Tokyo trips and vacations

Despite Tokyo's obsession with the ultramodern, it has one foot firmly planted in the past. Kick off your trip to Tokyo with a traditional dance performance at Kabuki-za theater, enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal with geisha performances in Asakusa, or explore some of the 4,000 treasures on display in the Tokyo National Museum. For the city’s spiritual and royal history, stop by the Senso-ji Temple or the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Michelin stars illuminate Tokyo’s culinary skyline. In fact, the city proudly wears the crown of the world's most Michelin-starred destination. While you’ll find world-class restaurants in Minato and Chuo City, droolworthy flavors and sizzling delights are available at every price point. Even on a cheap vacation to Tokyo, rest assured, you’ll dine like royalty.

The ‘otaku’ culture makes up an electric part of Tokyo’s DNA. For a deep dive into Japan’s culture of animation and storytelling, stop by the Toei and Suginami animation museums and walk through an enchanting world of nostalgia at the Ghibli Museum. And don’t forget to spend a day in Akihabara. It’s the place to go for all kinds of geekery while on vacation in Tokyo.

Harajuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo to explore the city’s playful side. Staying here means taking in vibrant street art, exploring Takeshita Street’s kooky boutiques and dining in themed cafes. As well as its love of pop culture, this part of town is home to one of Tokyo's grandest Shinto shrines, Meiji Jingu.

Good for: Shopping, themed cafes, street art

Shinjuku is the best neighborhood to stay in Tokyo for excitement and central convenience. Immerse yourself in the neon glow of Kabukicho's entertainment district, where you’ll find a parade of karaoke joints and buzzing clubs, savor the less-polished atmosphere and diverse flavors in the hidden bars of Golden Gai, and take in the sprawling cityscape from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Good for: Nightlife, central location, entertainment

Discover old-school Tokyo in Asakusa. Explore the atmospheric Buddhist temple complex Senso-ji, then, just outside the gate, shop for souvenirs along Nakamise-dori Street. Step off the bustling main street for hidden magic: craft shops, traditional cafes and pockets of quirky charm. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for no-frills street food, affordable hotels and some of the city’s oldest and most authentic restaurants.

Good for: Authentic food, affordable stays, temples and shrines

Looking for things to do with the family in Tokyo? Your first stop should be Tokyo Disneyland® and DisneySea®. You can get a two-day pass for admission to both parks. Other kid-friendly delights include unleashing those tiny ninjas at the Ninja Akasaka themed restaurant and enjoying hours of brick-building fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.

There is so much shopping in Tokyo that you won’t know where to begin. Start with a posh promenade in Ginza, where even window-shopping feels like a splurge. Experience sensory overload and Tokyo’s wacky youth culture on Takeshita Street. And lose yourself in the neon symphony of Akihabara, a shopping wonderland for tech, gaming and anime enthusiasts.

Showcasing ancient history and modern wonders, the cultural attractions and museums in Tokyo tell this city’s fascinating story. Spend an entire day with the fascinating displays at the National Museum of Nature and Science, or immerse yourself in modern masterpieces at the Mori Art Museum. A mesmerizing universe of color and light awaits at teamLab Borderless in Odaiba.

The nightlife in Tokyo is electric and eclectic, with everything from sleek lounges to pulsing dance floors. Start on the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, where Golden Gai offers tiny bars with big character. Traverse the Roppongi district, home to exclusive clubs and stylish lounges. Or for an authentic experience, mingle with locals at ‘izakaya’ (casual bars) under the train tracks in districts like Yurakucho and Nakameguro.

Embark on a culinary journey at some of the best restaurants in Tokyo; every meal will be a masterpiece. Savor seafood perfection in Tsukiji, home to the city’s largest fish market, or for Michelin-star sushi and soba, book a table at one of the upscale restaurants in Ginza. For budget-friendly street food and sweets, explore the bustling stalls of Ameya-Yokocho.

Looking for free things to do in Tokyo? Start by strolling the Imperial Palace grounds or walking the Senso-ji pilgrim's route. Witness Tokyo's famous tuna auction at Toyosu Market, or catch wrestlers in action at a sumo stable. Finally, admire the iconic Shibuya Crossing or get a bird’s-eye view of the city at Carrot Tower. Now you can uncover Tokyo’s treasures without spending a yen.