Going Places: Destinations

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Tokyo is a study in contradictions: Travelers may be surprised to see futuristic skyscrapers next to Shinto red torii gates, and salarymen in business suits carousing after work in karaoke bars. A fast-paced, neon-lit, and fashionable metropolis, the capital of Japan has plenty of attractions to fit every travel style and budget.

Here's how to spend a few days in the city, plus interesting tidbits that'll help you get more out of your trip and guides to assist with planning for Tokyo and beyond.

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Day 1: Jpop culture, street fashion, and robot sushi

AM

Shinjuku, Harajuku & Shibuya tour: 3 of Tokyo's most famous neighborhoods. Start in Shinjuku for early energy, then take a short ride on the subway to Harajuku and Shibuya.
Tsukemen at Fuunji: Line up before 11am for some chewy noodles in a rich broth. Have food allergies or intolerances? Check out our guide on navigating Japanese cuisine.
Shops & sweets: Hit Takeshita-dori Street for offbeat street style, indie boutiques like AC/DC Rag, and trendy treats like Harajuku crepes.

PM

Shibuya Scramble & sunset: Snap a photo of the Hachikō shiba inu statue; scramble across the world's busiest intersection; ascend Shibuya Sky for golden-hour city views.
"Robot" sushi dinner: Cap off the night with salmon belly nigiri and negitoro gunkan, ordered via tablet at Uobei or Katsumidori and zipped right to you on a conveyor belt.

Going tip

Take the Sunflower Ferry, an overnight ferry with routes in the north and south of Japan. You fall asleep in one location and wake up in another. Plus, if you book the more premium cabins there's unlimited ice cream and espresso... just saying.

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Day 2: A Buddhist temple, anime, and fine dining

AM

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street: Arrive early. Bow beneath the Thunder Gate, wander the red pagoda, then browse souvenirs and snack on fresh taiyaki (a fish-shaped sweet pastry) at Naruto or Sharaku.
Kitchenware stroll in Kappabashi: Just a short walk away, explore lane after lane of high-end knives and cooking supplies-perfect for foodie souvenirs.

PM

Akihabara's pop culture playground: Try out purikura (Japanese photo sticker booths), explore arcades, and shop for rare anime and retro gaming gear in Electric Town.
Maidreamin or another maid cafe for lunch: Enjoy omerice (omelet-rice) served by a French maid who uses a ketchup bottle to decorate it with your name and smiley faces.
Ginza window shopping & omakase dinner: Stroll designer-lined sidewalks and finish with seasonal seafood omakase at Tsurutokame and a custom cocktail at Bar High Five.

Tokyo tidbit

Tokyo boasts more than 150,000 restaurants, with 170 Michelin-starred establishments-more than New York and London combined. One night you can slurp up soba at a noodle specialist that's been operating since 1884, and the next you can vie for a spot at Tokyo's newest three-star French restaurant. Here, the options are endless.

Off-the-beaten-path Tokyo

Dive into Tokyo's quirkier corners for a fresh take on the city everyone's flocking to.

Toyosu Fish Market at dawn: Score a ticket for the tuna auction, then refuel with sushi breakfast at Daiwa or Sushi Dai.
teamLab Planets: Wander barefoot through trippy, immersive art.
Shimokitazawa thrifting: Vintage clothes, secondhand records, and cozy cafes.
Sento soak: Slip into a traditional neighborhood bathhouse for peak relaxation.

Spending more time in Tokyo? Check out our extended itinerary here.

Good to know

Budget: $$$$$

Main airport: HND, NRT

View on Google Maps

When to go: Mar-May; Sept-Oct. Read more here.

Family friendly: ★★★★★

Public transportation: ★★★★★

English speaking: ★★★

Main language(s): Japanese

Global Peace Index rank: Japan ranks #12 out of 163. Tokyo and beyond are considered exceedingly safe to visit.

LGBTQ+ Equality Index rank: Japan ranks #61 with a score of 53/100. While Tokyo and other major cities are accepting of LGBTQ+ travelers, public displays of affection in general are considered taboo, so regardless of orientation, overt romance is, well, a turn-off.

HND flight price history

$815 Average Going deal

$1,281 Normal ticket price

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