Tokyo

Located along Tokyo Bay and extending west, Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolitan area. Divided into 23 separate wards, each with its own unique flavour, there is something special to be found in each. And with a convenient public transportation system, getting around is quick and easy.

Chiyoda

Chiyoda, in the centre of Tokyo is made up of important government buildings, the historic Imperial Palace and the National Museum of Modern Art. Tokyo Station is near the Imperial Palace and therefore easily accessible to all parts of the city. Being the centre of government as well as the geographic centre of Tokyo, Chiyoda is filled with lovely plazas, inviting parks and landscaped gardens, making this a lovely place for a quiet stroll.

Chuo

Chuo Ward is famous for its Ginza district, one of the finest shopping areas in the world. With its many large department stores, luxury boutiques along with fine restaurants and cafes make this one of the most visited and one of the wealthiest areas of the city. The financial district and Tokyo stock exchange are nearby, adding an additional aura of wealth and importance.

Shibuya

Shibuya Ward is the main district for shopping and nightlife and is particularly popular with younger crowds. Trendy shops, underground music stores, video arcades and coffee houses line the streets, making this area an around the clock destination. Its famous Shibuya Crossing is a must see spot, a sort of Times Square section of Tokyo, filled with blinking ads and throngs of people. Shibuya is a feast for the senses.

Shinjuku

Filled with some of Tokyo’s tallest buildings and home to the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku is the administrative centre of Tokyo. Another of the main shopping and nightlife areas in Tokyo, Shinjuku is also graced by one of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks, Shinjuku Gyoen. Busy city streets are surrounded by quiet laneways, interspersed with quaint noodle bars and intimate restaurants.

There is so much to do in Tokyo that you can choose how adventurous you’d like to be. Take a leisure stroll through inviting gardens or meander down quiet laneways filled with shops and intimate restaurants. If your plans call for something more adventurous you can find that too. This is a city after all that is always on the move.

Imperial Palace

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the residence for the Emperor of Japan. This stately area is situated in the governmental area of Chiyoda and is an enjoyable place for a stroll through landscaped parks and Japanese style gardens. With Tokyo Station nearby it’s an excellent place to begin a tour of the Japanese capital.

Tokyo Disney

One of the top tourist destinations in Japan, Tokyo Disney is located in the neighbouring prefecture of Chiba. All of the Disney favourites can be found here, from Mickey and Minnie and all their friends to famous attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Cinderella Castle.

Shibuya

One of the most exciting areas of Tokyo is Shibuya. Filled with a youthful edge and electric vibe, this area can be described as Japan’s version of New York’s Times Square. Brightly lit advertisements on huge video screens line the buildings overhead while at street level hordes of people make their way across the famous Shibuya crossing, an iconic Japanese scene. Some of Tokyo’s best shopping can be found here, from cutting-edge fashion to underground music and video arcades.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Built in the late 1950’s it was a symbol of rebirth after the ravages of WWII. Standing tall at 333 metres, this is the perfect place for a bird’s eye view of the immense metropolitan area.

Asakusa

This laid back area of Tokyo is home to the Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple. The clothing and souvenir markets surrounding the temple make this a popular destination for tourists. Traditional Japanese architecture can be found here, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Like any world capital or thriving business and tourist destination, Tokyo has a range of accommodation options. From luxury brands to intimate boutique style hotels, Tokyo even features the unique capsule hotel and the usual backpacker accommodation.

Central Tokyo

Like any world capital and thriving business and tourist destination, Tokyo has a range of accommodation options. From luxury brands to intimate boutique style hotels, central Tokyo caters to the needs of business travellers, celebrities and tourists alike. Prices are usually at a premium, but with a close proximity to the financial district, government offices and shopping and entertainment centres, this is the place to be.

Taito

Taito ward to the east of Central Tokyo is situated along the Sumida River. Some of Tokyo’s backpacker and budget oriented accommodation sites can be found here, near the temples and markets of Asakusa.

Capsule Hotels

The capsule hotel originated in Japan. This unique style of accommodation got its start in Tokyo in the 1980’s during the heady days when real estate was at a premium. These small pods were nothing more than a bed, but for pricey Tokyo it was and still is an affordable option in an otherwise expensive city. Now located throughout the city, these small rooms are available close to most major sites.

Tokyo has a highly-developed railway network, allowing travellers to many major attractions via public transportation. For details, please refer to the table below.

DEC - FEB (Winter)

Average: 5°C - 15°C
Bring a winter coat. Or get a fashionable one from Harajuku.

MAR - MAY (Spring)

Average: 12°C - 20°C
Great time for sightseeing as long as you have a light jacket on.

JUN - AUG (Summer)

Average: 25°C - 30°C
Bring sunglasses and drink lots of water.

SEP - NOV (Autumn)

Average: 20°C - 25°C
Expect rainy days. Bring an umbrella.

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Electricity

100V 50Hz

Language

Japanese, English

Timezone

UTC+9

Tel code

+81

Religion

Shinto