Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis and somehow also one of its calmest. Mornings begin with incense drifting over Senso-ji in Asakusa; by evening you are watching the crowds surge across Shibuya Crossing from a rooftop bar.
What to see
Spend your first day between Asakusa and Ueno for old Tokyo — the temple markets, the national museums, the park. Give the second day to the west side: the Meiji Shrine forest, Harajuku’s backstreets, and Shinjuku after dark. Food is the city’s real attraction: from ¥1,000 ramen counters to more Michelin stars than Paris.
When to go
Late March–early April for cherry blossoms, May and October–November for the best weather, February for winter illuminations and the fewest crowds.
Getting around
The rail network is the best on earth. A prepaid Suica card covers nearly everything; taxis are spotless but rarely necessary. Most of our packages begin and end in Tokyo, and all of our optional excursions below depart from central hotels.