Things to do in Tokyo: local guide

The story

Understanding Tokyo

nce a fishing village, Edo became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 and one of the largest cities in the world. In 1868 the emperor moved there and renamed it Tokyo, “eastern capital”. Destroyed by the 1923 earthquake and again by the bombing of 1945, the city rebuilt itself each time and hosted the 1964 Olympic Games.

Today Tokyo mixes Shinto shrines, izakaya alleys, fashion districts and glass towers. You eat remarkably well at every price, from ramen counters to Michelin-starred tables, and the city stays surprisingly calm, clean and punctual.

Find your bearings

A neighbourhood for every mood

Shinjuku

For a first stay with great connections: a giant station, skyscrapers, a national garden and the alleys of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. Busy day and night; be wary of touts in Kabukichō.

Shibuya & Harajuku

For the crossing, fashion, cafés and the Meiji Shrine nearby. Young and lively; hotels are pricey.

Asakusa

For Sensō-ji temple, craftspeople and old Tokyo by the Sumida River. More traditional and often more affordable, but a bit removed from the western districts.

Shimokitazawa

For thrift shops, small theatres, cafés and live houses. A bohemian area a few minutes from Shibuya, better explored than stayed in.

Explore the neighbourhood guides

A first visit

Two days to get a feel for the city

A starting point to adapt to the weather, your energy and opening hours.

Day 1 · East & traditions
Early morning at Sensō-ji before the crowds, then Nakamise Street. A boat on the Sumida or a walk to Ueno and its museums. In the evening, go up the Tokyo Skytree or dine at an izakaya in Ueno.
Day 2 · West & neon
Morning at Meiji Shrine, then Harajuku and Omotesandō. Afternoon in Shibuya and Shimokitazawa. In the evening, Shinjuku’s alleys and the free view from the Metropolitan Government Building.

Plan my stay with UGO

Conditions vary by street, time and situation. Use these pointers to plan your journeys.

Earthquakes

Japan has frequent earthquakes. Install the official Safety tips app for alerts in English and note your hotel’s exits.

JNTO — Safety tips

Bars & touts

In Kabukichō and Roppongi, touts lure visitors into bars that run up huge bills. Never follow a tout and check prices before ordering.

Gouvernement du Canada — Japon

Heat & typhoons

Summer is very hot and humid, with typhoons from August to October. Drink plenty and follow the Japan Meteorological Agency’s forecasts.

Back to Tokyo

Tokyo

Understanding Tokyo

A neighbourhood for every mood

Shinjuku

Shibuya & Harajuku

Asakusa

Shimokitazawa

Two days to get a feel for the city

Day 1 · East & traditions

Day 2 · West & neon

Good to know

Language

Currency & tipping

Getting around

Safety

Earthquakes

Bars & touts

Heat & typhoons

Airports

Seasons

Alcohol

Emergencies

Booking