Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan area and one of its most extraordinary experiences — a city of 13 million people that runs with breathtaking efficiency, cleanliness, and civility. It is simultaneously the most technologically advanced city on Earth and one of its most traditional: centuries-old shrines sit in the shadows of skyscrapers, ancient craft practices survive inside futuristic department stores, and the city's relationship with seasonality (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, summer festivals) remains profound.
The food alone justifies the journey. Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but the most memorable meals are often at a 10-seat ramen counter, a standing sushi bar where the chef hand-picks that morning's fish, or a conveyor-belt sushi chain that somehow serves better fish than a Paris restaurant. Eating well here at every price level is the norm.
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Culture & HistoryTokyo's oldest and most celebrated temple, dating to 628 AD. The Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise shopping street, and the five-storey pagoda are quintessential Tokyo.
Tip: Visit at dawn (5–7am) before the crowds arrive — the temple opens at 6am and is magical in early morning mist.
2. Shibuya Crossing
LandmarksThe world's busiest pedestrian crossing — up to 3,000 people cross simultaneously when the lights change, from every direction. Watch from the Starbucks or Mag's Park above for the full spectacle.
3. teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
Art & TechnologyAn immersive art museum where visitors walk through room-sized digital installations — flowers that bloom and die under your feet, infinity rooms of light, and rooms of swirling water. Genuinely extraordinary.
Tip: Book tickets in advance — teamLab sells out frequently. The experience takes 1–1.5 hours.
4. Shinjuku — Kabukichō & Golden Gai
Neighbourhoods & NightlifeTokyo's most intense district — the Kabukichō entertainment district, Golden Gai's narrow alley of 200 tiny bars (some fitting 8 people), and Shinjuku Gyoen's parkland for the cherry blossom season.
5. Tsukiji Outer Market
Food & CultureThe outer market of Japan's most famous fish market remains open for breakfast — tamagoyaki (egg omelette), fresh sea urchin, and sushi at 7am amid the fishmonger stalls.
6. Meiji Jingū Shrine & Harajuku
Culture & NeighbourhoodsA serene forested Shinto shrine in the middle of the city, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The adjacent Harajuku is the centre of Japanese youth fashion culture and Takeshita Street's extraordinary street style.
7. Akihabara (Electric Town)
Culture & TechnologyTokyo's electronics and anime district — multi-storey stores selling manga, figurines, retro video games, and the latest electronics. A genuinely unique subculture of the city.
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Where to Eat in Tokyo
Ramen (everywhere)
Tokyo's ramen varies enormously by style — shoyu (soy), tonkotsu (pork broth), and tsukemen (dipping noodles) are the local favourites. Ichiran and Fuunji are reliable entry points.
Sushi at Tsukiji or Toyosu
Morning sushi at a standing counter — budget ¥2,000–4,000 for an exceptional 8-piece breakfast omakase at Tsukiji or Toyosu outer market stalls.
Tonkatsu (Maisen, Omotesando)
Japan's most beloved pork cutlet, panko-breaded and deep fried — Maisen in Omotesando is the Tokyo institution, in a converted bathhouse.
Convenience store food
Tokyo's 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are genuine culinary experiences — onigiri, katsu sandos, and hot oden are excellent and cost under ¥500.
Day Trips from Tokyo
Nikko
Two hours north by train — elaborate 17th-century Tokugawa shrines in a cedar forest, waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
Kamakura
1 hour south — the Great Buddha, Zen temples, and the Enoshima island, the most accessible historic day trip from Tokyo.
Hakone
1.5 hours southwest — hot spring town with views of Mount Fuji, an open-air sculpture museum, and the Hakone Ropeway.
Tokyo Travel Tips
Get a Suica or PASMO IC card
These rechargeable cards work on virtually all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo (and Japan). Tap in and out without buying tickets — an enormous time saver.
Google Maps is excellent for Tokyo transit
Navigate Tokyo's extraordinarily complex train network with Google Maps — it provides real-time transit directions that Tokyoites themselves use.
Cash is still important
Despite being technologically advanced, Japan remains substantially cash-based. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post banks reliably accept foreign cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) is spectacular — Ueno Park, the Meguro River, and Shinjuku Gyoen are all breathtaking. Autumn (October–November) brings equally beautiful maple foliage. Avoid the rainy season (June) and peak summer heat (July–August).