Tokyo Travel Guide: Tips and Information for Explorers

Discover Tokyo: Essential Travel Information and Tips

Tokyo, Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With its mix of modern and traditional attractions, the city offers something for everyone. For a unique experience, take a stroll around the Asakusa area, which features many traditional Japanese-style buildings.

From temples and shrines to bustling shopping district, Tokyo has a unique vibe that makes it a must-visit destination. As you wander through its bustling streets, you will be captivated by the towering skyscrapers and neon lights that illuminate the cityscape. One of the top attractions in Tokyo is the Tōkyō Skytree, which is the tallest freestanding tower in the world, standing at 2,080 feet. From the observation decks, you can see amazing views of the city and its surroundings. Other popular destinations in Tokyo include the Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensō-ji Temple, and Tsukiji Fish Market.

The city also boasts excellent shopping, with many districts offering a huge variety of products and services. Popular districts are Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Ueno. For shopaholics, the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku are a paradise filled with fashionable clothing stores and quirky boutiques. Immerse yourself in Tokyo's lively nightlife scene, where you can enjoy karaoke in Shinjuku or sip cocktails in the upscale bars of Ginza.

Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, and every corner offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered. For some nightlife, head to Roppongi or Ginza, where you can find bars, clubs, and live music. Tokyo is a city full of surprises and there’s something to do for everyone. Here are some must-see attractions in Tokyo, completed with hotels nearby.

TOKYO SKYTREE

The Tōkyō Skytree is an iconic feature of the Tōkyō skyline. It’s a broadcasting tower and landmark located in Sumida, Tōkyō, Japan. It was completed in 2012 and is now the tallest structure in Japan at 634 meters (2080 feet). It is the 2nd tallest structure in the world. With its sheer height, it is used as a television and radio broadcast tower, an observation tower with two observation platforms for visitors, and a shopping complex with restaurants and souvenir shops. The observation deck offers a unique view of the urban landscape, enabling visitors to appreciate and observe the beauty of the city from a different perspective. A unique feature of the Tōkyō Skytree is its spiral-shaped outer frame, giving the tower a unique look and feel. The tower is illuminated at night and changes color to reflect the season, festival, or occasion. The Tōkyō Skytree is a symbol of modern Japan and a magical place to visit. It is a great place to take in the beauty of the city from a unique and unrivaled vantage point. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

MEIJI SHRINE

The Meiji Shrine is one of the most important and most popular shrines in Tokyo and in Japan in general. It is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The shrine was completed in 1920 and is located within a forest of evergreen trees, symbolizing the eternal nature of the spirits of the Emperor and Empress. The Outer Garden of the shrine has a pond with fish and turtles, a treasure house, and a Noh theater, and it is common to see traditional weddings taking place here. The Inner Garden has an orchard of over 300 different kinds of trees, many donated by people throughout the country, and a beautiful iris garden. The shrine complex is also home to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, which displays 80 large murals depicting the Emperor and Empress’s life and accomplishments. The Meiji Shrine is an important spiritual destination for the people of Japan and is visited by over three million people a year. It is a frequent site for traditional Japanese festivals and events such as Hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visit) and Yabusame (archery on horseback). Additionally, the Meiji Shrine is one of the most popular meeting places in Tokyo, making it a great place to meet up with friends or family for a picnic in the park. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

TOKYO IMPERIAL PALACE

The history of the Tokyo Imperial Palace dates back to the late 19th century, when it was constructed on the site of the former Edo Castle. The castle was once the seat of power for the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled Japan for over 250 years. However, after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the imperial family moved to Tokyo and the castle was demolished to make way for the palace. Today, the Tokyo Imperial Palace stands as a majestic and impressive structure, with its traditional Japanese architectural style and grandeur. The main building, known as the Kyuden, is where the imperial family resides and conducts official duties. It is a stunning example of traditional Japanese palace design, with intricate details and beautiful craftsmanship. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the palace during special events and ceremonies, as well as through guided tours of the East Gardens. The East Gardens, which were once part of the Edo Castle's innermost circles, are open to the public and offer a tranquil and scenic escape from the bustling city. The gardens feature a mix of Japanese and Western-style landscapes, with meandering paths, picturesque ponds, and vibrant flower beds. There are also several museums and galleries within the palace grounds, showcasing priceless treasures and artifacts from Japan's imperial history. Visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace is a must-do for anyone traveling to Japan. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Located near Tokyo Imperial Palace, National Museum of Modern Art is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the world of modern art in Japan. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted with a sense of grandeur and sophistication. The impressive architecture of the building is a blend of traditional Japanese design and modern elements, creating a perfect setting for showcasing the diverse collection of contemporary art. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 13,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and installations, dating from the late 19th century to the present day. The permanent exhibitions are divided into different sections, each showcasing a different period in Japan's art history. From the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century to the contemporary works of today, visitors can explore the evolution of Japanese art and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. One of the highlights of the museum is its impressive collection of works by renowned Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Yoshitomo Nara. These artworks give a unique insight into modern Japanese society and its ever-changing landscape. A visit to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo is a truly enriching experience. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

BEST TIME TO VISIT TOKYO

The best time to visit Tokyo really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. For those looking to explore Tokyo's vibrant city streets in the warmer season, the months of April through October are ideal. Temperatures are mild during this time and outdoor activities are plentiful. From the cherry blossoms blooming in April to the O-Bon Festival in August, there is something to experience every month. If you are looking to enjoy the city's winter festivities, November through February are the months to visit. During this time, you can take part in the illumination of Tokyo's famous skyscrapers, visit the winter illuminations at Zōjō-ji Temple, or check out the impressive winter illuminations that cover the entire Tokyo Skytree. No matter what time you visit, you can be sure of having a memorable experience in Tokyo.

TO OTHER CITIES BY TRAIN

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, and it is situated in the Kanto region of Japan, making it the capital of the country. It is not only the seat of the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan, but it also serves as the country's main transportation hub. This includes an extensive network of railway lines that connect Tokyo to cities all over Japan and beyond. Tokyo is connected to major cities such as Osaka and Kyoto in the east, Hiroshima and Fukuoka in the south, Sapporo in the north, and Sendai in the northeast. There are also numerous high speed lines, including the world-famous Shinkansen or “bullet train” which has a top speed of 300km/h. Connecting to the greater metropolitan area of Tokyo, there are also local trains, monorails, trams and subways, enabling efficient and convenient transportation to any area of the city. The combination of this extensive network of rail links makes Tokyo one of the most well-connected cities in the world, allowing you to get anywhere you need to go quickly and easily.