The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide 2026

Tokyo is one of the world's great cities — a place of extraordinary contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of neon-lit skyscrapers, where Michelin-starred restaurants outnumber those of any other city on earth, and where one of the world's most efficient transport systems whisks you between neighbourhoods that feel like entirely different worlds. There is nowhere else quite like it.

Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Tokyo rewards exploration. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Quick Facts

Country: Japan
Population: ~14 million (city), ~37 million (greater metropolitan area — the world's largest)
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language: Japanese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Time zone: JST (UTC+9)
Driving: Left-hand side (though you won't need to drive)
Power: Type A plugs, 100V
Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance)
Airport: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)

When to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination but each season offers a distinct experience.

Spring (March–May) ⭐ Best overall

Cherry blossom season (sakura) transforms Tokyo from late March through mid-April. Parks, riverbanks and temple grounds become canopies of pink and white. Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi and Yoyogi Park are the most celebrated spots. Book accommodation months in advance — this is Tokyo's most popular season and prices spike dramatically.

Temperatures are mild (10–20°C), skies are clear and the city is at its most beautiful. Late April and May, after the blossoms fall, is an excellent and slightly quieter time to visit.

Autumn (October–November) ⭐ Best overall

Autumn foliage (koyo) brings vivid reds, oranges and golds to Tokyo's parks and temple gardens. October is warm and dry — ideal weather for exploring on foot. November brings the most spectacular foliage. Crowds are thinner than spring and the light is extraordinary for photography.

Summer (June–August)

Hot, humid and busy. June brings the rainy season (tsuyu) — frequent heavy downpours punctuated by intensely hot, humid days. July and August are peak summer — temperatures regularly hit 35°C+ with high humidity. That said, summer in Tokyo is also spectacular — festivals (matsuri), fireworks (hanabi) and a city that never stops.

Summer highlights: Sumida River Fireworks Festival (late July), Awa Odori dancers, rooftop beer gardens across the city.

Winter (December–February)

Cold but rarely freezing in Tokyo itself (occasional light snow). Winter is an underrated time to visit — crowds thin out, illuminations across the city are spectacular, and the clear skies offer the best views of Mt Fuji from observation decks. New Year (Oshogatsu) is a major cultural event — temples fill with visitors at midnight on December 31st.

Getting to Tokyo

Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT) Located 60km east of central Tokyo. The main international gateway, handling most long-haul flights.

Getting to the city from Narita:

Narita Express (N'EX) — fastest and most convenient. Direct to Shinjuku (~80 min), Shibuya (~90 min) and other central stations. Approximately ¥3,000. Purchase tickets at the airport or online in advance
Keisei Skyliner — faster to Ueno (~41 min, ¥2,570). A good option if staying in the east of the city
Airport Limousine Bus — convenient if your hotel is near a bus stop. Slower but direct to many major hotels
Taxi — approximately ¥20,000–25,000. Not recommended unless you have excessive luggage

Haneda Airport (HND) Located just 14km from central Tokyo. Much more convenient for the city. Increasing numbers of international flights now arrive here.

Getting to the city from Haneda:

Tokyo Monorail — to Hamamatsucho (~20 min, ¥500)
Keikyu Line — to Shinagawa (~13 min) then connect to city services
Taxi — approximately ¥5,000–8,000 depending on destination. Far more reasonable than Narita

Flight times (approximate)

London to Tokyo: ~12 hours (direct available with JAL/ANA/BA)
Sydney to Tokyo: ~9–10 hours (direct available)
New York to Tokyo: ~14 hours (direct available)
Dubai to Tokyo: ~10–11 hours
Singapore to Tokyo: ~7 hours

Getting Around Tokyo

The Tokyo Metro and JR Lines

Tokyo's public transport system is one of the world's finest — punctual to the second, clean, safe and extraordinarily comprehensive. The network of metro and JR (Japan Rail) lines covers virtually every corner of the city.

It looks intimidating at first but Google Maps handles it brilliantly — input your destination and it will tell you exactly which line, platform and train to take, how many minutes the journey takes, and the cost to the yen.

Key lines to know:

Yamanote Line (JR) — a loop line connecting Tokyo's major hubs: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ebisu, Osaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Akihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro. The backbone of the city
Chuo/Sobu Line (JR) — runs east-west through the city
Tokyo Metro — 9 lines covering the inner city in detail
Toei Subway — 4 additional lines covering areas the Metro doesn't reach

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

The single most useful thing you can do on arrival in Tokyo. An IC card is a rechargeable contactless card that works on every train, subway, bus and monorail in Tokyo — and increasingly at convenience stores, vending machines, taxis and restaurants.

Load it up at any station and tap in/out at every gate. No need to buy individual tickets. The fare is calculated automatically and deducted from your balance.

From 2024: You can add a Suica card directly to your iPhone or Android wallet before arriving in Japan. Highly recommended — set it up before you fly and you'll be ready to tap in the moment you step off the plane.

JR Pass

If Tokyo is just one stop on a wider Japan itinerary involving travel to Kyoto, Osaka or further afield, the JR Pass covers Shinkansen (bullet train) travel between cities as well as JR lines within Tokyo itself. Buy before you travel — it must be purchased outside Japan.

Taxis

Safe, reliable and metered — but expensive compared to public transport. Taxi doors open and close automatically — don't touch them. Most accept IC cards and credit cards. Use Uber or S.RIDE app to book in advance.

Walking and Cycling

Many of Tokyo's best neighbourhoods are compact and best explored on foot. Cycling is increasingly popular — rental bikes (including dockless options like Hello Cycling) are available throughout the city. Note that cycling on footpaths is technically illegal but widely practiced.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo has accommodation to suit every budget, but location matters enormously. The most convenient areas to stay are:

Best neighbourhoods to stay

Shinjuku — Central, convenient for transport, excellent food and nightlife. Ranges from budget to luxury.

Shibuya — Trendy, excellent transport links, great restaurants. Popular with younger travellers.

Ginza — Tokyo's most upmarket district. Excellent luxury hotels, close to many major attractions.

Asakusa — Historic atmosphere, close to Senso-ji Temple. More traditional feel, slightly further from some attractions.

Akihabara — Electronics and pop culture hub. Central location.

Roppongi — International neighbourhood, excellent nightlife and arts scene. Some of Tokyo's best restaurants.

Marunouchi/Tokyo Station area — Business district but extraordinarily convenient for transport connections.

Budget (Under ¥6,000/night)

Tokyo has an excellent capsule hotel scene — a uniquely Japanese experience worth trying at least once. The Millennials Shibuya and Nine Hours are particularly well-regarded. Hostels are well-run, clean and often in excellent locations.

Mid-range (¥10,000–25,000/night)

Business hotels (Tokyu Stay, Dormy Inn, APA Hotel, Toyoko Inn) offer exceptional value — small but spotless rooms in central locations. Many include onsen baths and free breakfast.

Luxury (¥40,000+/night)

Tokyo's luxury hotel scene is world-class:

Park Hyatt Tokyo — Shinjuku, made famous by Lost in Translation. The New York Bar on the 52nd floor is unmissable
Aman Tokyo — extraordinary minimalist design in the Otemachi district
The Peninsula Tokyo — Marunouchi, overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo — Nihonbashi, outstanding spa and views
Andaz Tokyo — Toranomon Hills, excellent rooftop bar

Tokyo's Neighbourhoods — A Complete Guide

Shinjuku

Tokyo's most electric neighbourhood — a place of extraordinary contrasts. The east side is dominated by Kabukicho, Japan's largest entertainment district, and the warren of tiny bars in Golden Gai (over 200 bars, most seating fewer than 10 people). The west side is all gleaming skyscrapers including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with its free observation deck.

Don't miss:

Kabukicho — Tokyo's neon-drenched entertainment district. Overwhelming and unforgettable at night
Golden Gai — The most atmospheric place for a drink in all of Tokyo. Pick a bar that appeals and squeeze in
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) — A tiny alley of yakitori stalls under the railway tracks. Smoke, steam and extraordinary food
Shinjuku Gyoen — One of Tokyo's finest parks. Particularly spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — Free observation decks on the 45th floor. Open evenings too

Shibuya

The commercial and cultural heart of modern Tokyo. The famous scramble crossing — where hundreds of people cross from all directions simultaneously — has become one of the city's most iconic images.

Don't miss:

Shibuya Scramble Crossing — best viewed from above at the Starbucks on the corner or from Mag's Park/Scramble Square
Shibuya Sky — observation deck on top of Scramble Square. One of the best views in Tokyo, especially at sunset
Hachiko Statue — the famous loyal dog who waited for his owner for years after his death. The most popular meeting point in Tokyo
Shibuya Stream and Scramble Square — excellent food and shopping
Daikanyama — just south of Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most stylish neighbourhoods. Excellent cafés, independent shops and the extraordinary Tsutaya Books

Harajuku and Omotesando

Harajuku is Tokyo's fashion and youth culture hub. Takeshita Street is the epicentre of Japan's most extreme street fashion — cosplay, lolita, decora — and is unlike anything else in the world. Two minutes' walk away, Omotesando is Tokyo's answer to the Champs-Élysées — tree-lined, upscale and home to flagship stores of every major luxury brand.

Don't miss:

Takeshita Street — go on a weekend for maximum atmosphere. The crepe shops are excellent
Omotesando Hills — architecturally stunning shopping complex by Tadao Ando
Meiji Jingu — one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines, set in 70 hectares of forested parkland. Serene and beautiful
Yoyogi Park — adjacent to Meiji Jingu. On weekends it fills with musicians, dancers, cosplayers and picnickers

Asakusa

Tokyo's most historically preserved neighbourhood, centred on Senso-ji — the city's oldest and most visited temple, founded in 645 AD. The approach through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) along Nakamise shopping street is one of Tokyo's great walks.

Don't miss:

Senso-ji Temple — arrive early morning to experience it without crowds. The main hall, five-storey pagoda and surrounding gardens are beautiful at any time of day
Kaminarimon Gate — the giant red lantern is one of Tokyo's most iconic images
Nakamise Shopping Street — traditional crafts, snacks and souvenirs. More authentic than it first appears
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center — free observation floor with excellent views of Senso-ji and the Tokyo Skytree
Sumida River — take a water bus (suijo bus) along the river to Odaiba or back toward central Tokyo

Akihabara

Tokyo's electronic and pop culture district — a place that has to be experienced to be believed. Multi-storey electronics stores, gaming arcades (some open 24 hours), anime and manga shops, maid cafés and every imaginable piece of consumer technology. Overwhelming, fascinating and uniquely Tokyo.

Don't miss:

Yodobashi Camera — a multi-storey electronics megastore that has almost everything
Retro game shops — Trader and Super Potato for vintage games and consoles
Maid cafés — a peculiarly Japanese institution. @Home Café is the most famous
Gacha machines — everywhere. The collectible capsule toy culture is extraordinary

Yanaka

One of the few Tokyo neighbourhoods to survive both the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II bombing relatively intact. Walking through Yanaka is the closest you can get to experiencing old Edo-period Tokyo — traditional wooden shopfronts, narrow alleyways, shitamachi (old downtown) atmosphere.

Don't miss:

Yanaka Cemetery — an enormous and beautiful cemetery that doubles as a park. Cherry blossoms here are spectacular and less crowded than the famous spots
Yanaka Ginza — a traditional shotengai (shopping street) with independent food stalls, craft shops and local businesses
Nezu Shrine — a smaller, less crowded alternative to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, with its own torii gate tunnel

Roppongi

Tokyo's international district — home to many of the city's finest art museums, excellent restaurants and a notorious (and increasingly refined) nightlife scene.

Don't miss:

Mori Art Museum — on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills, one of Japan's finest contemporary art museums with extraordinary views
teamLab Borderless — now relocated to Azabudai Hills nearby. The world's most extraordinary digital art installation. Book well in advance
National Art Center — a stunning Kisho Kurokawa-designed building hosting major exhibitions
21_21 Design Sight — Tadao Ando-designed design museum in Tokyo Midtown

Ginza

Tokyo's most upmarket shopping and dining district — the Japanese equivalent of Fifth Avenue or Bond Street. Every major luxury brand has a flagship here, alongside excellent department stores (Mitsukoshi, Matsuya), art galleries and some of Tokyo's finest restaurants.

Don't miss:

Itoya — possibly the world's finest stationery shop. 12 floors of extraordinary paper goods, writing instruments and art supplies
Tsukiji Outer Market — the original fish market area. The famous tuna auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market remains outstanding for breakfast sushi, fresh seafood and street food
Ginza Six — the district's flagship luxury shopping complex

Odaiba

A man-made island in Tokyo Bay, connected to the city by the Yurikamome automated monorail. Futuristic architecture, a life-sized Gundam robot, teamLab Planets, beach volleyball, shopping malls and extraordinary views of the Rainbow Bridge and city skyline.

Don't miss:

teamLab Planets — a different but equally extraordinary teamLab experience to Borderless. Walk through water and immersive digital art rooms. Book in advance
DiverCity Tokyo — for the life-sized Gundam statue outside
Odaiba Seaside Park — beach with views of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline at night

Tokyo Food Guide

Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. But some of the city's best eating is done standing up at a street stall, perched on a plastic stool at a ramen counter, or at the food floor of a department store (depachika).

Must-Eat Experiences

Sushi Tokyo's sushi scene ranges from the extraordinary to the extraordinary. Options include:

Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt) — Sushiro, Kura and Hamazushi are reliable chains. Excellent value and fun
Tsukiji breakfast sushi — eating fresh sushi at the Tsukiji outer market at 8am is one of Tokyo's great experiences
Omakase — chef's selection sushi at a traditional counter. Budget ¥20,000–100,000+ per person. Book months in advance for the best restaurants

Ramen Tokyo's ramen style is typically shoyu (soy sauce) based — lighter and more refined than Hokkaido's miso or Kyushu's tonkotsu. Must-visit ramen shops include:

Ichiran — solo dining in individual booths with excellent tonkotsu ramen. A uniquely Japanese experience
Fuunji — Shinjuku, tsukemen (dipping noodles) that regularly draws long queues
Afuri — yuzu-infused ramen, multiple locations

Tempura Tokyo's tempura tradition is extraordinary. Tendon (tempura over rice) at specialist restaurants costs ¥1,500–3,000. High-end tempura omakase is one of Tokyo's great dining experiences.

Yakitori Chicken skewers grilled over charcoal. Every part of the chicken is used — thigh, breast, heart, liver, skin, cartilage. An evening at a yakitori counter with cold Sapporo beer is a Tokyo institution. Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku is the most atmospheric spot.

Izakaya Japanese pub-restaurants where small dishes are ordered to share alongside drinks. The quintessential Tokyo evening — order edamame, karaage (fried chicken), sashimi, tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and cold Asahi. Wander the backstreets of any neighbourhood to find the best local options.

Wagyu beef Japanese beef raised to extraordinary standards. A wagyu sukiyaki, shabu-shabu or teppanyaki experience in Tokyo is worth every yen. Budget ¥8,000–30,000+ per person.

Convenience store food Japan's convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are in a category of their own. Fresh onigiri (rice balls), hot oden, steamed nikuman buns, excellent coffee and cold beer — a 7-Eleven meal in Tokyo is genuinely better than a restaurant meal in most countries.

Depachika (Department Store Food Halls)

The basement food floors of Tokyo's department stores are among the city's great experiences — Isetan in Shinjuku, Mitsukoshi in Ginza and Takashimaya in Nihonbashi are particularly outstanding. Thousands of artisanal foods, fresh sushi, wagyu beef, extraordinary pastries, sake and everything in between.

Best Food Neighbourhoods

Shinjuku — Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, Kabukicho izakayas
Shibuya/Daikanyama — excellent cafés, contemporary restaurants
Ginza — fine dining and the Tsukiji outer market
Asakusa — traditional Japanese sweets and street food
Shimokitazawa — Tokyo's most bohemian neighbourhood. Excellent independent cafés and restaurants
Koenji — similar to Shimokitazawa, slightly less discovered

Top Attractions in Detail

teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)

One of the world's most extraordinary art experiences — a 10,000m² labyrinthine space of interconnected digital art installations where light, sound, water and movement blend into something completely unlike anything else. Rooms flow into each other without borders. Allow 2–4 hours. Book well in advance — often sells out weeks ahead.

teamLab Planets (Toyosu)

A different teamLab experience — smaller but equally extraordinary. You walk barefoot through water and immersive room-sized installations. The garden of planets is extraordinary. Book in advance.

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)

Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple. The approach through Kaminarimon Gate along Nakamise Street, the five-storey pagoda, the main hall and the surrounding grounds are beautiful at any hour. Arrive before 8am to experience it in relative quiet.

Meiji Jingu Shrine (Harajuku)

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in 70 hectares of forested parkland in the middle of central Tokyo. The approach along the wide gravel path through towering camphor trees is one of Tokyo's most serene experiences.

Shibuya Sky

The observation deck on the roof of Shibuya Scramble Square offers some of the best 360-degree views in Tokyo — the scramble crossing directly below, Shinjuku's skyscrapers to the west, Tokyo Bay to the south, and Mt Fuji on clear days. Particularly spectacular at sunset and after dark.

Tokyo Skytree (Asakusa)

At 634m, the world's tallest tower. Two observation decks — the Tembo Deck at 350m and the Tembo Galleria at 450m. The views on a clear day (particularly in winter) are extraordinary. Book in advance to avoid long queues.

Tsukiji Outer Market

The famous tuna auction moved to Toyosu in 2018 but the outer market remains one of Tokyo's great food experiences. Fresh seafood, incredible tamago (egg) sushi stalls, tamagoyaki shops and seafood vendors. Best visited for breakfast between 7–10am before the crowds arrive.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

One of Tokyo's finest parks — 58 hectares of traditional Japanese garden, French formal garden and English landscape garden. Cherry blossom season here is spectacular and slightly less crowded than Ueno Park. No alcohol permitted.

Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu

Adjacent to each other in Harajuku, these two spaces offer a remarkable contrast — the manicured forest of the shrine and the open lawns of Yoyogi Park, which fills with musicians, cosplayers, dancers and picnickers on weekends.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

The public gardens of the Imperial Palace, set in the heart of the city. Classical Japanese garden design, reconstructed castle ruins and extraordinary seasonal flowers. Free entry.

Ueno Park and Museums

Tokyo's cultural centre — Ueno Park contains multiple world-class museums including the Tokyo National Museum (Japan's largest), the National Museum of Western Art (Le Corbusier-designed UNESCO World Heritage building), the National Museum of Nature and Science, and Ueno Zoo. The park itself is one of Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom spots.

Akihabara Electric Town

An overwhelming sensory experience — multi-storey electronics and gaming stores, anime and manga shops, arcades and maid cafés. Best experienced in the evening when all the neon signs are lit.

Day Trips from Tokyo

Nikko (2 hours by train)

An extraordinary complex of elaborately decorated shrines and temples set in forested mountains. The Tosho-gu Shrine — built to honour Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Edo shogun — is one of Japan's most ornate buildings. Spectacular autumn foliage. Take the Tobu Nikko Limited Express from Asakusa.

Kamakura (1 hour by train)

A coastal town south of Tokyo famous for the giant bronze Buddha (Kotoku-in Daibutsu) and numerous temples and shrines. The Daibutsu hiking trail connects several temples through forested hills. Excellent seafood. Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station.

Hakone (1.5 hours by train)

Mountain resort town famous for Mt Fuji views, traditional ryokan and hot springs (onsen). Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku. Use the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited travel on the area's train, cable car, ropeway and boat services. Lake Ashi offers the best views of Mt Fuji (on clear days).

Yokohama (30 minutes by train)

Japan's second largest city is essentially a suburb of Tokyo but has its own distinct character — a major port with a beautiful waterfront (Minato Mirai), Japan's largest Chinatown, excellent ramen (Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum) and the CupNoodles Museum. Take the JR Tokaido Line from Shinagawa.

Mt Fuji (2–2.5 hours)

Japan's most iconic image and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing season is July–August. The fifth station is accessible year-round by bus from Shinjuku. Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) offers excellent views from below and is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. Take the Fujikyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku.

Suggested Itineraries

3 Days in Tokyo — The Essential

Day 1: East Tokyo Start at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (go early). Walk along Nakamise Street, take the water bus along the Sumida River to Odaiba. Afternoon: teamLab Planets in Toyosu. Evening: return to Asakusa for dinner in the backstreets.

Day 2: Shibuya and Harajuku Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Lunch on Omotesando. Afternoon: Shibuya — the scramble crossing, Hachiko statue, shopping. Sunset from Shibuya Sky. Evening: izakaya dinner in Daikanyama or Ebisu.

Day 3: Shinjuku Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen. Afternoon: explore the department stores and east side of Shinjuku. Evening: Omoide Yokocho for yakitori and beer. Golden Gai for late-night drinks.

5 Days in Tokyo — Going Deeper

Follow the 3-day itinerary, then add:

Day 4: Akihabara, Ueno and Yanaka Morning: Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum. Afternoon: wander through Yanaka's historic streets and cemetery. Evening: Akihabara for the full sensory experience.

Day 5: Roppongi and Ginza Morning: Tsukiji outer market for breakfast sushi. Afternoon: Ginza shopping and Itoya stationery. Late afternoon: teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills (book in advance). Evening: dinner in Roppongi, drinks at the Park Hyatt New York Bar.

7 Days — Tokyo and Day Trips

Follow the 5-day itinerary, then add:

Day 6: Nikko day trip Early train from Asakusa, full day exploring the shrines and temples. Return for dinner in Tokyo.

Day 7: Hakone Shinkansen or Romancecar to Hakone. Mt Fuji views from Lake Ashi, cable car over volcanic valley, ryokan dinner and onsen. Overnight in Hakone or return to Tokyo.

Practical Tips

Cash

Tokyo is becoming increasingly cashless but cash remains important — many smaller restaurants, temples, vending machines and local shops remain cash-only. Carry ¥5,000–10,000 at all times. 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards reliably and have English-language interfaces.

Language

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and at major train stations. Download Google Translate with Japanese for offline use — the camera translation feature is invaluable for menus and signs. Basic Japanese phrases go a long way.

Etiquette

Speak quietly in public — loud conversations on trains are considered rude
Queue patiently and in an orderly line for everything
Don't eat or drink while walking (except at festival stalls)
Remove shoes when entering homes, many traditional restaurants and some temples
Tipping is not done in Japan — it can cause genuine confusion or offence
Rubbish bins are extremely rare on the street — carry a small bag for wrappers

Tattoos

Many onsen (hot spring baths) prohibit tattoos. Private baths (kashikiri) are available at most ryokan and some public baths as an alternative. Check policies before visiting.

Safety

Tokyo is one of the world's safest major cities. Violent crime is extremely rare. Lost wallets and phones are regularly handed in to police. The main risks are:

Earthquakes — Japan experiences frequent minor tremors. Download the Safety tips app for English-language alerts
Typhoons — occasional during summer/early autumn. Monitor forecasts

Healthcare

Excellent hospitals and clinics throughout the city. International clinics with English-speaking staff include Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic and St Luke's International Hospital. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.

Packing for Tokyo

Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000–25,000 steps per day
Slip-on shoes for temple visits
Layers — temperatures vary dramatically between seasons
Compact umbrella or rain jacket (useful year-round)
Reusable shopping bag — plastic bags now cost extra
Portable power bank — navigation drains your phone quickly
Small day pack
Modest clothing for shrine and temple visits

Staying Connected in Tokyo

Tokyo has excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the city — on trains, underground, in buildings and across all neighbourhoods. Coverage is essentially uninterrupted.

The easiest way to stay connected is with an eSIM. Set it up before you fly, scan the QR code, and you'll have data from the moment you land at Narita or Haneda — no queuing at airport SIM kiosks, no language barriers at phone shops.

InstantESIMs Japan plans start from $0.50, with flexible data options to suit short city breaks and longer trips across Japan. No app required, no physical SIM needed — instant connectivity from the moment you arrive.

Ready to explore Tokyo? Browse Japan eSIM plans at instantesims.com.