Free Tokyo Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Tokyo trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Tokyo
Tokyo photo 2
Tokyo photo 3
All photos

Tokyo blends imperial history, superb food, neon-lit neighbourhoods and serene gardens, with world-class museums, shopping and distinctive Japanese culture.

At the Centre of Japan

Tokyo is a city of striking contrasts, spread across the eastern edge of Honshu where the Sumida River reaches Tokyo Bay. It is Japan’s political capital, a global centre of business and design, and a collection of distinct neighbourhoods rather than one uniform urban landscape. The Tokyo Skytree rises above the historic low-rise streets of Asakusa, while the avenues of Ginza, the crossings of Shibuya and the electronic arcades of Akihabara express the city’s modern energy in very different ways.
Read more about Tokyo

History in the Urban Landscape

The city grew from Edo, the seat of the Tokugawa shoguns from 1603, and traces of that history remain in the Imperial Palace grounds, temple precincts, former merchant quarters and waterways. Senso-ji in Asakusa, Meiji Jingu beside the forested paths of Yoyogi and the gardens of Rikugien offer quieter perspectives on Tokyo’s cultural inheritance. Museums in Ueno and the historic district of Yanaka add further layers, from Buddhist art and samurai-era objects to the memory of a neighbourhood that survived much of the twentieth-century destruction.

Neighbourhoods with Different Rhythms

Tokyo rewards exploration by rail and on foot. Shinjuku combines skyscrapers, department stores and narrow lanes of small eateries; Daikanyama, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and Koenji are associated with independent shops, cafés and creative communities; while Odaiba presents a more recent waterfront cityscape. Food is woven into everyday life, from sushi counters and ramen shops to depachika, the elaborate food halls beneath department stores. Seasonal changes also shape the city, whether spring blossom along the Meguro River, summer festivals, autumn gardens or winter illuminations.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Best: April–May, October · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1150
February1350
March1770
April (best)22110
May (best)27120
June30140
July32150
August33150
September30130
October (best)25100
November1980
December1460

Getting to and around Tokyo

How to get there

Tokyo is served primarily by Haneda Airport, in Ōta Ward, and Narita International Airport, outside Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. Haneda is generally convenient for central Tokyo, while Narita has extensive international connections and direct rail services to the capital. Both airports are linked to the city by trains and airport buses; the most suitable option depends on your destination and arrival time. Tokyo Station is the principal hub for the Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku shinkansen, while major long-distance coaches arrive at terminals around Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and other large transport centres. The city is also connected by highways, though driving into central Tokyo can be slow and parking is costly.

Transportation

Tokyo’s trains and subways form one of the world’s most extensive urban transport networks, operated by several companies including JR East and Tokyo Metro. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can simplify payment across many services, although availability and acceptance should be checked for particular routes. The central districts are often easiest to combine with walking, while buses serve areas away from railway stations. Taxis are widely available and regulated, with automatic doors and generally high standards of service. Cycling can work for local journeys, but heavy traffic, narrow streets and limited parking make it less practical for crossing the whole city. Network maps and station signs commonly include English.

Best attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo’s sightseeing ranges from the temple precinct of Asakusa, where Senso-ji anchors streets of traditional shops, to the wide avenues and contemporary fashion of Harajuku and Omotesando. Ueno Park brings together the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art and a zoo within a historic cultural quarter. In Odaiba, waterfront promenades and modern architecture offer a different view of Tokyo Bay, while Shibuya provides one of the city’s most recognisable urban scenes around its famous crossing. The Imperial Palace East Gardens reveal remnants of Edo Castle with seasonal planting and stone walls, and the Tokyo Skytree provides elevated views across the vast metropolitan plain. For a slower pace, the wooded grounds of Meiji Jingu, the landscaped paths of Rikugien and the old lanes of Yanaka show how gardens, religion and neighbourhood life shape the capital beyond its illuminated commercial centres.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Tokyo

The Imperial Palace occupies the site of Edo Castle, whose moats, gates and stone walls express the political power of the Tokugawa shogunate; the East Gardens preserve sections of the former castle grounds. Senso-ji in Asakusa, traditionally associated with the bodhisattva Kannon, is Tokyo’s oldest temple and is approached through the celebrated Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street. Meiji Jingu, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is set within a broad artificial forest near Harajuku. The Tokyo Station Marunouchi building represents the city’s early modern railway architecture, while the Tokyo Tower has been a prominent post-war landmark since 1958. The Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2012, extends the skyline upwards and serves as a broadcasting tower and observation landmark. Together these places trace Tokyo’s movement from feudal seat to imperial capital and modern global city.

Show more landmarks

Explore Tokyo on the map

Plan your Tokyo trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Tokyo

Best restaurants in Tokyo

Tokyo’s food culture reflects both Japan’s regional diversity and the city’s long history as a centre of commerce. Sushi, tempura, soba, yakitori and ramen appear in settings ranging from intimate counters to casual neighbourhood shops, while monjayaki is particularly associated with the Tsukishima area. Toyosu Market is the successor to the former wholesale market at Tsukiji, although the outer Tsukiji district remains known for food retailers and prepared specialities. Department-store depachika offer beautifully arranged bento, sweets, pickles and regional ingredients, and izakaya provide informal dining with small dishes and drinks. Ginza is associated with refined restaurants, Shinjuku with compact eateries and late-night dining, and Ebisu, Kagurazaka and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa with varied contemporary scenes. Vegetarian, vegan and international food is increasingly available, though checking ingredients and pronunciation can be useful for travellers with allergies.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Tokyo

Tokyo’s evenings are divided among distinct neighbourhood scenes rather than one central nightlife quarter. Shinjuku’s Golden Gai consists of tiny bars packed into narrow lanes, while the surrounding Kabukicho district has restaurants, karaoke and late-night entertainment; visitors should ignore unsolicited invitations and confirm charges before entering unfamiliar venues. Shibuya attracts younger crowds with music bars, clubs and live performance spaces, and Roppongi has a more international mix of cocktail bars and nightclubs. Koenji and Shimokitazawa are associated with smaller live-music venues, independent bars and alternative culture. Traditional izakaya remain important social spaces, while karaoke provides a distinctly Japanese evening activity for groups. Theatre, classical concerts and seasonal illuminations offer quieter alternatives, and the city’s rail network has a defined final-service period, making late-night transport planning worthwhile.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Tokyo

Tokyo’s evenings are divided among distinct neighbourhood scenes rather than one central nightlife quarter. Shinjuku’s Golden Gai consists of tiny bars packed into narrow lanes, while the surrounding Kabukicho district has restaurants, karaoke and late-night entertainment; visitors should ignore unsolicited invitations and confirm charges before entering unfamiliar venues. Shibuya attracts younger crowds with music bars, clubs and live performance spaces, and Roppongi has a more international mix of cocktail bars and nightclubs. Koenji and Shimokitazawa are associated with smaller live-music venues, independent bars and alternative culture. Traditional izakaya remain important social spaces, while karaoke provides a distinctly Japanese evening activity for groups. Theatre, classical concerts and seasonal illuminations offer quieter alternatives, and the city’s rail network has a defined final-service period, making late-night transport planning worthwhile.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Tokyo

Tokyo’s shopping districts reflect the city’s layered retail culture. Ginza is known for department stores, established Japanese brands and elegant flagships, while Shibuya and Harajuku concentrate fashion, youth culture and constantly changing specialist shops. Akihabara remains associated with electronics, anime, manga and hobby retail, though its character extends beyond large stores into small arcades and collector shops. Asakusa’s Nakamise-dori sells traditional souvenirs, crafts and festival-related goods near Senso-ji, and Kappabashi is noted for kitchenware, restaurant supplies and highly realistic food samples. Yanaka and the surrounding older neighbourhoods offer independent galleries, craft shops and small food businesses rather than large commercial complexes. Department-store basements are useful for regional sweets, tea, seasonal produce and carefully packed gifts, while flea markets and temple markets can provide more informal opportunities depending on the calendar.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Tokyo, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Tokyo essentials

Currency and Payment
Japan uses the Japanese yen, written as ¥ and coded JPY. Credit and debit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, chain restaurants and many transport settings, but smaller ramen shops, local cafés, market stalls and traditional businesses may still prefer cash. ATMs at convenience stores and Japan Post offices are useful sources of yen, and international cards are commonly supported, though fees and exchange rates vary. Carrying modest cash is sensible, particularly when visiting temples, independent shops or neighbourhood eateries. Japan does not generally operate a compulsory tipping culture; leaving money on a table can cause confusion.
Safety
Tokyo is generally straightforward for visitors to navigate, but ordinary urban precautions remain important. Keep wallets and phones secure on crowded trains, in busy entertainment areas and at major events, and take care around traffic when walking or cycling. Earthquakes are part of Japan’s natural environment, so hotel staff and public facilities may provide evacuation guidance; follow official instructions rather than using lifts during an emergency. Avoid unlicensed touts and establishments that are unclear about charges in nightlife districts such as Kabukicho and Roppongi. Late-night trains do not run continuously, so check the final service or use a licensed taxi if returning after the network closes.
Emergency Situations
In Japan, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire services or an ambulance. State the location clearly, use a translation app if necessary, and ask hotel staff, station personnel or nearby officials for assistance. Emergency operators may have access to language support, but the exact service available can vary. Japan’s emergency medical system is designed for urgent care, while hospitals may have different procedures for overseas visitors, so travel insurance and relevant medical information are useful. During an earthquake, protect your head, move away from glass and falling objects, and follow announcements from transport operators or local authorities. The Japan Visitor Hotline provides multilingual travel assistance, although it is not a substitute for emergency numbers.
Do's and Don'ts
Queue neatly for trains and buses, allow passengers to leave before boarding, and keep voices low on public transport; phone conversations are generally discouraged on crowded services. Remove shoes where signs or hosts request it, especially in traditional accommodation, temples and some restaurants, and follow instructions for bathing facilities. Do not tip in ordinary restaurants or taxis, and handle chopsticks respectfully rather than pointing with them or standing them upright in rice. At shrines and temples, observe local purification and photography guidance, and avoid touching sacred objects. Smoking is restricted to designated areas in many wards, while rubbish bins can be scarce, so carrying waste until a suitable disposal point is normal.
Local Tips
Tokyo’s scale becomes more manageable when grouped into areas: combine Asakusa and the Tokyo Skytree area, explore Ueno with Yanaka, or link Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Omotesando on foot. Convenience stores are useful for water, snacks, cash withdrawals and practical supplies, while department-store food halls offer an introduction to Japanese presentation and regional produce. Station exits matter, particularly at Shinjuku and Shibuya, so save the name of the destination and the relevant exit before setting out. Small side streets often have the most character, but residential areas deserve quiet and respectful exploration. Seasonal festivals, garden displays and museum exhibitions can change the best route through the city.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloこんにちは[Kon'nichiwa]
Goodbyeさようなら[Sayōnara]
Yesはい[Hai]
Noいいえ[Iie]
Please/You're welcomeどうぞ[Dōzo]
Thank youありがとう[Arigatō]
Excuse me/Sorryすみません[Sumimasen]
How are you?お元気ですか？[O-genki desu ka?]
Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？[Genki desu. Anata wa?]
Do you speak English?英語話せますか？[Eigo hanasemasu ka?]
I don't understandわかりません[Wakarimasen]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください[Menyū o misete kudasai]
I don't eat meat肉を食べません[Niku o tabemasen]
Cheers!乾杯！[Kanpai!]
I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします[O-kaikei o onegai shimasu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!助けて！[Tasukete!]
Go away!行ってください！[Itte kudasai!]
Call the Police!警察を呼んで！[Keisatsu o yonde!]
Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！[Isha o yonde!]
I'm lost道に迷いました[Michi ni mayoimashita]
I'm ill具合が悪いです[Guai ga warui desu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...買いたいです...[Kaitai desu...]
I'm just looking見ているだけです[Mite iru dake desu]
How much is it?いくらですか？[Ikura desu ka?]
That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます[Sore wa takasugimasu]
Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？[Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?今何時ですか？[Ima nanji desu ka?]
It's one o'clock1時です[Ichi-ji desu]
Half past (10)(10時) 半過ぎ[(Jū-ji) han sugi]
Morning朝[Asa]
Afternoon午後[Gogo]
Evening夕方[Yūgata]
Yesterday昨日[Kinō]
Today今日[Kyō]
Tomorrow明日[Ashita]
11[Ichi]
22[Ni]
33[San]
44[Yon]
55[Go]
66[Roku]
77[Shichi]
88[Hachi]
99[Ku]
1010[Jū]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？[...wa doko desu ka?]
What's the address?住所は何ですか？[Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
Can you show me (on the map)?地図で示してもらえますか？[Chizu de shimeshite moraemasu ka?]
When's the next (bus)?次の(バス)はいつですか？[Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
A ticket (to ....)(...) までの切符をください[(...) made no kippu o kudasai]

History of Tokyo

Edo Before the Shoguns

Before its transformation into a national capital, the settlement around present-day Tokyo was known as Edo and developed near the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay. Its early history included fishing, farming and local coastal commerce, while Edo Castle was established in the fifteenth century by the Ōta clan. The castle’s strategic position on the Kantō plain made the area valuable during Japan’s era of regional warfare. Much of the built landscape changed repeatedly over later centuries, but the relationship between waterways, castle precincts and low-lying eastern districts remains important to understanding Tokyo’s geography.

Tokugawa Edo Emerges

In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun and established the Tokugawa government at Edo Castle. The city expanded rapidly as feudal lords were required to maintain residences there under the system of alternate attendance, bringing retainers, merchants and craftsmen from across Japan. Edo developed a highly organised urban society, with samurai districts, temple lands and merchant quarters occupying different areas. Bridges, canals and roads supported an expanding commercial economy, while popular culture flourished through kabuki theatre, ukiyo-e prints and licensed entertainment districts. The population made Edo one of the world’s largest cities by the eighteenth century.

From Edo to Tokyo

The political order changed during the Meiji Restoration, when the shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored in the late 1860s. In 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning Eastern Capital, and the imperial court moved from Kyoto to the city. Government ministries, schools, factories and modern infrastructure followed, reshaping the former shogunal capital. Railways connected Tokyo with other parts of Japan, while Western-influenced brick and stone buildings appeared beside older wooden neighbourhoods. The city became the administrative and economic centre of a rapidly modernising state.

Earthquake and Reconstruction

The Great Kantō Earthquake of 1 September 1923 devastated much of Tokyo and neighbouring Yokohama, causing fires, widespread destruction and a large loss of life. Reconstruction introduced broader roads, new public facilities and changes to urban planning, although many traditional districts and buildings disappeared. Tokyo’s expansion continued during the interwar period, supported by railways and industrial growth. The city also became increasingly central to Japan’s political life and imperial ambitions, developments that culminated in the militarisation of the 1930s and the Second World War.

War and Post-war Renewal

Air raids in 1944 and 1945 caused further devastation, particularly in the densely populated eastern wards. After Japan’s surrender, Tokyo became a major centre of occupation administration and began a difficult period of reconstruction. Housing shortages, damaged infrastructure and food scarcity shaped everyday life, while industrial production and urban growth gradually resumed. The 1950s brought rapid economic recovery, and the 1964 Olympic Games presented a rebuilt, technologically ambitious city to an international audience. New expressways, rail links and large-scale development altered Tokyo’s appearance while preserving only fragments of earlier urban fabric.

Economic Expansion and Global City

From the 1960s through the 1980s, Tokyo expanded as Japan’s economy became one of the world’s most powerful. High-rise offices, department stores and dense suburban rail networks transformed the metropolitan region, while districts such as Shinjuku developed major commercial and administrative functions. The economic bubble of the late 1980s was followed by a prolonged period of slower growth, yet Tokyo continued to attract businesses, students, artists and migrants from across Japan and abroad. Contemporary Tokyo reflects this layered development: Edo-period temples and narrow lanes coexist with advanced transport, digital industries and continually changing retail and cultural districts.

Tokyo in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Tokyo

The closest cities to Tokyo, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Japan
More of the region

Explore more of Japan

Discover the harmony of tradition and modernity in Japan, where ancient temples and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect balance.

Explore Japan
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Tokyo

Discover Tokyo with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, bars, and more with detailed information and local tips.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Uncover the magic of Tokyo with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. From must-see landmarks to hidden gems, plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • History of Tokyo and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for experiencing the city like a local
  • Near Me feature to find nearby attractions and activities
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Tokyo, a city that blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey through Tokyo will be an unforgettable experience. Imagine exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya, the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace, and the historic temples of Asakusa with ease. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Tokyo.

Hungry for authentic Japanese cuisine? Use Evendo to find and book a table at renowned restaurants like Sukiyabashi Jiro or Ichiran Ramen. Interested in Tokyo's rich history? Discover the stories behind landmarks such as Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine. The app also offers curated local tips to help you experience Tokyo like a local, whether you're visiting the vibrant Tsukiji Fish Market or exploring the trendy Harajuku district.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the need for multiple searches and bookings. The 'Near Me' feature helps you find exciting places and activities around your current location, making your exploration seamless and enjoyable. Plus, the app's easy navigation ensures you can effortlessly plan and organize your trip.

Evendo is more than just a travel guide; it's your companion for discovering Tokyo's hidden wonders and iconic sights. And the best part? It's 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start your Tokyo adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.