Region
Kanto
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Tokyo
Population
12,059,237

Tokyo

Japan's electrifying capital

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

Tokyo is a place where the old cliche “there’s something for everyone” actually rings true. Literally “Eastern capital” in Japanese, Tokyo grew from a small fishing village named Edo in the twelfth century to become the capital of Japan. Today it is one of the most populous cities in the world.

Its size designates it as a prefecture encompassing 23 special wards governed independently as cities. Not just a concrete jungle, Tokyo Prefecture includes the volcanic Izu Islands and tropical Ogasawara archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.

Neon lights

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

The famous Shibuya scramble.

Tokyo is home to more than 13 million people. Skyscrapers and neon lights soar over the Tokyo skyline, but there are also residential areas, tree-lined hills, and underground bars and restaurants. The city and its inhabitants live and breathe together. Exploring Tokyo, you get to feel its unique aliveness. Each of Tokyo’s 23 wards has a distinct character of its own.

The bars and nightlife found in Shinjuku, maids and tech of geek centered Akihabara, and Harajuku, the hub for kawaii culture and outlandish fashion, are just a few examples.

Temples and culture

Sensoji Temple Sakura Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular spots.

Eastern districts like Asakusa and Ueno give off a more retro vibe, preserving their historic temples, museums, and tiny izakaya hidden among pre-war winding alleyways. The super-sleek business center of Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward gets a dose of royal zen from the Imperial Palace nearby. Then there’s the nightlife center of cosmopolitan Roppongi, where ex-pats and locals alike go to party, but is also known for its thriving art scene.

Apart from all of the sights, niche attractions, and nightlife, Tokyo has events and festivals throughout the year. There’s never a dull moment across the city, so make sure to check what’s on during your stay.

Nature getaways

Ogasawara Yoake Island Tokyo

Ogasawara is technically in Tokyo.

It’s hard to visualize where Tokyo begins and ends, but make it beyond the urban borders, and you’ll discover lush forests, mountains, and teal waters. Tokyo’s Okutama is a town located in the prefecture’s western side and is home to outdoor adventures such as waterfall climbing and canyoning. Mount Takao, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City, is perfect for a day of hiking.

Many are surprised to learn that Tokyo also has subtropical islands. Overnight ferries depart from the central Takeshiba port terminal near Hamamatsucho to Tokyo’s Izu Islands, such as Hachijojima.

 The furthest island from Tokyo, Ogasawara, can take up to 26 hours to reach. Here, you’ll find pure white beaches and never-seen-before reefs that offer camping, hiking, surfing, snorkeling, whale-watching, and more.

Plan your trip to Tokyo with the links below!

Trivia

5 Top Theme Restaurants in Tokyo

Whether they’re scary, cute, or retro-geek—here are five unique spots to try on your visit for some unexpected dining experiences.

More

Places to visit

Beauty Blenda Tokyo

Beauty Blenda Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, Queens and Kings!

Cafe & Bar Donyoku

Cafe & Bar Donyoku

Have a foot bath and grab a pint, this is your new queer hangout spot.


Teamlab borderless Mori Digital Art Museum Odaiba, Tokyo

TeamLab Borderless

Watch as interactive art projections come to life right before your eyes at the world’s first digital art museum.

Mount Mitake in Tokyo is great for hiking

Mount Mitake

A holy mountain with temple stays near Tokyo.


Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo

Nezu Shrine

This shrine may look like it’s plucked straight from Kyoto, but its torii tunnel and blooming azalea sit nestled right in Tokyo.

Maidreamin cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo

Three Maid Cafes in Akihabara

Not all cafes are maid equal.


Kome to Circus Weird Restaurant in Shinjuku Japan

Kome to Circus

Try some crocodile tempura with a side of grasshoppers at this *ahem* exotic restaurant in Shinjuku.

Pokemon Center Shibuya Parco in Tokyo Japan.

Pokémon Center Shibuya

Grab your pokeballs, a wild Mewtwo has appeared in Tokyo.


Nintendo Store in Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Nintendo Store

Thank you, Mario! For once our princess isn't in another castle, she's right here in Tokyo.

Capcom Store Shibuya Parco in Tokyo Japan

Capcom Store Tokyo

The Devil May Cry when he sees this awesome store dedicated to all things Capcom.


Vegan Store in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan

Vegan Store

This vegan shop and cafe in the heart of Tokyo is the thing of our #dairyfree dreams.

kameido tenjin shrine

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Let the scent of chrysanthemums take you back in time.


The Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Meguro Parasitological Museum

You may never eat sushi again after visiting this creepy-crawly museum.

Shibuya

You know you're in Japan when...


Gotoku-ji Cat Temple in Setagaya

Gotoku-ji Temple

You’ve probably seen the thousands of cat statues at this Tokyo temple in photos, but seeing in person is believing.

Unko Museum Odaiba, Tokyo Poop Museum Japan

Unko Museum Odaiba

The poop on Tokyo's permanent poo museum.


Cosplay in Tokyo

Comiket (Comic Market)

Step aside San Diego Comic Con! Japan’s bi-annual comic market is worth planning your trip around.

edogawa fireworks fest

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

A display to rival the Sumida River Fireworks.


Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Epic fireworks with equally as epic crowds. ?

Shinjuku Building

A hip community of LGBT-friendly cafes, bars, and galleries all under one roof.


New Sazae Disco Bar in Shinjuku Ni-chome

New Sazae

Boogie on down at this intimate disco club in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku Dialogue

An LGBT cafe and bar specializing in queer inclusivity.


Rainbow Burritos in Shinjuku Ni-chome.

Rainbow Burritos

Tokyo's best burritos ?.

HEY Arcade Akihabara

HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard)

A hardcore gamer’s den in Akihabara.


Auguste Rodin's The Gate of Hell outside The National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo.

The National Museum of Western Art

The Gate of Hell via Ueno.

Campy

A night out in Shinjuku Ni-Chome with some rowdy queens.


Rockabillly Gang Men Jeans Twist Dance Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi

Chilled-out picnics, samurai, iconic food and street performers.

Climb lesbian bar

Climb

Sing your heart out at this cozy lesbian bar in Ikebukuro!


Urue Bar

For ladies only!

TRP 2019 main

Adezakura

Party till dawn at this Ni-chome lesbian hangout.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park

Out of all the parks in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park has the most character; equal parts beautiful, quirky and just plain odd.


Daikanyama

Life in the chicest slow lane imaginable.

A man reading inside a small restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku

You better lose yourself.


Tokyo Tower at sunset and twilight hours

Tokyo Tower

Often characterised as bringing a little of the romance of Paris to the busy streets of the nation’s capital, Tokyo Tower is a steel structure with a lot of heart.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Japan's first public art museum.


Shitamachi Museum

Shitamachi Museum

Journey into Tokyo’s forgotten past, before it became a modern Metropolis.


Dancers in Nihonbashi in October.

Nihombashi-Kyobashi Festival

Just in case you missed the summer festivals.

National Museum of Nature and Science

From prehistoric times to now.


Tokyo Shiki Theatres

The Lion King, Wicked, West Side Story, Cats: See the best of Broadway right here in Japan.

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Tokyo's other international airport (that's actually in Tokyo.)


Toshimaen

Nerima

This Tokyo district's biggest claim to fame is that Japanese animation production was born here.

super potato 2

Super Potato

*Zelda chest opening music*


MariCar Go-Karting

Let’s-a-go on the Japan circuit.

10 Japanese Museums You Can Tour Virtually

Tokyo National Museum

Gateway to Asian cultures...


Yurei Bar

Take a journey to the underworld and have a bite at Tokyo’s quirky ghost bar!

Okumalt in Ni-chome.

Okamalt

Where literary chic meets gayborhood bar.


Pokemon Cafe lead 2

Pokémon Cafe

Pika-pika-cuuute.

Tama

Western Tokyo has Hello Kitty Land and the city's biggest zoo.


Restaurant Tohoku Bokujo

Make it an overnight stay for the one-of-a-kind wild plants buffet.

Tokyo, Japan - June 4, 2015: Retailers busy selling and packing seafood in Tsukiji market. It is the largest fish market in Japan.

Tsukiji Fish Market

A tourist spot it ain’t but this only adds to its fishy charm.


Tokyo University Art Museum

Nearly 30,000 pieces of art right by Ueno Park.

Ueno Park

More than your average city park.


Nihonbashi

Visit the historic heart of Edo-Tokyo, home to Japan’s oldest department store, the famous bridge with the country’s Kilometer Zero point, and much more.

Aisotope Lounge

Party in style at the largest gay club of Ni-chome.


Anamori Inari Shrine

The fox shrine in Tokyo.

Shibuya Home Bar

Bored of Shinjuku?


Tokyo Closet Ball

A monthly & foreigner-friendly drag show.

Eagle Tokyo

Tokyo's first "Brooklyn-style" bear bar in the rowdy Shinjuku Ni-chome welcoming guests from all over the world!


Todoroki Valley autumn

Todoroki Valley

Setagaya’s secret slice of nature.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Fest

Grab your rainbow apparel and cruise on down to the biggest LGBT pride parade in Japan.


VR (Virtual Reality) Park Shibuya

Transport yourself to another world from Tokyo!

Shin-Kiba

Rock concerts, the Dinosaur Bridge, exotic plants, and a piece of history that inspired Godzilla are all within reach in this area near Tokyo Disneyland.


Shinjuku Nichome

There’s more to Shinjuku than the red light district... Enjoy drinks, dancing and discussion in Tokyo’s hoppin’ LGBT district!

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

Make sure you’re wearing waterproof slickers!


Tori-no-Ichi: Festival of the Rooster

The old town of Asakusa comes alive every November with this unique and visually stimulating 3-day festival.

Shimokitazawa

Welcome to the bohemian ‘hood where Tokyo's cool kids gather.


Tsukiji

Find out what's beyond the history of the famous fish market.

Hama-no-yu (Motomachi Hama Hot Spring)

A mixed-gender onsen on an island — just a few hours from Tokyo.


Sengaku-ji

Sengaku-ji Temple

Dishonor and retribution: The final resting place of the 47 Ronin (masterless samurai).

Hollow Point

Now, this is a shot bar!


Sumida Aquarium

Discover the aquatic life of Tokyo’s more-than 200 Islands. Yup, you heard that right!

Tokyo Metro Museum

Get to know the wonders of Tokyo’s extensive subway system up close and personal.


Koenji Awa Odori Festival

Bright costumes, thousands of dance moves and bone-rattling drums will leave you in a trance.

Indoor Survival Games

Get ready to unleash your inner Rambo.


Shibamata

The feel-good nostalgia of retro Tokyo.

Yurakucho & Ginza Antenna Shops

Tasty tripping around Japan without leaving Tokyo.


Izu Islands

Everything "Izu" alright in this paradise accessible from Tokyo.

Kawaii Monster Cafe

Kawaii Monster Cafe

A mystifying must for tourists in the wild and crazy Harajuku.


Koenji

Hey! Ho! Let’s go explore Tokyo’s former punk hood.

Kasai Rinkai Park

A day trip with serious ferris wheel action.


Mandarake At Nakano Broadway

Off, Off, Off Broadway: Trinket-size collectibles for a huge pop culture fix.

Tokyo Sea Life Park

Must-see: A 2,200-ton bluefin tuna tank.


Edogawa Goldfish Festival

Where that goldfish festival game came from?

Edogawa

Even with a traditional flair, this Tokyo ward is all about relaxing and refreshing


A One-Day Tour of Tokyo’s Suginami Ward

Go west off the beaten path to experience the quiet wonder of everyday Japan with this special itinerary.

Niijima Island

Habushiura Beach

Check out a surfing competition while sunbathing


Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands

Take a ship from Tokyo to swim with dolphins, snorkel and scuba

Ikebukuro Anime Walking Tour

Hit all the right spots on this walking tour of Ikebukuro's emerging anime scene.


Tabata Station

Tabata

Get inked and bring home a part of Tokyo’s historically artsy neighborhood.

Tamachi Station

Tamachi

Slurp some soba in central Tokyo.


A view from the tracks. Shimbashi, Tokyo.

Shimbashi

Brilliantly bayside with access points to the best of Tokyo.

Tokyo Station

From Hokkaido to Kyushu, travelers can get pretty much anywhere from Tokyo station.


Otsuka

Ikebukuro’s quiet backstreets offer a convenient respite accented with warm sake.

Shinagawa

A travel hub with a split personality and easy access to both Tokyo airports.


Osaki Station

Urban sprawl has never looked so elegant.

Okachimachi

Okachimachi means no disrespect.


Nishi-Nippori

Time to reflect: Discovering the quieter side of the Yamanote line stops.

Yurakucho

Yurakucho

Yurakucho (literally translating to “there is fun in this town”) is not kidding around when it comes to the namesake.


Kanda

Just one train stop from Tokyo station, with plenty of hole-in-the-wall shops and restaurants

Hamamatsucho

Go green at some iconic Japanese gardens right around the corner from one of the city's buzzing business areas.


Samurai Museum

Experience the samurai life while out and about in modern-day Shinjuku

Komagome Station

Your gateway to the Yamanote line’s garden paradise.


Nippori Station

Exploring the fabric of time at a Tokyo hub station.

Waterfall Climbing Adventure in Okutama

Experience a uniquely Japanese outdoor adventure in this stunning valley less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo.


ueno park cherry blossom

Uguisudani

Access to Ueno Park, lots of lovin' and Tokyo street performers.

Ebisu

Tokyo's terminal of good luck, great blessings and even greater beer.


Gotanda

Hidden local charm along the Meguro River

Shin-Okubo

Annyeonghaseyo. You've reached K-Town.


Takadanobaba

Students, shopping and Astro Boy in what's probably the best-named stop on the Yamanote Line.

Mejiro

Tokyo's most educated neighborhood.


Hamarikyu

Hama-rikyu Gardens

Get a refined taste of a traditional Edo garden without having to brave the crowds of the Imperial Palace.

Sugamo

Find your lucky red underwear at this Yamanote Line stop - affectionately dubbed "Grandma's Harajuku."


Marion Crepes

A visit to Harajuku is not complete without a visit to this crepe stand - the first ever in Tokyo.

Kichijoji

See why Kichijoji is regularly voted the best place to live in Tokyo.


Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka

Where geisha and France rendezvous over some of the city's finest cuisine.

Devil Craft Hamamatsucho

The best pizza in town?


Yanaka Tokyo

Yanaka

For a charming glimpse of yesteryear.

Jiyugaoka

Just desserts in this sweet-toothers paradise.


Harajuku Cat Street

Despite its name, the trendiest street in Tokyo has nothing to do with cats.

Mori Art Museum

A roster of world-class exhibitions make this sky-high art museum one of Japan’s best.


Nakameguro

Nakameguro

Great coffee, fine food and boutique shopping at this riverside hipster haven.

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park

Turning 100 years old in 2017, this much-loved park is one of the city's greenest getaways.


Rainbow Bridge

The now iconic Rainbow Bridge was built to be a symbol of Tokyo, but who’d have thought it would do its job so well?

Ginza

Ginza

Fancy is as fancy does in Tokyo's classiest district.


Ooedo Onsen Monogatari

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari

Reclaim the lost art of bathing naked with strangers in the nation’s capital of Tokyo.

Tokyo, Japan - May 20, 2004: Exterior of the main entrance to the Kabukiza Theatre in the Ginza district of Tokyo in Japan, This is the principal theatre in Tokyo for the traditional kabuki form of stage drama.

Kabukiza Theater

Curtain's up so get dressed in your finest, go out for dinner in Ginza and end this night with a performance at Kabukiza.


Tokyo Takarazuka Theater

Girl power at this groundbreaking theater.

Tokyo, Japan springtime at Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku's not-so secret garden is still a stunner.


Tokyo, Japan- December 26,2015: Fuji TV Building headquarters at sunset in Odaiba

Odaiba

A Giant Gundam, Rainbow Bridge, Edo-inspired onsen, not to mention the coolest museums: what doesn’t Odaiba have to offer?

Kappabashi Street , kitchen town, shopping street between Ueno and Asakusa which is lined with several dozens of stores selling everything about restaurant operators.

Kappabashi Street

Welcome to Kitchen Town.


8bit Cafe in Shinjuku

8bit Cafe

Back to the future at this 80s gaming cafe.

Under a Tokyo Expressway on the way to Otome Road Ikebukuro

Otome Road

The road to manga heaven.


Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The well known electronics district specializes in the sales of video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

Akihabara

Ah, Akihabara. Where to even begin? Electric town. Cool Japan. Anime Center. Themed cafes. The list is...

Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Beat the crowds and get a sky-high panorama of Tokyo all to yourself with this local’s viewpoint.


Manhole cover in Ghibli museum, Tokyo-Japan.

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical wonderland that is heartbreakingly charming.

Giant Japanese spider crab- (Macrocheira kaempferi)

Sunshine Aquarium

An oasis in the Tokyo sky.


People visit Sega Ikebukuro arcade game centre on May 11, 2012 in Tokyo. Sega is a profitable company with US $4.9 billion revenue in 2011.

Ikebukuro

Are you not entertained?

Colorful crepe stand in Harajuku.

Harajuku

Grab something sweet, wear your most outrageous outfit and dive head first into this paradise of the weird and wonderful.


Ameya Yokocho market in between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station.

Ueno

Parks, museums, pandas and drinking in the daytime.

Second-hand books stacked and priced in window display of bookshop in Jimbocho, Tokyo.

Jimbocho

Tokyo’s book town.


National Theatre of Japan

Discover Japanese performing arts at this historic institution.

Two ladies in front of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Mi imperial casa es su casa.


Tokyo,Japan-September 27,2015: a married couple attend Traditional Wedding ceremony at Meiji-Jingu

Meiji Jingu

Escape the chaos of Harajuku and hop over the road to Meiji Jingu.

Mount Takao

With its perfect location, cheap transport links and wealth of things to see and do; Mount Takao is a Tokyo day-tripper’s dream come true.


National Museum of Nature and Science

Explore the natural history, science and technology of Japan in this enjoyable museum.

Streets of Meguro ward

Meguro

Bars, boutiques and blossoms (even in the winter), Meguro is more than just Shibuya’s ward-next-door.


Sumo wrestlers Fujiazuma Kazuyoshi with friends during tournament season. Sumo is Japan's national sport, most professional wrestlers are foreigners

Ryogoku

You vs heavyweight traditional heritage in the sumo center of the world.

Edo Tokyo Museum Diorama

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Tokyo through the centuries at this funny-looking but seriously impressive museum.


The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower and the second largest structure in the world.

Tokyo Skytree

Some locals might still hold a candle for the more retro Tokyo Tower but the Skytree is a competing favorite for good reason.

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa , Tokyo

Asakusa

The grand temple of Senso-ji looms large in the heart of Tokyo’s downtown.


People eating and drinking in an izakaya in Ameya-yokocho, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Taito

Discover old time Tokyo in the downtown districts of Taito ward.

Night View of Roppongi crossing, Minato ward, Tokyo

Roppongi

A classy and cosmopolitan place to hang out, day or night.


View of Rainbow Bridge and Minato, from Odaiba in Tokyo

Minato

Tokyo's international district.

Other Destinations in Kanto

chiba city Japan

Chiba

There’s a lot more to Japan’s international gateway than you might expect.

Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture Japan

Gunma

Within toe-dipping distance of Tokyo, Gunma's onsen haven is the perfect bathing escape.

Fukuroda Falls, Ibaraki

Ibaraki

Full of interesting sights, Ibaraki prefecture should natto be underestimated.

Yokohama Japan

Kanagawa

A blend of nature and city life

Tunnel of Ema at Hikawa Shrine Saitama 2

Saitama

If you’re looking for a no-hassle escape from the city life, Saitama is the place to run to.

Tochigi

Hear Tochigi, see Tochigi, speak (about) Tochigi.

This Month’s Top Spots

Nagoya City Aichi Park

Aichi

Aichi prefecture is the dynamic capital of Japanese industrialization.

Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

Tap into Tokyo’s Manga and Anime Scene

Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The well known electronics district specializes in the sales of video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

Akihabara

Ah, Akihabara. Where to even begin? Electric town. Cool Japan. Anime Center. Themed cafes. The list is...

Manhole cover in Ghibli museum, Tokyo-Japan.

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical wonderland that is heartbreakingly charming.