Tokyo: a megacity where temples sit beside neon

Who Tokyo suits

Tokyo is for the curious. In the morning you can walk through a quiet shrine in the forest, at midday try sushi by the fish market, and in the evening look out over the city from 200 metres up. It suits couples, families with school-age children and teenagers, and fans of anime, technology and food.

This is a sightseeing trip and a fairly packed one. Tokyo has no beach holiday to offer, and you will walk a lot, so comfortable shoes matter more than smart outfits. For an overview of the whole country, see our Japan page.

When to go

Spring is the main season: the cherry trees bloom from late March, followed by warm, sunny weather in April and May. Autumn, from October to November, is the second-best period, with mild weather and red maples in the parks.

Summer is hot and humid, June is the rainy season and typhoons are possible from August to September. Winter is dry and sunny, around freezing in the morning, often with clear views of Fuji. Avoid Golden Week in early May and the Obon holidays in mid-August: the Japanese travel and prices go up.

Where to stay

Shinjuku

A transport hub where dozens of lines meet. Evening alleys lined with bars, skyscrapers and a free observation deck in the Metropolitan Government Building. Convenient for day trips and for getting to Fuji.

Shibuya

The famous crossing, malls and a youthful vibe. Harajuku and Meiji Shrine are nearby. For those who want to be in the middle of the action.

Ginza and Tokyo Station

Luxury shops, department stores and quiet evenings. Shinkansen trains to Kyoto leave from here, so the area is convenient before moving on.

Asakusa and Ueno

Old Tokyo: temples, craft shops, museums and Ueno Park. Hotels here are often cheaper and the atmosphere more traditional.

What to see

• Sensō-ji in Asakusa. Tokyo’s oldest temple with the Nakamise shopping street; best visited early in the morning.
• Meiji Shrine. A Shinto complex in a forest in the middle of the city, next to the youth-oriented Takeshita Street.
• Shibuya Crossing and the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
• Tsukiji Outer Market. Fresh seafood, tamago omelette and breakfast at the stalls.
• teamLab digital museums and Odaiba. Immersive exhibitions and the bay with views of the Rainbow Bridge.
• Ueno Park with the National Museum and the zoo.
• The Imperial Palace. A walk through the East Gardens.

Day trips

• Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko: a day trip or a night in a ryokan with hot springs.
• Kamakura: the Great Buddha and seaside temples.
• Nikko: mountain shrines and waterfalls.

How many days to plan

• 5–6 days: central Tokyo and one day trip.
• 10–12 days around Japan: Tokyo, the shinkansen to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Some travellers combine Japan and Korea, starting in Seoul.

Good to know

The visa is arranged in advance through the consular section. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Flights from Tashkent: our manager will find direct and connecting options. Tokyo hotel rooms are compact, so be prepared for that. Tipping is not customary.

Cash is still needed at small eateries and temples. You can add a transport card to your smartphone or buy one from a machine. Sort out mobile internet before you fly; see our guide to staying online abroad.

Food in Tokyo

It is easy to eat well in Tokyo on any budget: ramen, conveyor-belt sushi, udon, Japanese curry and bento from the convenience store. Department store basements have food halls with ready meals and sweets. The city has halal restaurants and prayer rooms, especially in Asakusa and Shinjuku, and many places now list ingredients on their menus. Book popular restaurants for dinner in advance, including fine-dining spots.

Let us organise your Tokyo trip

Send a request, message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1 or call +998 99 760-82-88. Our manager will advise on the visa, find flights and hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, and put together a day-by-day itinerary for your dates and budget.