Compare Tokyo holidays

Whether you’re planning a spiritual retreat, a no-sleep city break full of bright lights, or a multi-stop bullet-train trip across Japan, there’s plenty to do with your time in Tokyo.

As well as taking in the city’s shrines, temples, bars and restaurants, make time for the truly authentic experience of the Shibuya crossing.

Try traditional Japanese food

For a tasty tour of Tokyo, head for Tsukiji Outer Market. Packed with hundreds of stalls and restaurants, it’s great if you want to try a little of everything, both traditional and contemporary.

Start with the sushi. Take your pick of sashimi, gunkan ‘battleship’ sushi, deep-fried inari or a bowl of chirashi. Try the moriawase sushi selection plate and the fried seafood katsu while you’re here, too.

If your tastes are more haute cuisine, eat your way through Tokyo’s many Michelin-star restaurants. Must-tries include the famous wagyu beef at Oniku Karyu and the fresh seasonal seafood at Fugu Club miyawaki Bettei (pufferfish is its speciality).

Hit the shops

If you prefer fashion to fish, take to the streets of Harajuku. Armani, Prada, Gucci, Dior and local names like Toxgo and Nubian will soon have you wishing you’d packed an extra bag or two.

More big names can be found at Japan’s oldest department store, Mitsukoshi, where you can shop ‘til you drop across nine floors. If you need it, you can even get your shopping bags delivered straight to your hotel.

For more traditional wares, spend an afternoon in Nihonbashi. Here, you can pick up kimonos, tea sets, tenugui hand towels and other souvenirs from the ward’s famous malls.

Get spiritual

Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions still thrive in modern-day Tokyo. Head to Sensōji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, to get a feel for Edo-era Japan and admire its ornate gates and large hanging paper lanterns.

Or, learn about the country’s imperial history, get to know the Shinto religion and bathe in incense for good luck at the Meiji Jingū Shrine.

To cap off your Tokyo cultural tour, visit Asakusa to see a free Geisha show. You can even stick around for selfies and a chance to sing with your favourite performers.

See the sights

Start your tour of Tokyo’s landmarks with a trip to Shibuya to experience the madness of its multiple pedestrian crossings. Once you’ve witnessed it in full flow at road level, head to the tower above Shibuya station for an incredible aerial view.

If the experience gives you a taste for heights, venture up the Skytree for unbeatable views across the city (and Mount Fuji on a clear day).

When your feet are back on the ground, visit the Imperial Palace to see how the emperors live. Walk the East Gardens at your own pace or book a free tour to see inside parts of the royal residence.

With a packed festival calendar and experiences suited to every season, there’s never a bad time to visit Tokyo. Dress for the weather and you can take in the city’s sights, scenery and culture all year round. If you’re here for the cherry blossom, make sure to book your trip for early April.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

For a cheap Tokyo holiday, stay in winter, between December and March. With lows below freezing, Tokyo’s winters can be brisk, but the city’s bars, restaurants, museums and other attractions will give you plenty to do, whatever the weather. Just be sure to avoid booking over the festive period for cheaper flights and accommodation.

When should I go for the best weather?

Tokyo is best either side of its hot and humid summer. Book a trip in the spring for perfect exploring weather and a chance to see the city in full bloom. If you prefer the turning of the trees, visit in autumn (September, October or November).

For family holidays

Book a stay in Shibuya for a family-friendly experience of the city’s hustle and bustle. There’s plenty here to entertain the whole family. Visit Mario and Luigi at Nintendo Tokyo, train Pikachu and friends at the Pokémon Center and dive into manga and anime at Mandarake.

Alternatively, stay near Tokyo Station for easy access to Disneyland, Tokyo Joypolis (Sega’s giant arcade) and the Tokyo Dome City, with its roller coaster and Ferris wheel. All are easy to get to by train in around 30 minutes.

For cheap holidays

Shinjuku’s bars, busy streets and bright lights are textbook Tokyo – and its abundant accommodation means it’s easy to find a cheap holiday in Tokyo here.

If you’re on a budget, travel in the off season, between late December and February. Hostels and Tokyo’s famous capsule hotels are also great for a no-frills trip.

To keep costs down even more, stay on the outskirts of the city. The beauty of Tokyo’s ultra-efficient rail network is that you can be in the heart of the action in minutes, even if you’re in the suburbs.

For couples’ holidays

Stay in Tokyo Bay for sea views and a slice of relative calm in an otherwise intense city. Here, you can walk hand in hand through the beautiful Odaiba Marine Park, past its replica Statue of Liberty and enjoy an al fresco meal by the water’s edge. Or, go one better with dinner in one of the many floating restaurants.

For amazing views of the city, take a stroll across the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Odaiba with the rest of Tokyo. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

For nightlife

Shinjuku heaves with live music venues, dimly lit pubs serving local beers, cocktail lounges and cavernous nightclubs hosting international DJs. It’s also the heart of Tokyo’s lively LGBTQ+ scene.

Shibuya gives Shinjuku a run for its money when it comes to nocturnal pursuits. Always busy and brightly lit, its bars, clubs and karaoke boxes run well into the early hours. If you’re feeling fancy, head for the rooftop bar of Cé La Vi for VIP bottle service, classic dance tunes and amazing views over the city.

For cultural holidays

To take in Tokyo’s culture as soon as you step out of your hotel, book a spot near the Imperial Palace. As well as exploring the East Gardens and palace grounds, you can join a tour of the residence. While you’re here, visit the remains of Edo Castle, the one-time largest castle in the world.

Just beyond the regal gardens is the National Museum of Modern Art and its impressive collection of Japanese art and cultural items.

Within a relatively short walking distance you can also find the Kagurazaka district’s famed Zenkoku-ji Temple. Or, to look back at Japan’s recent history, visit the Yasukuni-jinja Shrine and Yushukan Military Museum.