Tokyo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Tokyo is one of the world's great megacities — simultaneously ultramodern and deeply traditional, overwhelming and perfectly organized. With 37 million people in the greater metro area, it can feel like an entire country compressed into one city. Here's how to make sense of it.
Tokyo is one of the world's great megacities — simultaneously ultramodern and deeply traditional, overwhelming and perfectly organized. With 37 million people in the greater metro area, it can feel like an entire country compressed into one city. Here's how to make sense of it.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo's train and subway network is the world's most extensive — and most efficient. The IC card system (Suica or Pasmo) works across JR lines, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and most buses. Top up at any station machine.
The Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hour pass is good value if you're spending multiple days exploring the city.
Key lines to know:
- Yamanote Line (JR): loops the major hubs — Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, Ueno, Tokyo Station
- Tokyo Metro: covers neighborhoods the Yamanote misses — Roppongi, Ginza, Asakusa
- Taxis: expensive and largely unnecessary
Must-Visit Neighborhoods
Shinjuku — skyscrapers, department stores, Kabukicho entertainment district, Golden Gai (dozens of tiny bars). Tokyo's nightlife epicenter.
Shibuya — home of the world-famous scramble crossing. Excellent for shopping (Shibuya 109, Parco), street fashion, and people-watching.
Asakusa — old Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple, rickshaws, traditional craft shops, and the best street food in the city. Visit early morning before tour groups arrive.
Akihabara — electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. Even if it's not your thing, the sensory overload is fascinating.
Harajuku — Takeshita Street for quirky youth fashion; Omotesando for luxury brands. Meiji Shrine is a 5-minute walk and a beautiful contrast.
Yanaka — one of Tokyo's last traditional shitamachi (old town) neighborhoods. Narrow lanes, family temples, local shotengai (shopping streets). Feels like 1960s Tokyo.
Top Experiences
Tsukiji Outer Market: The inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still serves the best sushi breakfast in the world. Arrive before 8am.
teamLab Borderless or Planets: Immersive digital art installations. Book weeks in advance.
Sumo morning practice: Ryogoku stables open early morning practice to visitors (informal, no charge — research which stables are welcoming).
Hamarikyu Gardens: A traditional garden surrounded by skyscrapers. Take a ferry from here up the Sumida River to Asakusa.
Shinjuku Gyoen: The best place to experience cherry blossom season with some space. Moderate admission fee.
Day Trips from Tokyo
- Nikko (2h by train): ornate shrines, waterfalls, mountain scenery
- Kamakura (1h by train): giant Buddha statue, coastal temples
- Hakone (1.5h by train): views of Mt. Fuji, ryokan stays, open-air museum
- Yokohama (30min): waterfront, Chinatown, Cup Noodles Museum
Where to Eat
Don't overthink it — Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city on Earth, but the best meals are often under €15. Ramen shops, conveyor belt sushi, yakitori under the train tracks in Yurakucho, tempura lunch sets, standing soba noodle bars.
Rule of thumb: if there's a queue outside, join it.
Practical Tips
- Google Maps works perfectly for navigating Tokyo transit
- Most restaurants have plastic food displays or picture menus
- Cash is still king — have yen on you, especially in smaller restaurants
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are genuinely useful for meals
- Tokyo tap water is safe to drink
Tokyo rewards curiosity. The more you wander off the tourist trail, the better it gets.
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