Tokyo Travel Tips

Best of Japan

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1 of 1 in Tokyo Prefecture

Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō), Japan's vibrant capital and the world's most populous city, is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. Once known as Edo, it became the political heart of Japan in the early 17th century under Tokugawa Ieyasu. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, it was renamed Tokyo, meaning "Eastern Capital." Although it faced devastation during the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II air raids, Tokyo has emerged as a dynamic metropolis, comprising 23 central wards and beautiful islands like Izu and Ogasawara.

Today, Tokyo captivates visitors with its endless options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Explore historic districts like Asakusa, filled with temples and museums, and discover lush green spaces nestled within the bustling city. Whether you're indulging in street food, shopping in trendy neighborhoods, or enjoying tranquil gardens, Tokyo promises an unforgettable experience that beautifully marries the past with the present.

Getting around

In Tokyo, getting around is easy thanks to a huge network of trains, subways, and buses run by different companies. The JR East train lines and the city’s subway system are the most useful for exploring central Tokyo. The JR Yamanote Line is especially important — it’s a loop line that connects major neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station. There are also 13 subway lines, run by Tokyo Metro and Toei, that cover most of the central areas inside the Yamanote loop and places like Ginza. Many suburban trains also start from the big stations on the Yamanote Line.

For tickets, prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are the easiest way to travel. They don’t give discounts, but you can use them on almost any train or bus in Tokyo — and even in many other cities — with just one tap. These cards also work for buying things at stores and restaurants. There are also day passes, but they’re only worth it if you’re using trains or subways a lot in one day. Some passes, like the Tokyo Subway Ticket or Tokyo Free Kippu, offer unlimited rides for 1 to 3 days but come with certain limits depending on what lines they cover.