese pubs) in the Omoide Yokocho alley for a taste of post-war Tokyo charm.
Respectful Dining Etiquette: When dining, do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl—this is associated with funerals. When passing food to another person, use serving utensils, not your own chopsticks. Slurping noodles is acceptable as a sign of enjoyment!
Visiting Temples and Shrines: Always pause to purify your hands and mouth at the water fountain (temizuya) before entering. If visiting a Shinto shrine, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish or prayer, and bow once more.
Top Restaurants
Tendon Masaru [$25-$35] – A highly-regarded, old-school tempura-over-rice (tendon) specialist in Asakusa, famous for its deep-fried whole conger eel (anago).
Uosan Sakaba [$15-$25] – A popular, no-frills izakaya known as a “Holy Land for Tokyo’s old men” in Koto-ku, celebrated for its incredibly fresh and affordable seafood sourced from Tsukiji.
Ichiran Ramen [$10-$15] – While a chain, this popular spot offers a unique, private booth dining experience for focusing purely on the rich, customizable tonkotsu (pork bone) broth ramen.
Ootoya [$10-$20] – A reliable and popular chain restaurant serving traditional Japanese teishoku (set meals) with a focus on healthy, balanced home-style dishes.
Torikatsu Chicken [$8-$15] – A hidden, retro gem in Shibuya specializing in affordable cutlets (katsu), offering excellent value set meals of deep-fried meat and vegetables.
Torishige [$15-$30] – A classic, long-standing yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant with a smoky, authentic atmosphere, often frequented by locals in the Shinjuku area.
Toricho [$10-$20] – Known for some of the best tsukune (chicken meatball) yakitori, this unpretentious spot offers great grilled fare in a true local setting.
Torikizoku [$8-$15] – An incredibly popular yakitori chain where all food and drinks are a flat, very low price, making it a great no-frills spot for beer and skewers.
Ginza Shabutsu [$10-$20] – A local favorite for shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot), offering excellent value for money with high-quality, thinly sliced domestic pork, especially at lunch.
Afuri Harajuku [$10-$15] – Famous for its signature yuzu-shio ramen, which features a light chicken and dashi broth with a refreshing citrus finish.
Fuuji [$10-$18] – Highly regarded for its tsukemen (dipping noodles), a simple but delicious meal with thick noodles and a rich dipping sauce.
Tempura Abe [$10-$20] – Tucked away in a Ginza back alley, this Bib Gourmand restaurant serves an excellent, affordable tendon (tempura on rice) set during weekday lunch.
Sushiro [$10-$20] – One of Japan’s largest and most popular conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) chains, known for its consistent quality and extremely affordable prices.
Nakasei Koishikawa [$70-$160] – A one-Michelin-star steakhouse in Bunkyo that specializes in expertly aged Japanese Kuroge-wagyu beef, a true treat for meat enthusiasts.
Gonbei [$10-$20] – A well-known local eatery in Waseda that specializes in affordable and satisfying teishoku (set meals).
Onigiri Bongo [$8-$15] – An institution for onigiri (rice balls) in Otsuka, offering a huge menu of over 50 fillings and elevating the humble snack to a proper, satisfying meal.
Masaru [$10-$20] – Located in Asakusa, this restaurant is highly recommended for its authentic Edo-mae style tendon, made with fresh seafood.
Udon-Shin [$15-$25] – A popular Shinjuku restaurant specializing in fresh, handmade udon noodles, often served hot in broth or chilled with dipping sauce.
Kanda Yabu Soba [$15-$30] – A historic and highly respected soba noodle restaurant, offering a taste of traditional Tokyo soba culture.
Fukuho Gyoza [$8-$15] – A great spot in Shinjuku-Nichome to enjoy excellent, pan-fried gyoza (dumplings), a perfect casual and local bite.
Den Kushi Flori [$75-$150] – An innovative, collaborative restaurant by two star-chefs, focusing on high-concept dishes served on skewers (kushi), blending Japanese and French techniques.
NARISAWA [$150-$500] – A world-renowned restaurant led by a pioneering chef, known for its genre-defying “Innovative Satoyama Cuisine,” which focuses on nature, sustainability, and unique Japanese ingredients.
Ginza Kiwagiwa [$50-$100] – A sophisticated Japanese restaurant in the back streets of Ginza, positioned between a casual izakaya and formal kappo, offering elevated and creative cuisine.
Ao [$100-$200+] – An innovative restaurant in Nishiazabu known for a chef who inserts a unique, free spirit into every element of the dining experience, with a focus on originality.
Tsumuguito [$150-$300] – Specializing in aged fugu (pufferfish) and nodoguro (black throat sea perch), this high-end spot in Nishi-Azabu offers a blend of traditional and cutting-edge techniques.
Ippei Hanten [$80-$150] – Known for its creative approach to Chinese cuisine, offering modern interpretations of classic flavors in a refined setting.
Shibuya Sanshin [$40-$80] – A hidden gem in Shibuya offering seasonal and creative Japanese cuisine, perfect for an adult, high-quality izakaya experience away from the crowds.
LATURE [$110-$320] – A one-Michelin-star French restaurant committed to sustainability and known for its signature game dishes (gibier), offering a unique blend of French technique and Japanese ingredients.
Yakumo Saryo [$30-$60] – A modern Japanese restaurant serving traditional cuisine in a serene, contemporary space, offering an elegant dining experience.
Azabu Kadowaki [$500-$1000+] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern kaiseki cuisine, famous for its seasonal omakase and luxurious ingredients like black truffle rice.
L’Effervescence [$240-$400+] – A highly-regarded, three-Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine with a refined Japanese sensibility, known for its impressive tasting menu.
Kagurazaka Ishikawa [$370-$600+] – A three-Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant offering a meticulously crafted tasting menu of traditional Japanese haute cuisine.
Ginza Kitafuku [$1000-$2000+] – One of the world’s most expensive dining experiences, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in the legendary Echizen Crab Kiwami Course.
Koryouri Kayou [$100-$200+] – Located on Sukiya-dori Street in Ginza, this spot offers intimate, sophisticated omakase-style dining with a focus on seasonal, homemade dishes.
wanogi [$100-$250+] – Tucked away in quiet Hiroo, this sushi restaurant is known for blending tradition and innovation in its cuisine, creating a soulful and refined dining experience.
TEMPURA & WINE SHINO [$100-$250+] – A hidden gem known to gourmets, offering light and elegant tempura expertly paired with Champagne and Burgundy wines.
Den [$200-$400+] – A world-renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers playful, highly creative, and contemporary Japanese cuisine with a warm atmosphere.
Sushi Saito [$300-$500+] – Considered by many to be one of the finest sushi restaurants in the world, offering an exclusive and impeccable omakase experience.
Kikunoi [$250-$500+] – A famous kaiseki restaurant with a long history, offering exquisitely traditional and high-priced full-course menus.
Sutamina-En [$60-$90] – Tokyo’s iconic yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant located in the suburbs, famous for its luxurious “Wagyu Beef Fattened Over 36 Months.”
Bebu-Ya [$60-$80] – An excellent all-you-can-eat Wagyu Yakiniku restaurant in Shibuya, known for offering both a great overall experience and affordability for the quality.
Yakiniku Like [$10-$20] – A unique, solo-dining friendly yakiniku spot where you can quickly enjoy small portions of grilled meat on an individual mini-grill.
TREE by NAKED yoyogi park [$15-$40 / Dinner $250+] – An experiential, reservation-only restaurant where the food is combined with projection mapping and art, offering a unique, immersive dining story (more expensive for the course).
Karaage Hitosuji [$10-$20] – A specialist shop in Akasaka for karaage (Japanese fried chicken), a delicious and popular local comfort food.
Butagumi Shokudo [$10-$20] – Located in Roppongi, this spot allows you to customize your katsudon (pork cutlet over rice) toppings beyond the classic pork, offering shrimp and vegetable options.
Pork Vindaloo Taberu Fukudaitoryo [$10-$15] – A simple but unique spot in Shibuya that only offers one thing: delicious pork vindaloo over rice with a hard-boiled egg.
Unatoto [$8-$15] – A low-key spot offering quick and affordable unadon (grilled freshwater eel over rice), a dish typically considered a luxury delicacy.
Echigoya Hachikichi [$8-$15] – A popular haunt for Ginza office workers, specializing in himono (dried fish) set meals for under $10 at lunch.
Tsukiji Outer Market [$5-$30 per stall] – Not a single restaurant, but a bustling market with countless food stalls, small eateries, and vendors, perfect for sampling fresh seafood, omelets, and street snacks.
Onigiri Yamataro [$5-$10] – A small, quality shop in Zoshigaya elevating the humble onigiri with various premium fillings.
Ramen Ginza Onodera Honten [$10-$20] – A quality ramen spot near Omotesando.
Dining Bar 101 ICHI-MARU-ICHI [$10-$30] – A versatile venue near Asakusa offering different menus from morning till night, from breakfast to a bar atmosphere with Japanese whiskey.
Asahikawa Jingisukan Daikokuya Shinbashi Branch [$30-$50] – A specialty restaurant for Jingisukan (Genghis Khan barbecue) using chilled raw lamb from Hokkaido.
Sumibi Yakiniku Nakahara [$150-$300] – A highly popular, high-end Yakiniku restaurant that provides a luxurious experience focused on premium cuts of beef.
Donabedaki Gohan Nakayoshi Hanare Shibuya Stream [$15-$30] – A restaurant specializing in rice cooked in a donabe (earthenware pot), offering a perfectly prepared staple of Japanese cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Benfiddich: Tucked away in Nishi-Shinjuku, this legendary spot is run by a master bartender who uses fresh herbs and spices grown on his family farm to create custom, bespoke cocktails with no set menu. The apothecary-inspired, antique-filled room offers an intimate, immersive experience.
The SG Club: A sophisticated, multi-concept bar in Shibuya that blends Japanese and American influences. It consists of ‘Guzzle’ (a casual ground-floor cafe and bar) and ‘Sip’ (a raucous, high-concept speakeasy in the basement).
Bar High Five: Located discreetly in Ginza, this intimate, world-famous cocktail bar is helmed by master bartender Hidetsugu Ueno, who crafts personalized, made-to-order drinks with meticulous attention to detail and hand-carved ice.
Star Bar Ginza: A decades-old classic in a Ginza basement, this bar is known for its impeccable service and the “Hard Shake” technique, where the bartender shakes the cocktail in a specific way to enhance its texture and flavor.
Mori Bar: Established by one of Japan’s most iconic mixologists, this quiet, refined bar in Ginza is a bastion of classic Japanese bartending, renowned specifically for serving some of the cleanest, purest martinis in the city.
Gen Yamamoto: Found in Azabu-Juban, this minimalist space features a single, beautiful wooden bar where the mixologist serves an omakase (chef’s choice) cocktail tasting menu using four to six seasonal ingredients. Reservations are essential.
The Bellwood: This Shibuya cocktail bar has a cinematic, Taisho-era café fantasy theme. It offers innovative cocktails presented in a unique style, including a coffee station disguised as a hidden bar.
Bar Trench: A highly-regarded, diminutive spot in Ebisu known for having the biggest collection of bitters in Japan. It specializes in classic cocktails, Absinthe, and a refined, yet cozy atmosphere.
Memento Mori: Hidden in Toranomon Hills, this niche cocktail bar has a unique concept, specializing in drinks made from cacao, using various forms from syrup to pulp kombucha.
New York Bar: Located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku, this bar offers a stunning, iconic view of the city skyline, live jazz music, and is famously featured in the movie Lost in Translation.
Bar Ishinohana: A basement bar in Shibuya where the award-winning owner-bartender creates classic cocktails with unique twists, such as an Old Fashioned made with shiitake mushroom-infused whisky.
Bar Landscape: A close-cornered, intimate space in Ginza run by a husband-and-wife team, focusing on quality over quantity with a small menu of perfectly executed classic and fresh fruit cocktails.
VIRTÙ: A luxurious, chic cognac and cocktail bar on the 39th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, offering incredible views and inventive drinks.
Bar Little Smith: Situated in a Ginza basement with an impressive high-ceilinged room and an oval-shaped counter, this spot is known for training world-class bartenders and serving satisfying classic cocktails.
Bar A: A highly regarded, classic cocktail bar in Ginza known for its sophisticated atmosphere and the traditional, meticulous Japanese bartending style.
ZEROTOKYO: Arguably the best and most high-tech nightclub in Japan, this massive, multi-floor venue is located in the new Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, drawing both local and international DJs.
Zouk Tokyo: Located in the basement of a hotel on Corridor Street in Ginza, this is the first Tokyo outpost of the famed Singapore club brand, known for its high-energy, luxurious atmosphere and electronic dance music.
WOMB: An internationally recognized, multi-story venue in Shibuya often cited as one of the top clubs in the world, famous for its massive mirror ball, superb sound system, and focus on techno and drum & bass.
WARP SHINJUKU: A premier nightclub destination located in the heart of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, featuring multiple rooms that play a diverse range of music, including EDM, house, trap, and hip-hop.
ATOM TOKYO: A popular multi-floor club in Shibuya with an energetic atmosphere, drawing a young, mostly Japanese crowd. It plays a variety of genres, including EDM, hip-hop, and J-Pop.
SEL OCTAGON TOKYO: Located in the Roppongi area, this popular club is known for its high-tech, futuristic design, top-tier DJs, and a focus on EDM and house music.
TK NIGHTCLUB (Shibuya): A large, popular venue in Shibuya offering a sleek, premium nightlife experience with a mix of EDM and Top 40 hits.
Club Camelot: A favorite in Shibuya, this club is spread across three floors and is popular for its dynamic DJ sets playing EDM and hip-hop.
1 OAK Tokyo: The Japanese branch of the famous New York club, situated in Roppongi, offering a luxurious, glamorous setting, celebrity sightings, and a mix of hip-hop and R&B music.
V2 Tokyo: Located in the lively Roppongi district, this club offers stunning views of the city skyline from its high-rise location and features a blend of EDM, house, and hip-hop.
RUBY ROOM: A funky, more laid-back club/live music venue tucked into an alley in Shibuya’s Dogenzaka district, popular for its diverse music and cozy, non-mainstream vibe.