shopping
Amezaiku Candy Sculpting Workshop
Learn the delicate, traditional art of amezaiku (sugar sculpting) in a small studio near Sensoji Temple. You’ll get to sculpt your own edible animal, making for a unique,…
Tokyo Travel Guide
Tokyo is a dazzling, high-energy metropolis where futuristic neon-lit skyscrapers seamlessly coexist with serene, centuries-old temples. It is a global powerhouse of culture, technology, and cuisine, offering an endless array of experiences from quiet garden strolls to the organized chaos of its world-famous intersections.
About Tokyo
Originally a small fishing village known as Edo, the city rose to prominence in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established it as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. For over two centuries, Edo flourished as the de facto capital of Japan, evolving into one of the world's largest cities by the 18th century. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the imperial capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo, meaning 'Eastern Capital.' The city has since demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding itself entirely after the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the widespread destruction caused by Allied bombing raids during World War II. The post-war era saw a period of rapid economic growth, solidified by the 1964 Summer Olympics, which helped transform Tokyo into the modern, innovative global hub it is today.
Tokyo's culture is a fascinating study in contrasts, deeply rooted in traditional Japanese values like _omotenashi_ (wholehearted hospitality) while simultaneously serving as a global trendsetter in fashion, anime, and technology. Visitors can participate in a meditative tea ceremony in the morning and explore the vibrant, subculture-heavy streets of Akihabara or Harajuku by afternoon. The food scene is unparalleled, ranging from humble, Michelin-starred street food stalls to high-end, world-class dining, all underpinned by an obsessive attention to quality and detail. Traditional arts such as Kabuki theater and sumo wrestling remain vital parts of the city's identity, providing a grounding connection to its rich heritage.
Practical info
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Time zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9
Climate
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot, humid summers and relatively mild, dry winters.
Quick facts
- Tokyo is home to the world's busiest train station, Shinjuku Station, which serves over 3.5 million passengers daily.
- The city boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, ranging from high-end sushi to innovative fusion cuisine.
- Tokyo is the vending machine capital of the world, with over 5 million machines dispensing everything from hot coffee and ramen to mystery items.
- The world's oldest continuously running family company, Kongo Gumi, was based in Japan and specialized in temple construction for over 1,400 years.
- The famous Shibuya Crossing is often cited as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, with thousands of people crossing simultaneously during each light cycle.
Top things to do in Tokyo
The 15 attractions, museums, viewpoints, and experiences travelers visit most.
culture
Luxury Ikebana Experience
A private, serene lesson in traditional Japanese flower arranging, held in a tatami room with a kimono-clad artist. It’s a mindful, deeply cultural experience that offers a quiet…
music
DUG Jazz Cafe & Bar
A historic jazz 'kissa' (listening bar) in Shinjuku, famous as a setting in Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood'. It offers a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for listening to…
music
Vinyl Listening Session at INCUBATION
This isn't just a bar; it's a dedicated listening space with a high-fidelity sound system that rotates curated vinyl collections nightly. It’s the perfect spot for audiophiles…
shopping
Sokichi Kiriko Workshop
A hands-on workshop in Asakusa where you can learn the traditional Edo Kiriko glass-cutting technique. You will choose a glass and cut your own original pattern under expert…
food
Sushi Making Class in Asakusa
Learn the art of sushi-making from a professional chef in the heart of historic Asakusa. It's a fun, hands-on experience that gives you a new appreciation for the skill and…
nightlife
The Bellwood
A sophisticated cocktail bar in Akasaka that offers a 'kaiseki-style' cocktail menu. You’ll be served a multi-course experience where each drink is paired with small, thoughtful…
adventure
Yakatabune Dinner Cruise
A traditional Japanese boat cruise where you enjoy a multi-course dinner while floating along the river. It's a unique, romantic, and very memorable way to see the city from a…
culture
Martin Margiela at Kudan House
This is a rare, large-scale art exhibition by the elusive designer Martin Margiela, staged within the historic 1927 Spanish-style Kudan House. It’s an intimate, atmospheric…
landmarks
Gotokuji Temple
Known as the 'Lucky Cat Temple,' this peaceful spot is filled with thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues. It's a quirky, charming, and very photogenic hidden gem in a…
shopping
Matcha Experience Cafe
Whisk up your own matcha with a view of the Sumida River at this small, charming cafe in Asakusa. It's a simple, affordable, and very relaxing way to experience a traditional…
wellness
Atami-yu
A nostalgic, Showa-era public bathhouse (sento) in Kagurazaka. It features a traditional mural of Mt. Fuji and offers an authentic local bathing experience.
landmarks
Samurai Restaurant Time
An over-the-top, high-energy entertainment show in Shinjuku featuring samurai swordplay, dancers, neon lights, and laser beams. It is a sensory-overload experience in the heart…
wellness
Spa LaQua
Located right in the heart of the city, this is a massive, luxurious spa complex with natural hot spring baths, saunas, and relaxation areas. It's the ultimate way to recharge…
nightlife
Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Shibuya with a local guide who will take you to the best hidden bars and izakayas. It's a fun, social way to experience the city's nightlife and…
Where to eat in Tokyo
4 restaurants, cafés, and food spots — local picks, not tourist traps.
Ramen
AFURI Ebisu
This is the spot that put yuzu-infused ramen on the map, offering a clean, citrus-bright broth that feels a world away from the heavy tonkotsu you'll find…
Japanese
Tsukiji Outer Market
This is a sprawling, chaotic, and wonderful collection of over 400 food stalls and tiny restaurants where you can eat your way through the freshest seafood in…
Japanese
Gyukatsu Motomura
This is the spot for deep-fried beef cutlets that you finish cooking yourself on a personal hot stone right at your table. It is a casual, fast-paced…
Yakitori
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
This is a dense, smoky labyrinth of nearly sixty tiny, closet-sized stalls tucked right next to Shinjuku Station. It is the perfect place to squeeze into a…
Plan a trip to Tokyo
Pick a length and we'll lay out the days — walkable routing, restaurants, opening hours included.
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Tokyo?
The currency in Tokyo, Japan is Japanese Yen (JPY).
What language is spoken in Tokyo?
Japanese is the primary language spoken in Tokyo.
What's the weather like in Tokyo?
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot, humid summers and relatively mild, dry winters.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Most travelers spend 2–5 days in Tokyo. With 60+ attractions and 8+ noteworthy restaurants, three days hits the highlights, while five lets you dig into neighborhoods and day trips. Use the Periplo iPhone app to lay out a day-by-day plan.
What are the must-see things to do in Tokyo?
Top picks include Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Imperial Palace.
Plan Tokyo in your pocket
Open the Periplo iPhone app for a day-by-day itinerary, offline maps, and live event picks tuned to your taste.
Download on the App Store