Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area on the planet—home to more than 37 million people, according to UN estimates—and yet it runs with a precision that surprises anyone expecting chaos. Neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya deliver the futuristic Tokyo you see in movies, while just a few minutes away by train, Asakusa preserves temples and streets that seem to have frozen in time a century ago. It’s this contradiction, resolved effortlessly, that makes Japan’s capital one of the most sought-after destinations in the world—and one of the hardest to “exhaust” in a single trip.
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This guide covers what to decide before you board: when to go, how to get from the airport, where to stay, what to prioritize on your itinerary, where to eat, and a few local customs that will help you avoid unnecessary faux pas.
When to Visit Tokyo
For many seasoned travelers, autumn (September to November) is the best window: the summer heat fades, the air turns dry, the sky takes on an unusual blue, and the parks glow in shades of red and gold with the koyo, the autumn foliage. Spring (March to May) is the most popular season because of cherry blossom season—the peak usually falls in the first week of April, but it varies from year to year and draws massive crowds to the most famous parks, with accommodations booked up well in advance.
Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy—temperatures nearing 104°F in July and August make sightseeing more exhausting, and the high humidity makes it feel even heavier than the thermometer suggests. Winter, on the other hand, with temperatures between 32°F and 50°F, rarely brings snow to the city and offers the clearest days of the year—a great chance to spot Mount Fuji from urban viewpoints, something that’s nearly impossible in summer due to haze. The second half of January and February tend to have the lowest hotel rates on the calendar.
How to Get to Tokyo
Tokyo has two airports with very different profiles. Haneda is the closest to the city center—about 15 to 20 minutes by train. The Keikyu line connects the airport directly to Shinagawa Station in 20 minutes for ¥300, while the Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamamatsucho Station in 15 minutes for ¥500. For anyone arriving tired from a long flight, it’s the most practical option.
Narita, on the other hand, is much farther out, about 70 km from the center—most direct flights from Brazil usually land there. The Narita Express (N’EX), JR’s express train, stops at central stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya, taking between 50 minutes and 1h30, with fares starting at ¥3,010. A cheaper alternative is the Keisei Skyliner, which reaches Ueno Station in 40 minutes for ¥2,520—from there, the Yamanote loop line takes you to virtually any central neighborhood. There’s also a conventional rapid train for about ¥1,600—slower, but considerably cheaper.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Most of Tokyo’s central neighborhoods are connected by the Yamanote line, the green loop train that acts as the city’s backbone—choosing the right area matters less for logistics than for the “vibe” of your stay:
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Skyscrapers, nightlife | Mid-range to high | First-timers, easy connections |
| Shibuya | Fashion, pop culture, youthful | Mid-range to high | Those who want to be in the heart of the energy |
| Asakusa | Traditional Tokyo, quieter | Mid-range | Tighter budgets |
| Ginza | Sophisticated, luxury shopping | High | Those seeking comfort and exclusivity |
Booking ahead helps a lot during cherry blossom season, when demand for accommodations spikes within a few weeks, and also during Golden Week (late April/early May), a national holiday when much of Japan travels domestically.
Top Attractions and Things to Do
Senso-ji Temple, in Asakusa, is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and a great starting point for understanding the city’s more traditional side—Nakamise Street, lined with food stalls and souvenir shops, leads up to the main gate, decorated with a giant red lantern. Tokyo Skytree, at 634 meters, is the tallest transmission tower in the world and offers 360-degree views from 350 meters up—on clear winter days, you can spot Mount Fuji in the distance.
The Imperial Palace, surrounded by expansive gardens, sits in the heart of the city and can be explored on a leisurely walk, even without access to the interior of the buildings, which are usually closed to the public. For a more contemplative side of Tokyo, Meiji Jingu—a shrine wrapped in a dense forest right inside the metropolis—offers a striking contrast to the hustle of the neighboring districts. It’s worth pairing the visit with a stroll through Yoyogi Park, right next door.
Ueno Park brings together major museums, a zoo, and, in spring, one of the city’s most famous cherry blossom displays. For a more contemporary experience, teamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum where your presence literally transforms the installations—unlike any traditional museum. If you have a spare day, add Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with views of the Rainbow Bridge and a far more futuristic vibe than the rest of the city.
Shopping and pop culture: Akihabara, Harajuku, and Ginza
For the pop side of things, Akihabara is paradise for electronics and otaku culture—manga shops, retro games, and collectible figures spread across entire buildings. The Shibuya pedestrian crossing, one of the busiest in the world, has become a must-see purely for the visual spectacle of hundreds of people crossing at once in every direction, synced by the traffic lights.
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is packed with youthful fashion, streetwear, and eccentric sweets like the giant cotton candy that’s become a tourist attraction in its own right. Ginza, meanwhile, is the opposite: traditional department stores, international luxury brands, and one of the city’s highest concentrations of award-winning restaurants—including several Michelin-starred spots tucked away in discreet buildings with no flashy signage out front.
Getting around Tokyo
Tokyo’s train and subway system is simultaneously its greatest asset and its biggest challenge for first-timers: several different operators (JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei) share the network, which is confusing at first but runs with almost clockwork punctuality. A rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo) solves just about everything—just tap in and out at any station, no need to calculate fares in advance.
Taxis exist and are extremely reliable, but they cost considerably more than public transit—a short ride within the center can easily top ¥1,000. For getting between central neighborhoods, walking is also more viable than it seems: distances between nearby sights are often shorter than the maps suggest, and strolling is a great way to discover little shops and restaurants that don’t show up on any ready-made itinerary.
Day trips: Mount Fuji and Nikko
No trip to Japan would be complete without at least catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji, the country’s most recognizable symbol. The mountain sits about two hours from Tokyo, and organized tours typically combine the view with Lake Ashi and, on some routes, the historic town of Kamakura, known for its great bronze Buddha sitting outdoors.
Nikko, about two hours north of the capital, is home to UNESCO World Heritage temples, including Toshogu Shrine, plus Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji—a great pick for anyone who prefers nature and historic architecture over a second dose of big-city energy. If you have more time, consider a bullet-train excursion to Hiroshima and Miyajima, though that already requires at least a full day of travel.
Where to eat in Tokyo
Eating well in Tokyo doesn’t require a reservation at a fancy restaurant: some of the city’s best ramen comes from six-seat counters with a line out the door. Don’t be afraid to step into small, noisy places—they’re usually the ones locals rate highest, and the ticket-machine ordering system at the entrance takes care of most of the language barrier. Quality sushi exists at every price point, from casual conveyor-belt spots to traditional counter-only houses where the chef serves you directly.
Convenience stores (konbini) deserve an honorable mention: onigiri, sandwiches, and even full meals of surprisingly good quality, open 24 hours on nearly every corner—a lifesaver when you land late or want to save on a meal. For a more immersive experience, an izakaya—a casual Japanese tavern, perfect for sharing several small plates washed down with sake or beer—works as the Japanese equivalent of a tapas night. It’s also worth exploring the depachika, the gourmet basement floors of major department stores, where dozens of stalls sell sweets, bento boxes, and regional specialties that are hard to find anywhere else.
Local customs worth knowing before you go
A few unwritten rules will help you avoid awkward moments. Talking loudly on the train is frowned upon—cars tend to be quiet, even during rush hour. Eating while walking down the street isn’t common either, except at festivals; the expectation is to stop and eat where you bought the food. Tipping doesn’t exist and isn’t expected at any type of establishment—insisting on leaving one can even cause embarrassment. Finally, disposing of trash can be trickier than you’d think: public bins are rare, so it’s normal to carry your own trash around for a while until you find one.
Before you go: a quick checklist
- ✓ Best time to visit: September–November (fall) or late March–early April (cherry blossoms)
- ✓ Set aside at least 4–5 days for Tokyo alone, plus 1–2 more if you’re including Mount Fuji or Nikko
- ✓ Language: Japanese—English is limited outside tourist zones, but train signs usually include romanization
- ✓ Currency: yen—Japan still relies heavily on cash, so it’s worth carrying some on you
- ✓ Transport: consider picking up a rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo) right at the airport, valid on trains, subways, and even at convenience stores
- ✓ Safety: Tokyo ranks among the safest major cities in the world, even late at night
Quick questions
Do I need a visa to visit Japan? Brazilian passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it? It depends on your itinerary—it pays off for travelers taking multiple long shinkansen trips between cities; if you’re staying in Tokyo and its surroundings, it usually doesn’t.
How many days do I need to see Tokyo? Five days comfortably covers the main neighborhoods and temples; a week lets you add Mount Fuji or Nikko without rushing.
Tokyo delivers exactly what it promises and still holds layers that only reveal themselves to those who stay long enough—a hidden bar alley behind a station, an empty temple at seven in the morning before it turns into a tourist hotspot again, a used-record shop open until dawn on a floor nobody notices from the street. Anyone who arrives thinking they’ll “do Tokyo” in three days usually leaves feeling like they barely scratched the surface—and is already planning the return trip.