Getting started: A bit about Tokyo
It’s fair to say that three days is not nearly enough time to fully experience Tokyo, the capital of Japan. However, time and money are limited in most cases, we’d rather enjoy a bit of Tokyo than nothing at all. So, we set our priorities and create a plan for a regrettably short but highly satisfying trip.
Before setting out to explore Tokyo, we offer a few suggestions.
- Many visitors to Tokyo consider the city not just expensive but VERY expensive. According to a report published by CNN Travel based on 2022 statistics, Tokyo is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Thus, it is helpful to create a budget before traveling to the city.
- Many visitors to Tokyo also note the city’s population density. According to United Nations data published by Newsweek, Tokyo’s 2021 population is reported as 37.3 million. The city is lively and somewhat hectic, and visitors will most likely encounter crowded areas. ☺
- As in other big cities, Tokyo has certain codes of conduct. For instance, smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Passengers on public transportation are expected to speak as quietly as possible. Also, one is expected to wait patiently in queues, without cutting the line or becoming impatient.
- Transportation in Tokyo will be discussed in more detail but, for now, you can check out 7 great smartphone apps for traveling, which should prove useful for Tokyo.
- Finally: if you’re in the market for electronics, do visit the Akihabara district, where the selection seems almost endless.
When to visit Tokyo
The best time to visit this vibrant city will vary depending on your preferences!
- The most popular time to visit is spring. A highlight of spring is the sakura, or cherry blossom season, when the trees bloom in a profusion of pink and white. Yet the sakura season only lasts a week or two and the dates change from year to year. For this reason, April and May may not be the best times to visit. Although the temperature is a balmy 20 degrees Celsius on average, the city is likely to be inundated with tourists and domestic visitors. In addition, the price of flights goes up as does everything else in the city due to high demand.
- If you like rain, then June and July may be the ideal time to visit Tokyo – these months are the wettest of the year. August is also hot and humid.
- In October and November, the maple trees in the city begin changing into brilliant fall colors and the weather becomes more moderate.
- In winter, the temperature in Tokyo hovers around 8-10 degrees Celsius – not too cold! It isn’t considered the high season, so the city is less crowded. An added bonus is being in the city for the New Year and the wonderful traditions around the holiday.
- Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from Istanbul to Tokyo daily. Click here for information on tickets to Tokyo.
Places to visit in Tokyo
Historical sites and museums in Tokyo: The Eastern horizon
With just three days to see the city, let’s start with its most prominent museums and popular addresses…
Meiji Jingu
The city’s ancient temples are architecturally striking as well as soul soothing. Surrounded by a forest of approximately 100,000 trees, Meiji Jingu was erected in 1920 and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Another notable shrine is Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Completed in 645, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, in the Chiyoda district, is the official residence of the emperor and his family in Japan. The Palace also features expansive gardens. It can be visited between 06.00-17.00 every day and admission is free.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
The avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama founded the museum, which opened in 2017 and is housed in a sleek five-story building in Shinjuku Ward. Known for her infinity room installations, monumental pumpkin sculptures and much more, the iconic Kusama is sometimes referred to as the “princess of polka dots” or “the woman who dominates the art world from a mental hospital.”
Tokyo National Museum
The majestic Tokyo National Museum has welcomed visitors since 1872. The Museum, one of Japan’s most important, has a permanent collection of notable Japanese artworks as well as other objects. There’s a fee for admission.
Tokyo Museum of Modern Art
The Tokyo Museum of Modern Art is home to an extensive collection of 4,500 modern artworks. There’s an admission fee.
Popular places to visit in Tokyo
Yoyogi Park
Established in 1967, Yoyogi Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and a popular gathering place for Tokyo residents and visitors. The Park is home to hundreds of cherry trees and, in 1964, was the site of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Shibuya District
The crowded, buzzy Shibuya district – sometimes called the heart of Tokyo – is the location for the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and involving multiple crosswalks across the intersection. Conveniently, there’s a viewing terrace in the Magnet shopping center to photograph the legendary intersection, which gets even busier in the evening hours.
Memory Lane
Memory Lane, on the borders of Shibuya, features rows of shops selling Japanese street foods and other tasty specialties.
Shinjuku
With its flashing neon lights and billboards popping up from all sides – not to mention the crowds – Shinjuku has been called the Times Square of Tokyo. This bustling entertainment and dining district is popular among residents and visitors.
Harajuku
Harajuku is one of Tokyo’s trendier districts, home to boutiques and vintage shops, and a popular destination for young people. In particular, the cafes around Cat Street are stylish and funky.
Ginza
Ginza, the city’s most glamorous district, draws fashion-savvy travelers with its high-end mix of department stores and designer shops, as well as its restaurants and cafes.
Dining in Tokyo
Japan is renowned for its street food as well as fine dining. Below is a sampling of some Tokyo’s most famous delicacies:
- Yakitori, chicken pieces grilled on a skewer
- Ball-shaped octopus, takoyaki
- Japanese-style dumplings, gyoza
- A type of Japanese noodle, ramen
- Soba, a type of ramen made with buckwheat
- Sushi, of course
- Rice wine, sake
Practical information about Tokyo
Transportation in Tokyo
We suggest getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) to take advantage of the city’s public transportation network and famous high-speed trains. There are 7-, 14- and 21-day JR Pass options. There are two airports in Tokyo: Haneda Airport is relatively close to the city and the Tokyo Monorail operates to downtown Tokyo (JR Pass holders don’t pay an extra fee for Monorail). Taxis are an expensive option and a night tariff is applied after 22.00. Fortunately, the city has a well-developed subway and high-speed train network, and you can easily access all of Tokyo’s attractions via public transportation. Nevertheless, if you prefer to drive yourself, car rental options with Turkish Airlines advantages are available. When considering this option, please note that traffic in the country flows on the left. We wish you a great holiday in advance!
Official language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
Socket type: A,B
Important Phones
Area Code: +81
Emergency Assistance: 119
Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Tokyo: +81-70-1456-9122
