Tokyo Travel Guide: A First-Timer's Handbook for 2026
Tokyo rewards a well-planned first trip more than a spontaneous one. Six or seven nights covers the icons (Asakusa, Meiji-jingū, Shibuya Crossing, teamLab, a day trip to Kamakura or Hakone) with enough neighbourhood-wandering to feel like a real visit. Below is what actually matters when you book: which district, when to fly, and which experiences to lock in before you land.
Where to stay
Shinjuku — the biggest station in the world sits below your hotel; JR Yamanote loop plus every airport route. The most convenient base for a first trip.
Shibuya — the crossing, the shopping, the buzz; best for younger travellers and short stays.
Ginza — polished, adult, walking distance to Tsukiji Outer Market and the Imperial Palace; the best sushi lunches in the city.
Marunouchi (Tokyo Station) — Shinkansen (bullet train) starts at your feet; ideal if you're combining Tokyo with Kyoto or Osaka.
Asakusa — old-Tokyo lanes, Sensō-ji temple, cheaper hotels, a longer commute (25-35 min) to the modern districts.
Roppongi & Azabudai — international polish, best museums (Mori, Nezu), buzzy nightlife.
What to book before you land
Ghibli Museum — tickets go on sale on the 10th of the month for the following month and sell out in minutes. If Ghibli is a priority, plan the trip around this date.
teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless — timed tickets, book 2-3 weeks ahead. The most photographed interior in Japan right now.
A sushi omakase counter — the small counters (8-12 seats) with the best reputations book 30-60 days ahead. Concierge or a specialist reservation service is the reliable route.
Shibuya Sky — sunset slots sell out days ahead in high season; book online.
Airport transfer from NRT or HND — a fixed-price private car is €120-€180 from Narita and €55-€90 from Haneda; simpler than the Narita Express with jet-lag and luggage.
A Suica or Pasmo IC card — load ¥3,000 at any station machine on arrival; taps for every train, metro and convenience store.
How to spend your days
A morning at Asakusa (Sensō-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street) followed by a Sumida-gawa river cruise to Hamarikyū Gardens.
An afternoon in Harajuku, Meiji-jingū and Omotesandō — pop culture, imperial forest and designer architecture in one 90-minute walk.
A Shibuya evening: the crossing from above (Shibuya Sky), izakaya-hop in Nonbei Yokocho, karaoke to close.
A teamLab morning followed by a Ginza sushi lunch and an afternoon in the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
A day trip to Kamakura (Great Buddha + coastal temples) or Hakone (onsen + Mt. Fuji views on a clear day).
When to visit and what to pack
Late March to early April: cherry blossom; the highest-demand two weeks of the year. Book hotels 3-4 months ahead.
May and October-November: mild, dry, gorgeous — the best all-round windows.
June-July: rainy season, humid but atmospheric. August: hot and sticky (33°C+).
Winter (December-February): cold and clear; some of the best Mt. Fuji viewing days from Hakone. Rates drop.
Pack cash (Japan is more card-friendly than a decade ago but ¥10,000 in cash for temples, markets and small counters is essential), and easy slip-on shoes — you'll remove them at temples, ryokans and many restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Six to seven nights for a first trip: one for jet-lag and Shinjuku, one for Asakusa + a river cruise, one for Harajuku + Shibuya, one for Ginza + teamLab, one for a Kamakura or Hakone day trip, one for repeat visits and shopping.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Cheaper than most travellers expect for food (a great ramen is under €10; a set-lunch omakase can be €35-€60). Hotels are the biggest line item, especially in cherry-blossom season. Trains are inexpensive and immaculate.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Most EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders get a 90-day visa on arrival free of charge. Check the latest rules for your nationality before flying.
Which airport should I fly into — NRT or HND?
Haneda (HND) is the better choice: 30-45 minutes to central Tokyo by monorail or taxi. Narita (NRT) is 60-90 minutes and further from most hotels. Take Haneda if you have the choice.
Is Tokyo safe?
Extraordinarily. Lost items are handed in, women travel and dine alone unremarkably, and late-night walks in Shinjuku or Shibuya are safe. Standard precautions apply on packed trains.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. Menus, signage and station announcements are widely bilingual. Google Translate's camera mode handles handwritten menus in seconds. A polite bow and 'sumimasen' opens every door.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
For a Tokyo-only trip: no. It pays off only if you're doing Tokyo + Kyoto/Osaka + a third city by Shinkansen. For pure Tokyo, a Suica card and single tickets are cheaper.
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