The city that reinvents itself every decade yet remains unmistakably itself — ancient shrines behind skyscrapers, the planet's best food at every price point, and a precision that will reset your expectations of what a city can be.
Tokyo is one of those rare cities where every return visit uncovers something you missed the last time. It is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city on Earth, a metro system so punctual that two-minute delays prompt public apologies, and neighbourhoods ranging from the neon-drenched chaos of Kabukicho to the hushed wooden temples of Yanaka, where it's possible to walk for an hour without encountering a tourist.
First-timers tend to begin with the obvious: Shibuya Crossing (cross it at night for the full effect), Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa at dawn before the crowds arrive, and the surreal digital art of teamLab Planets in Toyosu. But Tokyo earns its reputation not through landmarks but through texture — the choreography of a ramen chef at Fuunji, the astonishing density of vinyl at a Shimokitazawa record shop, the precise ritual of a matcha ceremony in a garden while commuters stream past outside.
As a base for wider Japan exploration, Tokyo is unrivalled. The Shinkansen bullet train puts Kyoto within 2h 15m, Hiroshima in 4 hours, and the Japanese Alps within easy day-trip reach. Plan a minimum of ten days if you want to scratch more than the surface of what Japan offers.
Activities by Viator · affiliate commission earned on bookings · prices in GBP
Small-group G Adventures tours exploring Japan from Tokyo
Tours by G Adventures · affiliate commission earned on bookings · prices in GBP
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa (UK passport) | Visa-free — up to 90 days. No pre-application needed. Complete Visit Japan Web registration before departure for faster immigration. |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY). ~190–200 JPY per £1. Cash remains essential — carry yen for small restaurants, temples, and vending machines. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards. |
| Timezone | UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time). No daylight saving — Tokyo is 8 hours ahead of the UK in summer, 9 hours ahead in winter. |
| Language | Japanese. English signage on all metro lines and at most tourist attractions. Downloading Google Translate with Japanese for offline use is highly recommended. |
| Best time to visit | Spring (late March–April) for cherry blossom; autumn (October–November) for foliage. Both are peak season — book flights and accommodation well ahead. |
| Getting around | Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport. Covers all Tokyo trains, metro, and buses, plus convenience store payments. JR Pass for bullet train travel around Japan. |
| Connectivity | Pocket WiFi rental or a Japan SIM card is strongly recommended. Free WiFi in airports and 7-Eleven stores, but coverage elsewhere is inconsistent. |
Tokyo has four sharply defined seasons. Cherry blossom peaks in late March to early April, and autumn foliage lights up the city in October–November — both are stunning and busy. Summer is hot, humid, and carries typhoon risk. Winters are cold and clear. June is rainy season and notably cheaper.