Tokyo

About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Area Map | Attractions | What to do

About

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the most populated city in the world. Tokyo is also a "prefecture" (like a State in America) and has multiple massive cities. A main train line called the Yamanote Line loops around metropolitan Tokyo and stops at all the major cities. Some of the major cities on the Yamanote line are Tokyo Station, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya. Take a quick glance at our Tokyo Area Map below so you can easily understand the Tokyo layout. There are also some islands far south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean (Izu and Ogasawara Islands) that are strangely enough, also a part of Tokyo Prefecture.

Tokyo Skytree in the background

Until 1886 the city of Tokyo was called Edo. Edo was a relatively small fishing/castle town until Tokugawa Ieyasu established his newly formed government there in 1603 and thus ensued the Edo Period (1603-1876). With the new government, large swaths of flat areas to grow rice in the delta region and a bay full of fish, Edo quickly grew into a large thriving city. In 1868 the then Meiji Emperor of Japan moved the capitol of Japan from Kyoto to Edo and the city's name of Edo was changed to Tokyo (many Japanese are very nostalgic about Tokyo's old name of Edo). Tokyo has had a couple major blows to it's survival, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the Air Raids in 1945 during WW2 but it has come back and thrived to become one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Evening in Shinjuku

Tokyo. We've all heard of it and we all have an "image" of what Tokyo is like. Depending on who you talk to Tokyo can be an "absolutely fascinating place" or "a crowded concrete jungle". One thing is for sure, Tokyo will excite all your senses and give you an experience like you have never had before. What started off as a small little fishing village hundreds of years ago and quickly became one of the top largest capitol cities in the world, Tokyo is a place with incredibly deep culture, history, food and people.

Shinbashi near the tracks

Where to stay in Tokyo

Yes, Tokyo is absolutely HUGE! However, the train system in Tokyo (well, all of Japan) is beyond amazing. It doesn't really matter if you stay in Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa or wherever... just jump on a close by train and within fifteen minutes to an hour you can get to all the spots around Tokyo. Although Tokyo is very "old" (the few non-destroyed areas after the war), the reconstruction and rail system layout makes Tokyo and incredibly travel friendly city. Think of Tokyo as a "circle", around that circle on the edges are major cities... on that edge a train line called the Yamanote Line loops around stopping at all the major cities, very convenient!

More than "Where", "What kind of place" do you want to stay may be more important. Although most folk immediately consider staying at a Western Hotel, you may want to consider a "Japanese Style" hotel/Inn as these types of places will only enhance your trip even more. Here is a list of Hotels, Japanese Inns, Business Hotels and other lodging in Tokyo.

Shibuya Crossing in the Evening

What to do in Tokyo

Where to start!? You could possibly live in Tokyo your whole life and never experience all it has to offer and even if you did manage to hit every cool spot, by the time you got done most everything behind you has changed. However, as a visitor/tourist, you want to take in some of the best of the best! We have great information on Tokyo Observation Decks, Tokyo Amusement Parks, Tokyo Anime Guide, Tokyo Castle Guide, Hot Springs in Tokyo, Hot Springs near Tokyo, Watch Sumo in Tokyo and information on a great train pass called the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (for 10,000 yen, Unlimited riding for 3 days).

Shinkuku at night

Also be sure to check our list of attractions in Tokyo and view the "Tokyo What to do" links on this page (either in the right sidebar or below this if on a mobile device). Since food happens to be one of our favorite past-times, definitely hit some of the great Japanese restaurants in Tokyo. After you have experienced some of the best food in the world you probably want to experience some Japanese Culture, temples, gardens and festivals. The nightlife can't be missed! If your single, a couple or even a family (the kids will be fine), head on out to Shibuya, Shinjuku or Roppongi at night for some wild times. Sleep well at night because your days will be filled with sightseeing, eating and experiencing all the excitement Tokyo has to offer!

You can also visit our city specific Tokyo City pages for Akihabara, Asakusa, Ginza, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, Nakano (Tokyo), Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and Ueno. See the map below to get an idea of where these major cities are in Greater Tokyo.

Access

from Narita Intl. Airport (Terminal 2)

• by Train
  • NEX - around 3,020 yen and takes about 56 min.
    The NEX is the fastest and easiest way to get directly to Tokyo Station. It also goes directly to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Yokohama and other various stations. You can also activate your JR Pass at the airport and ride the NEX using the pass which makes it very economical. Please visit the NEX site for information, schedules and pricing.
  • Skyliner - around 2,470 yen and takes about 41 min.
    If you don't have a JR Pass and will be staying at a place near Ueno or Asakusa, the Skyliner is your best option. It's actually cheaper and faster than the NEX but the final destination is Kesei-Ueno (near Ueno Station). Please visit the Skyliner site for information, schedules and pricing.
  • JR Express Train - around 1,320 yen and takes about 1 hour 30 min.
    If you don't have a JR Pass and want the cheapest method to get to Tokyo, Shinagawa or Yokohama, you can jump on a regular JR Express train from the airport. Since the airport station is the "starting" station, you will also be able to get a seat. Note however that the seating is normal "bench against the wall" type seating and you will have to hold your luggage between your legs. The train can also get quite full if not packed on it's way to Tokyo. The JR Pass will also work on this train... but, might as well ride the NEX if you have a JR Pass.
• by Highway Bus
  • Airport Limousine - around 3,100 yen and takes about 1 hour 30 min.
    The Highway Bus is another great option because if you stay at one of the hotels it stops at, it is very convenient. With all the train options you will be pushing and pulling luggage through major train stations and then walking to the hotel but with the bus, you'll get dropped off right in front of your hotel. The only real problem with the bus is "time". "In General" the bus takes 1.5 - 2 hours to get to it's destinations (about twice as long as express trains) BUT, if there is traffic... 3... maybe even 4 hours. If you arrive at Narita and leave Narita during the morning or later night and a bus will drop you right at your hotel, the Limousine Bus is a good choice. Please visit the Airport Limousine site for information, schedules and pricing.

from Shin-Osaka

• by Train
  • JR Shinkansen - around 14,450 yen and takes about 2 hours 30 min.
    Shin-Osaka is the Shinkansen Station in Osaka. If you have a JR Pass, jump on any "Hikari Shinkansen" and you'll be in Tokyo in about 2 and a half hours. If you don't have a JR Pass take any train you like and fits your budget.

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

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Area Map

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Attractions

Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Tokyo.  View all Attractions in Tokyo.

#1

The Japanese Sword Museum

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last admission: 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: Mondays (If National Holiday on a Monday, will be closed Tuesday)

Cost: Adult: 1,000 yen, 15-18: 700 yen, Under 15: Free

Map: Google Map

The Japanese Sword Museum in Ryogoku has a small but spectacular collection of Japanese samurai swords. Most of the swords were forged in modern times but there are some (a few) that are actually from the 13th and 14th centuries (900 years old). If your interested in Japanese swords, The Japanese Sw... more details

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#2

Tokyo DisneySea

Hours: The park is generally opened from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. year-round.

Closed: Never Closed

Cost: 18+: from 7,500 yen (for a 1-Day Passport) | 12-17: from 6,500 yen (for a 1-Day Passport) | 4-11: 4,900 yen (for a 1-Day Passport)

Map: Google Map

One of the great Theme Parks in the world that only Japan has. You are probably thinking "Disneyland" but don't think that. Although DisneySea is of the same quality, the park is very different. DisneySea is based off a "Sea" theme and unique to Japan. Tokyo DisneySea is made up of different "sect... more details

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#3

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Hours: Generally from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. For details see the Official Page

Closed: Various. See Offical Page

Cost: Free

Map: Google Map

Once called the "Edo Castle", it is now the "Tokyo Imperial Palace". The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family, a guarded palace for the Royal family of Japan. The residence is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls and is smack dab in the center of Tokyo, a short ... more details

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#4

Tokyo Tower

Hours: Main Deck (150m) 9:00 am - 11:00 pm (Last admission 10:30 pm) Top Deck Tour (150m & 250m) 9:00 am - 10:45 pm (Last Tour 10:00 pm - 10:15 pm)

Closed: No closing days

Cost: Main Deck - 19+: 1,200 yen, 16-18: 1,000 yen, 7-15: 700 yen, 4-6: 500 yen | Top Deck - 19+: 3,000 yen, 16-18: 2,800 yen, 7-15: 2,000 yen, 4-6: 1,400 yen

Map: Google Map

Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower has been the the "Nostalgic Symbol" of Tokyo.  It has a height of 333 meters and is based off the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  It was Japan's highest structure from 1958 to 2012 when Tokyo Skytree took the record.  Tokyo Skytree definately stole a... more details

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#5

Yodobashi Camera Akihabara - Multimedia Akiba

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Map: Google Map

Yodobashi Camera "Multimedia Akiba" is a massive "Electronics, Camera and Computer" super city in Akihabara. It is a favorite destination for foreigners living in Japan and of course Japanese themselves. The store is right next to the station and very easy to get to. If its your first time visitin... more details

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#6

Yasukuni Shrine

Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.

Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.

Map: Google Map

Yasuka Shrine in Tokyo (In Japanese; Yasuka Jinja 靖国神社) was extablished in 1869 by the Meiji Emperor to honor the souls of those who died fighting for the Emperor. The shrine is embroiled in controversy as it contains ashes and documented rights of passage of those who honorably died in ba... more details

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