Tokyo

Best time to visit Tokyo

• Spring (March to May): Stunning spring flowers, cherry blossom season and pleasant weather make spring one of the best times to visit Tokyo. Be prepared for hanami (flower viewing) crowds.
• Summer (June to August): Summers can be hot and humid, with rain through July, but Mount Fuji’s open trails still draw visitors from July to September.
• Fall (September to November): Another great time to visit Tokyo, featuring stunning fall foliage and moon-viewing festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Winter brings fewer crowds and incredible views of Mount Fuji. It's also prime time for skiing, with many visitors heading to nearby resorts.

How many days to spend in Tokyo

In three to four days, get a taste of Tokyo’s rich history and culture in old-fashioned Asakusa and its dynamic presence on the streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya. With five to seven days, visit an onsen (a hot spring bathing facility) or Mount Fuji. Or use Tokyo as a starting point to explore more of Honshu, Japan’s largest island.

The vibe of Tokyo

At once futuristic and traditional, boisterous and reserved, Tokyo is truly a city of contrasts. Will you order coffee from a robot or sample sushi made by a chef who has trained for decades to master his craft? Catching the train at Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world, or scrambling across the street at Shibuya gives the impression of a city that never stops moving. Even in the heart of the glittering skyscrapers of downtown Tokyo, ancient shrines, charmingly narrow alleys and hidden gems offer tranquility among the excitement. The Japanese cultural emphasis on respect and consideration helps Tokyo feel peaceful, even in the bustle.

What is Tokyo famous for?

A sprawling metropolis of multiple urban centers, Tokyo is both Japan’s capital and the birthplace of globally beloved pop culture movements. Tokyo has inspired futuristic, dystopian cities in classic science fiction movies like Akira and has been repeatedly attacked by kaijū (giant monsters) in the long-running Godzilla franchise. Keep an eye out for the real-life landmarks that Godzilla destroys, like the Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower. You’ll find statues of Godzilla around Tokyo, including a giant head in Shinjuku and a statue in Hibiya Godzilla Square. The countercultural Harajuku has become synonymous with Japanese street fashion, spreading the popularity of cosplay and other fashion subcultures.

Events in Tokyo

Why not time your Tokyo travel to enjoy one of the exuberant matsuri (festivals) held throughout the year? The city’s three major Shinto festivals, Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (August), Kanda Matsuri (May, odd-numbered years) and Sannō Matsuri (June), feature vibrant parades, traditional costumes, and mikoshi (portable shrines) to honor local deities. One of the most famous events in Tokyo is cherry blossom viewing (March to April). Marvel at the performers and beautifully lit floats at Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival; May) and gasp at the colorful displays at Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (July). In January, May and September, watch sumo masters compete at Grand Tournaments.

Food in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of and for foodies, where diners will line up for hours to try trending dishes. Many restaurants specialize in only one or two items or regional preparations of favorites like ramen (a rich, miso-flavored broth) or soba (buckwheat noodles). Start your Tokyo trip with a Japanese spin on French patisserie, where delicate pastries like matcha éclairs, fluffy cream-filled choux and anko-filled croissants blend French techniques with local flavors. Or wander the food stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market for unbelievably fresh seafood. Outside Shinjuku Station, follow your nose to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a charming narrow alley packed with small food stalls and restaurants, providing a taste of an older Japan. Sample a delicious variety of sushi with omakase, or try a restaurant specializing in yōshoku, Japanese takes on Western favorites.

Nightlife in Tokyo

Featuring nightlife as varied and colorful as the neon signs that illuminate its streets, Tokyo certainly doesn’t lack for entertainment. Sing your heart out at karaoke, savor an exactingly made highball or survey the glittering Tokyo skyline from a rooftop bar. Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi are the heart of Tokyo nightlife, offering late-night izakaya, clubs and pachinko parlors. Get an insider’s introduction to must-visit spots with a barhopping tour. Shinjuku Ni-chōme is a haven of LGBTQ+-friendly venues, from old-school discotheques to literary cafes. Nearby Shinjuku Golden Gai is packed with intimate, atmospheric bars, many with elaborate themes.

Shopping in Tokyo

With so much to explore, from traditional workshops to huge department stores, even window shopping in Tokyo is exhilarating. But whether you’re looking for cutting-edge fashion or handcrafted kitchen knives, you surely won’t leave your Tokyo vacation empty-handed. Ginza and Harajuku are the city’s fashion hubs. Harajuku is famous for its countercultural street style and trendy boutiques, while Ginza is known for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment. Tokyo is also known for its specialized shopping districts. Check out Kappabashi for everything kitchen-related, including the wax food that Tokyo restaurants use to advertise, or Akihabara for tech gadgets and anime collectibles.