We’ve all heard of Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital city known for its blend of traditional culture and futuristic technology. Whether we’re seasoned travelers or first-timers, Tokyo is a city that never fails to impress!

From world-class attractions to mouthwatering food, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about visiting this fascinating city, including how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and how much everything costs. So, let’s dive into Tokyo’s exciting world!

How to Get to Tokyo: Flights and Transportation

Getting to Tokyo is easier than ever with numerous direct flights available from cities all over the world. The main airport serving the city is Narita International Airport (NRT), located about 60 kilometers from central Tokyo. For a direct flight from the U.S. or Europe, you can expect to pay anywhere between $600 to $1,200 USD for economy class, depending on the season and how early you book.

If you're flying from within Asia, flights are much cheaper, ranging from $100 to $400 USD. It’s best to book your tickets at least 3-6 months in advance to score the best deals.

Once we land, getting to the city is simple. From Narita Airport, the most convenient option is the Narita Express (N’EX) train, which costs about ¥3,000 ($20 USD) and takes around 1 hour to reach central Tokyo. Alternatively, a taxi ride will cost approximately ¥20,000 ($130 USD), so the train is much more budget-friendly.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the experiences we want to have.

For cherry blossoms, late March to early April is the prime season, with the Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival drawing crowds to parks like Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen. During this time, hotels may be a bit more expensive, with room rates starting at ¥15,000 ($100 USD) per night for a 3-star hotel.

If we prefer milder weather, visiting in autumn (October to November) is another great option. The fall foliage in places like Meiji Shrine and Rikugien Garden offers stunning views, and the crowds are fewer than in spring. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), while winter (December to February) is chilly but manageable.

Where to Stay: Hotels and Accommodation Costs

Tokyo offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. If we’re looking for luxury, we can stay in a 5-star hotel like the Park Hyatt Tokyo, where prices start at around ¥35,000 ($240 USD) per night. The hotel boasts panoramic views of the city, excellent service, and luxurious amenities.

For those of us on a mid-range budget, areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya offer great options. Hotels like Hotel Gracery Shinjuku offer rooms starting at ¥12,000 ($80 USD) per night. These hotels are within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

For travelers on a budget, hostels and capsule hotels are perfect. Prices for capsule hotels start around ¥3,500 ($25 USD) per night, while private rooms in hostels go for around ¥6,000 ($40 USD) per night. The Khaosan Tokyo Origami Hostel, located in Asakusa, offers affordable and clean accommodations with prices starting at ¥2,500 ($17 USD) per night.

Must-See Attractions: Tokyo’s Best Sights

Tokyo is packed with must-visit attractions, many of which are free or have a low entry fee. Here are a few highlights:

Sensoji Temple: Located in Asakusa, this is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and entrance is free. You can explore the temple grounds, shop for souvenirs in Nakamise-dori, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Meiji Shrine: Nestled in the middle of Harajuku, this serene shrine offers free entry and is surrounded by lush forests, making it a great escape from the city’s bustle.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: A magical experience for families or Disney fans. A one-day ticket to either park costs about ¥8,200 ($55 USD) for adults and ¥6,900 ($47 USD) for children.

Tokyo Skytree: The tallest tower in the world, offering stunning views of the city. A ticket to the observation deck costs ¥2,100 ($14 USD).

Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. This is a must-see, especially during rush hour. It’s free to watch the chaos from the surrounding cafes.

For a unique experience, we could also visit teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum in Odaiba. The entry fee is ¥3,200 ($22 USD) for adults, and the museum is an immersive, interactive art experience that will leave us in awe.

What to Eat and Where: Tokyo’s Food Scene

Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a range of delicious dishes at all price points. Here’s what we must try:

Sushi: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market or one of the top sushi restaurants in Ginza, where sushi plates can range from ¥1,500 ($10 USD) for a basic set to ¥20,000 ($130 USD) for an upscale experience.

Ramen: Tokyo is home to some of the best ramen in the world. A bowl of ramen costs around ¥800-¥1,200 ($6-$8 USD) at most ramen shops, such as Ichiryu in Shibuya.

Tempura: A popular Japanese dish, tempura is battered and fried seafood or vegetables. At an upscale restaurant like Tempura Kondo in Ginza, expect to pay around ¥10,000 ($70 USD) for a set meal.

Street Food: For a quick bite, try takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry with red bean paste), or yaki imo (roasted sweet potatoes). Prices for these treats usually range from ¥300-¥800 ($2-$6 USD).

Things to Do: Tokyo’s Fun Activities

Tokyo offers countless experiences for all kinds of travelers. Here are some fun activities we should try:

Themed Cafes: Visit one of Tokyo’s quirky themed cafes, like the Cat Café in Shibuya or the Owl Café in Harajuku, where we can enjoy a drink while hanging out with cats or owls. A drink at these cafes typically costs around ¥1,000-¥1,500 ($7-$10 USD).

Shopping: Whether we’re into fashion, electronics, or quirky gadgets, shopping in Tokyo is a must. Explore the bustling streets of Harajuku and Shibuya for trendy boutiques, or visit Akihabara for tech gadgets.

Odaiba: This artificial island offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Don’t miss the futuristic architecture of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and the giant Unicorn Gundam statue.

Final Thoughts: Tokyo Awaits

Tokyo is a city where modernity meets tradition, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether we’re drawn to its rich history, delicious food, or cutting-edge technology, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. By planning ahead and budgeting for attractions, transportation, and accommodation, we can ensure that our Tokyo adventure will be unforgettable.

So, Lykkers, are you ready to experience the magic of Tokyo? Let’s get packing!