Tokyo

Why Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of contrasts that somehow all make sense together. One moment you're standing in a 400-year-old shrine surrounded by silence, and the next you're navigating the controlled chaos of Shibuya Crossing. The food alone is reason enough to visit — Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any city on earth, and the best meals often come from tiny counters with no English menu. Add in efficient trains, safe streets, and genuinely kind people, and you have a destination that converts every first-timer into a repeat visitor.

Top Experiences

• Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour — Taste your way through Tokyo's legendary seafood and street food scene with a local guide who knows the best stalls.
• Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Walk — From the serene forest shrine to the wild fashion of Takeshita Street, this walk captures Tokyo's duality in two hours.
• Mt. Fuji Day Trip — Clear days reward you with iconic views from Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo.

Where to Stay

Shinjuku is the best base for first-timers — central location, great transit connections, and endless restaurants. Shibuya suits younger travelers who want nightlife and shopping. For a quieter, more traditional stay, try Asakusa near Senso-ji temple. Budget $100-200/night for mid-range hotels, or $30-50 for excellent capsule hotels and hostels.

Flight Tips

Fly into Narita (NRT) for cheaper fares or Haneda (HND) for convenience — Haneda is only 30 minutes from the city center. Nonstop flights run from NYC, LA, San Francisco, and Chicago. Book 8-10 weeks ahead and target off-peak months (January-March, November) for the best pricing. A Tokyo trip typically runs 20-30% cheaper outside cherry blossom season.