This Tokyo travel guide covers everything for a first visit. Tokyo is huge but surprisingly easy: trains run to the minute, streets are clean and safe, and every district feels different — temples in Asakusa, neon in Shibuya and Shinjuku, gadgets in Akihabara and calm gardens in between.
Spring (late March to early April) brings cherry blossoms and the biggest crowds; October and November have mild weather and autumn colours. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but dry and sunny. Travellers from Pakistan need a Japanese visa, and flights usually connect once via the Gulf, Bangkok or China.
Getting into Tokyo from the airport
Tokyo has two airports. Haneda (HND) is close to the city and the easier arrival; Narita (NRT) is about 60 km east and handles many long-haul and low-cost flights. Both have fast trains and airport buses to central Tokyo.
Buy a Suica or PASMO card (or add one to your phone) at the airport — it works on almost every train, metro and bus and in convenience stores.
| Airport to central Tokyo | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Haneda: Keikyu line or monorail | 15–30 min | ¥300–700 |
| Narita: Keisei Skyliner to Ueno | ≈ 45 min | about ¥2,600 |
| Narita: Narita Express (N’EX) | ≈ 60 min | about ¥3,000 |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 30–90 min | ¥1,000–3,600 |
| Taxi from Haneda | 25–40 min | ¥7,000–12,000 |
Top sights to see in Tokyo
Group sights by area — Tokyo is too big to cross several times a day.
Tokyo’s oldest temple, with the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street. Go early morning.
1–2 hours · freeThe world’s busiest crossing. Watch from Shibuya Sky or a café above the square.
1 hour · Shibuya Sky about ¥2,500A peaceful forest shrine next to Harajuku and Yoyogi Park.
1 hour · freeJapan’s tallest tower with views to Mount Fuji on clear days.
1.5 hours · from about ¥2,100A large garden that is perfect in cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
1–2 hours · ¥500Street food stalls for fresh seafood, tamagoyaki and fruit.
Mornings · pay per biteElectronics, anime and gaming shops across many floors.
2 hours · free to browseAn immersive digital art museum where you walk through water and light.
2 hours · book aheadFood to try in Tokyo
Tokyo has more great restaurants than any city in the world, and eating well is not expensive. Try ramen at a ticket-machine counter, sushi at a conveyor-belt restaurant, tempura, tonkatsu and yakitori. Convenience stores (konbini) sell excellent rice balls, sandwiches and hot meals for a few hundred yen.
Muslim travellers will find halal ramen, Japanese curry and wagyu restaurants around Asakusa, Shinjuku and Akihabara, and prayer rooms at Haneda and Narita airports and some big stores. Look for halal certificates at the entrance, or choose seafood and vegetable dishes and ask about mirin and pork-based broths.
Getting around: trains and metro
Trains are the fastest way around. The JR Yamanote line loops through Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Tokyo Station, Ueno and Akihabara, and the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines reach everything else. Tap your Suica or PASMO card at the gates; most rides cost ¥170–400.
Visitors can buy Tokyo Subway Tickets for 24, 48 or 72 hours of unlimited metro rides. Taxis are clean and safe but expensive, and doors open automatically. Avoid the morning rush hour (about 7:30–9:30) with big luggage.
Safety and local tips
Tokyo is one of the safest big cities in the world; lost wallets are often handed in. Be careful with touts in Kabukicho at night and keep to well-known bars. Earthquakes happen — follow staff instructions and the alerts on your phone.
Tipping is not expected and can cause confusion. Many small restaurants still prefer cash, so carry some yen; 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards. Keep your voice low on trains, queue on the platform markings and take your rubbish with you, as public bins are rare.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Stay near a JR Yamanote line station and you can reach most sights in 30 minutes.
Huge transport hub with hotels for every budget, restaurants and nightlife.
Budget to luxuryLively, trendy and close to Harajuku and Meiji Jingu.
Mid-rangeTraditional feel, good value and halal restaurants nearby.
Budget to midCentral, calm and ideal for day trips by shinkansen.
Mid to luxuryBest time to visit Tokyo
Late March to early April (cherry blossom season) and October to November (autumn colours, around 15–22 °C) are the best times to visit Tokyo. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May), when travel inside Japan is at its busiest.
June is the rainy season, and July and August are hot and humid, often above 30 °C. Winter (December–February) is cold but dry and clear, with great views of Mount Fuji and lower hotel prices.
A 3-day plan for Tokyo
Day 1: Senso-ji and Asakusa in the morning, Tokyo Skytree, then Akihabara in the evening. Day 2: Meiji Jingu and Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset, dinner in Shinjuku. Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast, Ginza, the Imperial Palace East Gardens and teamLab Planets. With more time, take a day trip to Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone for views of Mount Fuji.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to five days cover the main districts at a relaxed pace. Add two or three days for trips to Mount Fuji, Kyoto or Nikko.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Japan?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders must apply for a Japanese visa through the embassy or an approved agency before travelling.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Hotels are the biggest cost. Food and transport can be cheap — konbini meals and ramen cost ¥500–1,200, and most train rides under ¥400.
Is halal food easy to find in Tokyo?
Yes, in the main tourist areas. Asakusa, Shinjuku and Akihabara have many halal-certified restaurants, and the airports have prayer rooms.
Should I buy a Japan Rail Pass for Tokyo?
Not for Tokyo alone. A Suica card and a Tokyo Subway Ticket are cheaper; the JR Pass only pays off with long shinkansen trips.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.