Introduction

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of the world's biggest cities. Tokyo city is over 400 years old and grew from the modest fishing village of Edo. Tokyo is a constellation of cities that have grown together with over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area. Greater Tokyo has a population of 35 million people..

For most visitors Tokyo is an unforgettable experience. The neon lights, the skyscrapers of Odaiba and Roppongi Hills, the vast shopping complexes at Shinjuku and Shibuya and the fast pace of consumer culture are amazing. It is one of the world’s financial centers and famous for world-class shopping, modern architecture and its delicious cuisine. Tokyo is a fun, exciting and diverse place to visit.

Japan’s economic prosperity rapidly moved forward during the boom years of the 1980s. However, the economic bubble bust in the 1990s and Japan’s economy has deflated and growth has never really recovered. Deflation and market pressures have made the cost of living in Tokyo, once astronomical, comparable to most other large cities in Europe or North America.

Travel to Tokyo

Narita Airport (NRT) is Tokyo's main international gateway and is located nearly 70 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. There are two terminals and a Terminal Connection Bus (free of charge) is available for transfers between Terminals 1 and 2. Transfering to Haneda Airport is by way of Airport Limited Express train [JPY1600] or Limousine Bus [JPY3000].

Limousine Bus is the easiest and most direct way to major hotels [120 minutes (subject to traffic), JPY3000]

Narita Express train is the fastest way to Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama [55 minutes, JPY2940 or use Japan Rail Pass]

Taxis are available at fixed fare taxi stands where the concierge will direct visitors to a taxi. The fixed rates are based on the destination [ranging from JPY15-24000]

Haneda Airport (HND) is located in Ota. There are two domestic terminals for JAL and ANA and their affiliates. An international terminal handles shuttle services to Seoul (Gimpo) and Shanghai (Hongqiao) airports and is connected to the main domestic terminals by a free shuttle bus that runs every 5 minutes.

Tokyo Monorail is the easiest and most scenic way from Haneda to the city. There is a station in each terminal running to Hamamatsucho [16 min, JPY500], visitors can connect to other areas of Tokyo on the JR Yamanote line.

Train on the Keikyu line has a single station between the terminals and runs to Shinagawa [20 min, JPY 400] and Yokohama [30 min, JPY 500]. Keikyu also runs trains between Haneda and the Toei Asakusa subway line.

Taxi to central Tokyo will cost JPY 4,000 to JPY 10,000.

Shinkansen Train, the Bullet Train with speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), has frequent intercity services from Tokyo Station in Chiyoda, where passengers can connect to anywhere in Tokyo (JR Yamanote or Metro Marunouchi lines). Bullet train services run from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.

For non-Shinkansen train services, Shibuya and Shinjuku stations have local connections to the west. Ueno and Ikebukuro stations connect to the northern suburbs

Coach services are generally cheaper than trains, although train services are faster and more convenient. Visitors with a Japan Rail (JR) pass are recommended to travel by train even though the Japan Rail Pass is valid on all coaches that run between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.

123bus has nightly bus services from Tokyo to other cities in Japan. Online booking is in English.

There are JR and private bus companies with services linking Tokyo to other cities and resort areas. The main Japan Rail (JR) depot is at Tokyo Station's Yaesu-minamiguchi exit, other private companies use the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal. Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made in train stations.

Tokyo Transport

Tokyo city is too big to walk around and visitors need to make use of the city transport.

Train & Subway - Tokyo has an extensive mass transit system that is clean, safe and efficient. Several railway systems operate within Tokyo - the JR East network, two subway networks, and various private lines. Trains operate from 5am to 1am, every three minutes during peak hours. Most tickets and passes are sold from automated vending machines and JR trains are free with a Japan Rail Pass. Yamanote Line (Japan Rail (JR)) runs in a loop around central Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote line. JR's Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku lines run off the Yamanote loop to the north and south. Tokyo Subway is an extensive network within the Yamanote loop. Tokyo Metro operates nine lines and Toei operates four lines. The private Rinkai Line, operated by Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) passes through the island of Odaiba. Visitors are recommended to travel on the Yurikamome elevated line which offers great views on the way to the island of Odaiba.

Taxis are very expensive in Japan. A daytime journey across the city from Tokyo station to Shinjuku station would cost about JPY3000. Most drivers do not speak any English. Visitors should carry their hotel’s business card to show the driver and ask hotel staff to write their destination in Japanese for the driver.

Bus travel is not convenient for travellers because there is a lack of information in English, bus routes are often not listed in detail at the bus stops and bus drivers do not speak English. Trains are more convenient and faster.

Car hire is not recommended for foreigners in Tokyo. The city is vast with no signs in English and parking is difficult to find and expensive. Tokyo has an excellent mass transit system so there is no need to hire a car.

Water Bus ferries (The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company) operate along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa, Hinode, Harumi and Odaiba. The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English (and Japanese) and a trip on one is the best way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. The futuristic Himiko ferry named after Queen Himiko and designed by Leiji Matsumoto, the renowned Japanese manga cartoonist, services the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. During the daytime the futuristic ship runs through old Edo and modern Tokyo while enjoying the 360-degree panoramic view.

Tokyo Great Cycling Tour offers guided tours for cycling around major tourist spots in Tokyo, like Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, Odaiba, Tokyo tower, Imperial palace and so on.

Walking in Tokyo, even at night, is very safe and the best way to explore the Akasaka, Nagatacho and Roppongi areas in the center of Tokyo.

History

Europeans first discovered Japan in the 16th century. The Tokyo metropolitan area was just a small fishing village called Edo that was developing into a thriving town. Even though in 1638 Japan virtually closed its borders to all foreign trade, Edo continued to prosper and by the 17th century was the largest city in the world.

In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry's armada of ships arrived with the demand that Japan re-open its ports for trading. The city underwent something of a social revolution following the subsequent influx of western influence. Regime change saw Edo replace Kyoto as the seat of power and it was at this point that it was renamed Tokyo.

Tokyo rapidly became industrialized as it entered the 20th century and the lure of jobs created mass migration into the capital. A devastating earthquake in 1923 destroyed much of the city, however it was re-built, only to be destroyed again during World War II. Visitors seeking historical architecture and artifacts will mostly be disappointed as Tokyo is a modern city.

Tokyo was awarded the Olympics in 1964 and fully came of age going on to benefit hugely from the boom years of the 1980s. The economic bubble bust in the 1990s and Japan’s growth has never really recovered.

Tokyo Attractions

Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two theme parks Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea which are the world's most visited theme parks. You’ll find, unique dining, a variety of shops, and accommodations including the Disney Hotels. Stay at Tokyo Disney Resort and experience a multitude of fun and excitement in this place where dreams come true. [Take the Japan Rail train to Maihama Station (South Exit), Adult JPY5800, child JPY5000]

Tokyo Tower is well known as it is a similar structure to the Eiffel Tower with two levels of viewing platforms.At the base of the Tower is a Wax Museum and Guiness World Records Museum. [Open 9am-10pm, Adult JPY820, near Onarimon Subway Station]

Imperial Palace with its impressive gardens is a popular tourist attraction. The Palace is located in Chiyoda close to the Marunouchi business district. The Palace itself is not open to visitors, however, the Imperial Palace's East Gardens are open to visitors daily from 9am, except Fridays and Mondays.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, in Shinjuku, is the highest lookout in Tokyo. Its twin towers have viewing platforms and offer a great view over Tokyo [free admission].

World Trade Center Building at JR (Japan Rail) Hamamatsucho station has great views of Tokyo Tower and the waterfront due to its location. [10am-8pm, JPY620].

Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills has a viewing platform for Tokyo [admission JPY1500, including admission to the Mori Art Museum].

Shibuya, east Shinjuku and outside major train stations transform into a dazzling neon jungle at night. Visitors must see this sight.

Sumo Wrestling is a curious attraction for visitors to Japan. Tokyo's main Sumo arena (Ryogoku Kokugikan) is located in Sumido by the Sumido river.

Rainbow Bridge at Odaiba has good views of Tokyo Bay from the pedestrian walkways. [Free, walkways close at 8 pm].

Tokyo Museums

The Museum of Maritime Science is located at Odaiba, reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, and offers a good view of Tokyo's container port. The main building appears from the outside to be a luxury ocean liner. The museum contains an excellent collection of model boats, including warships, submarines, ferries, supertankers and container ships. Moored nearby is a science vessel that explored the South Pole. From the observatory at the top of the 70metre high main building, look out for Haneda Airport and Mount Fuji. [Admission JPY1000]

GRUTT Museum Pass is a ticket that allows access to 56 museums for a JPY2000 fee. The pass can be purchased from any participating museum and is valid for two months.

Tokyo Nightlife and Entertainment

Tokyo really comes alive at night with a seemingly endless number of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. Ginza, Shinjuku and Roppongi are three of the main districts to experience the magic of Tokyo nightlife.

Roppongi is visited by many foreigners for establishments which specialize in serving foreigners (gaijin or foreigner bars). The area is very busy on Friday and Saturday nights.

Shibuya has an area near the station popular for bars, nightclubs and dancing.

Japanese-style pubs (called izakaya) are popular with foreigners as they serve food and drink and usually have picture menus for foreigners to order by pointing.

Shinjuku is home to Kabukicho, Japan's largest red-light district, and the massive gay bar district of Ni-chome. Foreigners may experience a great deal of hassle in this area, similar to Roppongi. Tourists can be annoyed by hostesses and others who will continually hassle you to visit their “gentlemens” clubs.

Park Hyatt Tokyo (in Shinjuku) Visit the New York Bar on level 52 which has great views of Tokyo. The movie Lost in Translation was filmed here. Note it is very expensive.

Shimokitawaza, Koenji and Nakano are a little further away from the city but full of good bars and restaurants and popular with younger people.

Tokyo Dining

Tokyo has many restaurants representing every type of cuisine in the world. However, even though the Japanese economy has seen a period of deflation, Tokyo can be an expensive place to eat for a tourist on a budget. Restaurants in the main areas such as Ginza and Roppongi Hills will be expensive. For visitors on a budget, convenience stores and supermarkets are everywhere and stock many inexpensive meals such as sandwiches, salads, prepared foods, bakery products, bento lunch boxes and drinks. Train and subway stations have many places to eat, including chain cafes (which often serve sandwiches, baked goods, and pasta dishes) and even Italian restaurants. Noodle bars and Sushi Train restaurants are located everywhere and reasonably priced. Department Store Food Halls have a huge range of meals of high standard at reasonable prices. Western Fast food outlets such as McDonald's, MOS Burger, and KFC are everywhere.

Tsukiji Central Wholesale Fish Market is one of the world's largest fish markets offering every type of fish imaginable including many exotic varieties such as sea cucumbers and poisonous blowfish. Try to get there before 9am to catch some of the action. Customers buy in bulk so it’s not suitable for tourist purchases. Sushi breakfast from one of the market's many restaurants is very popular with tourists.

Tokyo Shopping

Even though Japan’s economy has been deflated the prices of most consumer goods are still expensive by western standards. Many stores are open to late at night. Supermarkets are usually open everyday until 10pm and department stores usually close at 9pm. Internet cafes are everywhere in Tokyo.

Ginza is an upmarket shopping area that has a huge range of stylish department stores, showrooms with local and international branded goods. The Sony Corporation has a building in Ginza and provides eight floors of entertainment for visitors, including one devoted to PlayStation. The Ginza area is a bustling shopping mecca throughout the day, but really comes alive in the evenings.

Roppongi Hills has emerged as a popular area for high-end shopping, with many major global brands.

Akihabara is known as Tokyo's Electric Town and has numerous electronics stores, including a large number of duty-free shops specializing in export models. The area has become famous for anime (animation) and manga (comics).

Shinjuku is famous for camera stores.

Shibuya and neighboring Harajuku are the best-known shopping areas for youthful clothes and accessories. However, Japanese clothing sizes are smaller than western sizes.

Safety in Tokyo

Small Police Stations, or Koban, can be found every few blocks throughout Tokyo. If you get lost or need assistance go to a Police Station. Most police may have difficulties with English but they will telephone a translator if required.

Tokyo Weather

Spring is the best time to visit Tokyo as the weather is warm and clear with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Autumn also has a comfortable climate for visitors. Summer can be warm and humid with torrential rain in June and August hot. The Winter is quite cold sometimes with snow.

Language

English is spoken by people in the tourism business. Some staff at hotels, shops, restaurants and museums will speak English.

Tokyo Hotels

There is a wide range of hotel options in Tokyo. There are many Western-style hotels in Tokyo such as the large American hotel chains. These hotels are generally 3 star and above, all have English-speaking staff. Most of Tokyo's budget accommodation can be found in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno. Other centers further away from Tokyo such as Yokohama are less expensive but incur more travel time.

Capsule hotels are the cheapest option, however, most capsule hotels are men-only. Youth hostels are found in the Shinjuku area with prices starting from JPY1200.

Business hotels have small rooms and are mostly located near stations, however, the staff may not speak English. This is a good option for single travellers with rooms starting from JPY6000. The hotel chains Tokyu Stay and Sunroute are popular.

View All Tokyo Hotels

Beyond Tokyo

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.