//
Capital and most populous city in Japan
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Tokyo (東京 Tōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital of Japan, and its main city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people. As one of the most populated urban areas in the world, Tokyo is a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture and global business along with remnants of the capital of old Japan. From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture. Tokyo truly has something for every traveller.
The seat of Japanese power (both political and economic) that includes the Imperial Palace, the Ministries near Kasumigaseki, the Parliament in Nagatacho, the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi, and the electronics mecca of Akihabara.
Includes the famed department stores of Ginza and the outer market of Tsukiji.
Includes the business centers of Akasaka and Shinbashi and the neighbouring nightclub district of Roppongi, the port district (at least in name), which includes the artificial island of Odaiba, and the skyscrapers of Shiodome.
Home to luxury hotels, giant camera stores, futuristic skyscrapers, thousands of shops and restaurants, and Kabukichō, Tokyo's wildest nightlife and red-light district.
The fashionable shopping district, which also encompasses the teenybopper haven of Harajuku (also home to the Meiji Shrine) and the nightlife of Ebisu.
A major train hub and business center, including Ōimachi and Gotanda.
Includes Ikebukuro, another giant train hub.
A residential area with a few nice parks and museums.
By plane
Tokyo (TYO for all airports) and the Kanto Region are served by two major airports.
By train
For all trains on the northern route, you can get off at Ueno, while trains on the western route call at Shinagawa. Most non-Shinkansen services usually stop at Shibuya and Shinjuku stations as well.
By car
While you can drive into the city, it is really not recommended as the city can be congested, signs may be confusing and parking fees are astronomical.
By thumb
Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult.
By bus
Highway bus services link Tokyo to other cities, resort areas and the surrounding prefectures. There are JR and private bus companies.
By boat
One of the great ports of the world, Tokyo also has domestic ferry services to other points in Japan. However, none of the regular international ferries to Japan call at Tokyo.
By train and subway
Tokyo has one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world and is the most used subway system in the world in terms of annual passenger rides.
By taxi
Taxis are pricey, but may be competitive for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.
By ride hailing
You can use Uber to hail limousines and taxis for a ¥500 surcharge, which may be worth it to bypass both the language barrier and potential payment hassles.
By car
Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with slow-moving traffic and extremely limited and expensive parking.
By bus
The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies.
By boat
The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series of Water Bus ferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa, Hinode, Harumi and Odaiba.
By bicycle
Bicycles are very commonly used for local transport, but amenities like bicycle lanes are rare, drivers pay little heed to bikes and traffic can be very heavy on weekdays, so if you use a bicycle, do…
On foot
In this large city with such an efficient public transportation system, walking to get from point A to point B would seem a bit stupid at first glance.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tokyo · International · HND
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Tokyo and Japan.
Travel tipsNavigate Japan's rail network after the JR Pass price hike. Compare regional passes, master the SmartEX app, and use digital Suica IC cards on your phone.
6 min read
ItinerariesExperience Japan's classic Golden Route without the crushing crowds. Master Yamato luggage delivery, dawn visits to Fushimi Inari, and quiet hidden temples.
6 min read
Travel tipsBetter prompts, smarter routes and honest budgets. How to get a useful trip plan from an AI assistant, and what to check before you book.
7 min read
Travel tipsFive countries where women travelling alone find safe streets, easy transport and a warm welcome, with practical advice for each one.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.