When to Go
Tokyo is busy year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September-November) for mild weather and fall colors. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August) when domestic travel peaks and prices soar. Winter is cold but less crowded, and summer is hot and humid. For the cheapest flights, book 2-3 months in advance for spring and fall. Average round-trip airfare from the US: $800-$1,200.
Where to Stay
Shinjuku is great for first-timers: it's a major transport hub with endless dining and nightlife. Budget hostels start at $30/night, business hotels like APA or Tokyu Stay from $80. Shibuya is trendy and central, with hostels from $35 and hotels from $100. Asakusa offers a more traditional vibe and is cheaper: hostels from $25, ryokan from $120. For luxury, try Ginza or Roppongi with 5-star hotels from $300. Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead for the best rates.
Getting Around
Tokyo's public transit is world-class. Get a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport or any station—they cost ¥500 deposit and can be reloaded. Subway rides start at ¥170. A 24-hour Metro pass is ¥600, but if you're doing 3+ rides a day, it pays off. The JR Yamanote Line loops around major areas; a single ride is ¥140-¥200. Taxis are expensive (base fare ¥500), so use them sparingly. From Narita Airport, the Skyliner to Ueno takes 41 minutes and costs ¥2,520; the Narita Express to Tokyo Station is 53 minutes for ¥3,070.
What to Eat
Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any city, but you don't need to break the bank. For cheap eats, try standing sushi bars (¥100-¥300 per plate), ramen shops (¥800-¥1,200), and convenience store meals (¥500). Must-tries: sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, ramen at Ichiran or Fuunji, and tempura at Tsunahachi. For a splurge, book a kaiseki dinner (¥10,000+). Lunch sets are often half the dinner price at high-end restaurants. Don't forget to try street food in Asakusa and explore depachika (department store food halls) for free samples and affordable bentos.
Top Attractions
Start with Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (free), then Meiji Shrine in Shibuya (free). The Tokyo Skytree offers panoramic views for ¥2,100. TeamLab Planets is a must for digital art fans (¥3,200). For a unique experience, visit the Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast, then explore Ginza's upscale shops. Don't miss Shibuya Crossing and the view from Shibuya Sky (¥2,000). If you have time, take a day trip to Nikko or Hakone with the JR Pass.
Budget Tips
Tokyo can be affordable if you plan. Eat at convenience stores or gyudon chains like Yoshinoya for under ¥500. Use coin lockers (¥300-¥600) instead of carrying bags. Many museums have free days; check schedules. Buy a prepaid SIM or pocket WiFi ($20-$30 for a week) for navigation. Avoid taxis and use trains. For souvenirs, visit 100-yen shops like Daiso. With careful planning, a daily budget of ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($60-$90) is doable, excluding accommodation.