Wander through the Imperial Palace Gardens
The palace itself is closed, but the East Gardens open onto the moat, walls and foundations of Edo Castle. Pine, maple and waterlily ponds make a calm first morning in the capital.
Visit Tokyo, Japan
It’s almost impossible to keep up with Tokyo’s progress: a city that is ever building, updating and innovating. As the neon façades grow higher, the temples and parks are carefully respected, maintaining quiet refuges within the city. The latest trends and fashions can be found in quirky cafés and pop-culture clothing, while centuries-old rituals are still valued in the training halls of the sumo and under the tiered roofs of Tokyo’s tranquil shrines.
I’ve never been anywhere else with such contrasts. Delicate temples stand next to earthquake-proof skyscrapers and peaceful gardens sit aside 24-hour markets.
Japan specialist Rory
Things to see and do in Tokyo
Shop in Ginza
Flagship fashion houses sit beside chopstick specialists, a one-book bookshop and Hello Kitty’s first store. It is Tokyo’s most polished retail district, and still full of smaller Japanese makers.
Soak up Shinjuku’s nightlife
A city within the city: skyscrapers, Golden Gai’s tiny bars and the Metropolitan Government Building’s free observatory. Evening is when the neon really takes over.
Watch the street fashion in Harajuku
Takeshita-dori still draws Tokyo’s most theatrical Sunday crowds, from Lolita and gothic looks to full cosplay, a few minutes from Meiji Shrine’s woodland.
Visit Sensoji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple, entered through the Kaminarimon gate and a lane of souvenir stalls that have served pilgrims since the 18th century.
Join the crowd at Shibuya Crossing
At each change of the lights, more than a thousand people cross in front of the station. On a Friday night it is one of Tokyo’s great urban spectacles; after the last train it can be almost empty.
Appreciate the peace at Meiji Shrine
A planted forest in west Tokyo, with tall torii, wooden prayer plaques and the chance of seeing a wedding procession under a red umbrella.
Attend a sumo tournament or stable
Three fifteen-day tournaments are held each year at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Outside those dates, a morning visit to a training stable is the way to see the rituals up close.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Japan has four clear seasons. In Tokyo, September to November and March through to the beginning of May are the best times to travel, given the minimal rain and comfortable temperatures. These are also the busiest periods, so we recommend booking well in advance.
Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit
- The Sanja Matsuri, on the third full weekend in May, celebrates the founders of Asakusa Shrine with a parade of shrines, musicians and dancers in Edo-period costume.
- Cherry blossom usually arrives toward the end of March. Visit in November to see the maples turn deeper shades of red between the skyscrapers.
Suggested itineraries featuring Tokyo
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Tokyo, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created around you.
South Korea and Japan
Japan & South Korea's Busan with a luxury Silversea cruise
18 days from £11,800pp
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Photos of Tokyo
Our expert guides to exploring Tokyo
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Tokyo, these guides will help you make the most of your time there.
Family holidays to Japan
A futuristic and vibrant country, Japan is a destination that appeals to family members of all ages. Safe, clean and with a good infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to explore. Japan specialist, Jake, talks us through how to get the most of your family holiday in Japan.
What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
Having lived and travelled across the country, our Japan Specialist Caitlin has compiled her highlights, from observing centuries-old rituals to the learning about the most modern technology.
Japan’s seasons: cherry blossom and beyond
Each Japanese season brings a raft of distinct experiences, from spring’s cherry blossom to winter’s snow crab delicacies. Japan specialist Laura shares the highlights of each time of year to help you decide when to visit Japan.
Gardens of Japan
From Kenrokuen’s venerated views to gardens hidden deep in the countryside, specialist Amanda recommends her preferred gardens to visit in Japan. She also explains what makes Japan’s gardens so interesting and why gardening is an important national art form.
What to eat in Japan: sushi and beyond
You might know your sushi, but it’s just the tip of a cuisine that’s garnered UNESCO heritage status. Our Japan specialists delve into some of the culinary experiences Japan has to offer, from kaiseki multi-course dinners to convenience-store specialties.
Accommodation choices for Tokyo
Aman Tokyo
Tokyo · Opulent
Conrad Hotel
Tokyo · Deluxe
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Tokyo · Medium
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Tokyo · Deluxe
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo · Deluxe
Park Hotel
Tokyo · Medium
Park Hyatt, Shinjuku
Tokyo · First Class
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon
Tokyo · Medium
The Peninsula Tokyo
Tokyo · Deluxe
Ideas for experiencing Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo city tour
Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Jingu shrine in Harajuku, one of Tokyo's busiest sights but an oasis of calm in the early morning. From here wander through the shopping streets of Harajuku and head south to Shibuya for morning coffee and people watching at the Hachiko pedestrian crossing.
Tokyo
Visit the Ghibli Anime Museum
Mitaka is a pleasant suburb of Tokyo. The town is home to the Ghibli Museum, an interactive exhibition containing all things related to the animated world created by Studio Ghibli, Japan's premiere animation studio.
Tokyo
Visit Tokyo Disneyland
Enjoy the rides and atmosphere at Tokyo's Disneyland and DisneySea.
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