Tokyo
Japan
Where ancient tradition meets neon-lit future
Find stays in Tokyo10/10Tourist score
5/5Safety level
Best time to visit
March to May (cherry blossoms), October to November
Monthly temperatures
10°2°Jan
11°2°Feb
14°5°Mar
19°10°Apr
24°15°May
26°19°Jun
30°23°Jul
31°24°Aug
27°21°Sep
22°15°Oct
17°9°Nov
12°4°Dec
Currency
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
Exchange rate1 USD = 157 JPY / 1 EUR = 170 JPY
Japan is still cash-heavy. Exchange at 7-Eleven ATMs (best rates, available 24/7) or at the airport. Hotels and department stores also exchange.
ATMs & cards
7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards. Most Japanese bank ATMs do NOT. No extra fee at 7-Eleven; your bank may charge. Withdraw ¥30,000-50,000 at a time.
Getting around
- JR trains + metro — world-class rail. Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card (rechargeable, tap-and-go)
- JR Pass — only worth it for bullet train trips outside Tokyo
- Walking — Tokyo neighborhoods are very walkable
- Taxi — clean and safe but expensive. Use for late-night only
- Airport: Narita Express to Tokyo Station (60 min, ¥3,250) or Limousine Bus
Must-see
Food tip
Cheap doesn’t mean bad. ¥800 ramen shops and conveyor belt sushi (¥100-300/plate) are outstanding. Convenience store (konbini) food is surprisingly excellent.
Safety
One of the safest major cities in the world. You can leave a bag on a train and it’ll be at lost and found. Be quiet on trains — it’s the social norm.
Things to do
- Cross Shibuya Crossing
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Explore Tsukiji Outer Market
- Experience Akihabara electronics district
- See the view from Tokyo Skytree
- Soak in an onsen