Tokyo is a city where ancient shrines sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, where tiny hidden bars share alleyways with high-end boutiques, and where every neighbourhood feels like a different world entirely. This Tokyo Travel Guide brings together essential sightseeing, incredible food experiences, day trips, hotel recommendations, nightlife tips, and practical advice — everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan’s capital.
Table Of Contents
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi (Recommended)
A sophisticated, tranquil hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens — the perfect base for travellers who want comfort, incredible service, and easy access to Tokyo’s major districts. With direct subway connections beneath the hotel, getting around Tokyo is effortless.
Why it’s perfect for a Tokyo trip:
- Outstanding city and palace views
- Spacious, modern rooms
- Excellent restaurants and bars
- Close to Ginza, Tokyo Station, Akihabara, and Asakusa
- A calm retreat after busy days out exploring
➡️ Book Your Stay at Four Seasons
Best Things to Do in Tokyo
Historic Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple. Walk through the towering Kaminarimon Gate, browse traditional shops along Nakamise Street, then step into the temple grounds for a peaceful contrast to the lively approach.
Meiji Shrine
A forest sanctuary hidden in the centre of the city. The giant torii gate and cedar-lined paths set the tone for a serene morning or afternoon visit.
Modern Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
See the organised chaos of the world’s busiest crossing from ground level, then head up to Shibuya Sky for incredible 360° skyline views — especially stunning at sunset.
Shinjuku at Night
Bright lights, neon streets, tiny alleyway bars, and some of the best nightlife in Japan. A must-see district whether you’re there for dining, drinks, or photography.
teamLab Planets Tokyo
An immersive digital art experience where you’ll walk through water, reflective spaces, and interactive installations. Book ahead — it sells out fast.
Gardens & Calm Spaces
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A beautifully landscaped oasis featuring Japanese, English, and French gardens. Spectacular in spring and autumn.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Quiet, historical, and conveniently located if you’re staying in Otemachi.
Hamarikyu Gardens
A serene park overlooking Tokyo Bay, complete with a teahouse on the pond.
Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi & Oshino Hakkai Day Trip
What This Tour Includes
This full-day adventure takes you from the heart of Tokyo to the peaceful Fuji Five Lakes region — a refreshing break from the city’s energy.
Highlights:
- Mount Fuji viewpoints — incredible (weather-dependent) views of Japan’s most iconic mountain.
- Lake Kawaguchi — a calm lake with photo-perfect Fuji reflections.
- Oshino Hakkai — a traditional village known for crystal-clear ponds fed by Fuji melts, charming wooden houses, and beautiful scenery.
- Scenic nature stops — depending on the season, you may enjoy cherry blossoms, colourful leaves, or snow-capped mountain views.
Why This Tour Is Worth It
- Zero planning: transport, timing, and routes handled for you.
- Excellent photo opportunities.
- A real taste of rural Japan without needing to navigate trains or buses.
- Suitable for couples, families, and first-time visitors.
Tip: Fuji’s visibility varies — winter offers the clearest skies, but early mornings year-round tend to have the best views.
If you only take one day trip from Tokyo, make it this one:
👉 Book the Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi & Oshino Hakkai Day Trip
Tokyo Shinjuku Food Tour — 13 Dishes & 4 Eateries
This experience explores Shinjuku’s culinary highlights across four restaurants:
- A mix of ramen, sushi or sashimi, yakitori, izakaya plates, and Japanese desserts
- Insight into Tokyo food culture and seasonal dishes
- A great way to sample many flavours in one evening
Ideal for food lovers who want to go beyond the tourist restaurants.
You can also check out the team behind this experience on Instagram at @traveling.tokyo, where they’ve built a community of over 160,000 followers by showcasing Tokyo’s best eats. Their food experts personally handpick the restaurants featured in the Shinjuku food tour, ensuring every stop delivers authentic flavours, high-quality dishes, and a genuinely local dining experience. It’s curated by people who know Tokyo’s food scene inside out — which is exactly why this tour stands out from so many others.
👉 Book this Shinjuku Food Tour
This small-group tour takes you through the best parts of Shinjuku’s nightlife scene:
- Omoide Yokocho – narrow alleys filled with yakitori smoke and retro charm
- Kabukicho – Tokyo’s neon entertainment district
- Golden Gai – legendary micro-bars, each with its own theme and personality
What’s included:
- Three unique bar stops
- Drinks + food (local favourites like yakitori, gyoza, grilled dishes, highballs, sake)
- A guide who helps you navigate Japanese drinking etiquette
Perfect if you want an immersive local night without the guesswork.
Our Favourite Drinking Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo’s nightlife is diverse and atmospheric. Here are a few favourite drinking spots that consistently deliver great evenings:
🍺 Baird Beer Taproom, Harajuku
A relaxed craft beer bar serving Japanese-style brews — perfect for casual afternoons or chilled evenings.
🍺 Mikkeller Tokyo (Shibuya)
A Scandinavian-style craft beer bar with rotating taps and a friendly crowd.
🍶 Golden Gai (Shinjuku)
A warren of tiny themed bars — some fit only 6–8 people. Each one has its own personality.
🍶 Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)
Smoky, nostalgic alleyways lined with yakitori and sake bars.
🍸 Kabukicho Backstreets
Endless nightlife options — from small cocktail bars to lively izakayas.
These neighbourhoods are perfect for wandering, sampling small bites, and discovering hidden gems.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tokyo
Getting Around
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card for effortless subway and JR travel.
- The JR Yamanote Line circles all major districts.
- Taxis are safe and reliable, but the train network is usually faster.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Cherry blossoms, mild weather
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Crisp air, clear skies, colourful leaves
- Winter: Clear mountain views and fewer crowds
- Summer: Hot but lively, with festivals and fireworks
Useful Essentials
- English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Book attractions like teamLab, Shibuya Sky, and food tours ahead of time.
- Cash is still useful for local bars and small eateries.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is one of those rare cities that manages to be both futuristic and deeply traditional. Whether you’re exploring temples, taking a day trip to Mount Fuji, bar-hopping under neon lights, or relaxing in a peaceful garden, the city rewards curiosity and gives you something new every day.
Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi ensures you have a luxurious, calming base to return to — a perfect balance to Tokyo’s wonderful chaos.
Tokyo Travel Guide — FAQ
Is Tokyo expensive to visit?
Tokyo can be as affordable or as luxurious as you choose. Food is surprisingly reasonable, while transport is cheap and efficient. Accommodation varies widely.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
4–7 days is ideal — enough time to explore the main districts, take a Mount Fuji day trip, enjoy food tours, and relax.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Spring and autumn offer the best weather and scenery. Winter is great for clear Fuji views.
Is Tokyo safe?
Extremely safe. You can walk freely at night in most districts.
Do you need cash in Tokyo?
Most places accept cards, but some smaller bars, ramen shops, and market stalls prefer cash.
Is the Mount Fuji day trip worth it?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best ways to escape the city and enjoy Japan’s natural beauty with no logistics to worry about.