Why go to Tokyo? The 10 good reasons to go Tokyo
Experience the majesty of nature
Nature reminds us of its presence, both grandiose and wild, even in the city.
A unique gastronomy
Unknown flavours, new ingredients, the taste buds travel far from the beaten track
Enjoy the 5-star reception
The art of service coupled with a very safe city = a perfect equation for a beautiful stay
A change of scenery to invigorate yourself
Other culture, other ways, we discover a whole art of living. An elixir of youth!
Electrify yourself in a megalopolis
More than ever, Tokyo is the city of the future between robotization and innovative architecture.
Giving in to a shopping frenzy
Everything is gathered in Tokyo to make us crack: beautiful objects or pop and kawaii products.
Getting lost between reality and virtual
Mangas, video games or augmented reality, the boundaries between worlds are disappearing.
Follow the way of the warrior
Katana, martial art or meditation, we put our steps in those of warriors of a past age.
Engage in traditional arts
Flowers, tea, ukiyo-e or pottery, Japanese arts reveal a whole philosophy of Beauty
Wonder in a sanctuary
We rub shoulders with the history of Buddhism and shintō in temples nestled in the heart of the city.
What to visit Tokyo?
Interview: My Tokyo
with Marilène Karam, author of the guide
Passionate about Japanese culture and history, Marilène settled in Tokyo 10 years ago and has never left since. She works as a radio journalist and freelance translator. Her great passion is discovering new exhibitions, cafés and the many activities taking place in the city. In the pages of this guide, she shares her love for the land of the Rising Sun.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Tokyo
Timetable
Opening times vary widely, but most museums and parks will be open between 10am and 5pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are often long queues, especially for temporary exhibitions. Each institution has a different closing day. Temples and shrines open early (around 8 a.m.) and also close at 4 or 5 p.m., except during festivals.
To be booked
Private tours of the Imperial Palace and special tours of Toyosu Market should be booked online in advance. Some museums and theaters are also very popular, and it's advisable to buy tickets well in advance, e.g. for the Ghibli Museum, the TEAMLAB Museum of Digital Art and certain temporary exhibitions. Since the Covid-19 epidemic, online booking and prepayment have become the norm. In some cases, this saves time and reduces ticket prices. It is advisable to visit each establishment's website a few days (or even weeks) before your visit to check booking conditions.
Budget & Tips
The free tours of Asakusa and Ueno are a good opportunity to discover the city with locals, as are those of the National Diet. If you're planning several museum visits, the Grutto Pass (¥2,500) entitles you to discounts and free admission to 95 museums and galleries in Tokyo(www.rekibun.or.jp). It can be purchased directly at the museums concerned, at certain tourist offices or online. Note also that some attractions, such as Shibuya Scramble Square, offer online pre-sales at lower prices. Don't hesitate to check the information on the websites.
Many things to do in Tokyo, such as visiting temples and shrines or taking part in festivals, are free. Some galleries are too, 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 them linked to temples and shrines. For more information, see the Agenda section of this guide.
Smokers
Smoking is banned in the vast majority of public places.
Tourist traps
In museums, small boutiques and workshops, do-it-yourself activities (origami, paper, wooden objects, etc.) are all the rage. While some offer a real opportunity to try your hand at Japanese crafts, others are sometimes far too expensive for what's on offer. You be the judge.
