Tokyo blends futuristic skyscrapers, centuries-old wooden temples, and one of the most respected food scenes on the planet — and it’s exactly this combination that makes Japan’s capital such a sought-after destination for travelers from Brazil. The city sits on the eastern coast of Honshu island, and the journey from São Paulo usually involves at least one connection, with a total travel time of 26 to 32 hours depending on the layover. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular seasons, with mild weather and striking scenery, but each season has its own charm. A comfortable daily budget for accommodation, food, and getting around runs about 12,000 to 20,000 yen per person, depending on the standard you choose. The question is: where do you even start in a place with so much going on at once?
Getting there
“Can you fly direct from Brazil?” There are no direct flights between Brazil and Japan. The most common route leaves from São Paulo with a connection in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Doha, or Istanbul, totaling 26 to 32 hours of travel including the layover. Airlines such as Japan Airlines, ANA, Turkish Airlines, and American Airlines operate these combinations regularly.
Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda (HND), closer to the city center, and Narita (NRT), about 70 km east of the city. From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail takes about 15 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station for 500 yen, while the Keikyu train reaches Shinagawa in 20 minutes for 300 yen — both are cheaper and faster than a taxi, which runs 5,600 to 6,800 yen. From Narita, the Narita Express is the quickest option, taking about 53 minutes to the first central stop, and the Skyliner starts at 2,250 yen when booked in advance online. Limousine buses also run from both airports, with longer travel times (60 to 120 minutes) and mid-range prices.
Around town, the subway and JR East trains are the backbone of daily commuting. A rechargeable IC card like Suica or Pasmo handles just about everything — just tap the gate on your way in and out. If you plan to travel between Japanese cities on the same trip (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), it’s worth researching the JR Pass before you fly, comparing the total cost of individual tickets against the pass price for your travel period, since JR Pass rules and prices change frequently.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
“Spring or autumn, which should I pick?” It depends on what you want to see. March to May brings the cherry blossoms (sakura) and mild temperatures, but also the highest prices for flights and hotels. September to November has the autumn leaves (momiji), stable weather, and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid but packed with street festivals and fireworks; winter is dry and cold, great if you don’t mind temperatures near freezing at night.
To explore the main neighborhoods and temples without rushing, set aside 4 to 6 days just for Tokyo. If you want to add a day trip to Nikko, Kamakura, or Mount Fuji, tack on another 1 to 2 days to your itinerary.
What to see in Tokyo
“With so many neighborhoods, what should I prioritize on a short trip?” The spots below cover the contrasts that define the city: technology, spirituality, and urban life side by side.
Shibuya and the world’s busiest crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the most famous pedestrian intersection on the planet, with hundreds of people crossing at once every time the light changes. The best angle to photograph the action is from the second floor of the Starbucks facing the crossing, or from the paid Shibuya Sky observation deck atop the Shibuya Scramble Square complex. The neighborhood is also packed with shops, nightlife, and the statue of Hachiko the dog, a traditional meeting point for locals.
Senso-ji Temple, in Asakusa
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, with origins dating back to the 7th century, according to the official Japan tourism website. Admission is free and the temple grounds are open 24 hours, but the main hall is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nakamise-dori, the street leading up to the Kaminarimon Gate, is lined with stalls selling sweets and souvenirs — arriving before 9 a.m. helps you beat the bulk of the visitor flow.
Meiji Shrine
Surrounded by a dense forest right inside the city, the Meiji Shrine was built in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Admission is also free, and the path to the main shrine cuts through a green tunnel that contrasts with the buzz of Harajuku, the neighboring district known for youth fashion and colorful sweet shops on Takeshita-dori.
Akihabara, the tech and pop culture district
Akihabara is packed with electronics, gaming, anime, and manga stores, with entire buildings dedicated to each niche. It’s also where you’ll find the city’s first “maid cafés” and electronics component shops that draw both tourists and tech enthusiasts. At night, the district’s glowing signs perfectly capture the futuristic side of Japan’s capital.
What to pair with Tokyo
“Is it worth leaving the city for a day?” It is, and three destinations are within reasonable distance for day trips. Kamakura, about 1 hour by train, has the Great Buddha in the open air and quiet beaches. Nikko, about 2 hours away, is home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines amid dense forest. And the Mount Fuji area, with villages like Kawaguchiko, lets you see the volcano up close when the weather is clear — which isn’t guaranteed in every season. To decide between the two most popular options, check out our comparison of Hakone or Kawaguchiko.
If your itinerary includes other Japanese cities, our complete Osaka guide helps you map out the train routes and sights between the two cities, since the Shinkansen ride between them takes about 2h30.
Where to eat
“Can you eat well on a budget?” You can, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. Ramen shops and conveyor-belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) chains serve full meals for 800 to 1,500 yen. Izakayas — casual bars serving small plates to share — work great for dinner, averaging 3,000 to 5,000 yen per person including a drink.
The basement floors of department stores, called depachika, sell single portions of ready-made food with restaurant-quality flavor at prices far below the dining halls upstairs — a practical option if you want to save money without sacrificing good food. For a more elaborate experience, book ahead at a tempura, kaiseki (traditional tasting menu), or specialty yakitori restaurant, since the best spots tend to have few seats and fill up fast.
Markets like the Tsukiji Outer Market remain a must-stop for anyone who wants to taste fresh seafood and wander between street food stalls.
Where to Stay
“Which neighborhood should I pick for my stay?” It depends on what matters most for your itinerary. Shinjuku is central, with tons of hotels across every price range and excellent train connections—a solid choice if you want convenience. Asakusa is quieter and close to Senso-ji, with more affordable stays and a traditional neighborhood vibe. Ginza and Marunouchi cater to those seeking comfort and proximity to designer stores and upscale restaurants, though nightly rates run higher. Shibuya, meanwhile, combines nightlife, shopping, and easy transit for anyone who wants to be right in the middle of the action.
Practical Tips
Tokyo is worth it for travelers who love walking a lot, testing out an efficient public transit system, and switching between extremes—from a silent temple to a neon sign—all in the same day. A common mistake is underestimating the city’s size and trying to squeeze distant neighborhoods into the same stretch of the day; each area deserves its own dedicated block of time.
The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and Japan still runs largely on cash, though cards and QR code payments have become more widely accepted in recent years—carry some cash for markets, temples, and smaller restaurants. A local data SIM or eSIM bought before your trip takes care of connectivity without relying on public Wi-Fi, which is a huge help for using maps and real-time translation. Brazilians don’t need a visa for short tourist stays, but entry rules change periodically—double-check the current requirements on the official Japanese embassy website before you fly.
Safety is a major strength of the city: crime rates are low, and it’s common to see belongings left on tables at packed cafés. Still, keep up the basic precautions you’d take on any trip, especially in crowded stations during rush hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brazilians need a visa to visit Japan?
For short tourist stays, Brazilians are usually visa-exempt, but entry rules and the permitted length of stay change often. Check the latest requirements on the official Japanese embassy or consulate website before booking your flights.
Which airport is better for arriving in Tokyo, Haneda or Narita?
Haneda is closer to the city center and usually has faster, cheaper train connections into town. Narita handles a large share of long-haul international flights and offers efficient express train options like the Narita Express and the Skyliner, even though it’s farther out.
Is the JR Pass worth it just for getting around Tokyo?
Within the city itself, usually not—the subway and urban trains have their own fares that are better covered by a Suica or Pasmo card. The JR Pass tends to pay off when your itinerary includes bullet-train travel between different cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
How many days do you need to explore Tokyo at a relaxed pace?
Four to six days lets you visit the main neighborhoods—Shibuya, Asakusa, Harajuku, Akihabara—without rushing. If you want to add day trips to Kamakura, Nikko, or the Mount Fuji area, tack on another 1 to 2 days to your plan.
Is it expensive to eat well in Tokyo?
Not necessarily. Ramen chains, conveyor-belt sushi, and the prepared-food sections of depachika (department store food halls) let you enjoy full meals at prices that are low compared to similar Western restaurants. Prices climb at high-end kaiseki, tempura, or yakitori specialists, which usually require reservations.
Conclusion
Tokyo works because it doesn’t try to hide its contrasts: the centuries-old temple coexists with the digital billboard, and a street snack gets just as much care as a tasting menu. By organizing your itinerary by neighborhood and giving each one plenty of time, the city feels far less chaotic than it seems from a distance. Explore our other destination guides here on Voyage Voyage.