Jakub Hałun / CC BY 4.0 — Wikimedia CommonsA vast, orderly metropolis where tradition meets the future
Tokyo is Japan's sprawling capital and one of the world's largest cities, a place where neon-lit districts, quiet temples and immaculate transport all coexist with remarkable ease. It is really a collection of distinct neighbourhoods, from the youthful energy of Shibuya and Harajuku to the old-town lanes of Asakusa around the Senso-ji temple and the calm forest of the Meiji Shrine. The city runs on an extensive and punctual rail network, and a single rechargeable Suica card makes getting around simple. Tokyo rewards both planning and wandering, whether you are queuing for sushi at dawn, browsing electronics in Akihabara, or riding a lift up a tower for skyline views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Food is a highlight at every budget, from convenience-store meals to tiny counter restaurants. Crime against visitors is rare and streets feel safe, but the main things to watch are a few nightlife traps in certain districts. Give it several days and expect to still leave wanting more.
Die Sehenswürdigkeiten und Erfahrungen, die deine Zeit wert sind — mit fairen Preisen.
Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in Asakusa, approached through a lively shopping street of stalls. The grounds are free to enter; go early to enjoy the atmosphere before crowds build.
A serene Shinto shrine set in a large forested park beside Harajuku. Free to enter and a peaceful contrast to the surrounding city; you may see traditional weddings on weekends.
The famous scramble crossing where crowds surge in every direction. Free to experience; watch from a nearby cafe window or the surrounding streets for the best view.
One of the world's tallest towers, with observation decks offering vast city views. Buy a timed ticket; prices rise for the higher deck and clear days show Mount Fuji.
An immersive digital-art experience of light, mirrors and interactive rooms. Book a timed ticket well ahead as slots sell out, and allow a couple of hours inside.
A bustling warren of food stalls and shops famous for fresh seafood and street snacks. Free to wander; come hungry in the morning when it is liveliest.
A spacious landscaped garden blending Japanese, English and French styles, superb for cherry blossom and autumn colour. A modest entry ticket applies.
Was Einheimische zahlen — prüfe ein Angebot, bevor du Bargeld gibst.
Buy a Suica or similar IC card and tap in and out. Fares vary by distance but most city hops are cheap, and one card works across subway, JR and buses.
The direct airport express reaches central stations comfortably. From Haneda the monorail or Keikyu line is cheaper and quicker, so check which airport you land at.
Set lunch menus are excellent value compared with dinner. Look for small counter restaurants with local diners rather than tourist-facing spots.
Many shops use a ticket-vending machine at the door where you pay first. A filling bowl is cheap, and there is no tipping in Japan.
Convenience stores offer surprisingly good, cheap meals, rice balls and coffee. A great budget option for breakfast or a quick lunch on the move.
Taxis are metered, honest and clean but pricier than trains. Doors open automatically; use them mainly late at night when trains have stopped.
Chain cafes are cheapest, while specialty coffee shops cost more. Convenience-store coffee is very cheap and reliably good.
Wie es funktioniert: In parts of Roppongi and Kabukicho, some bars and clubs quote a low entry then add huge undisclosed charges, cover fees and drinks, producing a shocking bill enforced by staff.
Wie man es vermeidet: Avoid venues you are steered to by touts, check all prices and cover charges in writing before ordering, and choose well-reviewed bars. Pay with a card so a charge can be disputed.
Wie es funktioniert: In a few nightlife bars a traveller's drink is spiked, and they later find large unauthorised charges on their card or are pressured to keep spending.
Wie man es vermeidet: Never leave a drink unattended, be wary of overly friendly strangers who insist on a specific bar, and keep your card in sight. If you feel unwell, leave and seek help.
Wie es funktioniert: A person dressed as a monk approaches near tourist areas, hands you a bracelet or card, and presses you to sign a book and donate a set amount.
Wie man es vermeidet: Genuine monks do not solicit cash from tourists this way. Decline politely, do not accept the item, and walk on without engaging.
Wie es funktioniert: Touts on the street in nightlife areas promise cheap drinks or a good club, then lead you to a venue that overcharges or is unsafe.
Wie man es vermeidet: Ignore street touts entirely and pick your own venue from reviews. Following a tout is the single most common way visitors end up with a padded bill.
Echte Fahrpreise, keine Touristenpreise.
A comfortable direct express from Narita Airport to major city stations in about an hour. From Haneda, use the monorail or Keikyu line instead, which are faster and cheaper.
Coaches run from both airports directly to major hotels and stations. Convenient with luggage, though journey times depend on traffic.
Door-to-door but genuinely expensive from distant Narita, less so from Haneda. Best only for groups with heavy luggage or late arrivals.
An extensive, punctual subway covers the city. Use a Suica IC card to tap through, and apps make transfers easy for first-time visitors.
The loop line links many major districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Frequent and simple, and covered by the same IC card.
Metered, clean and reliable but costlier than rail. Handy late at night after trains stop; doors open and close automatically.
Spring (late March to May) brings cherry blossom and mild weather, while autumn (October to November) offers cool, clear days and colourful leaves. Summer is hot, humid and prone to typhoons, and winter is cold but dry with mostly sunny days.
Four to five days lets you cover the main districts, a few temples and gardens, and still leave time for day trips such as Nikko or Kamakura without rushing.
Not for the city itself, where a Suica or similar IC card is best. The Japan Rail Pass only pays off if you take several long-distance bullet-train trips between cities.
It can be, but it need not be. Convenience-store meals, set lunches, ramen shops and cheap rail keep daily costs reasonable, while nightlife, taxis and towers add up quickly.
Signage and stations often have English, and staff at major sights can usually help, but everyday English is limited. A translation app and a few polite phrases go a long way.
No. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Good service is standard and already included, so simply pay the stated price.