Tokyo holidays

Home to the largest urban population on the planet, Japan’s capital demands your full attention. Nowhere else does tradition and technology intertwine so seamlessly, from ancient temples to anime museums to more Michelin-starred restaurants than New York and Paris combined. And it’s all accessible via one of the world’s most efficient subway systems. Our advice for an unforgettable holiday to Tokyo: lean into its frenetic energy. You’ll never not be surprised.

Tokyo holiday highlights

Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple
www.thomasbekker.com

Traditional Tokyo

Despite Tokyo's obsession with the ultra-modern, it has one foot firmly planted in the past. Kick off your holiday to Tokyo with a traditional dance performance at Kabuki-za theatre, enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal with geisha performances in Asakusa, or explore some of the 4,000 treasures on display in the Tokyo National Museum. For the city’s spiritual and royal history, stop by the Senso-ji Temple or the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Stellar eats

Michelin stars illuminate Tokyo’s culinary skyline. In fact, the city proudly wears the crown of the world's most Michelin-starred destination. While you’ll find world-class restaurants in Minato and Chuo City, droolworthy flavours and sizzling delights are available at every price point. Even on a cheap holiday to Tokyo, rest assured, you’ll dine like royalty.

Anime, manga and tech

The ‘otaku’ culture makes up an electric part of Tokyo’s DNA. For a deep dive into Japan’s culture of animation and storytelling, stop by the Toei and Suginami animation museums and walk through an enchanting world of nostalgia at the Ghibli Museum. And don’t forget to spend a day in Akihabara. It’s the place to go for all kinds of geekery while on holiday in Tokyo.

Tokyo: Know before you go

Language

Japanese

Currency

Japanese yen (¥)

Time zone

UTC+9 (JST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Tokyo

Weather in Tokyo

March – May: Spring is arguably the most beautiful season in Tokyo. The epic bloom of cherry trees and brisk but often sunny days add to the charm. But do expect some light showers.

June – August: Tokyo summers can be hot and humid. Pack your lightest clothes and a sturdy umbrella — this is also the rainy season.

September – November: After the muggy days of summer, autumn in Tokyo can feel liberating. Temperatures are mild, and the city parks blaze with colourful foliage.

December – February: Winters may be chilly, but snow is almost unheard of in Tokyo. This is the city’s driest season, so you can usually enjoy the sights without an umbrella.

Events in Tokyo

Sanja Matsuri (May): A procession of small shrines honour the historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa during this multi-day festival. It’s an exhilarating way to experience Japan’s rich culture. Don’t miss the food vendors selling traditional snacks.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (July): There are several summer fireworks festivals, but none is more dazzling than Sumidagawa. Watch as thousands gather along the Sumida River to see pyrotechnics companies try to outdo each other with brilliant displays.

Tokyo Performing Arts Festival (September): A series of contemporary music and dance performances showcase the city’s electrifying arts scene. Dates vary, though the festival usually runs for two weeks in the Ikebukuro neighbourhood.

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The best neighbourhoods in Tokyo

Takeshita Street

Harajuku

Harajuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo to explore the city’s playful side. Staying here means taking in vibrant street art, exploring Takeshita Street's kooky boutiques and dining in themed cafes. As well as its love of pop culture, this part of town is home to one of Tokyo's grandest Shinto shrines, Meiji Jingu.

Good for: Shopping, themed cafes, street art

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the best neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo for excitement and central convenience. Immerse yourself in the neon glow of Kabukicho's entertainment district, where you’ll find a parade of karaoke joints and buzzing clubs, savour the less-polished atmosphere and diverse flavours in the hidden bars of Golden Gai, and take in the sprawling cityscape from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Good for: Nightlife, central location, entertainment

Asakusa

Asakusa

Discover old-school Tokyo in Asakusa. Explore the atmospheric Buddhist temple complex Senso-ji, then, just outside the gate, shop for souvenirs along Nakamise-dori Street. Step off the bustling main street for hidden magic: craft shops, traditional cafes and pockets of quirky charm. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for no-frills street food, affordable accommodation and some of the city’s oldest and most authentic restaurants.

Good for: Authentic food, affordable stays, temples and shrines

Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo
Tokyo
www.thomasbekker.com

Family friendly things to do

Looking for things to do with the family in Tokyo? Your first stop should be Tokyo Disneyland® and DisneySea®. You can get a two-day pass for admission to both parks. Other kid-friendly delights include unleashing those tiny ninjas at the Ninja Akasaka themed restaurant and enjoying hours of brick-building fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.

Shopping

There is so much shopping in Tokyo that you won’t know where to begin. Start with a posh promenade in Ginza, where even window-shopping feels like a splurge. Experience sensory overload and Tokyo’s wacky youth culture on Takeshita Street. And lose yourself in the neon symphony of Akihabara, a shopping wonderland for tech, gaming and anime enthusiasts.

Take in the culture

Showcasing ancient history and modern wonders, the cultural attractions and museums in Tokyo tell this city’s fascinating story. Spend an entire day with the fascinating displays at the National Museum of Nature and Science, or immerse yourself in modern masterpieces at the Mori Art Museum. A mesmerising universe of colour and light awaits at teamLab Borderless in Odaiba.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Tokyo is electric and eclectic, with everything from sleek lounges to pulsing dance floors. Start on the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, where Golden Gai offers tiny bars with big character. Traverse the Roppongi district, home to exclusive clubs and stylish lounges. Or for an authentic experience, mingle with locals at ‘izakaya’ (casual bars) under the train tracks in districts like Yurakucho and Nakameguro.

Places to eat

Embark on a culinary journey at some of the best restaurants in Tokyo; every meal will be a masterpiece. Savour seafood perfection in Tsukiji, home to the city’s largest fish market, or for Michelin-star sushi and soba, book a table at one of the upscale restaurants in Ginza. For budget-friendly street food and sweets, explore the bustling stalls of Ameya-Yokocho.

Free things to do

Looking for free things to do in Tokyo? Start by strolling the Imperial Palace grounds or walking the Senso-ji pilgrim's route. Witness Tokyo's famous tuna auction at Toyosu Market, or catch sumo wrestlers in action at a sumo stable. Finally, admire the iconic Shibuya Crossing or get a bird’s-eye view of the city at Carrot Tower. Now you can uncover Tokyo’s treasures without spending a yen.

Plan your holiday to Tokyo

Budget

A cheap holiday in Tokyo has never been more doable, thanks to an abundance of budget-friendly restaurants and lodging options. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around 1,000 Japanese yen (¥). You can tack on a domestic beer for roughly ¥500 and take a short taxi ride for about ¥2,200.

Day trips from Tokyo

In the mountains north of Tokyo, the tiny village of Nikko is packed with designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kawagoe combines a history-filled downtown with great food options and old-fashioned sweet shops. Hakone is known for its hot springs and mountain views, including Mount Fuji on a clear day. And Kamakura is a favourite beach escape for Tokyo residents.

Getting around Tokyo

Despite being the world’s most populous city, Tokyo’s public transport system makes navigating the city a breeze. The efficient, reliable and clean train and subway networks connect you to the top attractions, with the help of English signage and colour-coded maps. Make things even easier with an IC card. PASMO and Suica, the most common options, can be used across most city trains, subways and buses.

FAQs about Tokyo holidays

For a well-rounded intro to the city, aim for five to seven days. This sweet spot will allow you to dive into diverse neighbourhoods, savour culinary delights and soak up the city’s top sights without feeling rushed. You could even fit in a day trip to Mount Fuji.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a stellar holiday in Tokyo. In fact, Tokyo is less expensive than most major European cities. Accommodation varies, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Street food and local eateries offer economical dining, but public transport often adds up, especially if you’re planning on taking trips out to other cities.
Conversations here are usually in Japanese. Learning a few local phrases and greetings can be an excellent way to spark conversations and get to know people during your city break in Tokyo.
February brings the coolest conditions for a Tokyo holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of 15ºC (59ºF).
Your holiday to Tokyo should be a smooth experience, as the city is generally considered a safe place. Still, it's important to take a few basic precautions. Remain alert in crowded spaces and make sure valuables like your phone and wallet are secure. A money belt or crossbody bag with a zipper can help keep your belongings protected.
August is the hottest month in Tokyo, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 29ºC (84ºF).
From Tokyo Tower to Senso-ji Temple Yogodo, this city never runs out of surprises. Prepare for your next big adventure by checking out the best things to do in Tokyo.
You'll be using the Japanese yen (JPY) while on your trip to Tokyo. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like minor purchases and public transport fares.
With an average rainfall of 20 cm, October is the wettest month to go on a Tokyo holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and make the most of the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
For iconic cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures, plan your visit between March and May (though you may pay more for flights and hotels to Tokyo during spring). If you can handle the humidity, summer is a great time to visit for the lively festivals. September to December brings gorgeous autumn foliage, and winter is crisp and cosy, but don’t forget to pack layers.

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