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Tokyo

Tokyo travel guide

Capital and most populous city of Japan

Flights from$1,523 round trip
Best time to visitSeptember to February and April to June
Nearest airportHND · 11 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+9
Population14,264,798

About Tokyo

Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city of Japan. The population of the city proper was over 14 million as of 2023. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the third-most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 33 million residents as of 2025.

Cheap flights to Tokyo

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,523 from Washington, travelling 15 Nov – 12 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Cheapest month to fly

$1,523 Nov $1,800 Dec $1,719 May

Airlines travellers compared most often: United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Tokyo

  1. Senso-ji

    Senso-ji

    Religious · 6 mi from centre

    Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, entered through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Visit early or after dark when it is quieter and lit up.

  2. Meiji Shrine

    Meiji Shrine

    Religious

    A Shinto shrine set in a dense forest near Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Huge wooden torii gates and gravel paths make it a peaceful contrast to the city.

  3. Shibuya Crossing

    Shibuya Crossing

    Landmark · 2 mi from centre

    The famous scramble crossing where crowds pour across from all directions at once each time the lights change. Watch the spectacle from a rooftop observation deck or an overlooking cafe window.

  4. Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo Skytree

    Viewpoint · 7 mi from centre

    A broadcasting tower with high observation decks offering views across Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Its base contains a large shopping complex and aquarium.

  5. Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo National Museum

    Museum · 5 mi from centre

    Japan's oldest and largest museum, in Ueno Park, with samurai armor, ceramics, scrolls and Buddhist art. It is a key introduction to Japanese art and culture across many centuries.

  6. Shinjuku Gyoen

    Shinjuku Gyoen

    Park

    A large garden mixing Japanese, English and French landscape styles, with a greenhouse and teahouses. It is a favorite spot for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.

  7. Imperial Palace

    Imperial Palace

    Historic · 3 mi from centre

    The emperor's residence is surrounded by wide moats and massive stone walls. The East Gardens, on the site of the old Edo Castle keep, are open to the public for a pleasant stroll.

  8. Ueno Park

    Ueno Park

    Park · 5 mi from centre

    A spacious park containing several major museums, temples, a lotus pond and Ueno Zoo. It is one of Tokyo's busiest and most festive cherry blossom viewing spots in spring.

Top experiences in Tokyo

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 176 available.

See all things to do in Tokyo

Where to stay in Tokyo

Popular hotels in Tokyo, out of 1,730 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Tokyo

Best time to visit Tokyo

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tokyo is September to February and April to June, when average daytime highs are around 51–86°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 34° – 51° 4
Feb 36° – 52° 7
Mar 40° – 57° 14
Apr 52° – 68° 13
May 59° – 74° 16
Jun 68° – 82° 12
Jul 76° – 91° 12
Aug 79° – 93° 14
Sep 73° – 86° 14
Oct 60° – 73° 12
Nov 47° – 62° 7
Dec 37° – 53° 5

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Tokyo weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 58° 44° 0%
  • Thu 12 Nov 63° 46° 0%
  • Fri 13 Nov 68° 47° 0%
  • Sat 14 Nov 64° 47° 21%
  • Sun 15 Nov 63° 53° 74%
  • Mon 16 Nov 69° 52° 69%
  • Tue 17 Nov 56° 47° 34%

Know before you go

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥159
Language
Japanese
Calling code
+81
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Asia/TokyoUTC+9

Upcoming public holidays in Japan

  • Labour Thanksgiving Day勤労感謝の日
  • New Year's Day元日
  • Coming of Age Day成人の日
  • Foundation Day建国記念の日
  • The Emperor's Birthday天皇誕生日
  • Vernal Equinox Day春分の日

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Tokyo

These are the airports closest to central Tokyo. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • HND Tokyo International Airport11 mi (17 km) from the city centre
  • OKO Yokota Air Base20 mi (32 km) from the city centre
  • NRT Narita International Airport39 mi (64 km) from the city centre
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Tokyo travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tokyo is September to February and April to June, when average daytime highs are around 51–86°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Tokyo?

August is usually the warmest month in Tokyo, with average highs of 93°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 251 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Tokyo?

Tokyo International Airport (HND) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (17 km) from the centre of Tokyo. Other nearby airports include Yokota Air Base (OKO, 20 mi) and Narita International Airport (NRT, 39 mi).

How much are flights to Tokyo?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Tokyo in the last 30 days was $1,523 from Washington, travelling 15 Nov – 12 Jan. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,523.

What currency is used in Tokyo?

Tokyo uses the Japanese yen (JPY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥159.

What time zone is Tokyo in?

Tokyo uses the Asia/Tokyo time zone (currently UTC+9). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo?

Top sights in Tokyo include Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, entered through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Visit early or after dark when it is quieter and lit up.

What are the top things to do in Tokyo?

Popular experiences you can book in Tokyo include Mt Fuji 5th station and Hakone Highlights with Lunch option - Return by Shinkansen, Explore Tokyo by Hato Panoramic Bus - Full-Day Tour and Explore Tokyo by Hato Bus - Half-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 176 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Tokyo?

Popular areas for hotels in Tokyo include Tokyo City. Well-reviewed options include InterContinental Tokyo Bay and Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.

How many hotels can I book in Tokyo?

Destina Holidays currently lists 1,730 properties in and around Tokyo, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.