Getting started: A bit about Tokyo
Itโs 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, weโd 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 cityโs 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. โบ
- 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 youโre 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 โ 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 โ not too cold! It isnโt 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, letโs start with its most prominent museums and popular addressesโฆ
Meiji Jingu
The cityโs 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 โprincess of polka dots” or โthe woman who dominates the art world from a mental hospital.โ
Tokyo National Museum
The majestic Tokyo National Museum has welcomed visitors since 1872. The Museum, one of Japanโs most important, has a permanent collection of notable Japanese artworks as well as other objects. Thereโs 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. Thereโs 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 โ sometimes called the heart of Tokyo โ is the location for the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the worldโs busiest pedestrian crossing and involving multiple crosswalks across the intersection. Conveniently, thereโs 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 โ not to mention the crowds โ 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 Tokyoโs 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 cityโs 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 Tรผrkiye in Tokyo: +81-70-1456-9122
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
You can visit Tokyo at any time of year, as the city generally enjoys a mild climate. More specifically, the best times to visit are March and April, as well as September through November. During these months, temperatures are more comfortable and less extreme. Spring and autumn each have their own appeal, from colorful foliage to crisp, refreshing weather. June through August can be very hot and humid, making sightseeing less comfortable. The winter months (December, January, and February) are cold but not so cold as to prevent travel. For those hoping to see the famous cherry blossoms in bloom, March is typically considered the best time to visit.
How do you get from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport to the city center?
The fastest way to travel from Narita International Airport (NRT) to central Tokyo is the Keisei Skyliner express train. Departing every 15 to 20 minutes, the Skyliner reaches central Tokyo in about an hour. As one of Japan’s fastest rail services, it can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The JR Narita Express also connects Narita International Airport (NRT) to central Tokyo in about an hour. These are the fastest options, though local commuter trains and airport transfer services are also available.
From Haneda International Airport (HND), you can reach the city center via the Tokyo Monorail, which takes about 25 minutes. Taxis, limousines, and other airport transportation services are also available for travelers seeking alternatives.
Is JR Pass or a Suica/Pasmo Card more practical for getting around Tokyo?
Japan’s transportation network is extensive and complex, so choosing the right travel card for your plans is essential. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a nationwide rail pass for long-distance train travel throughout Japan. Available only to foreign tourists, it provides unlimited travel on JR trains for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. It covers a wide range of services, including many Shinkansen high-speed trains, making it a cost-effective option for extensive intercity travel. However, for shorter trips within Tokyo, it is generally considered expensive.
Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable contactless IC cards used on Japan’s metro systems, trains, and buses, as well as in many shops. After loading credit onto the card, you simply tap it at the ticket gates. Both cards can be used on virtually all forms of public transportation in Tokyo, including JR lines, the metro, and buses. One difference is that a fee is deducted when returning a Suica card, whereas a Pasmo card can be refunded without an additional return fee.
What are the must-see places in Tokyo in three days?
Tokyo Day 1: Start your morning by taking the train or metro to Harajuku. Visit the famous Meiji Jingu shrine near Harajuku Station, then stroll along Omotesando, Harajuku’s main boulevard, browsing shops and boutiques. Head east to the renowned Nezu Museum. End the day in Roppongi, where you can take in panoramic city views from the Tokyo City View observation deck and enjoy dinner at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants.
Tokyo Day 2: Start your day at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. During cherry blossom season in March, it is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful places to admire the blossoms. After your visit, head to Meiji Jingu, the revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Later, spend time shopping and exploring Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori), one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping destinations. In the evening, head to Shinjuku. The district, famous for its neon-lit streets, is an ideal place to experience Tokyo’s diverse culinary scene.
Tokyo Day 3: Take the train or metro to Tokyo Station. From there, head east to the Imperial Palace East Garden and explore its grounds. Afterward, head to nearby Kitanomaru Park to visit the area’s temple and museum. To wrap up the day, spend time exploring the restaurants, shops, and lively streets of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, or Roppongi.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
With more than 20 districts and countless neighborhoods, Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodations. As is common throughout Japan, hotel rooms in Tokyo are often relatively small. For those seeking a five-star hotel in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Tokyo is among the most renowned options.ย If easy access to public transportation and a wider range of hotel rates are priorities, the area around Tokyo Station is a practical option. Travelers seeking proximity to entertainment, shopping, and luxury retail destinations should consider staying in Ginza. For a stay in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and futuristic districts, consider hotels in and around Shibuya.
What are the must-try dishes in Japanese cuisine, and where can you eat them?
Japanese cuisine offers a rich gastronomic experience shaped by regional traditions and seasonal ingredients. Tokyo brings together not only local and regional Japanese specialties but also a wide range of international cuisines. From casual eateries to high-end restaurants, there are options for every budget. Among the best-known dishes associated with Tokyo are nigiri-zushi, one of the most popular styles of sushi; tempura, made with seafood and vegetables and considered one of Japan’s signature dishes; soba noodles made from buckwheat flour; and chankonabe, a hearty stew made with fish, chicken, and vegetables. Tokyo is also home to a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, such as wagashi.
Which areas are best for shopping in Tokyo?
Tokyo offers an exceptionally diverse shopping scene, ranging from cutting-edge electronics and anime merchandise to traditional crafts and luxury brands. Around Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway station and one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs, you will find electronics retailers, underground shopping arcades, and boutiques. Shibuya, the center of youth fashion, is known for trend-setting clothing stores and for dozens of small boutiques lining its streets. For a more upscale shopping experience, head to Ginza, renowned for its luxury department stores, boutiques, and designer shops.
What local customs should you be aware of during a trip to Tokyo?
One of the most important unwritten rules in Tokyo is to avoid speaking loudly in public. In particular, talking loudly or making phone calls on public transportation is generally considered rude. Similarly, when waiting for a train or bus, it is important to follow the marked lines and stand in line. Public trash bins are relatively scarce, so many people carry their trash with them until they can dispose of it later. Placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is also considered disrespectful because it is associated with funeral rituals. Finally, it is wise to carry some cash. Although Tokyo is a highly developed city, some smaller businesses still prefer cash.
What practical information should you know before traveling to Tokyo?
- ย Best apps for a trip to Tokyo: Japan Travel by NAVITIME is a comprehensive mobile app for navigating the city and using public transportation.
- Public holidays and important dates in Tokyo: January 1, New Year’s Day, is the most important holiday throughout Japan. February 3 marks Setsubun, the traditional start of spring, and is celebrated nationwide. The reigning emperor’s birthday is also a national holiday. If the emperor changes, the holiday date changes accordingly. Other national holidays and special occasions include Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi) on November 23.
- Currency and payments in Tokyo: The Japanese yen is Japan’s official currency. There are ten denominations in circulation, including six coins and four banknotes. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, cash remains an important part of everyday transactions in Japan. For this reason, it is wise to carry some cash during your stay in Tokyo.
