Make the most of your trip to Tokyo with our comprehensive Tokyo itineraries, our definitive list of the best places to eat in Tokyo and rundowns of essential attractions in each of Tokyo's fascinating districts
Tokyo Itineraries
Maximize your time in Tokyo with my carefully planned itineraries for trips from 1 to 5 days. Also, theme-based and Tokyo/Kyoto itineraries. Read More
Tokyo Restaurants
The best accessible restaurants in Tokyo, divided by type of cuisine! Read More
Tokyo Hotels
Here are the best hotels in each district and each price bracket. All personally inspected. Read More
Tokyo Ryokan
Want to try a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)? Here are my favorite ryokan in Tokyo. Read More
First Time In Tokyo
So you want to see Tokyo? Start here: When, where, why and how. And, of course, how much. Read more
Tokyo Districts
Tokyo is like 14 distinct cities with a great transport system. Here’s my guide to each of Tokyo’s 14 major districts. Read more
Things to Do In Tokyo
Our comprehensive overview of the best things to do in Tokyo can help you make the most of your time in the city. Read more
Visiting Mount Fuji
It's easy to visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo, whether you want to view the mountain or, in summer, climb it. Read more
Best Time To Go To Tokyo
The best times to visit and details on monthly weather and festivals. Read more
Tokyo SIM Cards
How and where to buy a data-only or voice SIM in Tokyo or online before arrival. Or, rent a pocket wifi. The best deals, personally tested. Read more
Tokyo Airport Transport
How do you get from Narita or Haneda airports into Tokyo? Read more
Getting Around Tokyo
The smart way to use Tokyo’s excellent subways, trains, buses and taxis. Read more
Where To Stay In Tokyo
Our guide on where to stay in Tokyo to maximise your time. Read more
Tokyo Walking Tours
image © nachans
Chris Rowthorn Tours offers private guided Tokyo walking tours for groups of 1 to 6 people. Read more
Eat Like A Local In Tokyo
image © Jeena Paradies
Want to eat where Tokyo locals actually eat? Then check out our guide to some of Tokyo’s best local restaurants. Read More
Japan Travel Consulting
image © Chris Rowthorn
If you’d like a Japan expert to help plan your Japan trip or answer your questions about Japan, contact Japan Travel Consulting (JTC). Read More
Japan Travel Guides
There are several must-see destinations in Japan within easy reach of Tokyo. They all make great additions to any Tokyo itinerary. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.
Kyoto Travel Guide
image © Jeffrey Friedl
Find Kyoto's best attractions on my companion website InsideKyoto.com Read More
Osaka Travel Guide
image © Inside Osaka
Discover Osaka's amazing sights on my companion website InsideOsaka.com Read More
Nara Travel Guide
image © Damien Douxchamps
Nara is a spectacular contrast to Kyoto – and only half an hour away by express train Read More
Kanazawa Travel Guide
image © _yuki_k_
Sometimes called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa is a superb destination in its own right. Read More
Hiroshima And Miyajima
images © globalismpictures and xiquinho
Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima provide some of Japan's most memorable sights
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Takayama Travel Guide
image © eugen_o
Takayama is a great stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto with its own distinct cultural heritage
Read More
New And Updated On Truly Tokyo 2025
- UPDATED Things To Do In Tokyo 2025 – Trying to decide what to do in Tokyo is enough to cause a serious case of information overload. To help you choose, we’ve created this high-level guide so you can make the most of your time in the city. Read More
- UPDATED Where To Stay In Tokyo 2025 – Where should you stay in Tokyo? In this section, I’ll give you my picks for the best, most convenient and most interesting neighborhoods in Tokyo as of February 2025. Read More
- NEW Private Buddhist Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Temple in Tokyo – If you’d like to delve deeper into Japan’s religious and culinary background, one of the best ways is by studying shojin ryori, Japan’s ancient Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. A great place to do this is at Jojokuji Temple in Akasaka, where you can study the cuisine with an experienced teacher and Buddhist monk. Read More
- NEW Book Tea Bed Shibuya – If you’d like to try the capsule hotel experience, Book Tea Bed is a great place to do it. Located a short distance up the hill from Shibuya Station, it’s a friendly place that welcomes both men and women (something of a rarity). Read More
- NEW Karaska Hotel Tokyo Station – Just steps from the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, the Karaska Hotel Tokyo Station is a good mid-range hotel that is ideal for traveling families. It offers easy access to transport, shopping, dining and some sights. Read More
- NEW MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae – With rates that can sometimes dip below US$50 per night and a location within walking distance of Asakusa, the MyCUBE by MYSTAYS is a great option for budget travelers looking to stay in the Asakusa/Ueno/Sky Tree area. Read More
- NEW Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa – Resol Poshtel is a friendly and fun modern capsule hotel just steps from the temple district of Asakusa. For backpackers and other budget travelers in search of a cheap and sociable place to stay in Asakusa, this should fit the bill nicely. Read More
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help