How many days do I need for Tokyo?

For the city, 4–5 days cover the main neighborhoods plus a day trip to Hakone or Nikko. If you chain Kyoto and Osaka, book 10–12 nights total using Tokyo as your entry point.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

Only if you make several long shinkansen journeys (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Tokyo). For a trip focused on Tokyo and surroundings, it's cheaper to pay for individual tickets with the IC card.

Can I go without knowing Japanese?

Yes. Transport signs have romaji (Latin alphabet), Google Maps works perfectly and in touristy areas people manage with basic English. A translation app helps in small restaurants.

Do I need to carry cash?

It's advisable. Cards are accepted more and more, but many small restaurants, temples and markets still operate cash-only. Withdraw yen from ATMs in convenience stores (7-Eleven).

Japan

Tokyo: travel guide

Tokyo guide: best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to see (teamLab, temples, sushi) and budget. Flights, hotels and experiences for your trip to Japan.

people gathered outside buildings and vehicles — Foto de Jezael Melgoza en Unsplash

Tokyo is orderly and frenetic at once: impossible crossings in Shibuya, silent temples in Asakusa, hidden izakayas and immersive digital art. It's the gateway to Japan and blends beautifully with Kyoto, Hakone and Osaka on the same trip. This guide brings together everything practical to organize it, with a real itinerary of 11 nights at the end.

Best time to visit

The two best windows are spring (late March to April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for momiji (red leaves) and stable, dry weather. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with rainy season in June and typhoons in late summer. Winter is cold but sunny and cheap. Book in advance if you travel during sakura or momiji season: flights and hotels go fast.

Checking the weather…

Getting there

Flights to Tokyo from several cities. The links open a real search with dates — adjust them to your trip.

Transfer from Haneda Airport (HND) → Tokyo

Where to stay

Recommended

Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo

Apart-hotel with kitchenette and washing machine 5 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Comfortable and very well connected, ideal for the first few days.

Check availability

Compare more hotels in Tokyo

What to see & do

teamLab Planets TOKYO — tickets
Immersive digital art museum: rooms of water and light to walk through barefoot. Reserve with time slot.
View →
Sushi class in Asakusa
Learn to make nigiri and makis with a local chef in a small group.
View →
Tokyo tours and excursions
Temples, Mount Fuji, food tours and transfers: wide range of experiences.
View →

Getting around Tokyo

graphical user interface — Foto de Kanchan Raj Pandey en Unsplash

The subway and JR trains are the backbone: clean, punctual and very crowded. Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo, also available as digital on your phone) and forget about buying individual tickets. For long-distance trips between cities (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka) the shinkansen is unbeatable; if you plan to move around a lot, consider the Japan Rail Pass, but it only pays off if you make several long journeys. Avoid rental cars: parking is expensive and public transport makes it unnecessary.

Neighborhoods and day trips

a group of people with umbrellas standing in front of a gate — Foto de aestelle en Unsplash

Shinjuku and Shibuya concentrate nightlife, shopping and skyscrapers; Asakusa and Yanaka preserve traditional Tokyo; Akihabara is otaku paradise. A short train ride gets you to Hakone (hot springs and Mount Fuji views), Nikko (temples among forests) and Kamakura (the Great Buddha and beach). For momiji, Kyoto is 2 hours 15 minutes away by shinkansen.

Eating in Tokyo

egg and vegetable dish on black ceramic bowl — Foto de Susann Schuster en Unsplash

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, but the best is often found in small places: ramen at a counter, sushi at Toyosu market, yakitori under the train tracks in Yurakucho, freshly made tempura. Don't miss breakfast at a kissaten café or a combini (the 24-hour convenience stores have surprisingly good food). Bring some cash: many small establishments don't accept cards.

Estimated budget

Central apartment/hotel per night, double room	120-180 €
Food (daily) ramen, market, izakaya	30-50 €/person
Transport (daily) subway + local trains with IC	8-15 €/person
teamLab + sushi class reserved activities	≈ 100 €/person

An 11-night solo trip covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Osaka comes to around 2,800–3,500 € with flights from Spain, hotels, JR Pass and activities.

Before you go

Interactive itinerary

See a Tokyo trip day by day and on the map →

Trip diary

11-Day Japan Itinerary in Autumn: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Osaka →

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Tokyo?: For the city, 4–5 days cover the main neighborhoods plus a day trip to Hakone or Nikko. If you chain Kyoto and Osaka, book 10–12 nights total using Tokyo as your entry point.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?: Only if you make several long shinkansen journeys (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Tokyo). For a trip focused on Tokyo and surroundings, it's cheaper to pay for individual tickets with the IC card.
Can I go without knowing Japanese?: Yes. Transport signs have romaji (Latin alphabet), Google Maps works perfectly and in touristy areas people manage with basic English. A translation app helps in small restaurants.
Do I need to carry cash?: It's advisable. Cards are accepted more and more, but many small restaurants, temples and markets still operate cash-only. Withdraw yen from ATMs in convenience stores (7-Eleven).

Want us to plan your Tokyo trip?

Tell us where you're leaving from and your dates and we'll build the full itinerary — real flights, hotel and activities — in minutes.

Plan your trip for free

Information and prices are indicative and subject to change. Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.