Tokyo Travel Guide

1. Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 645, renowned for its iconic red Kaminarimon Gate and giant lantern. The Nakamise-dori shopping street in front offers traditional souvenirs and snacks, brimming with Edo-era charm.  

2. Tokyo Skytree: The world’s second-tallest tower (634m), with an observation deck providing 360-degree views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The Solamachi shopping complex at its base houses various shops and restaurants.  

3. Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest intersection, where thousands cross simultaneously during each green light, symbolizing Tokyo’s vibrant energy. Nearby landmarks include the Hachiko statue and Shibuya 109 building.  

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A vast garden in central Tokyo blending Japanese, French, and English styles, stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage. A perfect urban retreat.  

5. Tsukiji Market: A world-famous seafood market; though its wholesale operations moved to Toyosu, the outer market still thrives with sushi restaurants and fresh seafood stalls known for their quality.  

6. Akihabara: The hub of electronics and anime culture, packed with gadget stores, maid cafés, and anime merchandise shops, a paradise for tech enthusiasts and otaku.  

7. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: Located in Chiba Prefecture, these two theme parks shine, with DisneySea standing out for its unique ocean theme, volcanic landscape, and exclusive attractions, ideal for families and couples.  

8. Ueno Park: Tokyo’s cultural hub, home to Ueno Zoo, the Tokyo National Museum, and a famous cherry blossom avenue. It’s a hotspot for spring hanami and winter festival markets.  

9. Odaiba: A futuristic entertainment district on an artificial island, featuring Rainbow Bridge, a Statue of Liberty replica, and the life-sized Gundam statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. The teamLab Borderless digital art museum is a must-visit visual spectacle.  

10. Meiji Jingu Shrine: Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, this shrine is nestled in a lush forest in Harajuku, offering a serene and solemn atmosphere. It draws huge crowds for New Year visits and often hosts traditional Japanese weddings.

1. Sushi: Tokyo is renowned for its fresh seafood, and sushi is a must-try, from high-end sushi bars to affordable conveyor-belt restaurants. Tsukiji and Toyosu markets offer top-quality sashimi, showcasing expert knife skills and ingredient freshness. (Recommended: Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza or Sushi Dai in Tsukiji. )

2. Ramen: Tokyo boasts diverse ramen styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone), shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), and tsukemen (dipping noodles), with rich broths and chewy noodles. Popular shops often have long queues. (Recommended: Ichiran in Ikebukuro or Ippudo in Shinjuku.  )

3. Tempura: Fresh seafood and vegetables coated in light batter, fried to a crispy golden finish, and served with dipping sauce or salt. High-end Tokyo tempura restaurants offer course meals highlighting natural flavors.(Recommended: Tempura Kondo in Ginza)  

4. Wagyu Yakiniku: Tokyo’s wagyu beef (like Matsusaka or Kobe) melts in your mouth. Yakiniku restaurants let you grill premium cuts with sauces or salt, offering options from upscale to casual.  (Recommended: Yakiniku Yozan-do in Ueno or Yakiniku Gyukaku in Shibuya.  )

5. Okonomiyaki: Though originating in Kansai, Tokyo’s savory pancakes are equally delicious, blending cabbage, batter, and seafood or pork, topped with sauce and mayonnaise. Often prepared tableside by staff.  (Recommended: Okonomiyaki Kiji in Tsukishima or Sometaro in Asakusa.  )

6. Soba: Tokyo’s handmade buckwheat noodles are famous, served cold with dipping sauce for a refreshing taste or in warm broth for comfort. Traditional soba shops exude nostalgic charm.  (Recommended: Yabu Soba in Kanda or Rikyuan in Roppongi.  )

7. Takoyaki: This Osaka-born street food is popular in Tokyo, with a crispy exterior, soft interior, and octopus chunks, drizzled with sauce and bonito flakes. Common at night markets and food streets. (Recommended: Aoi Marushin in Asakusa.  )

8. Unagi (Eel): Grilled eel, glazed with sweet-salty sauce and served over rice, is a nourishing summer dish in Tokyo. Historic unagi restaurants add to the experience.  (Recommended: Izuei in Nihonbashi or Unagi Zen in Ueno.  )

9. Crepes: A signature treat on Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, these thin pancakes are filled with whipped cream, fruits, ice cream, or chocolate, available in sweet or savory varieties, loved by young crowds.(Recommended: Marion Crepes or Santa Monica Crepes in Harajuku.  )

10. Matcha Desserts: Tokyo’s thriving matcha culture offers matcha parfaits, cakes, and lattes, blending traditional and modern flavors, perfect for dessert lovers.  (Recommended: Nakamura Tokichi in Ginza for matcha parfaits or Tsujiri in Omotesando.)

1. Tokyo Okashi Land

Japan’s first snack-themed shopping paradise, offering popular snacks, regional limited editions, value combo packs, and multi-flavor small packages all in one place. 

• Address: Tokyo Station Ichiban-gai  

2. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

Renowned Tokyo artisanal cookie shop with flavors like matcha, sesame, and red bean, available at multiple locations with diverse options. 

• Address: Tokyu Food Show, Shibuya Station, Tokyo  

3. Baumkuchen (Layered Cake) - Ginza Nenrinya

Famous Tokyo cake shop specializing in richly layered baumkuchen, alongside refined flavors like matcha and strawberry.  

• Address: Za STONE 1F, 5-6-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo  

4. BUTTER STATE’s Cookie

Launched by GRAPESTONE in 2021, this brand focuses on buttery desserts. Its signature Volcano Butter Cookie, made with Hokkaido butter, uses the unique “Yamagata baking method” for a crispy yet moist texture. Also offers buttery thin crisps.  

• Address: Seibu Ikebukuro Store, Tokyo  

5. Tokyo Cheesecake - Tokyo Buono Tokyo Rich Cheesecake

Emphasizing its Tokyo roots, this cheesecake blends premium cheeses from Hokkaido, France, and New Zealand. Selected for JAL domestic first-class meals in 2022.  

• Address: Daimaru Tokyo 1F, JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit  

6. Nagasaki Castella - nuevo by BUNMEIDO

A modern spin by the century-old Bunmeido brand, combining traditional castella techniques with contemporary methods to create petite, innovative Nagasaki castella.  

• Address: GRANSTA Mall 1F, JR Tokyo Station  

7. Kimuraya 

A century-old, wildly popular Ginza bakery, famous for inventing anpan (red bean bread), once served to the imperial family. Signature items include shu-kind (sake-fermented) bread and red bean cream bread.  

• Address: 4-5-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo  

8. Traditional Wagashi - Toraya Karyo

Japan’s premier wagashi brand, favored by the imperial family, offering classics like yokan (red bean jelly) and red bean cakes.  

• Address: 7-8-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo  

9. Captain Sweets Burger  

Creative mini burger-shaped cookies with a signature cheese-chocolate flavor, featuring buttery cookies with a crisp exterior and soft, rich filling.  

• Address: GRANSTA Mall, Tokyo Station  

10. Dried Fruits and Vegetables - Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street 

A bustling market with fresh produce, dried fruits, and affordable candies, perfect for picking up seasonal fruits or unique dried fruit souvenirs.  

• Address: Walk along the JR Yamanote Line elevated tracks from Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station

Spring (March to May):

Temperature: 8-20°C, mild and comfortable. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April, with ample sunshine and significant temperature differences between day and night. Rainfall is moderate (about 120-150mm per month), with occasional short showers in April and more stable weather in May. Wear light sweaters, windbreakers, or light down jackets, and carry a foldable umbrella. Ideal for cherry blossom viewing (Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida River), attending the Asakusa Flower Festival or Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, and exploring outdoor sites like Meiji Shrine or Tokyo Skytree. Avoid the Golden Week crowds (late April to early May) and book restaurants and accommodations in advance.

Summer (June to August):

Temperature: 22-31°C. June is the rainy season, humid with frequent rain (about 180-250mm per month). July and August are hot and humid (up to 35°C, feels hotter), with strong sunshine and occasional typhoons in August. Wear short-sleeve shirts, shorts, breathable clothing, and bring sunscreen, hats, and rain gear (raincoats are more practical). Suitable for indoor attractions (Tokyo DisneySea, Akihabara anime shops) and evening visits to Shibuya Crossing or Odaiba Rainbow Bridge. Attend the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in July or Kanda Festival in August to experience summer festivities.

Autumn (September to November):

Temperature: 15-26°C, cool and dry. September is warmer (20-30°C), while November is crisp (10-18°C). Rainfall decreases (about 100-150mm per month). November’s vibrant autumn foliage makes it an ideal time to visit. Wear long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and in November, thicker sweaters or light down jackets with scarves. Recommended spots for fall foliage include Mount Takao, Rikugien Garden, or Yoyogi Park. Attend the Tokyo Ramen Show in October or Ginza Illumination Ceremony in November. Night tours of Tsukiji Market or Harajuku Takeshita Street are pleasant, with weather suitable for extended walking.

Winter (December to February):

Temperature: 2-12°C, with January being the coldest (0-10°C), cold and dry. Rainfall is low (about 50-80mm per month), and snow is rare (1-2 times per year, light accumulation). December features Christmas illuminations in Marunouchi, and January has a strong New Year atmosphere. Wear down jackets, wool hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes; indoor heating is strong, so bring lightweight layers. Participate in Meiji Shrine’s Hatsumode (first shrine visit) or Shibuya’s winter illumination events, shop indoors (Ginza, Shinsaibashi), or enjoy hot tempura and ramen. A day trip to Hakone hot springs (1-hour drive) is perfect for winter.