The bulk of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building,Shinjuku

Tokyo can be broadly divided into the "23 special wards", "Tama region" and "Islands". This article is about the 23 special wards of Tokyo, which corresponds to what many think of as the "city of Tokyo". For information on Tokyo as a prefecture, Tama region and Islands, seeTokyo Metropolis.

Tokyo(Đông kinhTōkyō) is the enormous and wealthy capital ofJapan,and its main city, overflowing with culture, commerce, and most of all, people. As the most populated urban area in the world, Tokyo is a fascinating and dynamic metropolis that mixes foreign influences, consumer culture and global business along with remnants of the capital of old Japan. From modern electronics and gleaming skyscrapers to cherry blossoms and the Imperial Palace, this city represents the entire sweep of Japanese history and culture. Tokyo truly has something for every traveller.

Districts

The capital of Japan is not a city, but is actuallyTokyo Metropolis( đông kinh đôTōkyō-to), which apart from the name is indistinguishable from a prefecture: it's equal in status with the other 46 prefectures, and is about as big (containing large suburban and even rural areas to the west, as well as islands as far as1,000km (620mi)south). Even more strangely, there is no such thing as the "city of Tokyo". What most people, both foreigners and Japanese, are thinking of when they hear "Tokyo" is thespecial wards of Tokyo( đặc biệt khutokubetsu-ku), sometimes just called the23 wards(23 khunijūsan-ku). They're somewhat like the boroughs of London or New York, except there's no "city government" banding them together. The wards refer to themselves as "cities" in English (since they behave as such, each having its own mayor and council), but to avoid confusion, most people prefer to call them "wards".

This article is about the 23 special wards, while the western suburbs and the islands are covered inTokyo Metropolis.

The geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line (seeGet around). The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era oldtown ( hạ đinhshitamachi) is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending in seamlessly areYokohama,KawasakiandChiba,Tokyo's suburbs. Together, the entire metropolitan area has a population of over 40 million, making it the most populated urban area in the world.

Central Tokyo

Chiyoda The seat of Japanese power (both political and economic) that includes theImperial Palace,the Ministries near Kasumigaseki, the Parliament in Nagatacho, the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi, and the electronics mecca ofAkihabara.

Chuo Includes the famed department stores ofGinzaand the outer market ofTsukiji.

Minato Includes the business centers ofAkasakaandShinbashiand the neighbouring nightclub district ofRoppongi,the port district (at least in name), which includes the artificial island ofOdaiba,and the skyscrapers ofShiodome.

Shinjuku Home to luxury hotels, giant camera stores, futuristic skyscrapers, thousands of shops and restaurants, andKabukichō,Tokyo's wildest nightlife and red-light district.

Shibuya The fashionable shopping district, which also encompasses the teenybopper haven ofHarajuku(also home to theMeiji Shrine) and the nightlife ofEbisu

Shinagawa A major train hub and business center, includingŌimachiandGotanda.

Toshima Includes Ikebukuro, another giant train hub.

Meguro A residential area with a few nice parks and museums.

Old Tokyo (Shitamachi)

Sumida Now graced with the modernTokyo SkyTree,this ward is home to theEdo-Tokyo Museumand Tokyo's main sumo arena (Ryogoku Kokugikan), both in Ryogoku.

Taito The heart of Old Tokyo featuring the temples ofAsakusaandNational MuseumsinUeno,as well as some of Tokyo's cheapest accommodation.

Bunkyo Home to Tokyo Dome and the University of Tokyo.

Suburbs

East Many suburban wards, includingAdachi,where one can visit one of Kanto's Three Great Temples, Nishi-arai Daishi;Katsushika,known for the charming Showa-era atmosphere ofShibamata;andEdogawa,a quiet eastern suburb. Also home to theToyosufish market, which replaced Tsukiji's.

North Includes the suburban wards ofKita,Itabashiand the quieter northernNerima,which contains some of the 23 wards' last remaining farmland.

Nakano Home to theotakuparadise known as Nakano Broadway.

Ota Half industrial complex, half upscale residential area, and home to Haneda Airport.

Setagaya An upscale residential area that houses the student drinking spot ofShimokitazawaas well as the newly revitalized shopping centers ofFutako-Tamagawa.

Suginami Typical Tokyo suburb stretching along the Chuo Line.Nishi-Ogikubo,famous for its numerous antique shops, is in this area.

Understand

Over 500 years old, the city of Tokyo was once the modest fishing village ofEdo( giang hộ - literallyGate of the River) due to its location at the mouth of Sumida-gawa. The city only truly began to grow when it became the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603, who decided to set up a new seat of power far away from the intrigues of the imperial court inKyoto.After the Tokugawa Shogunate collapsed in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and the imperial family moved here from Kyoto, and the city was renamed to its current name, Tokyo, literally the "Eastern Capital". The metropolitan center of the country, Tokyo is the destination for business, education, modern culture, and government. (That's not to say that rivals such asOsakawon't dispute those claims.)

Culture

Shinjukuat night

Tokyo isvast:it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's districts vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare ofAkihabarato the Imperial gardens and shrines ofChiyoda,from the hyperactive youth culture hub ofShibuyato the pottery shops and temple markets ofAsakusa.If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different.

The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.

Expenses

Cherry blossom picnic at Tamagawadai Park inOta ward

The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities in the developed world. Visitors fromSan Francisco,Los Angeles,New York,Chicago,London,Paris,Sydney,TorontoandDublinwill not find it any more expensive than back home. Rent will be significantly cheaper than big Western cities like NYC, London, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Travelers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city inEurope,North AmericaorAustralia.Locals will know the bargains, but experienced cheapskates from anywhere in the world can get by with a little ingenuity. Tokyo is one of the most popular places to live in Japan. Rent for a single's apartment could range from US$500 to US$1,000 a month. Tokyo is so overwhelmingly crowded that many people live in apartments no bigger than 16 square meters (175 square feet). That being said, with excellent transportation throughout Tokyo and its outskirts, living five minutes further away from central Tokyo could mean hundreds of dollars less for living expenses each month or allow for larger housing. Many parts of Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa, or even Ibaraki prefectures may allow the feeling of "living in Tokyo". Still, nothing compares to Tokyo itself in regards to waking up and stepping outside instantly into metropolitan life.

Climate

Tokyo
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D 52 10 1 56 10 2 118 14 4 125 19 9 138 23 14 168 26 18 154 29 22 168 31 23 210 27 20 198 22 14 93 16 8 51 12 4 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snowtotals in mm Source:Japan Meteorological Agency
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D 2.1 49 34 2.2 51 35 4.6 56 40 4.9 66 49 5.4 73 57 6.6 78 64 6 85 71 6.6 87 73 8.3 80 67 7.8 71 58 3.6 61 47 2 53 38 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snowtotals in inches

Tokyo is classified as lying in the humid subtropical climate zone and has five distinct seasons.

• Springkicks off with plum blossoms in late February, followed by the famous cherry blossoms (sakura) in March–April. Parks, most famouslyUeno,fill up with blue tarps and sozzled salarymen.
• Rainy season(baiuortsuyu) in late May to June means a month of overcast skies and drizzle punctuated with downpours, with temperatures in the twenties.
• Summerreally kicks off in July, with clear skies but temperatures peaking into the high thirties and brutal steam bath humidity. Even a short walk outside will leave you drenched in sweat, so this is probably the worst time of year to visit, and is best avoided if you have a choice. The one bright spot is the plethora offireworks,most notably the epic pyrotechnic extravaganza of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival on the fourth Saturday in July. Sunrises occur before 04:30, and sunset is always before 19:00, save for a week in late June.
• Fallfrom September onwards means cooler temperatures and fall colors. While southern Japan is regularly battered by typhoons this time of year, they mostly (but not always) veer clear of Tokyo.
• Winteris usually mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 0-10°C, though occasional cold spells can send temperatures plummeting below zero at night, and indoor heating can leave much to be desired. Snow is rare, but on those rare occasions once every few years when Tokyo is hit by a snowstorm, much of the train network grinds to a halt. Sunsets occur before 16:30 in December, and sunrise is always before 07:00.

Tokyo is hotter than surrounding areas due to the urban heat island.

Visitor information

GO>TOKYOis a well-maintained sightseeing guide site for foreigners by the government. The site includesa search page for restaurants with multi-language menus.

Talk

It's possible for English speakers to navigate their way around Tokyo without speaking any Japanese. Signs at subway and train stations include the station names inromaji(Romanized characters), and larger stations often have signs in Chinese and Korean as well. Though most people under the age of 40 have learned English in school, proficiency is generally poor, and most locals would not know more than a few basic words and phrases. Some restaurants may have English menus, but it does not necessarily mean that the staff will speak much English. Reading and writing comes much better though; many people can understand a great deal of written English but can't speak it properly, because English uses so many vowels and consonants non-existent in Japanese. That being said, staff at the main hotels and tourist attractions generally speak a decent level of English. While it is possible to get by with only English, it will nevertheless make your trip much smoother if you can learn some basicJapanese.

Get in

In Japan, all roads, rails, shipping lanes and planes lead to Tokyo.

By plane

Tokyo (TYO^IATAfor all airports) and the Kanto Region are served by two major airports.Narita International Airport(NRT^IATA) is Tokyo's main airport for international flights, but also serves a handful of domestic flights, particularly on low-cost carriers, and is convenient as a transit airport for those travelling between North America to most major East and Southeast Asian cities.Tokyo Haneda Airport(HND^IATA), which is much closer to central Tokyo and thus much more convenient and economical for getting into Tokyo and vicinity, is the main airport for domestic flights, but has also become a major hub for international flights as of the 2020s, particularly on routes that see heavy business traffic. There is alsoIbaraki Airport(IBR^IATA) for some low-cost carriers, and theChōfu Airfield,serving turboprop flights to theIzu Islands.

• 1Narita International Airport(NRT^IATA;Thành điền quốc tế không cảngNarita Kokusai Kūkō).Near the town ofNaritanearly 70km (43mi) east of Tokyo. Serves most international flights into Tokyo as well as limited domestic flights, primarily on low-cost carriers.

• 2Tokyo Haneda Airport(HND^IATA;Vũ điền không cảngHaneda Kūkōor đông kinh quốc tế không cảngTōkyō Kokusai Kūkō).The busiest airport in Japan and second busiest in Asia, located in Ōta ward, 14km (8.7mi) south of central Tokyo. Serves most domestic flights, and expansions since 2010 have also turned it into a major international hub, primarily on routes with heavy business traffic.

• 3Ibaraki Airport(IBR^IATA;Tì thành không cảng)(85 km and 1½ hr north of Tokyo).Skymark operates domestic flights toSapporo,Kobe,FukuokaandOkinawa.Spring Airlines operates service toShanghaiand Tigerair flies toTaipei.(updated Dec 2023)

• 4Chōfu Airfield(no IATA, ICAO:RJTF;Điều bố phi hành tràngChōfu hikōjō)(The nearest railway station is Nishi-Chōfu on the Keiō Line, a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus fromChofuorMitakastations.).Serves only some turboprop flights to theIzu Islandssouth of Tokyo.

By train

The restored exterior on the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station

• 5Tokyo Station(Đông kinh dịch Tōkyō-eki).Tokyo is the nerve centre of railways in Japan. High speedShinkansenservices arrive here in theChiyodaward.(updated Nov 2023)

For all trains on the northern route, you can get off atUeno,while trains on the western route call atShinagawa.Most non-Shinkansen services usually stops atShibuyaandShinjukustations as well. Ueno andIkebukurostations connect to the northern suburbs and neighboring prefectures.

There are multiple departures every hour fromKyotoandOsakato Tokyo, with three types of shinkansen trains. TheNozomiis the fastest, with trains taking 2½ hours from Osaka. TheHikarimakes more stops and takes 3 hours, and theKodamais the slowest, making all stops and reaching Tokyo in 4 hours. TheNozomitrains are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Multiple cities from the north offer direct Shinkansen services to Tokyo, includingAkita,Aomori,Fukushima,Hakodate,Kanazawa,Morioka,Nagano,Nagoya,Niigata,Sendai,Toyama,YamagataandYuzawa.All trains from these cities converge at Ōmiya inSaitama,then run south to Ueno and Tokyo stations.

Although Japan is dominated by fast Shinkansen trains there are still a couple of sleeper trains left: TheSunrise Izumo(サンライズ xuất vân ) runs daily to Tokyo fromIzumowhileSunrise Seto(サンライズ lại hộ ) connects withTakamatsu,the second largest city on theShikokuisland. Both trains run coupled together between Tokyo andOkayama.

By car

While you can drive into the city, it is really not recommended as the city can be congested, signs may be confusing and parking fees are astronomical. One option that should be considered is cheaper 24-hour parking lots in cities bordering Tokyo. For example, Yashio city's train station inSaitama (prefecture)has hundreds of spaces at ¥500 per day, and is just minutes from Kita-Senju or Akihabara. A car of people can travel by highway at a fraction of the price of each person traveling by train, and can take the last leg by the cheapest train ticket into Tokyo.

For groups of 3-5 tourists traveling in Japan, arental carto or from Tokyo to be returned at the agency counter in another city may prove to be a major chance for savings compared to train or air travel.

By thumb

Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult. It's definitely possible for determined cheapskates though, seeHitchhiking in Japanfor a detailed list of tested escape routes from the city.

By bus

Highway bus services link Tokyo to other cities, resort areas and the surrounding prefectures. There are JR and private bus companies. Bus service may be cheaper, but the train is probably more convenient, especially with the JR pass.

Long-distance buses use a number of terminals scattered throughout the city. At Tokyo Station, the main boarding point for buses is at theYaesu Exit( bát trọng châu khẩu ) on the east side. Some buses lines, including Keisei Bus, have moved to the newBus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu(バスターミナル đông kinh bát trọng châu ) which is across the street and can be accessed by underground passage from Tokyo Station. InShinjuku,nearly all services use the new6Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal,abbreviatedBusta Shinjuku(バスタ tân túc ), which is above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station.

• The JR Bus Group- A major operator of bus services to and from Tokyo. Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made at JR Bus counters in Tokyo and Shinjuku stations, and in JR train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains.JR Bus Kanto(JRバス quan đông ) andJR Tokai Bus(JR đông hải バス) offer online bookings for their buses in English.
• Willer Express- A company that has nightly bus services to and from Tokyo. Its bus services link many cities in Japan. Online booking available in English.
• Kokusai Kogyo Bus( quốc tế hưng nghiệp バス)
• Keisei Bus( kinh thành バス)
• Keikyu Bus( kinh cấp バス)
• Keio Bus(Japanese Website)( kinh vương バス)
• Kanto Bus( quan đông バス)
• Nishi Tokyo Bus(Japanese Website)( tây đông kinh バス)
• Odakyu Bus(Japanese Website)( tiểu điền cấp バス)
  • Odakyu Highway Bus( tiểu điền cấp ハイウェイバス)
• Seibu Bus( tây võ バス)
• Tobu Bus(Japanese Website)( đông võ バス)
• Tohoku Kyuko Bus( đông bắc cấp hành バス)

By boat

One of the great ports of the world, Tokyo also has domestic ferry services to other points in Japan. However, none of the regular international ferries to Japan call at Tokyo.

The main long-distance ferry terminal is7Tokyo Port Ferry Terminal,on an artificial island adjacent toOdaibain Tokyo Bay. The nearest station is Tokyo Big Sight on the Yurikamome line, but it's still a bit of a hike. You can also take a direct bus from Shin-Kiba station on the Metro Yurakucho line. The main services from this terminal are:

• Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen(Xuyên kỳ cận hải khí thuyền),☏+81 3-3528-0718.This ferry has no passenger facilities, so it can only be used if you have a car.Fares for a car and driver start at ¥25,820.(updated Dec 2017)
• Ocean Tokyu Ferry(オーシャン đông cửu フェリー),☏+81 3-5148-0109.Tokyo-Kitakyushu passenger fares are ¥16,420 for second class, ¥30,550 for first class.

Ferries to theIzuandOgasawara Islandsleave fromTakeshiba Terminal( trúc chi khách thuyền ターミナル), adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line. Cruise liners tend to use theHarumi Terminal( tình hải khách thuyền ターミナル), best accessible on bus đô 05-1 (To-05-1) from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit. International ferries and cargo ferries that also take passengers can leave from other terminals too, enquire with your shipping company.

Get around

The JR Yamanote loop line, with major connecting JR lines. The Tokaido Line is now connected to the Joban, Utsunomiya and Takasaki lines.

Instead of getting a headache from the many options for getting around in Tokyo, try Google Maps for navigation – it will show you various options and fares, so you can choose between the cheapest, the most convenient, or the quickest option, depending on your preferences. If you have a map of all metro and train stations, it might be quicker and cheaper to mainly go through them and ignore taking smallish bus rides to and from them, which will easily cost ¥200 per ride.

By train and subway

Tokyo has one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world and is the most used subway system in the world in terms of annual passenger rides. It is clean, safe and efficient–and confusing. The confusion arises from the fact that several distinct railway systems operate within Tokyo–the JR East network, the two subway networks, and various private lines–and different route maps show different systems. Avoid rush hours if possible; trains get overcrowded very easily.

The defining rail line in Tokyo is the JRYamanote Line( sơn thủ tuyếnYamanote-sen), which runs in a loop around central Tokyo; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in the core of Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote. JR's lines are color-coded, the Yamanote is light greenn.The JRChuo Line(orangen', trung ương tuyếnChūō-sen) andChuo-Sobu Line(yellown,Trung ương ・ tổng võ tuyếnChūō-Sōbu-sen) run side-by-side, bisecting the Yamanote loop fromShinjukuon the west toTokyo Stationon the east. JR's other commuter lines, the Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku, run off the rim of the Yamanote loop to the north and south. JR East has a good English information line, 050-2016-1603 or 03-3423-0111.

Subway lines

Tokyo has an extensivesubwaynetwork, which is the oldest network in Asia, with frequent trains, and these are primarily useful for getting around within the Yamanote loop. TheTokyo Metroruns nine lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines.Toeioperates the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. While the JR Yamanote Line is not a subway line, due to its importance as a major transportation artery in downtown Tokyo, it is usually featured on subway maps. In addition, there is a largely underground Rinkai Line, a private line which is operated byTokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit(TWR),that passes through the island ofOdaiba.

Announcements and signs are usually bilingual in Japanese and English, though in some areas frequented by tourists, signs in Korean and Chinese can also be seen. That said, staff working at the stations rarely speak much, if any English.

A number ofprivate commuter linesradiate from the Yamanote loop out into the outlying wards and suburbs, and almost all connect through directly to subway lines within the loop. The private lines are useful for day trips outside the city, and are slightly cheaper than JR. Among these, the most important to visitors is arguably theYurikamomewhich offers great views on the way to the island ofOdaiba.

Keep in mind that it isimpolite to speak on the phonewhile aboard the train. Instead, you should send text messages while switching it to silent mode. It used to be a rule of etiquette to "stand on the left so people in a hurry can pass you on the right when using the escalator", however the current etiquette is to stand on both sides of the escalator without walking, because walking on the escalator can cause injuries.

Fares and hours

A Yamanote Line train

Most tickets and passes are sold from automated vending machines. These machines arecash onlybut give change. At many JR stations, there are purple-colored reserved seat ticket vending machines where you can purchase tickets for JR lines using a credit card.JR trains are free with a Japan Rail Pass.

Smart cards,instead of tickets, are convenient and highly recommended, because they allow you to ride trains without having to read the sometimes Japanese-only fare maps to determine your fare – seeJapan/Get around/Smart cardsandJapan/Money/Smart cardsfor more details on purchase, usage and card conditions.

Otherwise, the following day passes are available:

• Tokyo Subway Ticket:24-hr (¥800), 48-hr (\1200), and 72-hr (\1500) passes are available along with other combos.
• TheTokunai Pass( đô khu nội パス) is a one-day pass good for travel on JR lines anywhere in the 23 wards of Tokyo (including the entire Yamanote Line and many stations surrounding it). It costs ¥760, making it economical if you plan to make five or more train hops in one day. A variant is theTokunai Free Kippu( đô khu nội フリーきっぷ), which also includes a round-trip into Tokyo from stations in the surrounding prefectures. TheMonorail And Tokunai Free Kippu,which is good for two days and includes a round-trip from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, costs ¥2,000.
• TheTokyo Free Kippu( đông kinh フリーきっぷ) covers all JR, subway and city bus lines within the 23 wards. It costs ¥1,600 for one day and covers a number of areas that are not served by JR, such as Roppongi and Odaiba.
• TheHoliday Pass( hưu nhật おでかけパス) covers the entire JR network in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and west Tokyo. It costs ¥2,720 for one day, and is only available on weekends, national holidays and during the Golden Week (Apr 29 to May 5), summer vacation (July 20 through Aug 31) and New Year (Dec 29 to Jan 3). But you will barely ever hit such high daily costs when travelling on Tokyo's public transport — you will want to spend you time sightseeing and shopping, not sitting in the train.

Who is making announcements in English? In Tokyo, whichever train you take – JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Tobu Railway, Seibu Railway, Odakyu Electric Railway, or Keisei Electric Railway – you will hear English announcements in a similar voice. Actually, they are all announced by the same voice actor, Christelle Ciari. In a Japanese interview she said: "Most railway companies I worked for did not give me any instruction on how to pronounce the station names in English. So, I decided to read them in the original Japanese accent because I personally thought it was more natural and easier to comprehend for non-native speakers of English. The only exception was JR East, which instructed me to announce the station names in an American accent." Therefore, you will hear "Shibuya" on Tokyo Metro while you will hear "Sheebooyah" on JR trains.

If you are payingà la (smart) carte,subway and train fares are based on distance, ranging from ¥110 to ¥310 for hops within central Tokyo. As a rule of thumb, Tokyo Metro lines are cheapest, Toei lines are most expensive, and JR lines fall somewhere in the middle (but are usually cheaper than Metro for short trips, i.e. no more than 4 stations). Many of the private lines interoperate with the subways, which can occasionally make a single ride seem unreasonably expensive as you are in essence transferring to another line and fare system, even though you're still on the same train. E.g. changing between Metro subway line and Tokyu private line amounts to paying the sum of each fare: minimum fare Metro ¥160 + minimum fare Tokyu ¥120 = ¥280. In addition, several patterns of transfer are listed as "Transfer Discount", and the most famous one is ¥70 discount, that applies to a transfer between Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines. When using Suica or PASMO, you can get all transfer discounts automatically. At some transfer stations, you may need to pass through a special transfer gate (both for paper tickets and PASMO/Suica) which is coloured orange–passing through the regular blue gate will not get you your transfer discount and if you have a paper ticket, you won't get it back. At some transfer points (e.g. Asakusa station) you may actually need to transfer on street level as the two stations (Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line) are not physically connected and are about one block apart.

It pays to check your route beforehand. TheTokyo Subway Navigation for Touristsby the Tokyo Metro, is a mobile app that allows you to plan subway and train travel from point A to point B, based on time, cost, and transfers. This app provides information for Tokyo only. For other apps or sites which cover the whole country, see theJapanpage.

If you can't figure out how much it is to the destination, you can buy the cheapest ticket and pay the difference at the Fare Adjustment Machine (norikoshi) at the end. Most vending machines will let you buy a single ticket that covers a transfer between JR, subway and private lines, all the way to your destination, but working out how to do this may be a challenge if you are not familiar with the system. When transferring between systems, whether paying with tickets or smart cards, use theorange transfer gatesto exit. Otherwise, you'll be charged full fare for both separate parts of your trip, instead of the cheaper transfer fare.

Most train lines in Tokyo run 05:00–01:00. During peak hours they run about once every three minutes; even during off-peak hours it's less than ten minutes between trains. The only night when regular passenger services run overnight is for the New Year's Holiday on select lines.

For additional information for train travel in Japan generally, refer to theBy railsection in theJapanarticle.

By taxi

A typical Tokyo taxi

Taxis are very pricey, but may be a value for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.

Fares were revised in 2022 in an effort to make taxis more attractive for short-distance trips, though longer trips are still very expensive. The fare for the standard taxis starts at ¥500 for up to1.096km (0.681mi),and goes up ¥100 every255 metres (0.158mi)and for every 95 seconds in stopped or slow traffic. A 20% night surcharge is tacked on from 22:00-05:00, and tolls are added for any trips using the expressway.

Here are some daytime fare examples based on Nihon Kotsu's taxi fare estimates (actual fares may vary):

• Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station –3.0km (1.9mi),¥1,600
• Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station (Bus Terminal) –8.1km (5.0mi),¥4,300
• Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport Terminal 1 –19.2km (11.9mi),¥10,200 including expressway fare

Taxi rear left passenger doors are operated by the driver and open and close automatically. Don't open or close them yourself.

Do not count on your taxi driver speaking English—or knowing more than the best-known locations, though most taxis have GPS "car navi" systems installed. The best and easiest thing to do is to prepare a map marked with where you want to go, and point it out on the map to the taxi driver. If you are staying at a hotel, they will provide a map. If possible, get a business card, or print out the address in Japanese of any specific places you wish to go. However, because in Japan streets are often unmarked, if the taxi driver does not have GPS he may not be able to do more than take you to the general vicinity of where you want to go. Also, taxis can get caught in traffic jams. No tips are expected or given.

Nihon Kotsuhas a 24-hr English telephone number, 03-5755-2336, to call for a Nihon Kotsu taxi within Tokyo. There is a booking fee payable to the driver at the end of the trip: ¥410 for an immediate hail or ¥820 for an advance booking. If you already have a destination (or a few) in mind, the receptionist will electronically transmit the information to the driver so that you don't have to tell the driver yourself. If you are hailing a taxi right away, the English receptionist will inform you about your assigned taxi by color, company name and taxi number.

A growing number of companies in Tokyo also offer taxi hails and ride requests by mobile apps including GO Taxi, DiDi and Uber. Your hotel's front desk can also call a taxi for you, subject to the same booking fees.

By ride hailing

You can useUberto hail limousines and taxis for a ¥500 surcharge, which may be worth it to bypass both the language barrier and potential payment hassles.

Starting in April 2024 the Japanese government is planning to allow limited ride-sharing services under the supervision of taxi companies.

By car

Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with slow-moving traffic and extremely limited and expensive parking. In this city with such an excellent mass transit system, you would need a good reason to want to drive around instead. While renting a car can make sense in Japan in some contexts (e.g., visiting a rural onsen resort), in general it is neither convenient nor economical to rent a car to get around metro Tokyo. Taxis are much more convenient if your budget allows it; walking or public transportation is much less expensive and given the difficulties of navigation and finding parking in popular areas, probably easier too.

If you do decide to plunge in and drive around by car, the main expressway serving Tokyo is the Shuto Expressway, abbreviated toShutoko( thủ đô cao ). The C1 Loop Line forms a circle around central Tokyo, similar in fashion to how the Yamanote Line does it by rail. But whereas the Yamanote Line charges ¥140-200 for a single trip, driving a car onto the Shutoko in Tokyo costs¥1320every timeyou enter the system (compact cars slightly cheaper), with additional tolls collected at various other locations. Vehicles equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) tags pay a cheaper rate based on the distance driven.

Driving on the Tokyo Expressway at night can be a pleasant and beautiful experience as you whiz through and around the Tokyo nightlife. When driving at night you shouldexercise cautionand obey speed limits:Street racingover the Shutoko at night became popular in the 80s and 90s and still happens today, albeit on a less frequent basis. Street racers often concentrate their driving on the C1 Loop Line and the Bayshore (more popularly known as the Wangan) Line. "Competitors" sometimes hang out at parking and service areas on the Shutoko, especially the large Daikoku Parking Area at the intersection of the Bayshore Line and the K5 Daikoku Line inYokohama.

By bus

Toei buses like this operate most of Tokyo's local bus routes.

The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies. Buses operating within 23 wards of Tokyo have a fixed fare regardless of distance (¥210 onToei busesand ¥220 on other private bus companies), which is paid upon boarding from the front door. The fares are not transferable; however most buses do acceptSuicaorPASMOfare cards (see above). Compared to the trains, the buses run much less frequently, carry fewer passengers, and are much slower. This makes them amenable to the elderly residents of Tokyo, but rather inconvenient for travelers, who will also have to deal with lack of information in English and sometimes very well hidden bus stops. Bus routes can be fairly complicated and are often not listed in detail at the bus stops; signs on the buses themselves often list only two or three main stops in addition to the origin and destination. Inside the bus the next stop is usually announced several times, sometimes by a taped voice and sometimes by a mumbling driver. Taped announcements in English are used on some lines, but are still rare. Nevertheless, north–south routes are useful in the western side of the city since train lines (Odakyu, Keio, Chuo, and Seibu) tend to run east–west.

In an attempt to provide some information about their buses to foreign visitors/residents, Toei Bus has aweb sitethat shows some of the main bus routes used to go to certain destinations in Tokyo. This information is provided in English and several other languages. You can download English route maps and apps atthis site.

In addition, most private railway companies are accompanied by bus companies with corresponding names. They serve the areas outside of Yamanote Line loop, around their railway lines.

Sky Hop Bus

Willer Express operates a hop-on, hop-off bus service called theSky Hop Bus,which bills itself as "the first open-top double decker bus in Japan". At a charge of ¥1,800 for a 24-hour pass and ¥2,500 for a 48-hour pass (children half price), you can ride these buses and hop on and off as often as you wish. There are three bus routes that operate, all from the Marunouchi Building next to Tokyo Station: One route servesAsakusaand Tokyo SkyTree, the second runs toRoppongiand Tokyo Tower, and the third runs toOdaiba.The service only runs hourly, with departures from the Marunouchi Building between 10:20 and 18:30.

By boat

The Leiji Matsumoto-designedHimikoferry

The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series ofWater Busferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connectingAsakusa,Hinode,HarumiandOdaiba.The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English as well as Japanese and a trip on one makes for a relaxing, leisurely way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. The super-futuristicHimiko ferry,designed by anime and manga creator Leiji Matsumoto, runs on the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. You might want to arrive well before the departure time just in case tickets on the Himiko sell out!

Tokyo Mizube Line ( đông kinh thủy biên ライン) also operates short routes starting from Ryogoku-Asakusa area.

By bicycle

Bicycles are very commonly used for local transport, but amenities like bicycle lanes are rare, drivers pay little heed to bikes and traffic can be very heavy on weekdays, so if you use a bicycle, do not be afraid to cycle on the sidewalk (everyone does). Parts of Tokyo are surprisingly hilly, and it's a sweaty job pedaling around in the summer heat. Central Tokyo can still be covered fairly comfortably by bike on the weekends.Tokyo Great Cycling Touroffers a one-day guided tour for biking around major tourist spots in Tokyo, like Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, Odaiba, Tokyo tower, Imperial palace and so on.

Parking your bicycle becomes a challenge in Tokyo, especially in the downtown area where you need to pay for parking and cannot simply leave the bike by a store/restaurant/shrine entrances on the sidewalk. Keep this in mind with renting a bicycle in dense urban areas of Japan.

Renting a bike is possible from some youth hostels, particularly around Asakusa, although it's not common. However, buying a simple single-speed roadster is fairly cheap, and comes complete with a built-in bicycle wheel lock system (this is what most Tokyoites use). An imported multiple-geared bike will be much more expensive so get a good lock, as bike theft is a common threat, although the problem is nowhere near as serious as in other countries.

Bicycle rentals are common around all of Japan and increasingly so in the more rural areas at train stations.

For rentals in the Tokyo areaGS Astutocycle shop has a full range of rental bikes geared at regular cyclists who primarily ride road bikes. GS Astuto can also deliver bikes to your hotel where you will stay.

Another option is to choose a cycling tour with a company. This can be a great way to get on a bike and see the best parts of Japan by bicycle. Within TokyoSoshi's Tokyo Bike Tour,Tokyo Great Cycling Tour,andBicycle Tours Tokyooffer day tours of popular sites within central Tokyo by bike. For an escape into the rural edges of TokyoBike Tour Japantakes guests on week long cycling adventures in the countryside just 1-2hrs from central Tokyo.

On foot

In this large city with such an efficient public transportation system, walking to get from point A to point B would seem a bit stupid at first glance. However, as the city is extremely safe even at night, walking in Tokyo can be a very pleasant experience. In some areas, walking can be much shorter than taking the subway and walking the transit (the whole Akasaka/Nagatacho/Roppongi area in the center is for instance very easily covered on foot). If you have the time, Shinjuku to Shibuya via Omotesando takes roughly one hour, Tokyo Station to Shinjuku would be a half a day walk, and the whole Yamanote line Grand Tour takes a long day.

See

Sensoji Temple,Asakusa

Koishikawa Korakuen Park,Bunkyo

The Tokyo Skytree, the third tallest structure in the world

Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples ofAsakusa,the gardens of theImperial Palace(inChiyoda) and theMeiji Shrine( minh trị thần cungMeiji-jingū,inHarajuku).

Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for experiencing the modern Japanese urban phenomenon. Each of these areas have unique characteristics, such as dazzlingShinjuku,youthfulShibuyaand upmarketGinza.These areas are bustling throughout the day, but they really come to life in the evenings.

If you are looking for a viewing platform, Tokyo has plenty of options:

• TheTokyo SkyTreeis Tokyo's latest attraction inSumida,not to mention it's also the third-tallest structure in the world at 634 m above the ground. However, its location away from downtown means the view is a distant jumble of buildings.
• The more familiarTokyo TowerinMinatois still around, and it is not as expensive as the latter and newest rival, but neither is the view as good as some alternatives.

Tokyo tower at night

• For a view that is light on your wallet, head to theTokyo Metropolitan Government Center(in effect, Tokyo's City Hall) inShinjuku.Its twin towers have viewing platforms that are absolutely free, and offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond.
• Another equally light-on-your-wallet option is theCarrot TowerinSetagaya,just 3.2 km west of Shibuya Station. It has a restaurant on the 26th floor with views to the west and south (Yokohama) — the views can be enjoyed without having to eat at the restaurant.
• Tokyo City ViewinRoppongihas an observation deck with great views of Tokyo Bay and downtown Tokyo including the nearby Tokyo Tower — admission is a steep ¥1,800-2,300 though, but includes admission to theMori Art Museum.
• TheRainbow Bridgelinking Tokyo toOdaibais another good option, if you don't mind traffic noise and smell. The bridge's pedestrian walkways (open until 20:00) are free, and the night-time view across Tokyo Bay is impressive. Odaiba Rainbow Bus starting at Shinagawa and Tamachi stations is a cheap way (\220) to enjoy the view.
• TheBunkyo Civic Centernext to theTokyo DomeinBunkyo,dubbed by one newspaper as a "colossal Pez candy dispenser", has a free observation deck on the 25th floor offering an iconic view of Shinjuku against Mount Fuji on a clear day.

The city is dotted with museums, large and small, which center on every possible interest from pens to antique clocks to traditional and modern arts. Many of the largest museums are clustered aroundUeno.Though, at ¥500–1,000 or more, entrance fees can add up quickly.

Yanakais Tokyo's most traditional and quaint district. It retains its pleasant atmosphere and old town ambience and offers a sightseeing opportunity from different parts of the city's metropolitan area.

RidingSky Bus Tokyo,an open-top double-decker operated by Hinomaru Limousine (hourly 10:00–18:00), is a good option to take a quick tour around the city center. The 45-min bus ride on the "T-01 course" will take you around the Imperial Palace via Ginza and Marunouchi district, showing the highlight of Tokyo's shopping and business center. The fare is ¥1,500 for adults of 12 years old and over, and ¥700 for children between 4 and 11 years old. You can borrow a multi-language voice guide system free of charge upon purchasing a ticket, subject to stock availability. Four other bus courses are offered, including a night trip to Odaiba, but those trips are conducted in Japanese with no foreign language guidance.

Do

• See thetuna auctionat theToyosu Marketand eat asushi breakfastat the formerTsukiji Fish Market.
• Take a boat ride on theSumida RiverfromAsakusa.
• Lose yourself in the dazzling neon jungle outside major train stations in the evenings.Shibuyaand eastShinjukuat night can make Times Square or Piccadilly Circus look rural in comparison — it has to be seen to be believed.
• Enjoy a soak in a local "sento"or public bath. Or one of the onsen theme parks such asLaQuaat the Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo).
• Go to an amusement park such asTokyo Disney Resort,which consists ofTokyo DisneylandandTokyo DisneySeawhich are Asia's most visited (in Urayasu CityChiba) and second most visited theme parks respectively, or the more JapaneseSanrio Puroland(inTama), home to more Hello Kitties than you can imagine.
• Join and bar hop or pub crawl along with events groups inRoppongi,
• Check out the hip and young crowd atHarajuku'sTakeshita-Dori(Takeshita Street) or the more grown upOmotesando.
• In the spring, take a boatride inKichijoji's lovelyInokashira Park,and afterwards visit the Ghibli Studios Museum (well known for their amazing movies, like Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke), but you will need to buy tickets for these in advance at a Lawson convenience store.
• Take theYurikamomeelevated train across the bay bridge from Shimbashi station to the baysideOdaibadistrict, and startle at the scenery including a giant Unicorn Gundam robot statue.
• Watch a baseball game, namely the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome, or the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. Nearby Chiba hosts the Chiba Lotte Marines.
• Take a stroll through the Imperial Palace's East Gardens (open to the public daily at 09:00, except Fridays and Mondays).
• Have a picnic in a park during the cherry blossom (Sakura). Unfortunately Sakura only lasts for about 10-14 days in Spring. But be warned, parks are usually very crowded during this time.
• Join a local for a short lunch or dinner homestay withNagomi Visit'shome visit program or participate in their cooking classes.
• Raising a glass in this colourful nightlife atShinjukudistrict.
• Joining theHarajuku's eccentric fashion tribes as they shop.
• Losing yourself in the vestiges of the old areaYanesen(Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi).
• Akihabara— Venturing into the belly of pop culture beast.

Festivals

• Sanja Matsuri( tam xã tế ), third weekend in May. Tokyo's largest festival, held near Sensoji Temple inAsakusa,this three-day extravaganza sees up to 2 million people turn out to watch the parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) with music, dancing and geisha performances.
• Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival( ngung điền xuyên hoa hỏa đại hộiSumidagawa Hanabi Taikai), fourth Saturday in July. Huge fireworks competition that sees up to a million people line the banks of the Sumida River.

Learn

The curious can study traditional culture such astea ceremony,calligraphy,ormartial artssuch as Karate, Judo, Aikido and Kendo. There are also many language schools to help you work on your Japanese. Several universities in Tokyo cater to international students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Universities

• Keio University( khánh ứng nghĩa thục đại họcKeiō Gijuku Daigaku) — Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Waseda student). Established in the samurai days of yore and has a stuffier rep than Waseda, with alumni including former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi. Main campus inMita.
• Sophia University( thượng trí đại họcJōchi Daigaku) — A prestigious private, Jesuit university well known for its foreign language curricula and large foreign student population. Main campus inYotsuya.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology( đông kinh công nghiệp đại họcTōkyō Kōgyo Daigaku) — Tokyo's top technical university. Main campus inOokayama.Going to be merged with a medical university and become "Institute of Science Tokyo" in Oct 2024.
• University of Tokyo( đông kinh đại họcTōkyō Daigaku) — Japan's uncontested number one university, especially strong in law, medicine and literature. For locals, passing the entrance exams is fiendishly difficult, but exchange students can enter much more easily. Five campuses are scattered around the city, but the main campus is inHongo.Colloquially known by the shortened form đông đại (Tōdai).
• Waseda University( tảo đạo điền đại họcWaseda Daigaku) — Japan's top private university (unless you ask a Keio student), famous as a den of artists and partiers. Current prime minister Fumio Kishida is an alum. Main campus inWaseda.

Work

Teaching English(or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is still the easiest way to work in Tokyo, but the city also offers more work options than other areas of the country: everything from restaurant work to IT. Certain nationalities are eligible for working holiday visas: for others, work permits can be very hard to come by without a job offer from a Japanese company. Consult your local Japanese consulate/embassy as far in advance as possible.

Buy

Kitsch-o-rama at the Nakamise arcade,Asakusa

Tokyo is one of the fashion and cosmetic centers in the Eastern world. Items to look for include electronics, funky fashions, antique furniture and kimono, as well as specialty items like Hello Kitty goods, anime and comics and their associated paraphernalia.

Credit cards are widely accepted by major retailers, and there is a major government push to move towards cashless means of payment, including subsidies of 2-5% for doing so. "Cashless" here includes credit cards, transport cards like Suica/PASMO, Google/Apple Pay on your phone and a plethora of local apps. That said,cash remains kingand many smaller shops and street stalls are still cash only. ATMs usually give out only ¥10,000 notes, but retailers are generally happy to make change. Most major bank ATMs now allow withdrawals from overseas banks with your usual ATM card. Japan Post ATMs are bilingual and will allow you to withdraw money at the day's exchange rate without charging you any special fees.

The crime rate is very low, so don't be afraid of carrying around wads of cash as the Japanese do. The average Japanese citizen will carry a month's worth of expenses on them (around ¥40,000 give or take). SeeBuyunderJapanfor general caveats regarding electronics and media compatibility.

There are numerous convenience stores throughout Tokyo (such as Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and Family-Mart), which are open around the clock and sell not only food and magazines, but also daily necessities such as underwear and toiletries. Supermarkets are usually open until 22:00, while drugstores and department stores usually close at 21:00.

Anime and manga

Akihabara,Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of itsotakucommunity, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters withanime(animation) andmanga(comics). Another popular district for all things manga/anime is theNakanoward and its Broadway Shopping arcade. Check out the Mandarake shop for loads of used and rare mangas.

There has been an "otaku boom" in Akihabara. A lot of attention in particular was paid to the town thanks to the popular Japanese drama "Densha Otoko", a (true) love story about an otaku who saves a woman from a molester on a train and their subsequent courtship.

Akihabara was previously known for its many live performances andcosplayers,some of which had drawn negative attention due to extremist performers. These have become increasingly scarce following theAkihabara massacrein 2008, although girls in various maid costumes can still be seen standing along the streets handing out advertisement fliers to passers by formaid cafes.

If you like a specific anime or character, Tokyo has no shortages of official stores dedicated to a specific character or anime series.

Antiques

Serious collectors should head for theAntique MallinGinzaor theAntique MarketinOmotesando,which are collections of small very specialist shops (samurai armor,ukiyo-eprints, etc). However, the prices tend to be very high.

Less wealthy shoppers can venture over toNishi-Ogikubo,which sells scrolls of calligraphy (and some other similar items) for a few thousand yen.

TheAntique Festival( toàn quốc cổ dân cụ cốt đổng tế り) is held over the weekend about 5-6 times a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, on the Tokyo Monorail line, and is well worth a visit.

Books

Jinbocho is to used books what Akihabara is to electronics. It's clustered around the Jinbocho subway stop. The Blue Parrot is another shop at Takadanobaba on the Yamanote line, just two stops north of Shinjuku.

Cameras and electronics

Ever since Sony and Nikon became synonymous with high-tech quality, Tokyo has been a favored place for buying electronics and cameras. Though the lines have blurred since the PC revolution, each has its traditional territory and stores:Akihabarahas the electronics stores, including a large number of duty-free shops specializing in export models, andShinjukuhas the camera stores. Unfortunately, local model electronics are not cheap, but the export models are similar to what you'll pay back home. You can sometimes find cheap local models if you avoid big shops and check smaller retailers. It's also surprisingly difficult to find certain things e.g. games machines.

Fashion

Shibuyaand neighboringHarajukuare the best-known shopping areas for funky, youthful clothes and accessories. Almost without exception, clothes are sized for the petite Japanese frame.

Department stores and exclusive boutiques stock every fashion label imaginable, but for global labels prices in Tokyo are typically higher than anywhere else in the world. The famousGinzaandIkebukuro's giantSeibuandTobudepartment stores are good hunting grounds.Roppongi Hillsand the adjacentTokyo Midtownhave emerged as popular shopping malls for high-end shopping, with many major global and local Japanese brands. Other department stores in Tokyo areIsetan,Mitsukoshi,Marui(OIOI),Matsuzakaya,MatsuyaandTakashimaya.Mitsukoshi/Isetan group is Japan's biggest department store chain. Mitsukoshi's anchor store is in Nihonbashi, and is particularly known for its premier kimono department.Marui Menstore inShinjukuhas eight floors of mid to high-end fashion for men only.

Kitchenware

The district for this isKappabashi StreetnearAsakusa,also known as “Kitchen Town.” The street is lined with stores selling all kinds of kitchen wares — this is where the restaurants of Tokyo get their supplies. It's also a great place to findcheap Japanese ceramics,not to mention plastic food!

Music

Ochanomizu is to the guitar what Jinbocho is to used books. There, you'll find what must be the world's densest collection of guitar shops. Plenty of other musical instruments (though not traditional Japanese ones) are also available.

Souvenirs

For touristy Japanese knickknacks, the best places to shop areNakamiseinAsakusaand theOriental BazaarinOmotesando,which stock all the kitschy things likekanji-emblazoned T-shirts foreigner-sized kimono, ninja outfits for kids and ersatz samurai swords that can be surprisingly difficult to find elsewhere. Both also have a selection of serious antiques for the connoisseur, but see alsoAntiquesabove.

Tokyo has more than 50satellite shops(called "antenna shops" in Japan) for other prefectures and smaller municipalities around Japan - you can buy foods and souvenirs of rural areas without actually going there. Some of these shops have local cuisine restaurants too. They have anofficial multilingual sitesearchable by region and shop location in Tokyo.

Street markets

Bustling open-air bazaars in the Asian style are rare in Tokyo, except forUeno'sAmeyoko,a legacy of the postwar occupation.Yanaka Ginzain the ShitamachiTaitodistrict, a very nice example of a neighborhood shopping street, makes for an interesting afternoon browse.

There are often small flea and antique markets in operation on the weekend at major (and minor) shrines in and around Tokyo.

Eat

Red lanterns beckoning customers inTsukishima

Visitors from Western countries may be surprised to find that despite its justified reputation for being an expensive city, eating out in Tokyo can be surprisingly affordable. While fine dining establishments in Tokyo can be some of the most expensive in the world, at the budget end of the spectrum, it is fairly easy to find a basic rice or noodle joint serving up meals starting from ¥400; a price that is unmatched even by McDonald's or other fast food chains in the West.

Tokyo has a large quantity and variety of food. Department stores have food halls, typically in the basement, with food which is comparable to top delicatessans in other world cities (though mostly Japanese and Japanized foreign food). Some basements of train stations have supermarkets with free taste testers. It's a great way to sample some of the strange dishes they have for free. Tokyo has a large number of restaurants, so see the mainJapanguide for the types of food you will encounter and some popular chains. Menus are often posted outside, so you can check the prices. Some shops have the famous plastic food in their front windows. Don't hesitate to drag the waiting staff out to the front to point at what you want. Always carry cash. Many restaurants will not accept credit cards.

Tokyo has tens of thousands of restaurants representing many cuisines in the world, though sometimes adjusted for local tastes, but it also offers a few unique local specialties. Within Japan, Tokyo cuisine is best known for 3 dishes: sushi, tempura, and unagi (freshwater eel).Nigirizushi(fish pressed onto rice), known around the world simply as "sushi," in fact originates from Tokyo, and within Japan is known asEdo-mae zushi(Edo-style sushi). Another ismonjayaki(もんじゃ thiêu き), a gooey, cabbage-filled version ofokonomiyakithat uses a very thin batter to achieve a sticky, caramelized consistency. It is originally from the Tsukishima area ofChuoand today there are many restaurants near Asakusa offering monjayaki.

Budget

Stand-and-eat (tachigui) noodle shop with ticket vending machine

Go to aconvenience store(konbini), there is one on every second corner. Really, the options may surprise you. You can get rice balls (onigiri), bread-rolls, salads, prepared foods (likenikumanandoden), and drinks (both hot and cold) for ¥100-150,bentōlunch boxes for around ¥500 and sandwiches for ¥250-350. At most convenience stores, microwaves are available to heat up your food for no additional cost.Supermarkets(sūpā) are usually cheaper and offer a wider choice, but are more difficult to find. (Try Asakusa and the sidestreets of Ueno's Ameyoko market for local—not big chain—supermarkets.). Supermarkets are a good place to buy discount food after 20:00. Also,¥100 shops(hyaku-en shoppu) have become very common, and most have a selection of convenient, ready to eat items. There are ¥100 shops near most minor train stations, and usually tucked away somewhere within two or three blocks of the big stations. In particular, look for the green and red "Lawson 100" signs; these chains are essentially small grocery stores.

Also, look forbentōshops like Hotto-Motto (ほっともっと) and Kitchen Origin (キッチンオリジン) which sell take-out lunch boxes. They range in quality and cost, but most offer good, basic food at a reasonable price. This is what students and office workers often eat. In addition, COVID-19 forced many restaurants to sell takeaway lunchboxes to survive and the custom has stuck, adding more options to choose from.

Noodle shops, curry shops, and bakeries are often the best option for people eating on the cheap. They are everywhere. Thenoodle barson every corner are great for filling up and are very cheap at ¥300–1000. You buy your meal ticket from a vending machine at the door with pictures of the dishes and hand it to the serving staff. The one question you will typically have to answer for the counterman is whether you wantsoba(そば) (thin brown buckwheat) orudon(うどん) (thick white wheat) noodles. Some offer standing room only with a counter to place your bowl, while others have limited counter seating. During peak times, you need to be quick as others will be waiting. Pseudo Chinese-styleramen(ラーメン) (yellow wheat and egg noodles) are a little more expensive and typically sold in specialist shops, with prices starting from ¥400, but are typically served in very flavourful pork or chicken broth that has been boiled overnight. Tokyo is generally known among the Japanese forshoyu ramen,in which soy sauce is used to add flavour to the pork broth.

Fast food is available just about everywhere, including many American chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Subway and KFC. But if you are visiting Japan from overseas, and wish to sample Japanese fast food, why not try MOS Burger, Freshness Burger, Lotteria, or First Kitchen? If you're looking for something more Japanese, try one of the local fast food giants,Matsuya,Yoshinoya,andSukiya,which specialize in donburi: a giant bowl of meat, rice, and vegetables, sometimes with egg thrown in for good measure, starting around ¥450 for the flagshipgyūdon(beef bowl). Another good option isoyako don(chicken and egg bowl, literally “mother and child bowl” ), which the somewhat smaller chainNakauspecializes in. Drinking water or hotocha(Japanese green tea) is usually available at no extra cost. There are also a number of tempura chains, with some budget options. More upscale but still affordable and rather more interesting, isOotoya,which serves up a larger variety of home-style cooking for under ¥1000.Yayoi-kenis a chain of eateries servingteishoku,complete set meals: buy a ticket from the machine, and you'll get miso soup, main course (fish or meat, often with vegetables), rice (bottomless, just ask for refills), a small hunk of fresh tofu, pickles and tea, and still be left with some change from your ¥1000.

Raw fish enthusiasts are urged to trykaitenzushi(conveyor belt sushi), where the prices can be very reasonable. Prices do depend on the color of the plate, however, and some items are very expensive, so be sure to check before they start to pile up.

A great option for a quick bite or for groups isyakitori(grilled chicken) – individual skewers are often below ¥150.

Many of the larger train and subway stations have fast, cheap eateries. Around most stations, there will be ample choices of places to eat, including chain coffeeshops (which often serve sandwiches, baked goods, and pasta dishes), yakitori places, and even Italian restaurants.

Mid-range

There are a great many excellent and affordable lunch choices in busier neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku, especially during the week – expect to spend about ¥1000 (without drinks) for a meal.

By tradition the basement of almost any department store, including Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, or Isetan, is devoted to thedepachika(デパ địa hạ ), a huge array of small shops selling all kinds of prepared take-out food. You can assemble a delicious if slightly pricey picnic here – or, if you're feeling really cheap, just go around eating free samples! The very largest department stores are Tobu and Seibu inIkebukuro,butShibuya,Ginzaand in fact any major Tokyo district will have their fair share.ShinjukuStation is home to several famous department stores, such as the Keio and Odakyu department stores. Many stores begin discounting their selections at about 19:00 each night. Look for signs and stickers indicating specific yen value or percentage discounts. You will often see half-price stickers which read bán trị (hanne). This discounting is also common at supermarkets at the smaller stations, although the quality may be a notch or two down from the department stores, it's still perfectly edible.

The ubiquitousizakaya,a cross between a pub and a casual restaurant, invariably serve a good range of Japanese dishes and can be good places to fill up without breaking the bank: in most, an evening of eating and drinking won't cost more than around ¥3000 per person. SeeDrinkfor details.

There is a great variety of restaurants serving Tokyo's world-famous sushi at every price point, with fish fresh fromToyosu,the world's largest fish market. It is possible to get sushi for as little as ¥100/piece or less (at chain stores), or spend upwards of ¥10,000 (at elegant Ginza restaurants), but a typical spend is ¥3000–4000, depending on selection (drinks extra). Usuallyomakase(chef's choice) gives a good deal and selection, to which you can add a piece or two a la carte if desired. A popular choice with tourists is a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji, former home of the fish market, particularly for one's jet-lagged first morning, or after a night out partying. Most sushi shops in the outer market of Tsukiji open at 8 or 9AM, though there are some 24-hour shops, and particularly popular are two small stores in the inner market that open before 6AM and feature market ambience and very long queues; seeChuo: Mid-range dining.

The best-known tempura chain is Tsunahachi, where depending on the store you can pay from below ¥1000 for lunch to over ¥6000 for dinner.

A classic modern Japanese dish istonkatsu( “pork cutlet” ), and there are good Tokyo options; the fattier loin (ロース “roast” ) is generally considered tastier than the leaner fillet (hireヒレ). The most famous restaurant is Tonki, right by Meguro station (1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo), serving a standard meal at about ¥1600, dinner only (from 16:00). While it is an institution with a loyal clientele (and frequent lines), and decidedly has atmosphere (similar to an established New York deli), the food gets mixed reviews, and is less succulent than other options – an interesting experience, however. Next most famous is the chainMaisen(まい tuyền ), which serves delicious if somewhat expensive tonkatsu (various varieties and seasonal options) atmany locations in Tokyo,most notably at their flagship shop in Aoyama by Omotesandō station (Jingumae 4-8-5, closing at 19:00). The top-end dish is Okita Kurobuta (Berkshire pork by Mr. Okita), at ¥3,800 for a meal, though they have cheaper options. A modern option isButagumi,at Nishi-Azabu 2-24-9 (west of Roppongi station), serving a variety of premium pork brands expertly prepared.

Tokyo also has a large number of Korean restaurants, generally midrange, and manyyakiniku(grilled meat) restaurants are Korean-influenced.

Splurge

Tokyo has the world's highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, with prices to match. For upmarket Japanese eats,Ginzais guaranteed to burn a hole in your wallet, withAkasakaandRoppongi Hillsclose behind. Top-end restaurants are primarily Japanese, with a few French. Tokyo is widely regarded as the spiritual home of a fine style of sushi known asedomae-zushi( giang hộ tiền thọ tư ). Besides sushi, Tokyo's fine dining scene also includes Japanese contemporary, tempura andkaiseki.You can limit the damage considerably by eating fixed lunch sets instead of dinner, as this is when restaurants cater to people paying their own meals instead of using the company expense account. However, Tokyo's fine dining scene is notoriously inaccessible to foreign visitors, as most establishments do not accept reservations from new customers; you will need to be introduced by one of their regular diners in order to dine there. That said, it is possible to book a spot at some of these establishments through your hotel concierge if you do so many months in advance, though only the most expensive luxury hotels will have the necessary clout to do this. Also keep in mind that many fine dining establishments do not accept credit cards, and you will be expected to pay for your mealin cash.

There are four 3-star sushi restaurants in Tokyo, of which the most famous internationally isSukiyabashi Jiro,due to the movieJiro Dreams of Sushi;reservations must be made on the 1st day of the preceding month, as they book up that day, and dinner is from ¥30,000. The cheapest of these top sushi restaurants is Saitō Sushi (+81 3 3589 4412), where a small lunch can be had for as little as ¥5,000.

Drink

Roppongiat night, with Tokyo Tower in the distance

The party never stops in Tokyo (at least in the karaoke bars), and you will find good little bars and restaurants everywhere.

The most Japanese way to spend a night out as an individual or in a small group would be at Japanese-style watering holes calledizakaya( cư tửu ốc ), which offer food and drink in a convivial, pub-like atmosphere (seeJapanfor details). Cheaper chainizakayalikeTsubohachi(つぼ bát ) andShirokiya( bạch mộc ốc ) usually have picture menus, so ordering is simple, even if you don't know Japanese–but don't be surprised if some places have Japanese only touchscreen ordering systems.

Another common option, which is often unbelievable to non-Japanese ears, is “all you can drink” (nomihōdai,Ẩm み phóng đề ), where you can drink all you want from a fixed menu for 90 minutes or 120 minutes. This is aimed at group parties, and is generally paired with a meal, often “all you can eat” (tabehōdai,Thực べ phóng đề ), often in a private room. Receiving the items ordered will depend on how often your servers decide to bring out these items, which means you may be "throttled" to an extent, and may feel less than a true "all you can drink/eat" experience. This depends on the establishment. There are also a number of cheap bars where you can get a drink for ¥300 or even cheaper.

Tokyo's most distinctive drink isHoppy(hoppi,ホッピー), a virtually non-alcoholic beer-flavored drink (0.8% alcohol), which is drunk by mixing with shōchū (at 25%) at a 5:1 ratio, yielding an about 5% alcohol drink, essentially a substitute beer. This is available in older izakaya and has experienced a retro revival of late, though it is not particularly tasty. Another distinctively Tokyo drink is Denki Bran ( điện khí ブラン, “electric brandy” ), a herb-flavored brandy available (to drink in or in bottles) at the Kamiya bar ( thần cốc バー) inAsakusa,right at the main intersection by the metro station.

The major brands of beer are widely available, typically ¥500–800 per glass or bottle, but microbrews and foreign beer are only rarely available and often very expensive. You're generally better off getting bottles of microbrews at speciality stores.Popeyein Ryōgoku is a rare exception, with 70 beers on tap! Another popular choice is Beer Station at Ebisu, serving a variety of Yebisu beers and matching German food.

For a splurge on a beverage or two, Western Shinjuku's Park Hyatt Tokyo houses the New York Bar on level 52. Providing stunning views day and night across Tokyo, it was also the setting for the movieLost in Translation.Cocktails here start around ¥1400 – single malt whiskies are upwards of ¥2000. Amazing cocktails, served in “tasting flights” of 4 or 6 drinks, are made byGen Yamamotoat his bar in Azabu-Jūban, at about ¥6000 for 6 drinks (a la carte cocktails are available in larger pours for ¥1600–1800).

Visiting clubs and western-style night spots can get expensive, with clubs and live houses enforcing weekend cover charges in the ¥2000–5000 bracket (usually including a drink coupon or two).

If you're new in town,Roppongihas establishments which specialize in serving foreigners–but it's also overflowing with foreigners, hostesses, and 'patrons' who will continually hassle you to visit their gentlemen's clubs, where drinks cost ¥5000 and up. Many Japanese and foreigners avoid this area, preferring the clubs and bars inShibuyainstead, or trendyGinza,Ebisu,orShinjuku.

HUB and 82 Ale House,a chain of British-style cash-on-delivery pubs, has branches near most major stations and is reasonably priced and popular among foreigners and Japanese alike. Other British/Irish pubs can be found in Roppongi, Shinjuku and Shibuya. Expect to pay around ¥1000 a pint, although happy hours can reduce this by a few hundred yen.

InShibuya,the bar area behind 109 and next to Dogenzaka ( "Love Hotel Hill" ) has a large number of clubs. Unlike those in Roppongi, these clubs have entrance fees, but clubs without entrance fees often hassle you all night to buy drinks which ends up just as expensive and without people who are actually there to enjoy the music.Shinjukuis home to Kabukichō, Japan's largest red-light district. Also in Shinjuku is the gay bar district of Shinjuku-nichome. A little further from the city center areShimokitazawa,KoenjiandNakano,full of good bars, restaurants and "live houses" offering underground/indie music popular with students and 20/30-somethings.

Sleep

There are thousands of hotels in the Tokyo area, ranging from cheap to very expensive. They are distributed throughout the city, with some of the high end and the low end almost everywhere. Many Western-style hotels, especially those affiliated with American hotel chains, have English-speaking staff.

For long-term accommodation, be prepared to splurge as Tokyo's real estate prices are among the highest in the world, and apartments in the area are typically very cramped. Many locals actually live in the neighbouring cities and commute to Tokyo for work everyday due to the astronomical rents in Tokyo, and one-way commuting times can often last more than 2 hours.

Budget

Much of Tokyo's budget accommodation can be found in theTaitoarea, especiallyAsakusaandUeno.But if you are not afraid of being a little bit off-center, you may have a look to the surroundings:Yokohama,etc.

Most of the cheap accommodation in the Taito area (near JR Minami-senjuu) has curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so be sure to check that in advance if it bothers you. One hotel that does not have a curfew isKangaroo Hotel,rooms starting at ¥3200. There's alsoEconomy Hotel Hoteiya,rooms starting at ¥2700.

Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option. They may be reluctant to play host to foreigners as there are quite a few rules of behavior which may be difficult to explain; see theJapanarticle for the full scoop. Most capsule hotels are men-only.Akihabara Capsule Innis among the very few to have women-only floors.

24-hour comic book library/internet cafes known as manga kissa, are common in Tokyo. This is one of the cheapest ways to crash if you miss your last train and need to wait for the early morning transit service to get started. No bed, but you have a comfy chair and a PC and/or DVDs if you can't sleep. Later in the evening, karaoke boxes often offer discounted prices for the whole night, they usually have a couch you can sleep on. Most of these cyber cafes charge ¥1500–2500 for 8 hours.

One of the cheapest ways to stay can be also a youth hostel, prices start at ¥1200, e.g. in theShinjukuarea.

If you aretrulyon a budget, it is possible to go homeless andcampin public parks, for free. You can do this with a tent, if you want to carry one, and you can also sleep on benches, as exhausted salarymen and students do. It's also possible to do this all over Japan, It's callednojukuin Japanese.

Mid-range

There is a wide range of choices in hotels while at Tokyo, most of the hotels are rated 3 stars or more. Tokyo is among most of the other cities when it comes to hotels because their services and hotel locations are the best of the best.

Keep an eye out for what is called abusiness hotel.The rooms are usually tiny, but they are near stations and rates start from around ¥6000. Staff may speak minimal English, but it's not too hard to figure out. These are the best options for solo travelers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo includeTokyu Stay,which offers free internet access and breakfast,Toyoko Inn,ChisunandSunroute.

Tokyo has some self-proclaimedryokan(Japanese inns) that cater largely to foreign tourists, mostly concentrated aroundUenoandAsakusa.While not as opulent as the real thing, they offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates.

Japan's infamouslove hotelscan be a reasonable (and interesting) option in Tokyo. Shibuya'sDogenzaka( "Love Hotel Hill" ) offers the widest selection in the city. If you're really going to spend the night, be sure to check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest". Be warned that some love hotels (at least around Shinjuku) have a 'No Japanese, no stay' policy, presumably to avoid confusion over billing; others lock you into your room until you pay into a slot by the door to leave.

Splurge

The Three Great Houses Most large cities have agrand old hotel,but Tokyo has three: the Imperial (Chiyoda), the Okura (Minato) and the New Otani (Chiyoda). In Japanese, they're known as the Three Great Houses ( ngự tam giagosanke) after the three houses of the Tokugawa clan that founded Edo, today's Tokyo, and ruled Japan for centuries.

You can spend a fortune on accommodation in Tokyo. Most of the high-end international chains are well represented. Particular concentrations of luxury hotels can be found in westernShinjuku(including the Park Hyatt Tokyo, featured inLost in Translation), nearTokyo Station and Marunouchi(including the legendary Imperial Hotel) and inAkasaka.

Beware of hotels marketing themselves as being at "Tokyo Bay". At best, this means you'll be in or near theOdaibadistrict, built on reclaimed land half an hour away from the city center; at worst, you'll end up somewhere on the coast of the adjacent prefecture ofChiba,which is handy for visitingTokyo Disneylandbut quite inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.

Connect

Free Wifi

• Tokyo MetroAbout 100 metro (not JR) stations have free Wi-Fi, with SSID "Metro_Free_Wi-Fi" or "Toei_Subway_Free_Wi-Fi", email registration necessary.
• FreeSpotFreeSpot offering free wireless Internet access, check out their maps of service areas
• Japan Wi-Fi auto-connectapp for free Wi-Fi spots all over Japan.

Internet cafe

Good connections are available at Internet cafes everywhere. Expect to pay ¥400–500 per hour. "Gera Gera" is a popular chain. Paid WiFi service is also taking off in Tokyo with reasonable coverage–at a price. WiFi services are probably not convenient for those just visiting.

It is possible to find wireless connections in fast food outlets like McDonald's or Mos Burger. You also have a good chance to find a connection in one of the numerous coffee shops. Just look for a wireless connection sign in the front window or computers within the shop. Free wireless is not nearly as prevalent in Japan as it is in the West.

Mobile phones

Foreigners are forbidden from buying disposable "burner" mobile phones and SIM cards, but it is possible to rent mobile phones, SIM Cards, and portable wifi hotspots.

• Rentafone JapanRents basic mobile phones with texting, calling, and mobile internet service.
• eConnectRents "WiFi-To-Go" mobile hot spots, for ¥ 432 - 1,080 / day and prepaid data-only SIM Cards lasting as long as 30 days.

Stay safe

Tokyo is probably one of the safest cities you will ever visit, and Japan in general is one of the safest countries in the world. Most people, including female travellers, would not encounter any problems walking along the streets alone at night. Street crime is extremely rare, even late at night. However,"little crime" does not mean "no crime",and common sense should still be applied as anywhere in the world. Often the biggest risk is travellers taking Japan's visibly apparent lack of crime too close to heart and doing things they would never do back home.

The most common crime is sexual harassment on crowded trains, pressed up against each other, hands wander. This is more of a local problem as westerners are considered more aggressive and would stick up for themselves. The best way to deal with any wandering hands is to yell "Chikan!"which is the Japanese term for" pervert ". There are railway police offices inside major railway stations in Tokyo, and their locations can be foundhere.You may alternatively dial the police at☏+81-03-3581-4321to report sexual harassment.

Small police stations, orkōban( giao phiên ), can be found every few blocks, and provide community policing. If you get lost or need assistance, by all means go to them; it's their job to help you! They have great maps of the surrounding area, and are happy to give directions. They may, however, have difficulties with English, so some knowledge of the Japanese language helps. Staffing of kōbans is usually limited, and should you need to report a crime, you should lodge them at your nearest police station ( cảnh sát thự ), which are marked with a circle with a cross on maps and signs.

Take usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and trains. Also, theft is more likely to occur in hangouts and bars popular with travellers and non-residents.

The red-light and nightlife districts can be a bit seedy, but are rarely dangerous. Some small, back-street drinking establishments in red-light districts have been known to charge extortionate prices. Similar problems exist in the seedier clubs in Roppongi, where it may be wise to check cover charges and drink prices in advance. Pick your own bars instead of letting touts lure you in.

Still in a jam? CallTokyo English Life Line,tel. 03-5774-0992, daily 09:00-23:00.

If you make it as far out as theIzu Islands,visitors toMiyakejima Islandare required to carry a gas mask, due to volcanic gases. Those in poor health are advised against travelling to the island. In addition, Tokyo, like the rest of Japan is at risk forearthquakes.

Cope

Addresses

In Tokyo, like other Japanese cities, a place's address is nearly useless for actually getting there. Most roads have no name. Addresses are written in order from largest to smallest; an example address written as hoàn ノ nội 1 đinh mục 5-6 or hoàn ノ nội 1-5-6 would be the neighborhood of Marunouchi ( hoàn ノ nội ), district (chōme) 1, block 5, house 6. (Addresses are usually written in English as "Marunouchi 1-5-6", or "1-5-6 Marunouchi".) Additional numbers may be appended for the floor or room number.

Numbering for districts, blocks, and houses is often not sequential; numbers are usually assigned as buildings are built, chronologically, or based on distance from the city center. Small signs near street corners display the ward/neighborhood and district in Japanese (such as hoàn ノ nội 1 đinh mục, Marunouchi 1-chōme); they often include the block number, but sometimes not, in which case the signs are very unhelpful since a district could be a dozen or more blocks. A building's entrance will usually show the block and house number (such as 5–6, sometimes written 5 phiên 6 hào ), but not the district.

To find your address, make your way to the ward, then start looking for the signs near street corners. Thechōmes may be numbered in a logical way —chōme4 next tochōme3, or they may not be. Once you locate the correctchōme,start looking for your block. Again, block 5 may be close to block 4. Then walk around the block looking for building 6.Ganbatte!(Do your best and good luck.)

Healthcare centres

• Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center,☏+81 3-5285-8181.09:00-20:00.Information about medical institutions as well as about the medical and health insurance system in Japan. (English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish).
• Emergency Translation Services (for Medical Institutions),☏+81 3-5285-8185.Weekdays:17:00-20:00, Weekends and Holidays:09:00-20:00.It's a service used by doctors, not by travelers. But, if doctor doesn't speak English, you may want to tell him or her about this service so he or she can see you more smoothly. (English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish).

Babysitting

• chezvous.
• Kinder-Network,☏+81 3-6415-8271,[email protected].
• Babysitters,☏+81 45-507-1888,[email protected].

Accessibility

Tokyo is the most accessible city in Japan with over 90% of the train stations being wheelchair accessible, along with most tourist attractions. Crowding on trains can be difficult for some people, but wheelchair spaces are available.

Finding accessible restaurants can be hard to access since they often have steps or are very small. Department stores often have accessible restaurants on the top floors.

• Accessible Japan- general information, list of hotels with accessible rooms, tourist attractions
• Japan Guide: Basic Guide to Accessible Travel in Japan- general info

Embassies

Afghanistan,2-2-1 Azabudai Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5574-7611. Albania,6-4-8 Tsukiji Chuo-ku,☏+81 3 3543-6861. Algeria,2-10-67 Mita Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 3711-2661. Angola,2-10-24 Daizawa Setagaya-ku,☏+81 3 5430-7879. Antigua & Barbuda,8F 2-19-3 Nishi-Gotanda Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3779-1341. Argentina,2-14-14 Moto-Azabu Minato-ku, 106-0046,☏+81 3 5420-7101. Armenia,1-11-36 Akasaka Minato-ku,☏+81 3 6277-7453. Australia,2-1-14 Mita Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5232-4111. Austria,1-1-20 Moto-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3451-8281. Azerbaijan,1-9-15 Higashigaoka Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 5486-4744. Bahrain,1-11-36 Akasaka Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3584-8001. Bangladesh,4-15-15 Megro Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 5704-0216. Belarus,4-14-12 Shirogane Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3448-1623. Belgium,5-4 Nibancho Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3262-0191. Belize,4-9-7 Nishi-Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku,☏+81 3 5365-3407. Benin,4F 1-2-2 Hirakawa-cho Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3556-2562. Bhutan,3-2 Kanda-nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3295-9288. Bolivia,804 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-5442. Bosnia and Herzegovina,5-3-29 Minami-azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5422-8231. Botswana,6F 4-5-10 Shiba Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5440-5676. 1Brazil,2-11-12 Kita-Aoyama Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3404-5211. Brunei,6-5-2 Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3447-7997. Bulgaria,5-36-3 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3465-1021. Burkina Faso,45-24 Oyama-cho Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3400-7919. Cambodia,8-6-9 Akasaka Minato-ku,☏+81 -5412-8521. Cameroon,3-27-16 Nozawa Setagaya-ku,☏+81 3 5430-4985. Canada,7-3-38 Akasaka Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5412-6200. Central African Republic,4-38-9 Nakamachi Setagaya-ku,☏+81 3 3702-8808. Chile,Nihon Seimei Akabanebashi Bldg. 8F 3-1-14 Shiba Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3452-7561. China,3-4-33 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3403-3388,fax:+81 3 3403-3345,[email protected].For visa applications visitCVASCtel:+81-03-3599-5515(M-F 10:00-12:00, 14:30-16:30)E-mail,where also handles Hong Kong and Macau visas. Colombia,3-10-53 Kami-Osaki Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3440-6451. Congo (Democratic Rep),2-7-16 Hiroo Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3-6427-7858. Costa Rica,No.38 Kowa Building 9F 901 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3486-1812. Cote d'Ivoire,2-19-12, Uehara, Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 5454-1401. Croatia,3-3-10 Hiroo Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 5469-3014. Cuba,1-28-4 Higashi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5570-3182. Cyprus,Hibiya Marine Bldg 7F 1-5-1 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3592-0611. Czech Republic,2-16-14 Hiroo Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3400-8122. Denmark,29-6 Sarugaku-cho Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3496-3001. Djibouti,5-18-10 Shimo-Meguro Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 5704-0682. Dominican Republic,room 904, No.38 Kowa Building 904 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-6020. Ecuador,No.38 Kowa Building 806 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-6020. Egypt,1-5-4 Aobadai Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 3770-8022. El Salvador,No.38 Kowa Building 803 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-4461. Eritrea,401 4-7-4 Shirokanedai Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5791-1815. Estonia,2-6-15 Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 5412-7281. Ethiopia,Takanawa Kaisei Bldg. 2F 3-4-1 Takanawa Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5420-6860. Finland,3-5-39, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3-5447 6000,fax:+81 3-5447 6042,[email protected].M-F 09:00-12:00, 13:00-17:15. France,4-11-44, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku 106-8518,☏+81 3 5798 6000,fax:+81 3 5798 6206. 2Georgia,Residence Viscountess, №220 1-11-36 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 107-0052,☏+81 3 5575-6091,fax:+81 3 5575-9133,[email protected]. Germany,4-5-10 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, 106-0047,☏+81 3 5791-7700,fax:+81 3 5791-7773,[email protected]. Greece,3-16-30 Nishi Azabu, Minato Ku,☏+81 3-3403-0871,+81 3-3403-0872,fax:+81 3-3402-4642,[email protected].

Iceland,4-18-26 Takanawa Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3447-1944,fax:+81 3 3447-1945. India,2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku(Nearest subway station is Kudanshita - cửu đoạn hạ dịch),☏+81 3 3262-2391,fax:+81 3 3234-4866,[email protected].M-F 09:00 hours to 17:30 hours. 3Indonesia,5-2-9 Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3441-4201,fax:+81 3 3447-1697,[email protected]. Ireland,2-10-7 Kojimachi Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3263-0695. Luxembourg,8-9 Yonbancho, Chiyoda-ku 102-0081,☏+81 3 3265 9621. 4Malaysia,20-16 Nanpeidai-Cho Shibuya-Ku,☏+81 3 3476-3840,fax:+81 3 3476-4971,[email protected]. Mexico,2-15-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3580-2961.M-F 09:00-17:00. Morocco,5-4-30 Minamiaoyama,☏+81 3 5485-7171. Netherlands,3-6-3 Shibakoen, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5776-5400,fax:+81 3 5776-5535.M-F 09:00-17:30. New Zealand,New Zealand Embassy, 20-40 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3467-2271,fax:+81 (03) 3467-2278,[email protected]. Pakistan(4-6-17 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku),☏+81 3 5421-7741,fax:+81 3 5421-3610. Panama,Room 805, No. 38 Kowa Building, 4-12-24 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-3741,fax:+81 3-5485-3548,[email protected]. Peru,2-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3406-4243. Philippines,5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, 106-8537,☏+81 3 5562-1600,fax:+81 3 5562-1603.M-F 09:00-18:00. 5Poland,2-13-5 Mita, Meguro-ku, 153-0062,☏+81 3 5794-7020,fax:+81 3 5794-7024,[email protected]. Portugal,Kamiura Kojimachi Bldg. 4F, 3-10-3, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku (Cultural and Consular); Burex Kojimachi 901, 3-5-2, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku (Commercial Section)(Kamiura Kojimachi Bldg. 5F 3-10-3, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku),☏+81 3 5212-7322,fax:+81 3 5226-0616,[email protected]. Romania,3-16-19, Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3479 0311,fax:+81 3 3479 0312,[email protected].M-F 08:30-13:00; 14:00-17:00.(updated Dec 2021) Serbia,4-7-24 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3447-3571,fax:+81 3 3447-3573,[email protected].M-F 09:30-17:00. Singapore,5-1-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3586-9111,fax:+81 3 3582-1085,[email protected].M-F 09:30-12:00, 14:00-17:00. South Korea,1-2-5 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3455-2601,fax:+81 3 3455-2018,[email protected].M-F 09:00-11:30, 14:00-16:00. Spain,1-3-29 Roppongi, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3583-8531,[email protected]. 6Sweden,ARK Mori Bldg. 16th floor, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5562 5050,[email protected]. 7Switzerland,5-9-12 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku,☏+81 3-5449-8400,[email protected]. Taiwan(Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan),5-20-2 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3280-7811,[email protected].09:00-11:30, 13:00-17:00. Tajikistan,1-4-43 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 6804-3660. Tanzania,4-21-9 Kamiyoga Setagaya-ku,☏+81 3 3425-4531. Thailand,2-2-1 Kudan-Minami Chiyoda-ku,☏+81 3 3222-4101. Tunisia,3-6-6 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku 102-0074,☏+81 3 3511 6622. Turkey,2-33-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 6439-5700. Uganda,9-23 Hachiyama-cho Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3462-7107. Ukraine,3-5-31 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 5474-9770. United Arab Emirates,9-10 Nanpeidai-cho Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 5489-0804. United Kingdom,1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8381,☏+81 3 5211-1100,fax:+81 3 5275-3164,[email protected]. United States,1-10-5 Akasaka Minato-ku, 107-8420,☏+81 3 3224-5000.(updated Aug 2017) Uruguay,No.38 Kowa Building 908 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3486-1888. Uzbekistan,5-11-8 Shimomeguro Meguro-ku,☏+81 3 3224-5000. Venezuela,Room 703, No.38 Kowa Building 703 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3409-1501. Vietnam,50-11 Moto-yoyogi-cho Shibuya-ku,☏+81 3 3466 3313,[email protected]. Yemen,No.38 Kowa Building 807 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3499-7151. Zambia,1-10-2 Ebara Shinagawa-ku,☏+81 3 3491-0121. Zimbabwe,5-9-10 Sirokanedai Minato-ku,☏+81 3 3280-0331.

Go next

From Tokyo, the entire surroundingKantoregion is your oyster. Particularly popular destinations nearby include:

• Hakone— for hot springs and views ofMount Fuji,Ashinoko Lake.
• Kawagoe— Old historical town also called "Little Edo". Its main street and castle can take you back in time. 60 min train ride from Tokyo station.
• Kamakura— home to dozens of small temples and one Big Buddha
• Nikko— grandiose shrine and burial site of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu
• Odawara— houses the only Japanese castle in greater Tokyo area
• Yugawara,Manazuru— for hot springs and coastal resort, eatingsashimiandmikan,views ofManazuru Peninsula,some festivals (Matsuri).
• Tokyo Disney Resort— withTokyo Disneyland(just like the ones everywhere else) andTokyo Disney Sea(an only-in-Japan theme park which includes some unique rides and some imported rides from Disney parks outside of Japan)
• Yokohama— Japan's second-largest city and a suburb of Tokyo

The Tokyo area also has some less-famous destinations that are easy day trips from central Tokyo:

• Ashikaga— historical hometown of a famous shogun clan, first school in Japan, top flower park in Japan, and beautiful nature
• Kiryu— famous historical silk town with museums and bountiful nature for hiking and cycling lovers looking to get a taste of small town Japan
• Hachioji— a refreshing climb up Mt. Takao through a forest to a shrine and beer garden
• Kawasaki— home to the Nihon Minka-En park with 24 ancient farmhouses (more interesting than it sounds), not to mention the annual Festival of the Iron Penis (Kanamara Matsuri)
• Kinugawa— Onsen town inNikko,home toEdo Wonderland Nikko Edomura,a theme park set in the Edo period with shows, ninja, samurai, geisha, et al., in a beautiful mountain setting
• Fujino— a small town popular with locals and foreigners alike who are interested in the arts and enjoy beautiful scenery

And don't forget the islands to the south of Tokyo:

• Izu Islands— easily accessible seaside and hot spring getaways
• Ogasawara Islands—1,000km (620mi)away from big-city bustle, for whale watching, diving and those who want to get away from it all

Routes through Tokyo

Niigata←Ōmiya←	NS	→END
Aomori←Ōmiya←	NS	→END
Osaka←Shin-Yokohama←	WE	→END
Nagoya←Hachioji←	WE	→END
END←	WE	→Ichikawa→Narita
Iwaki←Misato←	NS	→END
Nagaoka←Tokorozawa←	NS	→END
Aomori←Urawa←	NS	→END
Nagoya←Kawasaki←	WE	→END

Special wards of Tokyo