The world's best mega city, found in translation. Being here is a fever dream that you don't want to wake up from. The city's real pleasures—the yakitori, underground whiskey bars, the elegance of your daily interactions—are a collection of small and subtle discoveries. Here's our comprehensive guide and a collection of tips for visiting Tokyo, Japan, from the experts at Condé Nast Traveler.
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Tokyo Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Tokyo
The 30 Best Hotels in Tokyo
Whether a traditional ryokan, an outpost of an international brand, or a quirky boutique hotel, Tokyo offers a little bit of everything.
Best Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
With 24-hour spas, private hot tubs, and rooftop bars, these properties are travel experiences in their own right.
10 Best Airbnbs in Tokyo
From a charming studio to a four-story home, these are the properties to add to your Airbnb wishlist.
The Best Affordable Hotels in Tokyo
From Akasaka to Shinjuku, you can stay in these eclectic Tokyo hotels for under $300 a night.
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11 Best Family Hotels in Tokyo, Japan
Featuring everything from mini robes to indoor camping.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
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Imperial Hotel, Tokyo$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1 Chome-1-1 UchisaiwaichoAs a century-old institution, it knows the drill—and the lobby's staff likely has an answer to any possible question out there.Read full review
The Tokyo Station Hotel$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1-chōme−9−1 東京ステーションホテルExquisite interiors, plenty of dining options, and it's part of a train station, so navigating the city—or catching a direct train to the airport—couldn't be easier.Read full review
Aman Tokyo$$$ | Japan, Tokyo, The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda CityThe Aman Toyko, with its irresistible combination of hard-edged icy calm and soft fibrous warmth, best expresses the magic of the Aman brand.Read full review
Conrad Tokyo$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1-chōme-9-1 HigashishinbashiA stylish booking that’s in no rush to fade away after decades in the neighborhood.Read full review
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi$$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1 Chome-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda CityThe sister hotel to the Marunouchi Four Seasons establishes the brand as a major force to be reckoned with in Tokyo.Read full review
Janu Tokyo$$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1-2-2 AzabudaiFeel like you’re a Tokyo resident going about your (fabulous) everyday life.Read full review
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo$$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1 Chome-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro CityA museum-like stay—you’ll embark on a sensorial journey from the moment you enter.Read full review
Hotel Toranomon Hills - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 2-6-4, Toranomon, Minato-kuAll the luxuries of a high-end Tokyo hotel, but at midrange prices.Read full review%2520Yoyogi%2520Park_TPC_3.jpg)
TRUNK(HOTEL) Yoyogi Park$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1-15-2 Tomigaya Shibuya-kuFamous throughout Tokyo for its lofted infinity pool yawning over the leafy canopy of Yoyogi ParkRead full review
OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda$ | Japan, Tokyo, 8-4-13 Nishi-GotandaA worthy choice in Tokyo's budget categoryRead full review
Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 2-20-4 KaminarimonOn the doorstep of Tokyo’s most popular templeRead full review
Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection$$$ | Japan, Minato City, Tokyo, MQ47+942A retreat to Mesm Tokyo promises scenic views, superb dining, and the utmost comfort.Read full review- The Spa at Janu TokyoJapan, Tokyo, 1 Chome-2-2 AzabudaiThe first-ever Janu spa—and the astonishing wellness center as a whole—is well worth it.Read full review
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Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park, Tokyo$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 1 Chome−15−2Swimming alongside the treetops of Yoyogi Park, from sunrise to sunset—with the added bonus of a serenely designed contemporary backdrop in which to rechargeRead full review
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The Best Things to Do in Tokyo
The 23 Best Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo, from Michelin Star Omakase to Conveyer Belt BarsOur recommendations for where to eat in the birthplace of sushi.
21 Best Bars in TokyoWhatever your drink, the city will not leave you high and dry.
39 Best Restaurants in TokyoTokyo is the place to be for food lovers right now.
5 Best Day Trips from TokyoHope to see more outside of Tokyo? You have options.
10 Best Museums in TokyoThe capital's arts scene, like the city itself, marches to its own beat.
12 Best Things to Do in Tokyo With KidsIf your kids like ninjas, samurai, giant robots, and playful animals—and, really, who doesn’t?—they’re going to love Tokyo.
15 Best Places to Eat Like a Local in TokyoYou'll chow down like a champ.
15 Insider Tips for Your Next Trip to Tokyo
How to not look like a tourist when visiting the Japanese capital.
Editor Recommendations
KuramaeJapan, Tokyo, KuramaeNearest station: Kuramae on the Asakusa and Oedo subway linesRead full review
Azabudai HillsJapan, Tokyo, Azabudai Hills 1-1 AzabudaiAn impressive new megaplex with a top hotel, show-stopping architecture, and a fresh art sceneRead full review- teamLab BorderlessJapan, Tokyo, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1F, 1-2-4 AzabudaiAn endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous, and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art.Read full review
Harmonica YokochoJapan, Tokyo,A row stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateriesRead full review
teamLab PlanetsJapan, Tokyo, 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-kuAn endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous, and surreal collection of art installations.Read full review
Kyu Asakura HouseJapan, Tokyo, 29-20 Sarugakucho, Shibuya CityIf you need a break from the urban intensity of the Japanese capital, this former government residence is the place.Read full review
- Monzen-NakachoJapan, Tokyo,The old-school neighborhood of Monzen-Nakacho has retained its colorful, salt-of-the-earth downtown atmosphere.Read full review
- Aokigahara National ForestJapan, Yamanashi, Narusawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru DistrictCloaking the base of Mount Fuji, this forest is a haven for hikers hoping to spot birds and deer.Read full review
Featured
On Your Next Trip to Japan, Venture Into Nature
Just named one of the best countries in the world in our 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Japan has much to offer beyond its urban hubs.
26 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
How to let the wonderful, sometimes frenetic, energy of the city take over.
What to Wear in Tokyo
Beautiful blouses and wide-leg pants will become your saving grace.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Tokyo
- The 40 Best Restaurants in TokyoTokyo's gastronauts are seeking the flavors of the world—not just Japan.
20 Best Ramen Restaurants in TokyoWhere to eat one of the city's most famous foods.- The 21 Best Bars in TokyoWhatever your drink, the city will not leave you high and dry.
- The 25 Best Sushi Restaurants in TokyoSerious sushi restaurants for every crowd.
To Eat Like a Local in Tokyo, Look for B-kyū Gurume Restaurants
Tokyo's Michelin-starred restaurants may dominate the conversation, but it's the city's quickfire comfort food that locals turn to most.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
Kibun$$ | Japan, Tokyo, 4 Chome−11−28 2FA deeply personal expression of French technique applied to Japanese ingredients
Primo Passo$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Tsukiji, 1 Chome−5−11 Acn Tsukiji Bldg., B1FWhere Italian technique meets Japanese sensibility.
Sushi Hoseki$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Yaesu, 2 Chome−2−1 ブルガリ ホテル 東京 40FFor a luxury-hotel sushi experience that offers both style and substance
Sushi Masashi$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Kita-Aoyama, 2 Chome−9−9 外苑いちょうの杜 7階An intimate counter setting in Gaienmae, Tokyo's emerging dining destination
Kaiten Sushi Onodera Honten$$$ | Japan , Tokyo, Jingumae, 5 Chome−1−6 イルパラッツィーノ表参道 １階The conveyor belt offers instant gratification, but don't hesitate to order directly from the menu for the freshest cuts.
Sushi Meino$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Azabujuban, 1 Chome−6−1 The V-City 麻布十番 Place 6FSpearheading a new wave of sushi mastery
Hinatomaru$ | Japan, Tokyo , 1 Chome-20-3 AsakusaA standing counter that feels like a delicious Easter egg hidden between busy train terminals.jpg)
Sushi Tonari$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Azabujuban, 2 Chome−8−7 M2K HoldingBLD 2階A thoughtful and nuanced approach to sushi- Sushi Kadowaki$$ | Japan, Tokyo, Ginza, 7 Chome−4−6 Acn Ginza 7 Bldg., 6FThe service here is as precise as the knife work.
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More from Tokyo
Food & Drink
A Renewed Wave of Italian-Japanese Fusion in Tokyo's Culinary Scene
Japan's long-standing romance with Italian food is playing out in inventive ways all over Tokyo.
Adventure
Through Bird Watching, Tokyo’s Black and Brown Residents Are Finding Community
In the city's green spaces, members of Flock Together discover Tokyo's fauna—and solidarity among Black and brown residents.
Wellness & Spas
What Is Womb Therapy and Do I Need It?
Writer Maria Yagoda attempts to answer these questions with a wellness treatment in Tokyo.
Food & Drink
7 Different Ways of Experiencing Queer Asia
From the electrifying drag scene in Manila to tranquil Nepalese mountaintops, these are some of the most exciting destinations for LGBTQ travel in Asia.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat in Tokyo, According to Chef Junghyun Park of Atomix
The chewy udon noodles, delicate desserts, and sushi reservations to plan a trip around.
Air Travel
This Flight to Tokyo Comes With a Free Stopover in Tahiti
Stretch your airfare to two incredible destinations in the South Pacific.
Destinations
The New Business Traveler: Mister Green's Ariel Stark-Benz Will Never Tire of Tokyo Work Trips
We take a look at how interesting people with fascinating jobs are traveling for work right now.
Style & Culture
Always-on Tokyo Is a Perpetual Source of Inspiration for Jimmy Choo Creative Director Sandra Choi
“The city is multifaceted—the old with the new, the Zen with the futurism.”
Destinations
Japan Will Restart Visa-Free Tourism in October—Here's What to Know for Your Next Visit
With strict entry requirements lifting on October 11, here's the latest in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, and the southern paradise of Okinawa.
The Latest
In Time for the Olympics, Tokyo’s Dining Scene Has Taken on a Dynamic New Look
Though you may not be able to visit now, consider this your playbook for a future trip.
The Latest
Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Early This Year
Japan’s borders are closed, which means locals in Tokyo can enjoy the pink and white flowers without the crowds.
The Latest
It’s Confirmed: Tokyo Olympics Will Bar Foreign Spectators from Attending
Those who purchased tickets but can no longer attend will receive refunds.
The Latest
Tokyo Travel Experts on What the City Will Look Like Post-Pandemic
In our new virtual event series Making Connections, industry experts share the latest on travel trends and destinations.
The Latest
All the Ways the Tokyo Olympics Could Pan Out
With COVID-19 cases up and lags in vaccine rollout, can the Olympics be held safely?
The Latest
The 5 New Olympic Sports to Watch at the Tokyo Summer Games
And where to watch them throughout the year.
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Why You Should Visit Korea NowWe don't think it should take the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to finally give attention to somewhere we've raved about for years. But if that's what it takes, we're all for it. Seoul's long been an 'it' spot for shopping, spas, and worth-the-flight-alone galbi (and so much of it is doable over three days). But what excites us is how much of the country is open and ready for exploration, from the beaches of Gangwon to the pubs of Busan, the soju to the slopes, all so easy to tap into with the new bullet trains connecting in from the capital. Here, we dive deep into what makes South Korea a place we always want to go back to.
