Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where ancient Japanese culture is threaded through one of the most modern metropolises on earth. Quiet temples and manicured gardens sit a train stop away from neon canyons and the world’s busiest crossings. It can feel overwhelming at first, so here is a first-timer’s map to the highlights — old, new and green.
Temples and Tradition
The Imperial Palace, home of Japan’s emperor, sits at the very centre of the city. The palace itself is largely closed, but its beautiful East Gardens are open and free — a serene introduction to traditional Japanese landscaping. Over in the old town, Asakusa is built around Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most important Buddhist temple, dedicated to the goddess Kannon and approached through the lantern-hung Nakamise shopping street.
Neon and the Modern City
Shibuya is the Tokyo of the postcards — its scramble crossing, where thousands surge across at once, is a spectacle in itself, watched over by the statue of the faithful dog Hachiko. The surrounding streets brim with shops, cafés and nightlife. Out in Tokyo Bay, the man-made island of Odaiba adds malls, a bayside beach and the Miraikan, the excellent National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Parks and Gardens
Tokyo hides real green among the towers. Ueno Park is the big one — a sprawl of museums and a zoo that turns pink with cherry blossom in spring — while Hamarikyu Gardens, a former shogun’s retreat on the bay, offers a pocket of calm complete with a teahouse on its pond. Together they show how easily the city switches from frantic to tranquil.
Practical Tips
- Transport: get a Suica or Pasmo smart card (or the version in your phone’s wallet) — it works on almost every train, subway and bus and saves endless ticket-buying.
- Food: Tokyo is arguably the best food city on earth. Beyond sushi and ramen, seek out tempura, tonkatsu, izakaya pubs and the ubiquitous, excellent convenience stores.
- Language: English isn’t widely spoken, but signs and menus in tourist areas often carry it, and a translation app fills the gaps easily.
Getting There and Entry
Tokyo has two airports: Haneda (HND), close to the city, and Narita (NRT), further out. Visitors from the UK, EU, US and many other countries can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days, though you should check the current requirements before you fly. If you plan to travel beyond the city by bullet train, look into a Japan Rail Pass before arrival.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many nationalities — including the UK, EU and US — can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm the current rules for your country before booking.
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
Three to four days covers the essentials — the temples of Asakusa, Shibuya, a park or two and a day trip — while a week lets you add excursions to Nikko, Kamakura or Mount Fuji.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (late March to April) for the cherry blossom and autumn (October to November) for the foliage are the loveliest; both are popular, so book ahead.
