Tokyo

Travel Guide
Tokyo
Futuristic and fascinating, Tokyo is a world city that should be on everyone's travel agenda.

One of the world's largest cities – 30 million people call Tokyo home – is a city of contrasts. Few other places in the world are such a jumble of science-fiction-style skyscrapers bristling with modernity next door to narrow alleys packed with dark, smoky restaurants and ancient temples. Though Tokyo was shaken badly by the March 2011 earthquake, the city sustained remarkably little damage, and now life is fully back to normal.

The first Tokyoites settled here around 10,000 BC and Edo, as it was known, remained a sleepy fishing village for thousands of years. But Edo was to grow to become the world’s largest city. In 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning Eastern Capital, as the country embarked on a massive round of empire building, which eventually led to the calamitous World War II. Half the city was completely destroyed in air raids, and what was left now coexists with a thoroughly modern city.

On arrival, the first thing you should do is head up to the top of a skyscraper to get the lay of the land. From the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Mori Tower and Tokyo Skytree, you can admire the city's iconic landmarks and even see all the way to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo's fascinating street life is one of the city's highlights: head to the city's liveliest district Shinjuku to experience its atmosphere. The Roppongi Hills complex in the heart of the city is another unmissable sight with great nightlife and entertainment options galore.

Although thoroughly modern, Tokyo has not forgotten its past. The Tokyo National Museum has a vast collection with some artifacts dating back 12,000 years. Learn more about Japan's emperors at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which has been home to shoguns and emperors for centuries. Visit the Yasukuni shrine, which commemorates the 2 million citizens who gave their lives for their country during the Meiji Restoration. Traditional Buddhist spirituality dates back thousands of years and can be explored at the Sensoji Temple

Despite its huge population, Tokyo has plenty of open spaces. The world-famous cherry blossoms are in bloom in late March and early April, and Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular destination if you want to admire the blooms.

Tokyo Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Tokyo

APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
3 out of 5
1-11-10 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo, Tokyo, 130-0015
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$106 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$106
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and breakfast. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2023

APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0021
Fully refundable
The price is S$265 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$265
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 14 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Tokyo ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Near the station and around food and stores"

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2023

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
4 out of 5
2-6-5 Haneda International Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 144-0041
The price is S$281 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
S$281
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,529 reviews)
"VERY convenient to Terminal 3 at Haneda Airport!"

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2023

The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
3.5 out of 5
1-28-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 160-0022
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,338 reviews)
Good value
"We had a really nice stay. We caught early check in which was appreciated. Rooms were spotless with good amenities (we had a studio with kitchenette). Handy for local underground or a 20 min walk to main station."

Reviewed on 15 Mar,2023

Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
Minn Kasai
Minn Kasai
3 out of 5
3-32-13 Nakakasai, Edogawa, Tokyo, Tokyo, 134-0083
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities and concierge services. Popular attractions Disneyland® Tokyo ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (43 reviews)
"This little hotel is incredible!! Very clean comfortable beds, nice big shower area. Everything you need in a hotel."

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2023

Minn Kasai
Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
3 out of 5
3-3-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo, 160-0023
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities and a kitchen. Popular attractions Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"The property was a bit tight for our family of four, but it was still very cosy. Hotel staff were very nice and welcoming. The hotel itself was very clean and we loved there was a 7 Eleven just a short walk away. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay :)"

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2023

Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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