Tokyo
Neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood depth, from neon to quiet shrines.
A sample 4-day Tokyo route
Adds a Roppongi + Imperial Palace day with art and a high view. Markets morning-only; teamLab booked.
- Day 1Modern west — Harajuku, Shibuya, ShinjukuHarajuku · Shibuya · Shinjuku
- Day 2Old east — Asakusa, Ueno, AkihabaraAsakusa · Ueno · Akihabara
- Day 3Central & bay — market, Ginza, digital artTsukiji · Ginza · Toyosu
- Day 4Palace, art & a classic skylineMarunouchi · Roppongi
This is one of several routes in the guide — change the length, budget and dates yourself in the workspace.
Where to eat in Tokyo
MICHELIN & Bib picks show the year awarded — selections are revised yearly, so confirm current status before you go. Every name links to a Google Maps search.
- Ramen in Shinjuku Bib Gourmand
Shoyu ramen
- Kaiseki / fine dining ★ MICHELIN
Multi-course seasonal menu
- Omakase sushi ★ MICHELIN
Chef's seasonal nigiri course
Tuna sashimi over rice
Chicken skewers
Rosu/hire katsu set
When to go to Tokyo
Weather, daylight and seasonal events vary year to year. Treat this as general guidance and check a forecast and official event calendars close to your dates.
Winter Dec, Jan, Feb
Cold and dry, roughly 2–12°C. Snow is occasional, rarely heavy in central Tokyo.
Plan more indoor time (museums, depachika, teamLab); shorter daylight means earlier viewpoints for sunset.
Look out for: Winter illuminations citywide, New Year shrine visits (very busy 1–3 Jan)
Spring Mar, Apr, May
Mild, roughly 10–22°C; pleasant for walking.
Book accommodation early; expect crowds at Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno, Nakameguro and Sumida Park during sakura.
Look out for: Cherry blossom (sakura), Golden Week holidays
Summer Jun, Jul, Aug
Hot and humid, often 28–35°C.
Shift sightseeing to morning and evening; use air-conditioned museums and malls at midday; stay hydrated.
Look out for: Summer festivals (matsuri), Fireworks (hanabi)
Autumn Sep, Oct, Nov
Cooling and comfortable, roughly 12–25°C.
For foliage day trips, go early to beat crowds; central gardens (Shinjuku Gyoen) are quieter alternatives.
Look out for: Autumn foliage (koyo)
What Tokyo costs
Per person, per day, excluding flights. A rough guide only — your costs depend on season, area and pace.
Budget
- Accommodation: Capsule/hostel/budget business hotel (JPY 4,000–9,000).
- Meals: Convenience stores, ramen, standing soba, conveyor sushi (JPY 500–1,200/meal).
- Transport: IC card pay-as-you-go; walk between close stops.
- Attractions: Prioritise free sights; one paid highlight per few days.
- Evening: Omoide Yokocho skewers, konbini drinks by the river, free night views.
Mid-range
- Accommodation: 3-star business or boutique hotel (JPY 12,000–22,000).
- Meals: Mix of casual restaurants and one nicer meal (JPY 1,000–3,000/meal).
- Transport: IC card; occasional taxi for convenience.
- Attractions: Book a couple of paid highlights (e.g. teamLab, Shibuya Sky).
- Evening: Izakaya dinners, a rooftop drink, one paid night view.
Comfortable
- Accommodation: 4–5 star or well-located design hotel (JPY 30,000–80,000).
- Meals: Good restaurants plus one omakase or kaiseki (JPY 2,500–15,000/meal).
- Transport: Taxis/ride-hailing where convenient; IC card for quick hops.
- Attractions: Add premium experiences and museums freely.
- Evening: Reserved fine dining, hotel/skyline bars.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Stay near a JR Yamanote or major metro station for the easiest access. Tokyo hotels are compact; 'comfortable' usually means more space and location rather than luxury alone. Prices are estimates and rise sharply in cherry-blossom and autumn-foliage seasons and around major holidays.
Shinjuku
First-timers, nightlife, transport
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi
Central base, shinkansen day trips
Shibuya
Younger travellers, shopping
Asakusa
Budget, old-Tokyo charm
Ueno
Budget, museums, Narita access
By budget
- Budget — S$40–80 · Capsule hotels, Hostels, Budget business hotels
- Mid-range — S$140–220 · 3-star business and boutique hotels
- Comfortable — S$280–720 · 4–5 star hotels, Well-located design hotels
- Book early for late March–early April (sakura) and November (foliage).
- Check the nearest station and line before booking — a 10-minute walk with luggage adds up.
- Many hotels allow early luggage drop even before check-in.
Prices and availability change constantly. Confirm current rates on the hotel or a booking site before paying.
Common Tokyo mistakes to avoid
- Over-packing each day and zig-zagging across the city — group by area.
- Skipping advance bookings for popular venues (e.g. teamLab).
- Underestimating walking — Tokyo days add up fast.
- Assuming card-only — carry some cash for small stalls and shrines.
- Ignoring public-holiday closures and seasonal crowds.
Good to know
Where to stay
Shinjuku, Tokyo Station / Marunouchi, Asakusa, Shibuya.
How long to go
5–7 days suits most visitors. Shorter and longer routes are built in, so you are never padding a trip to fill days.
Tokyo travel guides
In-depth, free reads with real routes, Maps links, budgets and the mistakes to skip:
- Tokyo in 5 Days: A First-Timer's Itinerary
A realistic five-day plan for a first trip to Tokyo — the big sights, the neighbourhoods that make the city, real food stops and Maps links, plus where to stay and what to budget.
Plan a nearby trip
Easy to pair with Tokyo on the same trip — tap through to a full guide.
Plan Tokyo your way
Start free, or unlock the full interactive guide with maps, food, day-by-day routes and a 1-click PDF.