Why Tokyo
Tokyo runs on contrast: centuries-old shrines beside neon crossings, Michelin sushi beside ¥300 ramen. Each district feels like its own city, and the trains make all of them easy to reach.
01 Best time to visit
Spring (late March–May, cherry blossom) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable and scenic. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cool, clear and quieter.
Get a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo IC card the minute you land — it works on every train, bus and most convenience stores, and saves fumbling for tickets.
02 Weather & climate
77°
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89°
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Tokyo has four distinct seasons: humid, hot summers, crisp cool winters that rarely see snow, and mild spring and autumn. June is the rainy season and late summer can bring the odd typhoon.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 50°F 10°C | 36°F 2°C |
| Spring | 66°F 19°C | 50°F 10°C |
| Summer | 88°F 31°C | 73°F 23°C |
| Autumn | 72°F 22°C | 57°F 14°C |
03 Top 10 things to do in Tokyo
04 Plan your Tokyo trip by theme
Short on time, travelling with kids, counting the pennies or dodging the rain? These curated guides pull together the right things to do for how you travel.
05 How long to stay in Tokyo
On a stopover, pair old and new: Sensō-ji temple and the Asakusa lanes in the morning, then the Shibuya Crossing and a sunset skyline view from Shibuya Sky.
06 Where to stay
07 Food & drink
Tokyo has more to eat than any city on earth: sushi counters and standing ramen bars, tempura, tonkatsu, izakaya small plates and department-store food halls. Some of the best meals are the cheapest — a bowl of ramen or a convenience-store onigiri.
08 Day trips
09 Getting into Tokyo from the airport
Haneda (HND) is closest to the centre and best for US flights; Narita (NRT) is farther out but also served by most US carriers.
| From the airport | Time | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Train from HanedaMonorail/Keikyu to central Tokyo — best value | ~30 min | ~$4 |
| Narita Express (NRT)Direct to Tokyo & Shinjuku stations | ~60 min | ~$21 |
| Keisei Skyliner (NRT)Fast to Ueno | ~40 min | ~$18 |
| Airport limousine busDirect to major hotels | 60–90 min | ~$7–23 |
Grab a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival — it works on every train and bus, so you never queue for a ticket.
10 Entry & visa for US citizens
- Passport
- Valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa
- No visa for tourism — visa-free entry up to 90 days for US citizens.
- Cost
- Free.
- Good to know
- Proof of onward or return travel may be requested on arrival.
Last checked 2026-09-08. Entry rules change — always confirm with the official government source before you book.
11 Getting around Tokyo
Fly into Haneda (HND, closest) or Narita (NRT); trains and limousine buses reach the centre in 30–90 minutes. In the city, the Metro and JR lines are fast, punctual and easy with an IC card.