Tokyo Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Tokyo, the capital of modern Japan, is a city like no other. The  Greater Metro area is the most populous in the world, with almost 40,000,000 residents. That makes this single city bigger than many countries in terms of population. In any city with a population this vast, you'll never run out of things to see and do.

In this ultramodern city, it's hard to believe Tokyo began as a small fishing village called Edo. It wasn't until 1868 that the Imperial capital of Japan moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. However, despite earthquakes and the ravages of war, Tokyo has continued to grow until it became the megacity it is today.

Home to the country’s main airport, Tokyo is the first glimpse of Japan for many travelers. Whether you’re on vacation, traveling on business, or you make your home in the Japanese capital, you’ll find just about anything you might want in one of the world’s great cities.

8 Best Things to do in Tokyo

There are plenty of cities to consider when you are traveling to Asia, but Tokyo is definitely one to put high on your list. Steeped in ancient traditions and rich in cultural heritage, there is also a thriving food scene that you will want to explore. Juxtapose all of that against a busting modern city backdrop and you are assured of a wonderful stay.

One thing you are going to need to consider is what to do with all those heavy bags you are hauling. Here, Bounce luggage storage services can be of assistance. They have convenient storage facilities available in cities the world over enabling you to travel light and make the most of your adventure.

Best e-bike tours – Cycling Holiday Tokyo

This is a city that lends itself to cycle exploration and to make your tour even more comfortable, e-bikes allow you to enjoy the experience without the strain. This company offers three-hour tours every day with guides who can explain the sights that you are seeing in either English or Japanese. They like to keep their groups small and intimate so you are assured of that personal attention that can make a tour so much more pleasant.

To find out more call 81 70-7486-5861 or email them at info@cyclingholiday.tokyo

Best Tokyo tour for foodies – Ninja Food Tours

This is the company that is best equipped to introduce you to the unusual Japanese food and pub scene that normally goes undiscovered by tourists. Their walking tours last between 2 and 3.5 hours and in addition to exploring the local cuisine and drink scene, you are assured of plenty of laughter. 

Book your tour by calling 81 50-5240-8828 or email at info@ninjafoodtours.com

Best walking tours of Tokyo - Gaijin Tours

Satoko set up Gaijin Tours with the intention of making Japanese culture more accessible to foreigners. Her Japanese pedigree can be traced right back to the Samurai, so what better person to guide you into all that Tokyo has to offer? Whether you want to explore temples, dive into the night scene or move through classic neighborhoods, Satoko will be able to offer you a tour that will make your Tokyo visit come alive.

Email at hello@gaijintours.com or call her on 81 90-7006-5297

Best Tokyo tour for nature lovers – Tokiotours

Japan is a country with some stunning countryside, and much of it is easily accessible from Tokyo if you have the right people to guide you. Tokiotours offer a wide range of excursions and plenty of opportunities to discover aspects of Japanese life that the average tourist might not think of. 

To find out more about the full range of excursions this company has on offer, call them on 81 80-4813-7007 or email them at nicki@tokiotours.com

Best of Tokyo by night – Tokyo Memories

Some of the most memorable experiences one can have in this vibrant city remain tucked away in the back streets and alleys and can only be accessed with help from someone who knows the lie of the land. Here is a company that is able to offer night tours that will expose you to some of the hidden cultural and culinary delights that you might never have found otherwise. 

They also offer a range of other tours so to find out more, call them on 81 46-2715-333 or email them at tokyo.memories.tour@gmail.com

Best tour for vegans – Foodie Adventure Japan

A nation’s eating habits are always a great way to gain an understanding of a country’s culture. If you are a vegan or gluten intolerant, this aspect of life can be tricky to explore. Here is the solution to that problem. Foodie Adventure Japan understand all about the issues you may have and have the expertise to make sure that you can still get the best out of your visit.

To discuss a tour that will meet your needs, email at hello@foodiejapan.com or call them on 81 80-2373-8599

Best tours of Tokyo by bike – Tokyo Bike Tour-Day Tour

Exploring a city by bike means that you move at a pace that really allows you to get a feel for the place. You see and experience things that you simply wouldn't if trapped in a bus or car. This company specializes in guided full and half-day tours. Their small group sizes will enable you to enjoy your visit in the most relaxed way possible. 

To book your place on a tour, call 81 80 or email them at biketyours@ab.auone-net.jp

Best Tokyo tours for history enthusiasts – Hello!Tokyo Tours

This is a country with a long and colorful history. Hello!Tokyo Tours thrives on exposing their clients to both the food and history in a melange that is both tasty and informative. If you want to learn about the past while tasting the dishes that are so much a part of that history, this company is able to guide you. They offer culturally immersive visits on foot, by public transport, or by car.

Call 81 90-2967-5634 or email them at bookings@hellotokyotours.com

A weekend in Tokyo

Day or night, there's always something going on in Tokyo. That's hardly surprising, given its massive population. But as a result, a weekend really isn't enough to do more than scratch the surface of this city that is forever reinventing itself. However, it may be just enough time to see some of the most famous attractions the city has to offer.

• See where Tokyo began at the Imperial Palace. The first fortress on the site was built in 1457, and it was from here the city of Tokyo grew. Still used by the Emperor and his family, the gorgeous palace is available to visit on guided tours. Large bags aren’t permitted inside, so make sure you drop yours at a Tokyo luggage storage shop before you visit.
• Go shopping in the commercial heart of the country in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Home to some of the most opulent and luxurious stores in all Japan, if not in all of Asia, Ginza is also a great place just to hang out and immerse yourself in the busy vibe of Tokyo. Relax in a teahouse or hunt for bargains among the crowds, and you’ll be seeing Tokyo the way many locals enjoy it.
• Explore the ancient culture of Japan at the Meiji Shrine. Built in honor of the Emperor of the same name, the shrine was completed in 1926, back when the Japanese Emperor was still considered a god. Although the shrine was destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958 with painstaking accuracy and is still one of the city's most important religious sites. It's also an incredibly tranquil place to explore, surrounded by an evergreen forest and exquisitely sculpted gardens.

Tokyo lockers

If there's one thing Tokyo doesn't lack, it's hustle and bustle. Until you've been for yourself, you don't really know what a crowd is. At certain times of the day, Tokyo streets can make New York seem like a rural backwater. In this sprawling city, you will be doing plenty of walking and using public transit to get around, so the lighter you can travel, the better. Using a Tokyo luggage locker means you won't have to carry more than you need to.

Off the beaten path in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to so many people that you can find just about anything here. Even though millions of tourists flock to the city every year, it’s not hard to find hidden gems in the Japanese capital. Keep an open mind and you’ll find lots to keep you interested.

• Explore one of Japan's many unique restaurants and cafes at the Kabukicho Robot Restaurant. This adults-only cabaret is in a neighborhood devoted to slightly seedy entertainment, but it stands out through its use of robots. Every night, robots perform a three-hour music and dancing show unlike anything you're likely to find elsewhere.
• Visit the birthplace of a Japanese icon at Gotokuji Temple. The maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, has become a symbol of Japan, and this temple is home to thousands of these artificial felines. Drop off your bags at a suitcase storage service in Tokyo and see this quirky attraction for yourself.
• Take a break from the crowds at Hamarikyu Gardens. Located south of Ginza, this waterside park is an oasis of calm in the busy city. Stretch your legs on the gentle hiking paths and breathe in the fresh air from the carefully tended trees while you enjoy views of the city skyscrapers.

What to do alone in Tokyo

Often, crowded places are the best locations to explore alone. This is certainly the case in Tokyo. Plus, despite its size, Tokyo is an incredibly safe city where crime is rare, so it's a great place to explore by yourself. Drop off your bags at a Tokyo luggage storage service and dive in.

• Enjoy cutting-edge Japanese cuisine in Shibuya. This district is the center of the Tokyo street food scene, and is perfect to explore either by yourself or a guided tour. Indulge in unique Japanese delicacies and enjoy the lively street life of the capital.
• Visit Tsukiji Market to rub shoulders with both locals and visitors. This famous fish market is the place to pick up the freshest sushi you'll ever have in your life, and also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture.
• Get high above the city at the Tokyo Tower. Built in 1958, this iconic steel tower is over a thousand feet tall and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can climb six hundred steps to the main observation deck if you're feeling energetic, but don't worry — there is an elevator too.

The best souvenirs in Tokyo

Tokyo is a shopper's dream. And because Japanese culture is so distinctive, you can pick up all kinds of unique items you won't find anywhere else. Thanks to Japan's vending machine culture, Shibuya has entire vending machines devoted just to souvenirs. Alternatively, you could pick up some elegant Edo Kiriko liquor glasses that make an excellent gift. Or stop by Itoya, a stationery store that has been selling postcards, stamps, pens, and other exquisite items for over one hundred years.