Tokyo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

LYS-JP編集部
6月29日
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Tokyo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

【PR】この記事には広告が含まれています。 ※この記事にはアフィリエイトリンクが含まれています。

Introduction

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation. Home to over 13 million people, this megacity offers an endless array of experiences for every type of traveler.

When to Visit Tokyo

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March-May)

  • Cherry Blossom Season: Late March to early April
  • Pleasant weather with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
  • Popular time for tourists, expect crowds

Autumn (September-November)

  • Beautiful fall foliage in November
  • Comfortable temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
  • Less crowded than spring

Summer (June-August)

  • Hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F)
  • Rainy season in June
  • Many festivals and fireworks displays

Winter (December-February)

  • Cold but generally dry
  • Temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F)
  • Great for enjoying hot springs and winter illuminations

Getting Around Tokyo

Public Transportation

JR Yamanote Line

  • Circular line connecting major districts
  • Covers Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Akihabara
  • Most convenient for tourists

Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

  • Extensive network covering the entire city
  • Buy a day pass for unlimited travel
  • English signage available

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

  • Rechargeable cards for all public transport
  • Also accepted at convenience stores and vending machines
  • Available at any station

Transportation Tips

  • Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM)
  • Download Google Maps or Hyperdia for navigation
  • Most stations have free Wi-Fi

Top Districts to Explore

Shibuya

  • Famous Shibuya Crossing
  • Youth culture and fashion hub
  • Hachiko Statue
  • Shopping at Shibuya 109

Shinjuku

  • Busiest train station in the world
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation decks)
  • Kabukicho entertainment district
  • Golden Gai bar district

Asakusa

  • Traditional Tokyo atmosphere
  • Sensoji Temple (oldest temple in Tokyo)
  • Nakamise shopping street
  • Tokyo Skytree nearby

Harajuku

  • Takeshita Street for quirky fashion
  • Meiji Shrine and peaceful forest
  • Omotesando luxury shopping
  • Trendy cafes and restaurants

Akihabara

  • Electronics and anime paradise
  • Multi-story electronics stores
  • Maid cafes and gaming centers
  • Manga and anime merchandise

Ginza

  • Luxury shopping district
  • High-end department stores
  • Art galleries and theaters
  • Fine dining restaurants

Must-Visit Attractions

Historical & Cultural Sites

Meiji Shrine

  • Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
  • Beautiful forested grounds in the heart of the city
  • Traditional Shinto architecture
  • Popular for traditional weddings

Sensoji Temple

  • Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple (645 AD)
  • Impressive Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon)
  • Traditional shopping street
  • Fortune telling and incense burning

Imperial Palace

  • Home of Japan's Imperial Family
  • East Gardens open to public
  • Beautiful seasonal gardens
  • Free guided tours available

Modern Attractions

Tokyo Skytree

  • 634 meters tall (world's tallest tower)
  • Two observation decks
  • Shopping and dining complex at base
  • Best views of Mount Fuji on clear days

teamLab Borderless

  • Digital art museum in Odaiba
  • Interactive installations
  • Instagram-worthy experiences
  • Book tickets in advance

Robot Restaurant

  • Over-the-top dinner show in Shinjuku
  • Robots, lasers, and performances
  • Tourist trap but entertaining
  • Reserve online for discounts

Food Experiences

Must-Try Foods

Sushi

  • Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood
  • Conveyor belt sushi for budget options
  • High-end omakase experiences
  • Try the tuna auction tour

Ramen

  • Different styles: shoyu, miso, shio, tonkotsu
  • Ichiran for solo dining experience
  • Local ramen alleys in stations
  • Late-night ramen shops

Street Food

  • Takoyaki (octopus balls)
  • Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
  • Crepes in Harajuku
  • Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries)

Dining Etiquette

  • Don't tip (it's considered rude)
  • Remove shoes in traditional restaurants
  • Slurping noodles is acceptable
  • Say "itadakimasu" before eating

Shopping Guide

Electronics

  • Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara
  • BIC Camera chain stores
  • Tax-free shopping for tourists
  • Compare prices between stores

Fashion

  • Uniqlo for basics
  • Vintage shops in Shimokitazawa
  • Designer brands in Omotesando
  • Fast fashion in Shibuya

Souvenirs

  • Kit Kat flavors unique to Japan
  • Traditional crafts at Oriental Bazaar
  • 100 yen shops for quirky items
  • Department store basement food floors

Accommodation Options

Hotels

  • Business hotels for budget travelers
  • Luxury hotels in Ginza and Roppongi
  • Capsule hotels for unique experience
  • Book early during peak seasons

Alternative Accommodations

  • Airbnb (check local regulations)
  • Traditional ryokan inns
  • Hostels in Asakusa and Ueno
  • Love hotels for short stays

Best Areas to Stay

  • Shinjuku: Central location, nightlife
  • Shibuya: Young atmosphere, shopping
  • Tokyo Station: Business district, easy access
  • Asakusa: Traditional feel, budget-friendly

Cultural Tips

Etiquette

  • Bow when greeting
  • Remove shoes when entering homes
  • Don't eat while walking
  • Keep voices low on trains
  • Stand on the left side of escalators

Language

  • Learn basic phrases (arigatou, sumimasen)
  • Download translation apps
  • Many signs have English
  • Point to menu items if needed

Money Matters

  • Japan is largely cash-based
  • 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards
  • No tipping anywhere
  • IC cards accepted widely

Day Trips from Tokyo

Nikko

  • UNESCO World Heritage shrines
  • Beautiful nature and hiking
  • 2 hours by train
  • Famous for autumn colors

Kamakura

  • Ancient capital with temples
  • Giant Buddha statue
  • Beach town atmosphere
  • 1 hour by train

Mount Fuji

  • Climbing season: July-September
  • View from Hakone or Kawaguchiko
  • Day trips available
  • Book mountain huts in advance

Seasonal Events

Spring

  • Cherry blossom festivals
  • Hanami parties in parks
  • Golden Week holidays (avoid if possible)

Summer

  • Fireworks festivals
  • Bon Odori dancing
  • Summer festivals (matsuri)

Autumn

  • Autumn leaf viewing
  • Cultural festivals
  • Halloween in Shibuya

Winter

  • Winter illuminations
  • New Year celebrations
  • Plum blossom viewing

Practical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 110
  • Fire/Ambulance: 119
  • Tourist Hotline: 050-3816-2787

Useful Apps

  • Google Maps (works offline)
  • Google Translate
  • Hyperdia (train schedules)
  • GuruNavi (restaurant finder)

Wi-Fi Access

  • Free Wi-Fi at stations and convenience stores
  • Rent pocket Wi-Fi at airport
  • SIM cards available for unlocked phones

Budget Planning

Daily Budget Estimates

  • Budget: ¥5,000-8,000 per day
  • Mid-range: ¥10,000-15,000 per day
  • Luxury: ¥20,000+ per day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at convenience stores
  • Use 100 yen shops
  • Take advantage of lunch sets
  • Walk between nearby attractions

Conclusion

Tokyo offers an incredible blend of experiences that cater to all interests and budgets. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, or vibrant pop culture, Japan's capital has something special waiting for you. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

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