Practical information : Sightseeing Tokyo
Timetable
Times vary greatly, but most museums and parks will be open between 10am and 5pm. On Saturdays and Sundays there is often a queue, especially for temporary exhibitions. Each institution has a variable closing day. Temples and shrines open early (around 8am) and also close at 4pm or 5pm, except in the case of festivals
To be booked
Private tours of the Imperial Palace and special tours of the Toyosu Market must be booked in advance online. Some museums and theatres are also very popular and it is advisable to buy tickets well in advance, for example for the Ghibli Museum, the TEAMLAB Museum of Digital Art or certain temporary exhibitions
Budget & Tips
The free visits to Asakusa and Ueno are a good opportunity to discover the city with locals, as are those of the National Diet. If you plan several museum visits, the Grutto Pass (¥2,200) provides discounts and free admission to 95 museums and galleries in Tokyo (www.rekibun.or.jp). It can be purchased directly at the museums concerned or at some tourist offices. Also note that some attractions offer online pre-sale services at lower prices, such as at Shibuya Scramble Square. Please check the information on the websites. Many things to do in Tokyo, such as visiting temples and shrines or participating in festivals, are free. Some galleries are also free, such as Design Festa Gallery (in Harajuku), Scai the Bathhouse (in Yanaka) or 3331 Arts Chiyoda (in Akihabara)
Main events
Every season is full of festivals, most of which are linked to temples and shrines. For more information, consult the Agenda folder in the guide
Smokers
Smoking is prohibited in the vast majority of public places.
Tourist traps
In museums, small shops, workshops, fashion is to do-it-yourself activities (origami, paper, wooden objects, etc.). While some offer a real opportunity to try Japanese crafts, others are sometimes far too expensive for what is on offer. It's up to you to judge