Tokyo hits you fast—the neon lights of Shibuya, the quiet temples in Asakusa, the smell of ramen from a tiny shop. It's overwhelming, but that's the charm. I've been visiting Tokyo for years, and I still get lost in Shinjuku Station. But that's okay. This guide cuts through the noise to give you what you need: practical tips, hidden spots, and real costs. Forget the generic lists; we're diving deep.
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Must-See Attractions in Tokyo
Tokyo's attractions blend old and new. Don't try to see everything—pick a few that match your vibe. Here are my top picks with details you won't find on most blogs.
Tokyo Skytree: Reaching New Heights
At 634 meters, it's tall. Really tall. The view is insane, especially on clear days. But here's the thing: go early or book online. Queues can stretch for hours. Tickets cost 3,100 yen for adults (about $20), and it's open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo. Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station—exit directly into the complex. Skip the Tembo Galleria if you're short on time; the main deck is enough.
Senso-ji Temple: A Glimpse into History
This is Tokyo's oldest temple, and it's free. Yes, free. Wander through Nakamise Street for snacks like ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes), but prices are touristy—around 500 yen for a pack. The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo. From Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line, it's a 5-minute walk. Pro tip: visit around 7 AM to avoid crowds; you'll have the place almost to yourself.
Other spots worth noting: Meiji Shrine in Shibuya (free, open sunrise to sunset), and the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba (tickets around 3,200 yen, book weeks ahead). According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, these sites see over 30 million visitors annually, so plan smart.
Where to Eat in Tokyo: A Food Lover's Paradise
Tokyo's food scene is legendary, but it's easy to end up in overpriced tourist traps. I learned this the hard way on my first trip—paid 5,000 yen for mediocre sushi. Let's avoid that.
For sushi, skip the famous spots like Sukiyabashi Jiro (unless you're ready to drop 30,000 yen and book months ahead). Instead, try Sushi Dai at Tsukiji Outer Market. It's crowded, but the quality is top-notch for 4,000 yen per set. Address: 5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City. Opens at 5:00 AM—yes, AM. Get there by 4:30 AM to beat the line.
Ramen is everywhere. My favorite: Ichiran Shibuya. It's a chain, but the tonkotsu ramen hits the spot. Around 1,000 yen per bowl. Address: 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya City. Open 24 hours. Order via vending machine—don't worry, there's English.
Local insight: Many small izakayas in Shinjuku's Golden Gai don't take credit cards. Carry cash—about 3,000-5,000 yen per person for a meal with drinks.
Best Places to Stay in Tokyo for Every Budget
Where you stay shapes your trip. Shinjuku is central but chaotic; Shibuya is trendy but pricey. Here's a quick comparison based on my stays and research.
| Area | Best For | Hotel Example | Price per Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Nightlife & transport | Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | 15,000 yen | Near Godzilla head; rooms are small but clean |
| Shibuya | Shopping & youth culture | Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu | 20,000 yen | Direct access to station; great for families |
| Asakusa | Traditional vibes & savings | Asakusa View Hotel | 10,000 yen | Quieter; easy temple access |
| Ueno | Budget travelers | Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado | 3,000 yen | Capsule style; basic but functional |
Book early—prices spike during cherry blossom season (late March to April). I once paid double in Shinjuku because I waited too long.
How to Plan Your Tokyo Itinerary: 3-Day Sample
Three days in Tokyo is tight, but doable. This sample balances sights and relaxation. Adjust based on your pace.
Day 1: East Tokyo—History & Culture
- Morning: Senso-ji Temple (arrive by 7 AM).
- Afternoon: Ueno Park and museums (Tokyo National Museum entry: 1,000 yen).
- Evening: Akihabara for anime shops—don't miss Yodobashi Camera for electronics.
Day 2: Central Tokyo—Modern Buzz
- Morning: Meiji Shrine (free).
- Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and shopping at Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
- Evening: Shinjuku Golden Gai for drinks—start early, bars fill up by 8 PM.
Day 3: South Tokyo—Views & Relaxation
- Morning: Tokyo Skytree (book online for 9 AM slot).
- Afternoon: Odaiba for teamLab Borderless (book tickets weeks ahead).
- Evening: Rainbow Bridge walk—free and stunning at sunset.
Transport tip: Get a Pasmo or Suica card—2,000 yen should cover 3 days of subway rides. The Tokyo Metro system is efficient but complex; use Google Maps for real-time routes.
Tokyo Travel FAQs: Answers to Your Burning Questions
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