Experience All That Tokyo Has to Offer from Culture to Food to Humble Beauty

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Advisor - Priscilla Ngo
Curated By

Priscilla Ngo

  • Honeymoons

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Group Travel

  • Tokyo

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A five-storied pagoda next to a red structure, with people and cherry blossoms under a clear blue sky.
Curator’s statement

As the first place I visited in Japan, Tokyo took me on a whirlwind adventure I’ll never forget. From the hustle and bustle during rush hour to the calm beauty along the Chidorigafuchi Garden, Tokyo is truly a one-of-a-kind city. Every prefecture has a different feel that keeps you endlessly exploring.

The Fora Difference

Book with Priscilla to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Tokyo

Tokyo Marriott Hotel

Experience luxury and sophistication at Tokyo Marriott Hotel, your gateway to the heart of Japan's vibrant capital.

Hilton Tokyo

Overlooking the heart of Shinjuku, this hotel offers unique dining options, rooftop tennis and wellness with a sauna and pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

A luxury hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the city and impeccable service. Combining modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics, it provides guests with a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo

Experience a fusion of tradition and modernity at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo, a luxury hotel in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant shopping and entertainment district.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Best known from 'Lost in Translation,' but a showstopper in its own right thanks to the exceptional restaurants and unmatched skyline views.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Priscilla to book your trip.

Things to do in Tokyo

A person standing by a railing overlooking a park with blooming cherry blossoms and a city skyline in the background.

Getting around & tips for the language barrier

  • Airport transfer: There's a bus counter at the airport; this is probably the best way to get transportation to and from the airport to the vicinity of the hotel. Going by train is a lot longer and difficult with luggage and train transfers, plus it can also be more expensive.

  • Maps: Google Maps works amazingly well. It tells you exactly which train to get on for the fastest transfers.

  • Trains: Trains stop around 11 pm at night and don't re-open until about 5 am. If you’re going out for the night life, I highly recommend staying in a hotel you can walk home to.

  • Uber or Lyft service: Just keep in mind that these are generally more expensive as public transportation is so efficient. They are considered a ‘white glove service’ in Japan.

  • Language: Download a translator app because depending on which area you go to, there may not be a lot of English spoken.

Things to do

  • Imperial Palace: There are only two tours daily — 9 am and 1 pm — into the Imperial Palace with very long lines and an estimated two- to three-hour wait. Tickets are available only at the gate. You can walk around the Imperial Palace gardens instead.

  • Senso-ji: Amazing temple with a lot of street vendors for souvenirs and plenty of food stalls.

  • Tokyo Skytree: The top has a 360° view of Tokyo. Reserve tickets online — you can do it the same day — to avoid long lines.

Day trips

  • Bus to Mt. Fuji area: Most tours will take you to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, the popular temple with Mt. Fuji in the background. Tip: get there early. It gets very crowded. There is a high chance of overcast, and it is a lucky day if you get to see Mt. Fuji.

Places to eat & drink in Tokyo

A serene Japanese garden with a pond, stone bridges and lush greenery reflecting on the water’s surface.

Lunch and dinner

  • Butagumi: Highly recommend for Pork Katsu. If you go to the original location, you will have an amazing hole-in-the-wall experience.

  • Tsukiji Fish Market: Come hungry, a lot of vendors, can be a multi-day visit if you want to come back and try different stalls. Most vendors take cash or coins here.

  • Omoide Yokocho: A lot of cool stalls, restaurants, although tiny — even a group of four people can be hard to fit in. Amazing atmosphere.

  • Ichiran Asakusa: Famously known for its individual ramen stalls. Still amazing ramen.

  • Sushi Panchi: Great intro to an omakase dining experience.

  • Daian: Great introduction to soba noodles if you have never had them.

Dessert

  • I’m donut?: Custard donut is the best donut I’ve ever had. Still dreaming to come back.

Advisor - Priscilla Ngo

Travel Advisor

Priscilla Ngo

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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Tokyo. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Getaway in Tomales Bay.