Tokyo is a city that rewards curiosity. Every neighborhood has its own personality, from the neon chaos of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the quiet temples of Asakusa and the indie boutiques of Shimokitazawa. The best time to visit is late March through mid-April for cherry blossom season, or October through November for comfortable weather and fall foliage.
Getting around Tokyo is easy with the train system. Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any station and load it with yen. It works on all trains, subways, and buses. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass is worth it only if you plan day trips to cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hakone. Within Tokyo, individual fares are cheap enough that a pass is unnecessary.
Must-visit spots include the Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi breakfasts, Meiji Shrine for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, Akihabara for electronics and anime culture, and Odaiba for waterfront views of the Rainbow Bridge. For the best city view, skip the Tokyo Tower and go to the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.
Flights from the US west coast to Tokyo run about 11 hours nonstop, and 13 to 14 hours from the east coast. Narita Airport (NRT) is farther from central Tokyo but often has cheaper fares than Haneda (HND). The Narita Express train takes about 60 minutes to reach Tokyo Station. Book flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the best fares.