Traveling to Tokyo is a dream for anyone eager to discover new places, sensations, and people.
Japan’s capital boasts an extensive list of tourist attractions and a culture very different from that of the West, which is why it draws the attention of so many travelers.
Of course, a trip to Tokyo requires careful planning, as this Asian city differs greatly from others you may have visited before.
The purpose of this Tokyo travel guide is precisely that: to help you meticulously plan your trip to Tokyo so that you enjoy it to the fullest and remember it as the best journey of your life.
Why travel to Tokyo?
For some, visiting Tokyo may seem like a challenge, as the cultural differences between Japan and Europe are significant.
However, it’s precisely these differences that make the experience so fascinating, making a trip to Tokyo one of the best choices you can make.
Despite these contrasts—extending beyond just culture—Tokyo tourism largely consists of visitors from outside Asia, such as Europe and the Americas.
Language is not a barrier, as the Japanese capital is well-prepared to welcome visitors without requiring them to speak Japanese.
Visiting Tokyo is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a legendary country like Japan. Appreciating and admiring this beautiful city will give you a new perspective on everything around you.
There’s so much to see in the world, and Japanese culture is undoubtedly one of the most significant.
Things to do in Tokyo – Shows, activities, and tours
Tokyo is an exceptionally large city—indeed, it’s the largest city in the world. It’s divided into 23 districts that even encompass some neighboring towns and cities.
Its vast size could contain both Barcelona and Madrid three times over, with room to spare.
This is why Tokyo, both for its territory and culture, offers an endless array of attractions for anyone visiting. In Tokyo, you’ll find tourist spots of almost any kind, which can be divided into those within the city and those in the surrounding areas.
The great contrast between these environments is striking, so it’s recommended to spend time exploring both sides of Tokyo.
Our top recommended activities, tours, and tours include:
- Private tour of Tokyo with a Spanish-speaking guide
- Electric bike tour of Tokyo
- Private tour of Tokyo’s pop culture
- Sumo wrestling training experience
- Private architecture tour of Tokyo
- Karaoke tour in Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland admission
In the city, everything seems to be made from a special material, as if straight out of a futuristic movie where technology leads the way.
Both city residents and tourists can enjoy the blend of ancient culture and modernity that Tokyo offers.
What to see in Tokyo?
Akihabara is an ideal place to start your explorations if you’re interested in everything related to video games, manga, anime, pop culture, and other aspects that make Tokyo a world leader in trends.
Another highly recommended stop in Tokyo is Sanrio Puroland, perfect for fans of the beloved characters from this company, the most famous being Hello Kitty.
A must-visit for any tourist in Japan is Mount Fuji, considered Tokyo’s main symbol and accessible through various land, sea, and air tours.
For an unforgettable experience at Mount Fuji, we suggest the ‘Day Trip to Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Kawaguchi.’ This tour will take you through stunning natural landscapes, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views and experience Japan’s natural beauty.
The districts of Harajuku, Shibuya, and Omotesando are also ideal for learning more about Tokyo and experiencing local life.
Nearby, you’ll find Yoyogi Park, one of the city’s largest and most important green spaces.
And we could go on for days listing interesting places you can visit, which is why we’re here to help you organize your trip with this comprehensive Tokyo guide.
Let’s start with the most interesting spots to see:
The city’s most central and visited districts include:
If you’re looking for a well-organized guide, we have prepared this 3-day Tokyo itinerary with everything you need to see step-by-step.
Tips for visiting Tokyo
When visiting Tokyo, remember that it’s a unique place. You’ll be entering a different culture, with its own customs and traditions, so keep the following guidelines in mind.
First, note that there is a difference in greetings between locals and between a local and a visitor. While residents may greet each other with a handshake or even more affectionately, visitors are usually greeted with a bow.
Don’t attempt to cross this cultural line, as it can be uncomfortable for locals. If they initiate a handshake or other greeting, there’s no issue, but let them take the lead.
Respecting these customs will help you connect better with the people and make your visit more enjoyable.
Also, be very mindful of the cultural value placed on punctuality. The Japanese are extremely punctual, so you should be too—not only out of respect but also to avoid losing your spot on any tour or mode of transport.
Be careful when ordering in restaurants if you’re not adventurous with food. It’s best to ask about every detail, as it’s common to encounter very exotic dishes.
When paying the bill, do not leave a tip, as this is not customary. If you want to show appreciation for good service, a kind gesture is the most appropriate way.
Best time to visit Japan
The ideal times to explore Tokyo are between April and May, and October and November.
This is mainly due to the weather; summer months are very hot and extremely humid.
During other months, which are considered off-peak season, rain is frequent, so visiting Tokyo then is only advisable if you want to take advantage of lower prices.
Japan Rail Pass
Tokyo’s travel distances can be quite long, and while many transportation options are available in the city, trains are the most recommended and widely used by both locals and tourists.
The Japanese train system operates around the clock, and the cost is relatively low considering how useful it is for getting around.
If you want to make the most of it, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass. This rail card significantly reduces transportation costs, making Tokyo one of the most affordable cities for travel.
The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased in different packages: daily or by week, available for 7, 14, or 21 days (with better pricing as the duration increases).
For example:
- If your trip is around a week, choose a package that covers all your days.
- For a 10-day stay, the 14-day package is the best deal, as it’s more affordable than buying a 7-day pass plus three extra days.
Pricing
- If you’re traveling with family, it’s even better: children under 6 years old travel for free, so they can enter without a ticket.
- For children aged 6 to 11, prices are reduced by half.
- Adults aged 11 and above pay the full rate of €261 for a week, €400 for 14 days, and €500 for 21 days.
There’s also an option to buy a first-class ticket, which costs 30% more than standard class.
With this pass, you’ll have access to JR lines, as well as the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains.
Even if you’re not planning to visit a destination requiring a Shinkansen trip, the experience alone is worth it. These high-speed trains are a remarkable part of Japan’s transportation culture and a memorable experience for travelers.
With this pass, you can also travel on the Narita Express, perfect for visiting other areas of Japan close to Tokyo.
To explore Tokyo at your own pace and with complete flexibility, consider getting a ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Bus Ticket.’ This ticket allows you the freedom to board and get off the bus at any of the strategically located stops near Tokyo’s main attractions.
Get your ticket here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s?partner_id=K1W8Y49&cmp=tokyo_EN_enlaces_internos_GYG-short-url&et=63242&lc=193.
Why is it recommended to have travel health insurance? IATI Insurance
Having health insurance is always a wise choice and highly recommended for any trip, especially for tourism.
Being in an unfamiliar place far from home can quickly turn from a pleasant vacation to a stressful and frightening moment if you don’t have the support that insurance like IATI provides in case of an emergency.
IATI Insurance has a well-organized network dedicated to supporting and protecting tourists when the need arises.
In urgent situations where you need quick and efficient assistance, you can’t afford to waste time figuring out the local healthcare system in an unfamiliar city.
So, when it comes to traveling to Tokyo, the best thing you can do is rely on insurance like IATI, with which we have an agreement that offers you a 5% discount.
This company offers personalized assistance in your language and will help resolve any issues you may encounter.
As you can see, traveling to Tokyo isn’t as complicated as it might seem. You just need to plan your visit to this city in advance to fully enjoy it without setbacks, ensuring you experience all the amazing attractions it has to offer.