Tokyo’s neon-soaked Shinjuku and Shibuya districts – including its famed Shibuya Crossing – are definite must-sees, but this expansive city and its surrounds have so much more to offer the adventurous traveler
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of almost 14 million people, covering a footprint of a little over 2,000km2. Just about everything you can imagine is packed into this space: frantic fish markets, ascetic temple complexes, rowdy nightlife, artisanal cuisine, handcrafted trinkets and baubles, grungy game arcades, quiet nature trails…the list goes on.
When to go:
Japan is one of few countries that truly enjoy four distinct seasons. Winter is cold and snowy, with the crisp, frigid air increasing the visibility of gorgeous vistas. Spring is warm and lush, with the much-hyped sakura bursting into bloom. Summer is sticky and hot, but hosts the majority of Tokyo’s dazzling festivals. Fall is wet and mild, and resplendent with crimson autumn leaves.
How to get around:
Getting around is a breeze thanks to Tokyo’s famously convenient rail system. The Navitime navigation app is a lifesaver for getting from point A to point B, as are the new city bikes that can be picked up and dropped off with a swipe of the (highly recommended) prepaid Suica IC card available for purchase at any train station.
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