One of the world's most extraordinary cities — arranged with the depth and detail it deserves.
Tokyo is unlike any city on earth. A megalopolis of 14 million people that somehow feels intimate, safe and extraordinarily well organised. It's a city of contradictions — ancient temples between glass towers, Michelin-starred ramen, silent forest shrines a 15-minute train ride from Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. It has neighbourhoods that could each sustain a week of exploration — Shinjuku, Harajuku, Yanaka, Shimokitazawa, Akihabara. It has public transport so efficient it becomes part of the pleasure of the trip. And it has a culture of service and craftsmanship that makes every experience, from a $5 bowl of noodles to a night in a $1,000 hotel room, feel genuinely special.
Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is spectacular but crowds are significant — book 6 months ahead. Autumn foliage (November) is equally beautiful and slightly less hectic. Spring and autumn both offer ideal temperatures. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but clear and perfect for views of Mount Fuji.
Most first-time visitors combine Tokyo with Kyoto — Japan's ancient capital, 2.5 hours south by Shinkansen bullet train. We include the Japan Rail Pass in most of our packages, which covers the Shinkansen and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
For first-time visitors, Shinjuku and Shibuya offer unbeatable access to transport, food and entertainment. For a more atmospheric experience, Yanaka or Asakusa put you in older, quieter Tokyo. For luxury, the Aman Tokyo, Park Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental are all exceptional.
Japan has a reputation for being expensive but the reality is more nuanced. Mid-range travel is very affordable — excellent meals for $10–20, clean and fast public transport, and well-priced business hotels. Luxury travel in Tokyo is genuinely world-class but commands world-class prices.
Tokyo has excellent English signage on the Metro and in major tourist areas. Most hotel staff speak English. In restaurants and local shops outside tourist areas, a translation app helps but is rarely essential.
The Japan Rail Pass gives unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen bullet train, for a set number of days. It must be purchased before you arrive in Japan. We include it in all our Tokyo and Japan itineraries.