Tokyo Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Food, and Where to Stay

Host city of the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tokyo is a vast metropolis of more than 13 million residents. Alongside its skyline of modern skyscrapers, the city is rich in museums, art galleries and an extraordinary culinary scene that includes numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Visitors can explore centuries-old palaces and Shinto shrines to experience Japan’s deep cultural heritage, then immerse themselves in busy shopping districts and lively nightlife.

GETTING THERE
Tokyo is served by two major international airports. Narita International Airport, located roughly 40 miles from the city center, can require a time-consuming and sometimes costly transfer. Taxis from Narita are expensive; airport limousine buses and shared shuttle services provide more economical alternatives, with ticket counters available inside the terminal. Haneda Airport, which historically handled mostly domestic flights, now operates a growing number of international routes. From Haneda, the monorail reaches central Tokyo in about 15 minutes for a modest fare, while the Keikyu Airport Line offers a fast connection in roughly 20–25 minutes.

GETTING AROUND
Taxis in Tokyo are convenient but costly for longer trips. The city’s public transit network, while complex for newcomers, is clean, punctual and efficient. Tokyo Metro runs multiple underground lines and Toei operates additional subway routes; short trips are inexpensive and trains typically run from early morning until around midnight at frequent intervals. The JR network, including the popular Yamanote Line that circles central Tokyo, offers single-ride and day-pass options useful for visitors planning several stops.

9–5
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
A top choice for conferences, Grand Hyatt Tokyo provides extensive meeting facilities and flexible event spaces alongside modern technology and professional event services. The hotel’s multiple venues and attentive staff make it well suited for corporate gatherings and large meetings.

Orchid Room
Located in Hotel Okura Tokyo, Orchid Room is a comfortable spot for breakfast meetings. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional and Western-style morning dishes, including popular choices like French toast and American breakfasts, and offers seating arrangements that balance openness with privacy through well-placed partitions.

Peter
On the 24th floor of The Peninsula Tokyo in the Marunouchi district, Peter offers an elevated setting for business lunches. The restaurant specializes in premium grilled dishes, from fresh seafood to aged cuts of beef, and provides views over the Imperial Palace Gardens and nearby Hibiya Park—an impressive backdrop for client meetings or celebratory meals.

AFTER 5
Rooftop Bar
Perched on the 52nd floor of Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, the Rooftop Bar delivers sweeping skyline views and a variety of seating options. Guests can choose a relaxed tea-lounge atmosphere, a stylish indoor bar area or an open-air terrace—each offering a distinctive vibe ideal for evening drinks and socializing.

Ten-ichi
A renowned tempura restaurant founded in 1930, Ten-ichi is celebrated by both locals and international visitors. The restaurant focuses on refined tempura preparations and has a long-standing reputation for quality that has attracted dignitaries and food lovers over many decades.

Tokyo Skytree
Rising to 2,080 feet, Tokyo Skytree is one of the world’s tallest freestanding towers and remains a popular attraction well into the evening. On clear days, views can extend toward Mount Fuji; at night, the city’s illuminated panorama is striking from the Tembo Deck. For visitors seeking extra thrills, the observation deck offers sections with glass floor panels as well as a higher-level gallery for panoramic vistas.

RESOURCES
For official visitor information about Tokyo, consult the city’s tourism resources and local visitor centers when planning your trip.