W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
T O K Y O
P L A N N I N G
Timing
Tokyo is a year-round destination, but each season offers a unique charm:
Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms (sakura) adorn parks and streets, making it one of the most picturesque times to visit.
Summer (June to August): Warm and humid, with vibrant festivals like Tanabata and fireworks displays.
Autumn (September to November): Mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
Winter (December to February): Cooler weather with fewer crowds; illuminations light up the cityscape.
Accommodation options in Tokyo run a vast gamut.
At the luxury end, central neighborhoods like Ginza, Marunouchi, or Shinjuku offer high-end hotels within easy reach of major cultural highlights, dining, and shopping.
Travelers desiring a more traditional experience might consider staying in a ryokan, particularly in areas like Asakusa, where tatami rooms and communal onsen hotspring baths are a huge part of Japanese cultural life. That said, you might want to save the ryokan & onsen experience for somewhere near Kyoto, which is anyways a much more old-world and traditional city on balance than Tokyo.
Given Tokyo's popularity as a global destination, it's advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons such as cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November). These periods not only attract international tourists but also domestic travelers, leading to increased demand for lodging and transportation.
Asakusa: Rich in traditional ambiance, close to historic sites like Sensō-ji Temple.
Shinjuku: A bustling hub with vibrant nightlife and shopping.
Shibuya: Trendy area known for fashion, dining, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Ginza: Luxury shopping district with upscale dining options.
Booking accommodations near train stations can significantly ease your travel within the city.
Transportation
To navigate this vast metropolis efficiently, it's essential to understand that scale and plan your journey thoughtfully, with travel time and pure practicability in mind.
The city's public transportation system, particularly the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, is extensive and user-friendly, making it probably the best mode of travel for most visitors.
IC Cards: Obtain a Suica or Pasmo card for seamless travel across trains, subways, and buses.
JR Pass: If Tokyo is your primary destination, a Japan Rail Pass may not be cost-effective. However, for trips beyond Tokyo, it offers substantial savings.
Last Trains: Most trains cease operations around midnight. Plan evening activities accordingly to avoid being stranded. Ask us how we know about this...
Connectivity
Travel SIMs and better yet, eSIMs are the way to go.
Cultural Etiquette
Japan is a deeply Japanese place, even in a metropolis like Tokyo. While we in the West have been busy neglecting or sadly denigrating our cultures and heritage, the Japanese have absolutely not been.
A basic primer:
Punctuality: Being on time is deeply valued in Japanese culture.
Queueing: Always stand in line patiently, whether waiting for trains or at eateries.
Noise Levels: Maintain a low volume in public spaces to avoid disturbing others.
Bowing: There are three levels. The first is essentially a deeper nod of the head, the second more of an incline of the upper body, and the third a full 45° incline of the full upper body. These escalate in reverence. Act accordingly.
Change/Coins/Business cards: always take these with two hands, not one.
For a comprehensive guide to Tokyo's museums and attractions, consider obtaining THE TOKYO PASS, which provides unlimited access to over 50 sites, including parks, gardens, zoos, and aquariums.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Many of Tokyo's bits worth seeing and visiting are accessible without prior reservations. However, popular spots and experiences do require advance planning.
For enthusiasts, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must-visit, celebrating the works of the renowned Studio Ghibli. Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased in advance, often months ahead, due to high demand.
Similarly, the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba has gained international acclaim, and securing tickets online before your visit is highly recommended.
Many temples and shrines, such as Sensō-ji and Meiji Shrine, welcome visitors without prior arrangements.
Participating in traditional tea ceremonies, or guided meditations almost always require booking ahead. There is a whole world of these experiences, ranging from the introductory, all the way to incredibly exclusive, complete with pricing to match.
Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower are pretty popular spots for panorama views. While same-day tickets are available, purchasing them in advance can help avoid long queues, especially during weekends and holidays.
Lost in Translation’s famous Park Hyatt New York bar, on the 52nd floor is closed for renovations until autumn of 2025. Let us all hope that it re-emerges from its Transformative Chrysalis with all of its glamour still intact.
As always, our itin suggestions together are intended to inspire, rather than be taken at face value, 1:1. And of course the order of operations can and will change significantly depending on where you might be staying, due to the sheer scale of Tokyo.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Modern Tokyo Exploration
Morning: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: Begin your day at Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto sanctuary nestled within Yoyogi Park. Enter through the towering torii gate and stroll along the forested path leading to the shrine complex.
Afternoon: Harajuku & Omotesando: Explore Harajuku's Takeshita Street, renowned for its quirky fashion boutiques and vibrant street culture.
Continue to Omotesando, Tokyo's elegant tree-lined avenue, showcasing contemporary architecture and luxury shopping. If you’re really interested in architecture, consider checking out the Tokyo Prada outpost in time for dusk. It’s a work of art, realised by Herzog & de Meuron.
Shibuya Crossing: Every bit as wild as it looks in photos, Shibuya Crossing is one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections. The Shibuya Sky observation deck offers panoramic city views nearby.
Evening: Shinjuku: As night falls, venture into Shinjuku's bustling streets. Visit Omoide Yokocho, an alleyway filled with traditional izakayas, and Golden Gai, known for its narrow lanes and cozy bars.
Izakaya dinner is always a fun experience, and be forewarned that the Japanese often drink a lot.
DAY II:
Cultural and Historical Tokyo
Morning: Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple: Start in Asakusa, home to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Sensō-ji. Approach the temple through the Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate") and explore the bustling Nakamise-dōri, lined with traditional shops.
Afternoon: Ueno Park & Museums: Stroll through Ueno Park, which houses several museums. The Tokyo National Museum offers extensive collections of Japanese art and antiquities.
Evening: even if it's not necessarily your thing, per se, it's worth having a look at Akihabara, Tokyo's electronics and anime district. Here you will find multi-level electronics stores, themed cafés, and shops dedicated to manga and anime culture. For the uninitiated, it's a wild experience.
DAY III
Traditional Experiences and Modern Art
Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market: Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market, where numerous stalls offer fresh seafood, street food, and culinary tools. It's an excellent spot for a sushi breakfast. Which quite frankly, is the name of the game, as if you really want to see the tuna auction, you’ll need to be there before 6am. The market is well worth it even later on though.
Afternoon: teamLab Planets TOKYO: Visit teamLab Planets, an immersive digital art museum where interactive installations blend art and technology. It's quite the experience.
Evening: Roppongi Hills: Conclude your day in Roppongi Hills, a modern complex featuring upscale shopping, dining, and the Mori Art Museum. The Mori Tower's observation deck provides stunning nighttime cityscapes.
And at the end, Tokyo is a place of many, many nich interests. The author, with his exceptionally keen interest in tailoring, spent a lot of time at incredible cloth & fabric shops buying lengths of this and that to be made up into jackets and trousers.
Top tip for those in the know: the best jacket lining in the world for tailored garments comes from Japan, the famous Cupro Bemberg. It's not easy to source outside Japan, so... have at it.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
