Tokyo for First-Timers: Best Things to Do & Travel Guide
Last Updated: April 22, 2025
Tokyo, Japan’s political and economic hub in central Kanto, is home to 14 million people.
Airport Transfers
Narita Airport:
A hub for budget flights, located about 1 to 1.5 hours from central Tokyo (Narita Transport Options)
Haneda Airport:
Closer to downtown, just 14 to 40 minutes away, though flights can be a bit more expensive (Haneda Transport Options)
Recommended Hotels
Shinjuku is the most convenient area to stay, while Asakusa offers great value for money.
- JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku: A 4-star hotel with an 8.8/10 rating from over 4,315 reviews, a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
- Tokyu Stay Shinjuku: A 3-star hotel with an 8.5/10 rating from over 2,061 reviews, a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
- Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Hotel: A 4-star hotel with an 8.9/10 rating from over 2,817 reviews, a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station
- Asakusa Tobu Hotel: A 3-star hotel with a 9.1/10 rating from over 5,825 reviews, a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Subway Station
Tokyo Itinerary & Attractions Map
Sample 4-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Sensoji Temple & Akihabara
Afternoon: Ghibli Museum
Evening: Shibuya Sky (night views)
If Ghibli Museum tickets are sold out, here’s an alternative plan:
Morning: Harry Potter Studio (less crowded)
Afternoon: Sensoji & Akihabara
Day 2: DisneySea (full day)
Day 3: Kamakura day trip
Day 4: Kawaguchiko day trip
Central Tokyo Attractions:
1.Sensoji Temple - Snacks/fortune slips (30-60 mins)
2.Shibuya Sky - ¥3,000-3,700, best for sunset (1 hr)
3.Akihabara - Otaku paradise (1-4 hrs)
4.DisneySea - From ¥7,900 (full day)
5.National Museum of Nature & Science - ¥630(2-3 hrs)
Nearby Attractions:
5.Ghibli Museum - ¥1,000 (2-3 hrs)
6.Harry Potter Studio - ¥5,800 (3-4 hrs)
8.Fujiko F. Fujio Museum - ¥1,000 (2-3 hrs)
9.Sanrio Puroland - From ¥3,900 (2-4 hrs)
Why Only These Attractions?
These spots are chosen for their uniqueness and are ideal for first-time visitors.
Omitted Categories Explained:
Shopping: Too scattered/crowded for a general guide
Art Museums: Few masterpieces (mostly notable for architecture)
Polarizing Spots: E.g., Tsukiji Market, TeamLab (too niche)
Small-Scale Gems: Better saved for a second or third trip
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transport mainly relies on JR trains (black/white lines on maps) and subways (colored lines).
Route Planning Use: Google Maps or Jorudan Transit Planner
JR vs. Subway? It depends on your destination:
Both JR & Subway:
- National Museum of Nature & Science: Ueno Station
- Akihabara: Akihabara Station
- Shibuya Sky: Shibuya Station
JR Only:
- Disney Resort: Maihama Station
- Ghibli Museum: Mitaka/Kichijoji Station (+15-min walk/bus)
Subway Only:
- Sensoji Temple: Asakusa Station
- Private Railways Only:
- Fujiko F. Fujio Museum: Odakyu Line to Noborito → official shuttle bus
- Sanrio Puroland: Keiō/Odakyu lines + Tama Monorail to Tama-Center
JR Trains & Private Lines
JR (Japan Railways) covers both city and intercity travel, with trains running from around 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM. Rush hour is typically from 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.
Fares: From ¥150 (adults), half-price for ages 6-11
Tickets: Buy at vending machines
Passes: Usually not cost-effective for tourists
Tokyo Subway
Run by two companies (no need to differentiate):
Hours: 5 AM - midnight (peak: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
Fares: ¥180-320 (adults), half-price for kids
Tickets: Vending machines (English available)
Passes: Only worthwhile for intensive use, see details
Suica IC Card
Skip ticket machines with these options:
For iPhones:
Open Wallet app → Transit Cards → Add Suica
Charge via credit card (Note: Some cards may show errors but refund automatically in 3-21 days)
Tap your phone at gates (works like Apple Pay)
For Others: Buy Welcome Suica at airports (¥500 deposit, expires in 28 days, non-refundable balance - spend it at convenience stores!)
Seasonal Highlights in Tokyo
Cherry Blossoms (Late March to Early April)
Best spots: Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Meguro River
Fireworks (July to August)
Best events: Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Adachi Fireworks
Autumn Leaves (Mid-November to Mid-December)
Best spot: Meiji Jingu Gaien (for ginkgo trees)
Winter Foliage (Mid-January)
Best spot: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Top Attractions in Tokyo
1. Sensoji Temple (Landmark)
Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded about 1,400 years ago and rebuilt after World War II, is dedicated to the goddess Kannon.
Highlights:
- Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, featuring a massive lantern donated by Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita
- Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter shopping street lined with souvenir and snack stalls between the gate and temple
Hours: Temple grounds: Open 24 hours Shops: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Admission: Free
Time Needed: 30 minutes–1 hour
Pro Tips:
- For a free bird’s-eye view, visit the 8th-floor observatory at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Center, next to the subway station
- The area is mostly cash-only, but you’ll find ATMs in nearby convenience stores
- Fortune slips: ¥ 100; lucky charms: From ¥ 500
- If you draw a bad fortune, tie it to the designated rack to ward off misfortune; English instructions are available
- Kimono rental nearby: ¥ 5,000–15,000 per day
Access: A 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza or Asakusa subway lines
Watch: Senso-ji Temple in Cherry Blosso
Photo Highlights:
by Nicholas Doherty | yomogi | Nicholas Doherty | Nicholas Doherty
2. Shibuya Sky & Scramble Crossing (City View
Shibuya Sky, Tokyo’s most stunning modern observation deck, is a must-visit for panoramic views.
Hours: 10:00 am–9:30 pm
Admission:
- Adults: ¥ 3,000 before 3:00 pm, ¥ 3,700 after 3:00 pm
- Children (ages 3–11): ¥ 1,200
- Book via Official Site or Klook
Time Needed: About 1 hour (expect queues)
Pro Tips:
- Sunset slots sell out quickly, so book at least two weeks ahead
- Sunset times vary: about 7:00 pm in summer, 4:30 pm in winter (Check Here)
- View the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing right below
- Food and drinks aren’t allowed, but you can store your items in refundable ¥100 coin lockers
Access:
- Located in Shibuya Scramble Square, directly connected to JR Shibuya Station
- By metro: Take the Fukutoshin, Hanzomon, or Ginza Line to Shibuya Station (Exit B6), follow signs to the first floor, and take the elevator to the 14th floor (Floor Map)
Website: Shibuya Sky
Watch: Shibuya Sky in Tokyo, Japan
Photo Highlights:
by John
3. Akihabara (Anime & Gaming)
A paradise for otaku culture, where fantasy meets reality, perfect for quirky photos and unique experiences.
- Figures and merchandise are pricier than elsewhere in Japan, so it’s not ideal for serious shopping
- Street maids often promote overpriced omelet rice at themed cafes
Access: Take the JR or Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station
Watch: Is this the NERDIEST place on Earth?
4. Tokyo Disney Resort (Theme Parks)
Tokyo Disney Resort features two parks:
- Disneyland: Classic Disney themes with Mickey Mouse, a family-friendly castle, and more
- DisneySea: A unique ocean theme with thrilling rides, preferred by most visitors
DisneySea
Hours: Typically 8:00 am or 9:00 am–10:00 pm (varies by date)
Admission:
- Adults: From ¥ 7,900
- Students: From ¥ 6,600
- Kids: From ¥ 4,700
- Tickets often sell out - advance booking is essential
Access:
- Take the JR line to Maihama Station (about 1 hour from Shinjuku)
- Transfer to the Disney Resort Line monorail (9 minutes, ¥ 300 per adult, ¥ 150 per child) to Tokyo DisneySea Station
Must-Do Rides:
For Adults:
- Tower of Terror: A thrilling drop ride (¥ 1,500 Premier Access)
- Journey to the Center of the Earth: An indoor coaster (¥ 1,500 Premier Access)
- Indiana Jones Adventure: An indoor coaster (Free Priority Pass or Single Rider)
For Kids:
- Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure: Requires 3D glasses (¥ 2,000 Premier Access)
- Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival: A scenic boat ride (¥ 2,000 Premier Access)
- Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey: An indoor boat ride (¥ 2,000 Premier Access)
Fast Pass Tips:
- Premier Access: ¥ 1,500–2,000 per ride (one purchase per hour) [Eligible Rides]
- 40th Anniversary Priority Pass: Free, available every two hours [Eligible Rides]
Pro Tips: Stay nearby (e.g., Hilton Tokyo Bay) for early access
Heads Up:
- Crowds are intense, busier than other Disney parks worldwide
- Before arrival, link tickets, add group members, register a Visa card, and pre-order meals via the official app
- Check the parade and fireworks schedule
Watch: Tokyo DisneySea RIDES & ATTRACTIONS
5. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (For Fans)
Studio Ghibli, Japan’s beloved animation studio, was founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The name “Ghibli” comes from an Italian word for the Sahara’s hot desert wind.
Hours: 10:00 am–6:00 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Admission:
- Adults: ¥ 1,000
- Middle school students: ¥ 700
- Elementary school students: ¥ 400
- Tickets sell out quickly and are available online only, starting the 10th of each month for the next month.
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
What to Enjoy:
- First floor: Recreated studio with original artwork and models
- Second floor: Catbus play area (for kids only) and gift shop
- Rooftop: 5-meter-tall Robot Soldier statue from Laputa: Castle in the Sky
- Basement: Animation exhibits and a short film screening (about 15 minutes, no subtitles; check today’s film and search online reviews for details)
- Enjoy the Porco Rosso-themed Straw Hat Café (Menu)
Access: About 20 minutes from Shinjuku:
- Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka or Kichijoji Station (15-minute walk)
- From Mitaka Station, take the community bus (¥ 230 per adult, ¥ 120 per child; buy tickets at south exit machines))
Pro Tip: Rewatch My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Ponyo to spot fun details.
Website: Ghibli Museum
Watch: Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
Note: No indoor photography allowed; videos are permitted only for the exterior and café.
6. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter (For Fans)
A must-visit for Harry Potter fans, this studio tour offers a behind-the-scenes experience, unlike the amusement park rides at Universal Studios. Explore:
- Detailed movie sets, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Forbidden Forest, Platform 9¾, and Ministry of Magic
- Original props and filming techniques
- Interactive exhibits for hands-on fun
Hours: 8:30 am–10:00 pm (varies by date)
Admission:
- Adults: ¥ 5,800
- Children (ages 4–11): ¥ 4,200
- Advance booking required (online only); early entry allowed one hour before your time slot with a QR code
Time Needed: 3–4 hours
Pro Tips:
- Visit in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take advantage of free luggage storage
- Bring your own robe (dressing rooms available) or buy one at the entrance shop (about ¥ 13,000, with free name embroidery)
Access: About 30 minutes from Shinjuku:
- Take the Seibu Ikebukuro/Toshima Line to Toshimaen Station (2-minute walk)
- or take the Toei Oedo Line to Toshimaen Station (4-minute walk)
Website: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Watch: Harry Potter Tokyo Studio Tour
7. National Museum of Nature and Science (Family-Friendly)
A treasure trove of fossils and specimens, similar to Shanghai’s Natural History Museum. While not a must-see, its affordable tickets and educational focus make it a great addition to a Ueno Zoo visit.
Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm (closed Mondays)
Admission:
- Adults: ¥ 630
- Students: Free
- Tickets available on-site
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
Access: 5–10-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR/metro)
Website: National Museum of Nature and Science
Watch: National Museum of Nature and Science
8. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum (Family-Friendly)
This Kawasaki museum, opened in 2011, celebrates manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio (Hiroshi Fujimoto), creator of Doraemon, who passed away in 1996.
Hours: 10:00 am–6:00 pm (closed Tuesdays and year-end holidays)
Admission:
- Adults: ¥ 1,000
- Junior and high school students: ¥ 700
- Children: ¥ 500
- Tickets available online only (no on-site sales)
Time Needed: 2–3 hours
What to Do:
- First floor: Original manga manuscripts, life exhibits, recreated studio (no photos)
- Second floor: Interactive zones (Woodcutter’s Spring, reading area, kids’ space), Doraemon theater (20-minute slots, 10-minute film, schedule see here)
- Third floor: Rooftop garden with iconic scenes (cement pipe, Anywhere Door) and a café(Menu).
Access: About 20 minutes from Shinjuku:
Take the Odakyu Line to Noborito Station. Transfer to the official museum shuttle bus (¥ 220 per adult, ¥ 110 per child, every 10 minutes, 9-minute ride).
Website: Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
Watch: Doraemon Museum (Fujiko K Museum)
9. Sanrio Puroland (Family-Friendly)
A dream destination for Sanrio fans of all ages!
Hours: 9:00 am–6:00 pm (varies by date)
Admission:
- Adults: From ¥ 3,900
- Children: From ¥ 2,800
- Online discounts available
Time Needed: 2–4 hours
What to Do:
- Shop and take photos with endless cute backdrops
- Enjoy a limited selection of rides
- Watch frequent shows, enjoyable even without Japanese
- Themed restaurants on the first floor (Menu).
Access: About 30 minutes from Shinjuku via Keiō or Odakyu lines and Tama Monorail to Tama-Center Station (5-minute walk).
Website: Sanrio Puroland
Heads Up: This compact indoor park is more like Lego Discovery Center than Legoland. With premium pricing, it’s best for devoted Sanrio fans.
Watch: japan vlog going to sanrio puroland
Day Trips from Tokyo
Yokohama
Located just 30 km from Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city. Though close to Tokyo, it feels cleaner, more modern, and more relaxed—like the ideal Japanese city for many visitors.
Transport: About 30 minutes by train
Time Needed: Day trip
Guide: Yokohama Day Trip Itinerary
by Perttu Lähteenlahti | Naomi Y | Richard Liu | Jacky Yu
Kamakura
A charming seaside town southwest of Tokyo, famous as the setting for Slam Dunk and other anime and films. Visit in June to see stunning hydrangea blooms.
Transport: About 1 hour by train
Time Needed: Day trip
Guide: Kamakura Day Trip Itinerary
by CJ Wang | Diana Bondarenko | Hkyu Wu | note thanun
Hakone
This charming hot spring town is one of Kanto’s most popular getaway destinations, with iconic sights like its lakeside torii gate, open-air museums, and volcanic Owakudani Valley.
Transport: About 1 hour 50 minutes by Odakyu train
Time Needed: Day trip or one-night stay
Guide: Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
by Feiyou Guo | Mark Hang Fung So | Yusheng Deng | K Soma
Kawaguchiko
The best spot to see Mount Fuji. From November to May, you might see its iconic snow-capped peak, depending on the weather. In summer, enjoy clearer hiking trails.
Transport: About 2 hours by bus or train
Time Needed: Day trip or one-night stay
Guide: Mt Fuji Day Trip Itinerary
by Risa | Susann Schuster | Snowscat | Weiqi Xiong
Hope you enjoy your Tokyo adventure!
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