Best Tokyo and Shinjuku Tours

Best Time to Visit

While Tokyo is a year-round destination, the best times to visit are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the city is at its most beautiful.

If you’re chasing cherry blossoms, late March through early April is peak - but expect crowds and higher prices. Fall foliage (mid-November) is another top pick. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) is cold but generally sunny, with fewer crowds.

Attractions & Highlights: What to Do in Tokyo

Here are some top picks around the city - mixing traditional, modern, free, and not-free spots so you can tailor your Tokyo itinerary.

Sensō-ji & Asakusa: Tokyo’s oldest temple, with its iconic Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street lined with snacks, souvenirs and local sweets.

Ueno Park & Ueno Tōshō-gū: A large public park with museums, Shinobazu Pond and the historic shrine to Tokugawa shōguns dated to 1627.

Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky: Experience the energy of one of the world’s busiest intersections, then take in panoramic views from Shibuya Sky (book ahead).

Meiji Shrine & Harajuku: A peaceful forest walk leads you to the Meiji Shrine, then onwards to Harajuku’s funky fashion streets and candy-colored cafés.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A lush 58-hectare oasis near Shinjuku, perfect for hanami or quiet strolling - one of Tokyo’s best green escapes.

teamLab Planets or Borderless: Immersive digital art installations you’ll remember - best booked ahead as tickets sell fast.

Toyosu Fish Market & Tsukiji Outer Market: Watch the tuna auctions at Toyosu (requires a reservation), and browse stalls and street food at Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and street bites.

Sumo practice viewing: Early morning practice at a Ryōgoku stable gives you a peek at traditional Japanese sport - observe respectfully, often free or low-cost.

Neighborhood gems: Scout for Tokyo’s B-kyū gurume - ramen, gyoza, curry spots in local neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa or Tomigaya. Affordable and authentic comfort food in everyday places.

How to Get Around: Transport Options

Getting around Tokyo is efficient and easy if you’re prepared. Grab a rechargeable Suica or PASMO card - they work on trains, subways, buses and even vending machines.

If you’ll travel beyond Tokyo (e.g. Kyoto), consider a JR Rail Pass - available only before arrival - but within Tokyo city it’s usually easier to just use Suica/PASMO.

Taxis are available but pricier. For airport transfers: from Narita take the Narita Express (~60-90 min) or Keisei Skyliner; from Haneda, use the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu lines into city central.

Excursions From Tokyo

If you are considering day trips in and around Tokyo:

Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko: In clear weather you can take buses or trains from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes region for breathtaking views and hikes.

Kamakura: Historic seaside town with the Great Buddha, temples, and laid-back cafés - only an hour from central Tokyo.

Nikko or Hakone: Ideal if you’re into nature, shrines and traditional onsen stays - reachable by train or bus for a peaceful contrast to the city buzz.

Japan Tours Starting from Tokyo (Longer Itineraries)

Many guided tours depart Tokyo and cover the best of Japan in 8-21 days: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Japanese Alps, Hokkaido and more. These trips often include hotels, internal transport, some meals, and experiences like tea ceremony or samurai workshops.

If you want flexibility, doing your own DIY Golden Route (Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka) is easy via Shinkansen using a JR Pass or tickets.

Here’s a flexible outline combining the attractions above:

3-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Best for first-timers who want to see the essentials.

Day 1: Explore Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple, walk along Nakamise-dōri, visit Ueno Park or Tokyo National Museum, and dine in the historic district of Yanaka or Ameyoko Market.
Day 2: Start at Meiji Shrine, then shop and people-watch in Harajuku and Omotesando. Spend the afternoon in Shibuya, and enjoy city views from Shibuya Sky.
Day 3: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen, check out teamLab Planets in Toyosu, and finish with izakaya hopping in Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho.

5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Ideal for deeper exploration, including modern art and culture.

Day 1: Asakusa & Ueno cultural area
Day 2: Harajuku → Omotesando → Shibuya
Day 3: Shinjuku parks and bars → Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory
Day 4: Spend the morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, visit the upscale Ginza district, and enjoy a tea ceremony or kabuki show (optional).
Day 5: Explore quirky Akihabara (anime, gaming, electronics) and take a relaxing Sumida River cruise or visit Hamarikyu Gardens.

7-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Perfect if you want to add day trips and off-the-path spots.

Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day Tokyo itinerary above
Day 6: Day trip to Kamakura (Great Buddha, temples, and beachside cafés) or Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko
Day 7: Discover the hip neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa or Nakameguro for vintage shops, coffee spots, and riverside walks. Optionally wrap up at Odaiba for shopping, Gundam statue viewing, or a soak at Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

Insider Advice & Pro Tips

Beat the crowds: Visit popular temples (Sensō-ji, Meiji Shrine) early in the morning. Gardens like Meiji Jingu Inner Garden or Hama-rikyu are peaceful even in cherry blossom season.

Stay flexible: Avoid over-booking meals or experiences. Locals suggest making restaurant plans optional so you can follow local recommendations on the go.

Packing reminders: Bring extra socks if visiting tatami rooms, and a small towel for public washrooms - Japanese public facilities don’t always provide paper towels.

Respectful dress: Avoid revealing clothing inside shrines or temples. Even if you’re traveling in summer, keep shoulders covered when entering sacred spaces.

Local eats: Hunt for affordable B-kyū gurume spots - try authentic ramen, curry, or egg-sandwich cafés in neighborhoods like Tomigaya or Shimokitazawa. They often have lines, but they’re worth it.