Tokyo, explained
Tokyo is Japan's capital and its largest city — a dense mix of shrines, neighbourhoods and modern landmarks, with world-class transit and some of the most sought-after attraction tickets anywhere.
- Late March to May, and October to November
- Haneda (HND), close to the city; Narita (NRT), further east
- 4–6 days
- Trains and subway, paid with an IC card (Suica or PASMO)
Each district has its own character: Asakusa's Senso-ji temple, Shibuya's crossing and Shibuya Sky, Shinjuku's lights, the Meiji Jingu shrine forest in Harajuku. Digital art museums such as teamLab and Tokyo Disney Resort draw visitors from around the world.
Day trips reach Mount Fuji and Hakone, Nikko and Kamakura.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Spring
Cherry blossom usually peaks in late March or early April — beautiful and very busy. Golden Week (late April to early May) is a national holiday period with crowded transport.
Early summer and summer
A rainy season through June into July, then hot, humid weather. Summer festivals and fireworks.
Autumn
Typhoons are possible in September; October and November are clear and comfortable, with autumn colour in late November.
Winter
Cold, dry and often sunny — the clearest views of Mount Fuji, and fewer crowds outside the New Year holidays.
Getting to Tokyo
- Haneda Airport (HND) is the closer of the two airports to central Tokyo, linked by train, monorail and bus.
- Narita Airport (NRT) is further east; express trains reach the city in roughly an hour.
- With heavy luggage or a family, a private transfer avoids changing trains at large stations.
Private transfers in Tokyo start from ฿6,548 — compare 73 options.
Getting around Tokyo
- Trains and the subway reach almost everywhere. An IC card (Suica or PASMO) pays fares with a tap and also works in convenience stores.
- Taxis are clean and reliable but expensive for long distances.
- Large stations such as Shinjuku and Tokyo are complex — allow extra time to change lines.
The best areas to stay in Tokyo
- Shinjuku
- A huge transport hub with hotels at every level, nightlife and easy day-trip connections.
- Shibuya
- The famous crossing, shopping, Shibuya Sky and a young, busy atmosphere.
- Asakusa
- Traditional Tokyo around Senso-ji, with good-value hotels and the Sumida River.
- Ginza & Tokyo Station
- Upscale shopping and dining, and the best base for Shinkansen departures.
- Odaiba & Toyosu
- The waterfront area, home to teamLab Planets and good bay views.
How many days in Tokyo?
Four to six days for the main districts and a couple of timed-entry attractions, plus a day for Mount Fuji or Hakone.
Experiences worth booking in Tokyo
All 102 in Tokyo →
Tokyo Disneyland 01 Day Pass Ticket - Normal
Hakone Ropeway Oneway 01 Day Ticket
Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise One-Way 01 Day Ticket
Ueno Zoological Gardens 01 Day Admission Ticket
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Tokyo travel tips
- Book timed-entry tickets — Shibuya Sky, teamLab and similar — in advance. Popular slots sell out, especially at sunset and on weekends.
- Keep some cash. Cards are widely accepted, but not everywhere.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan.
- Speak quietly and avoid phone calls on trains.
Tokyo travel questions
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November) have the most comfortable weather. Cherry blossom season is spectacular but crowded; winter is cold but clear and quieter.
Which Tokyo airport is better, Haneda or Narita?
Haneda is much closer to the city centre. Narita is further out but well connected by express trains and, for some airlines, the only option.
Do I need to book Tokyo attractions in advance?
For timed-entry attractions such as Shibuya Sky and teamLab, yes — popular times sell out days ahead. Temples and shrines generally need no booking.
How much is a private transfer in Tokyo?
Private transfers in Tokyo start from THB 6,548 on Explera Discover, including the payment processing fee. 73 vehicle and route options are available.
What can I book in Tokyo?
Explera Discover lists 29 experiences and 73 private transfers in Tokyo, each confirmed by Explera DMC's local team.
Book Tokyo with a local team behind you
Prices include the payment fee. Every booking is confirmed by our local team.