City guide
Tokyo Travel Guide: The world’s biggest city rewards the curious
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s largest metropolitan area, home to about 14 million people in the city proper and 37 million in the greater region. It is famous for Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku’s nightlife, Senso-ji temple, and more Michelin stars than Paris and New York combined.
Tokyo at a glance
| Timezone | JST (UTC+9) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Population | 14 million (city), 37 million (metro) |
| Coordinates | 35.6762, 139.6503 |
Why visit Tokyo
Tokyo is less a single city than a constellation of distinct urban villages, each with its own personality — Shibuya’s scramble, Shinjuku’s neon, Asakusa’s old-town temples. It consistently ranks among the world’s safest, cleanest and best-fed cities, and its rail network puts everything within 30 minutes.
When to visit Tokyo
Tokyo is a year-round city, but two windows stand out: late March to mid-April for cherry blossoms, and mid-November to early December for autumn colour. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but crisp with the clearest Fuji views.
Cherry-blossom weeks and mid-November see hotel prices rise 40–60%; book 3–6 months out for these windows. Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Tokyo.
Destinations in Tokyo
Tokyo travel questions
What is the best month to visit Tokyo?
April is the best month to visit Tokyo, when cherry blossoms peak and temperatures sit at a mild 13–19°C. November is a close second with vivid autumn foliage and comfortable 10–17°C days. Both are peak season, so book hotels three to six months ahead.
When is Tokyo least crowded?
Tokyo is least crowded in January, February and June. Mid-January to February offers the cheapest flights and hotels plus clear winter skies, while June’s rainy season deters tourists despite manageable showers. Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May) and New Year.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.