Here’s why Tokyo belongs at the top of your 2026 bucket list 🇯🇵

Tokyo is the world’s most extraordinary city — a place where 1,300-year-old temples stand beside neon skyscrapers, Michelin-starred ramen costs S$12, and every neighbourhood feels like a different universe. Whether it’s your first visit or fifth, Tokyo never runs out of things to discover.

This 2026 guide covers the 35 best things to do in Tokyo — covering landmarks, food, nightlife, anime, shopping, and seasonal events.

🇯🇵 Before you fly: Remember to lock in the best JPY rates with YouTrip to save more on your much needed getaway!

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⚡️ TL;DR: Tokyo At A Glance

Topic	Quick Answer
Best time to visit	Mar–Apr (cherry blossoms) or Oct–Nov (autumn foliage)
Tokyo time zone	JST (UTC+9) — always 1 hour ahead of Singapore
Tokyo weather	Hot summers (30°C+), mild spring & autumn, cool dry winters
Is English spoken?	Yes, in high tourist areas; Google Translate covers the rest
Budget for 1 week	~S$3,500–S$5,000 per person including flights, hotels & food
Tokyo vs Kyoto	Tokyo for buzz & modern culture; Kyoto for temples & tradition
Top landmark	Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple
Best food district	Shinjuku, Tsukiji, Ginza, Shibuya, Asakusa
Getting around	IC card (Suica/Pasmo) on the metro — simple and fast
Best currency card	YouTrip — zero FX fees, best live JPY rates, use code <YTBLOG5>

📚 Table of Contents

1. Tokyo Essentials: Time, Weather & Flights
2. What Is Tokyo Famous For?
3. Top 10 Things To Do In Tokyo, Japan
4. Top Tokyo Landmarks & Attractions
5. Immersive & Unique Experiences In Tokyo
6. Tokyo Anime & Pop Culture
7. Tokyo Food Guide — Best Restaurants & Markets
8. Things To Do In Tokyo By Season
9. Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
10. Things To Do Near Tokyo Station
11. Things To Do In Tokyo Shinjuku
12. Things To Do In Tokyo With Kids
13. Tokyo Shopping Districts
14. Unique Things To Do In Tokyo
15. Is S$5,000 Enough For A Week In Tokyo?
16. Tokyo vs Kyoto: Where Should You Stay Longer?
17. Tips for Singaporeans
18. FAQs

Tokyo Essentials: Time, Weather & Flights

Planning a trip to Tokyo? Here’s what you need to know before mapping out the top things to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo Time Zone

Tokyo time: Japan Standard Time (JST) = UTC+9. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset from Singapore (SGT, UTC+8) is always exactly +1 hour. When it’s 12:00 noon in Singapore, it’s 1:00 PM in Tokyo.

Tokyo Weather — Month-By-Month

Tokyo experiences four distinct seasons. The best visiting windows are spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November). Here’s the complete monthly breakdown:

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	10°C	2°C	Cold & dry, fewer tourists — great for budget travel
February	11°C	3°C	Plum blossoms, Setsubun festival — underrated month to visit
March	15°C	6°C	Cherry blossoms begin late March — book everything early
April	20°C	11°C	Peak sakura season — the most popular time to visit
May	24°C	15°C	Warm & pleasant, ideal for sightseeing — Golden Week busy
June	27°C	19°C	Rainy season begins; bring an umbrella
July	31°C	23°C	Hot & humid; summer fireworks festivals
August	32°C	24°C	Very hot; Obon festival (mid-August)
September	28°C	20°C	Typhoon season; still warm
October	22°C	14°C	Ideal weather, early autumn foliage
November	17°C	9°C	Stunning foliage peak, comfortable temperatures
December	12°C	5°C	Christmas illuminations, year-end sales, fewer tourists

Key insight: February is one of Tokyo’s most underrated travel months — fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, plum blossom festivals, and clear skies. December is excellent for illuminations and shopping. Avoid June–August for the heat and humidity unless you’re attending a summer festival.

Tokyo Flights From Singapore

Direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Tokyo take approximately 7–7.5 hours. Tokyo is served by two main airports:

• Narita International Airport (NRT): ~60–90 minutes to central Tokyo via Narita Express (NEX) or Keisei Skyliner. Generally cheaper flights.
  
• Haneda Airport (HND): ~30–45 minutes to the city centre via Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line. Ideal for first-time visitors — much more convenient.

Airlines flying direct SIN–TYO: Singapore Airlines (to Narita & Haneda), Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia. Return prices typically range from S$400–S$900 depending on the season. Book 3–6 months in advance for cherry blossom season (March–April) — it sells out fast.

📖 Related Guide:

What Is Tokyo Famous For?

Tokyo is famous for being a city of remarkable contrasts — ancient tradition seamlessly coexisting with cutting-edge modernity. Here’s what defines it:

• World-class food at every price point: More Michelin stars than any city in the world, yet the city’s best bowls of ramen cost S$8–S$12. Tokyo has mastered the art of accessible excellence.
  
• Anime, manga, and gaming culture: The undisputed global capital of Japanese pop culture — from Akihabara’s electric streets to the Ghibli Museum and Pokémon Centres.
  
• Fashion extremes: Harajuku leads global street fashion; Ginza and Omotesando rival Paris for luxury. Daikanyama and Shimokitazawa offer indie cool.
  
• Technological wonder: teamLab Borderless, vending machines selling everything imaginable, robot experiences, and the world’s most efficient public transit system.
  
• Historic temples and shrines: Senso-ji in Asakusa dates to 628 AD; Meiji Jingu’s forested grounds provide a remarkable pocket of tranquillity in the world’s largest city.
  
• Safety and cleanliness: Tokyo is consistently rated one of the world’s safest major cities — comfortable for solo travellers, women, and families.
  
• Seasonal spectacles: Cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, blazing foliage in autumn, and Christmas illuminations in winter — Tokyo is beautiful in every season.

Top 10 Things To Do In Tokyo, Japan

Short on time or planning a quick trip? These are the non-negotiable Tokyo experiences — the ones that define the city and belong on every itinerary:

Attraction	Category	Highlights
Shibuya Crossing	Landmark / Icon	World’s busiest scramble crossing — best at night under the neon lights
Tokyo Skytree	Views / Landmark	Japan’s tallest structure (634m); views to Mt. Fuji on clear days
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa	Culture / History	Tokyo’s oldest temple (628 AD); iconic Kaminarimon Gate — go early morning
Tokyo Disneyland	Theme Park	Consistently rated one of the world’s best Disney parks; book tickets in advance
teamLab Borderless (Azabudai)	Digital Art	Immersive digital art that reacts to movement; sells out — book online ahead
Meiji Jingu Shrine	Shrine / Nature	70 hectares of forest in Harajuku; free entry; peaceful rituals and giant torii gates
Tsukiji Outer Market	Food / Market	Fresh sushi, tamagoyaki, grilled seafood — go early, most stalls close by 2 PM
Ghibli Museum	Art / Anime	Studio Ghibli art and exclusive short films; tickets sell out months in advance
Shinjuku (Gyoen + Kabukicho)	Nature + Nightlife	Best cherry blossom park by day; Tokyo’s wildest nightlife district after dark
Harajuku + Omotesando	Fashion / Shopping	Takeshita-dori for street fashion; Omotesando for luxury flagships (Prada, LV, Dior)

Read on for full details — addresses, opening hours, prices, and insider tips — on all 35 attractions below.

🗼 Top Tokyo Landmarks & Attractions:

1. Shibuya Crossing

Image credits: Japan Travel

The most famous pedestrian scramble in the world — when the lights change at Shibuya Crossing, thousands of people cross simultaneously from every direction, creating an organised, exhilarating chaos that has to be seen to be believed. Featured in Lost in Translation, Tokyo Drift, and countless films, it’s an unmissable Tokyo icon both day and night.

Beyond the crossing itself, Shibuya overflows with department stores, boutiques, izakayas, and some of Tokyo’s best nightlife. Don’t miss the Hachiko statue — the legendary loyal dog — just outside the station’s main exit.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line / multiple Metro lines)
• 💡 Best Time: Night for neon drama; early morning for clean photos without crowds

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2. Tokyo Skytree

Image credits: Japan Cheapo

Japan’s tallest structure at 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree offers the most spectacular 360° views across the city and, on clear days, all the way to Mt. Fuji. The Tembo Deck at 350m and Tembo Galleria at 450m each offer progressively more breathtaking views — and the glass-bottom skywalk at the Galleria is a thrill for even confident heights-goers.

The base is home to Tokyo Solamachi — a massive shopping and dining complex with 300+ stores. Book tickets in advance online to skip the queues; sunset timing offers the best combination of views.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM daily
• 💴 Admission: From 2,100 JPY (~S$18) — book via Klook; use YouTrip for up to 5% cashback

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3.  Tokyo Tower

Image credits: byFood

A beloved city icon since 1958, Tokyo Tower is inspired by the Eiffel Tower but painted in striking white and international orange. Two observation decks offer sweeping city views — Main Deck at 150m and Top Deck at 250m. The tower’s nightly illuminations are spectacular, and the surrounding Shiba Koen area has great restaurants and a peaceful park.

• 📍 Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Akabanebashi (Toei Oedo Line) or Kamiyacho (Hibiya Line)
• 💴 Admission: From 1,200 JPY (~S$10.50)

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4. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Image credits: History Hit

Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 628 AD, is the city’s most visited cultural site — and rightly so. Enter through the dramatic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its enormous red lantern, stroll the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street, and take in the magnificent five-storey pagoda and main hall. The surrounding Asakusa neighbourhood is a living museum of old Tokyo.

Nearby highlights: kimono rental, rickshaw rides, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre (free views from 8F), and Tokyo Skytree just 10 minutes on foot.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Asakusa Station (Ginza Line / Tobu Skytree Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: Grounds 24 hrs; Main Hall 6 AM – 5 PM (6:30 AM Oct–Mar)
• 💴 Admission: Free

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5. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Image credits: Loving Tokyo

A serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within 70 hectares of forested parkland in Harajuku. The walk through towering cedar trees and giant torii gates feels like leaving the city entirely. Participate in traditional rituals — writing ema (wish boards), drawing omikuji fortune slips, or watching a morning blessing ceremony.

• 📍 Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) — South Exit
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 5 AM – 6:30 PM (varies by season)
• 💴 Admission: Free

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6. Tokyo Imperial Palace

Image credits: KCP International

The principal residence of Japan’s Emperor occupies 3.41 km² of immaculate grounds in the heart of Tokyo. The East Gardens are free to enter and offer a gorgeous walk through ancient stone walls, seasonal flowers, and the old keep ruins. Free guided tours of the inner palace grounds run twice daily — advance booking through the Imperial Household Agency is required.

• 📍 Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Tokyo Station or Nijubashimae Station
• 🕐 Tours: 10 AM and 1:30 PM daily (advance booking required)
• 💴 Admission: Free

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7. Tokyo National Museum

Image credits: Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest and largest museum, set in leafy Ueno Park, houses over 110,000 artefacts spanning 14 centuries — samurai armour, katanas, Buddhist sculpture, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, elaborate kimonos, and ancient ceramics. The Honkan (Japanese Gallery) alone warrants a 2-hour visit; budget 3+ hours for a thorough exploration.

• 📍 Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote / Keihin-Tohoku Lines)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM daily; until 7 PM Fri & Sat
• 💴 Admission: From 1,000 JPY (~S$8.75)

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8. Tokyo Dome & Tokyo Dome City

Image credits: Girleatworld

Much more than a baseball stadium — Tokyo Dome City is a self-contained entertainment complex with Yomiuri Giants games, LaQua spa, a full amusement park with world-class roller coasters, concert venues, hotels, and dozens of restaurants. The amusement park area (Tokyo Dome City Attractions) has no entry fee — you pay per ride, making it great for families.

• 📍 Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo-Sobu) or Korakuen (Metro Marunouchi/Namboku)

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9. Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo

Image credits: Fun Japan

The world’s largest Pokémon Centre, located inside Sunshine City mall in Ikebukuro. Shop for exclusive merchandise unavailable anywhere else globally, attend special events and limited releases, and take photos with life-sized Pikachu and friends. Check the official Pokémon Centre website for upcoming event dates before your trip.

• 📍 Address: Sunshine City Alpa 2F, 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote / Metro Marunouchi Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM daily

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10. Hie Shrine Tokyo

Image credits: Gaijinpot Travel

A beautifully atmospheric Shinto shrine tucked between the office towers of Nagatacho, Hie Shrine is famous for its dramatic rows of red torii gates climbing the hillside — a stunning sight year-round and magical during cherry blossom season. Far less touristy than Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari but equally photogenic.

• 📍 Address: 2 Chome-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Akasaka (Chiyoda Line) or Tameike-Sanno (Ginza/Namboku Lines)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM daily
• 💴 Admission: Free

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🌟 Immersive & Unique Experiences In Tokyo:

11. Tokyo Disneyland

Image credits: 東京ディズニーリゾート

Consistently voted one of the best Disney parks in the world — and it earns that reputation. Tokyo Disneyland’s unmatched attention to detail, impeccable staff hospitality, and Japan-exclusive attractions set it apart from every other Disney resort globally. Explore Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, and Toontown across a full, magical day.

Tip: Arrive at opening (8 AM) to experience major rides before queues peak. Book tickets online in advance — they routinely sell out, especially during school holidays and cherry blossom season.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line — ~30 min from Tokyo Station)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily
• 💴 Admission: From S$88 — book via Klook; pay with YouTrip for cashback

📖 Rather visit DisneySea? Check out this Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Rides, Tickets, Tips & What’s New

12.  teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)

Image credits: teamLab

One of the most photographed art experiences anywhere in the world — teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills is a boundary-dissolving digital art museum where immersive installations flow between rooms and respond dynamically to your presence. Expect glowing light forests, cascading digital waterfalls, flower rooms that bloom and wither, and worlds unlike anything you’ve experienced.

🎟️ Critical: Tickets sell out weeks in advance. Always book online before travel — do not assume walk-up tickets will be available.

• 📍 Address: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1, 1-2-4 Azabudai, Minato-ku
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (check website for specific closure dates)
• 💴 Admission: From 4,000 JPY (~S$35)

📖 Heading to Osaka? Read: Shinkansen Tokyo To Osaka Guide: Fares, Trains, Tickets, Alternatives

13.  Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo

Image credits: TimeOut

The first Wizarding World studio experience in Asia opened in Tokyo in 2023 and remains one of the most sought-after tickets in the country. Walk authentic film sets, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest. Handle original props, see real costumes, and discover behind-the-scenes movie magic across 12,000+ square metres of immersive space.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Toshimaen Station (Toei Oedo Line) — bus shuttle available
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM (time slot booking required)
• 💴 Admission: From 6,500 JPY (~S$56.80) — pre-booking mandatory via official website

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14.  Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Image credits: Super Cute Kawaii!!

A dreamy, enchanting museum dedicated entirely to Studio Ghibli — the animation studio behind Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more. Wander through rooms filled with original concept art and animation cells, find the life-sized Cat Bus, visit the rooftop robot warrior from Laputa, and watch an exclusive short film screened nowhere else in the world.

🎟️ Critical: Tickets are issued in limited batches monthly and sell out almost instantly. Book months ahead via the official Ghibli Museum ticketing system.

• 📍 Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line) — free shuttle bus available
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily (closed Tuesdays)
• 💴 Admission: 100–1,000 JPY (~S$0.89–S$8.90) — online booking required

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15.  Art Aquarium Museum Ginza

Image credits:  Art Aquarium Museum Ginza

Not a conventional aquarium in any sense, the Art Aquarium Museum transforms thousands of goldfish tanks into psychedelic, large-scale art installations using dramatic colour, light, and hand-blown glass vessels. It merges Edo-period aesthetics (goldfish were a prestige art form in old Japan) with avant-garde modern design. The effect is surreal and genuinely beautiful.

• 📍 Address: Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 9F, 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ginza Station
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM daily
• 💴 Admission: 2,500 JPY (~S$22.54)

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16. Sumo Morning Practice, Ryogoku

Image credits: Asian Wanderlust

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, with roots going back over 1,500 years — and watching a real morning practice session at a Ryogoku sumo stable (beya) is one of the most culturally authentic experiences Tokyo offers. With a small-group guided tour, you sit ringside metres from the wrestlers as they drill with extraordinary intensity in the early morning hours.

• 📍 Location: Ryogoku, Sumida City (exact stable confirmed 3 days before visit)
• 🕐 Meet Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
• 💴 Price: From S$180 — book via Klook; use YouTrip for cashback

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17. Cherry Blossom Season (Hanami)

Image credits: Rove

There are few more magical travel experiences anywhere in the world than witnessing Tokyo’s cherry blossom season. Every spring — typically late March to mid-April depending on weather — the city’s parks, riverbanks, and streets transform into pink canopies of sakura. The Japanese tradition of hanami (blossom viewing) means picnicking under the trees with food, drinks, and good company.

• Best spots in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Meguro River, Inokashira Park, Chidorigafuchi Moat (boat rental available), and Sumida Park
  
• Night hanami: Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi hosts a spectacular illuminated blossom experience after dark — highly recommended

• Booking tip: Hotels, flights, and Ghibli Museum tickets for cherry blossom season sell out 3–6 months ahead. Plan and book early

📖 Read – Cherry Blossom Season Japan: Sakura Forecast

🎌 Tokyo Anime & Pop Culture:

Tokyo is the spiritual home of anime, manga, and gaming culture — no city comes close. Here’s where every anime fan needs to go:

Destination	Area	Why Anime Fans Love It
Akihabara Electric Town	Akihabara	Multi-storey manga, figures, arcades, maid cafes
Ghibli Museum	Mitaka	Studio Ghibli art, exclusive short films — book months ahead
Habikoro Toys, Radio Kaikan	Akihabara	Choose your gachapon figure — no random draws
Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo	Ikebukuro (Sunshine City)	Exclusive Pokémon merchandise and limited events
Nakano Broadway	Nakano	Rare vintage figures and collectables — less touristy
Animate (Ikebukuro flagship)	Ikebukuro	8-storey anime merchandise megastore

Akihabara is the centrepiece of Tokyo’s anime world — a dizzying, neon-lit district of multi-storey electronics shops, game centres, manga stores, maid cafes, and figurine retailers. Entire buildings are dedicated to a single franchise. Even if you’re not an anime fan, the sensory overload is an unforgettable Tokyo experience in itself.

🍣 Tokyo Food Guide — Best Restaurants & Markets:

18. Tsukiji Fish Market

Image credits: Exodus Travels

Though the inner wholesale tuna auctions relocated to Toyosu in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains one of Tokyo’s greatest and most accessible food experiences. Hundreds of stalls and small restaurants serve ultra-fresh sushi, grilled scallops, tamagoyaki (rolled egg omelette), pickled vegetables, mochi, and dashi stocks. Go hungry and plan for at least 90 minutes of eating your way through the stalls.

• 📍 Nearest Station: Tsukiji Shijo Station (Toei Oedo Line) or Tsukiji (Hibiya Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: Generally 5 AM – 2 PM; most stalls closed Sundays and Wednesdays

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19.  Gonpachi Tokyo — The ‘Kill Bill Restaurant’

Image credits: The City Lane

The izakaya that reportedly inspired Quentin Tarantino’s iconic Crazy 88 fight scene in Kill Bill Vol. 1 remains one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric dining experiences. Gonpachi’s soaring, multi-storey Edo-period interior is spectacular, and the food more than lives up to the setting — grilled yakitori, fresh sashimi, crispy tempura, and excellent cold sake. Arrive before 7 PM to avoid queues.

• 📍 Address: 1 Chome-13-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line)

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20. Torikatsu Chicken, Shibuya

Image credits: Time Out

Hidden up a narrow back-alley staircase in Shibuya, Torikatsu Chicken is a beloved local institution serving perfectly executed tonkatsu and chicken katsu cutlets at remarkably fair prices. No-frills interior, rapid service, English menu, and flavour that punches well above its weight. A classic hidden gem that tourists, lucky enough to find it, always recommend.

• 📍 Address: Dogenzaka, Shibuya 2 Chome-16-19 (2F)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM daily (closed Sundays)
• 💴 Price: 800–1,500 JPY (~S$7–S$13)

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21. Gonokami Seisakusho — Tsukemen, Shinjuku

Image credits: Time Out

An award-winning tsukemen (dipping ramen) restaurant near Shinjuku Gyoen that dedicated noodle lovers shouldn’t miss. The signature dish features thick, perfectly chewy house-made noodles served alongside a deeply rich lobster-based dipping broth — a creamy, umami-saturated seafood elixir unlike any standard ramen broth. Queues form 15 minutes before opening; absolutely worth the wait.

• 📍 Address: Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo — near Shinjuku Gyoen (JR Sendagaya exit)
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (Toei Shinjuku Line / Metro)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM daily
• 💴 Price: From 880 JPY (~S$7.86)

📖 Planning the best time to visit Japan? Read – Best Time To Visit Japan: Your Month-By-Month Guide

22. Ginza Lion Beer Hall

Image credits: Travelling Therese

Japan’s oldest beer hall, in continuous operation since 1899, is a genuine piece of living history in the heart of Ginza. The soaring Art Deco interior — mosaic-tiled walls, vaulted ceilings, wood-panelled booths — is as impressive as any museum. German-style draft beers flow alongside a menu of sausages, schnitzel, chicken karaage, and Japanese pub food. The perfect post-shopping unwind.

• 📍 Address: Ginza Lion Building, 7 Chome-9-20 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ginza Station
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10 PM (Mon–Thu & Sun); until 10:30 PM (Fri & Sat)
• 💴 Price: From 570 JPY (~S$5.09)

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23. Melon Pan at Kagetsudo, Asakusa

Image credits: Rexby

Kagetsudo has been baking Tokyo’s most famous melon pan (a distinctively Japanese sweet bun with a crispy sugar crust) for decades. Their jumbo version, several times larger than the standard, is crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside, and lightly scented with vanilla. The matcha ice cream melon pan sandwich is a must-order. Located 2 minutes’ walk from Senso-ji Temple — the perfect post-temple treat.

• 📍 Address: 2 Chome-7-13 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri); 9 AM – 5 PM (weekends)
• 💴 Price: Plain 250 JPY (~S$2.23); matcha ice cream version 600 JPY (~S$5.36)

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24. Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Nakameguro

Image credits: Starbucks Reserve

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Starbucks locations in the world, the Tokyo Reserve Roastery occupies four stunning floors along the Meguro River canal in the trendy Nakameguro neighbourhood. Watch beans roasted on-site through copper pipes, order from a cocktail bar, an Italian pastry counter, or a full tea lounge. During cherry blossom season, the riverside terrace is extraordinary.

• 🚇 Nearest Station: Nakameguro Station (Hibiya Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM daily

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25. Ginza Sand  — Late-Night Premium Sandos

Image credits: Ellen Su on X

Tokyo’s most beloved premium sando (Japanese sandwich) specialist, and one of the very few Tokyo restaurants open until 4 AM on weekdays. Ginza Sand serves perfectly made sandwiches — A5 wagyu beef, creamy egg salad, katsu, and seasonal fruit — on cloud-soft shokupan (Japanese milk bread). The wagyu sando is a revelation. Perfect for late nights after shows, clubs, or jazz bars.

• 📍 Address: Ginza 7 Chome-6-4, Chuo City, Tokyo (1F)
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ginza Station
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 5 PM – 4 AM (Mon–Fri); 11:30 AM – 11 PM (Sat); closed Sundays
• 💴 Price: From 600 JPY (~S$5.36)

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🌸 Things To Do In Tokyo By Season:

Tokyo’s calendar is packed with seasonal events and experiences. Here’s a month-by-month guide:

Month	Event / Activity	Location
February	Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony (3 Feb)	Senso-ji Temple, Zojoji Temple
February	Plum blossom (ume) viewing	Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
March–April	Cherry blossom (hanami) season — peak	Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River
July	Sumida River Fireworks Festival	Sumida River, Asakusa area
August	Obon / Awa Odori dance festival	Koenji, Shibuya neighbourhoods
October–November	Autumn foliage (koyo)	Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, Hamarikyu
December	Christmas illumination festivals	Tokyo Midtown, Marunouchi, Omotesando

🌙 Things To Do In Tokyo At Night:

Tokyo at night is a completely different city — if anything, even more exhilarating than by day. Here’s the definitive guide to after-dark Tokyo:

Venue / Activity	Neighbourhood	Vibe
Shibuya Crossing illuminated	Shibuya	Iconic, electric, unmissable
The Church Nightclub	Shibuya (Dogenzaka)	Gothic glamour, clubbing till 5 AM
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)	Shinjuku	Smoky yakitori izakayas, local feel
Shinjuku Pit Inn	East Shinjuku	World-class jazz, intimate venue
Blue Note Tokyo	Aoyama	International jazz acts, sophisticated
Tokyo Tower illuminations	Minato	Romantic cityscape, great photos
Ginza Sand sando bar	Ginza	Late-night premium sandwiches until 4 AM
Ginza Lion Beer Hall	Ginza	Japan’s oldest beer hall, great atmosphere

26. The Church Nightclub, Shibuya

Image credits: Unbordered Life

One of Tokyo’s most distinctive and talked-about nightlife venues — The Church occupies a Dogenzaka space designed like a gothic church, complete with soaring vaulted ceilings, elaborate stained-glass windows, atmospheric candlelit ambience, and resident DJs who keep the dance floor moving until 5 AM. A genuine Tokyo nightlife experience for those who want something beyond the ordinary.

• 📍 Address: Dogenzaka, Shibuya 2 Chome-16-5 (Central Kyoritsu Building, 1F)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 8 PM – 5 AM daily
• 💴 Price: Drinks from 700 JPY (~S$6.26)

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27. Tokyo Jazz Club Scene

Image credits: Tokyo Weekender

Tokyo has one of the world’s finest jazz scenes outside New York — a network of intimate clubs with extraordinary acoustics, devoted audiences, and consistently excellent musicians. The two essential venues are Shinjuku Pit Inn (the adventurous, avant-garde choice, running since 1965) and Blue Note Tokyo in Aoyama (international headliners in a sophisticated setting). Reservations are strongly recommended for top shows.

• 📍 Shinjuku Pit Inn: 2-12-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City — Accord Building
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station (Metro)
• 🕐 Sessions: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (afternoon) and 7 PM – 10 PM (evening) daily
• 💴 Cover Charge: 3,850 JPY including 1 drink (~S$34.41)

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🚉 Things To Do Near Tokyo Station:

Tokyo Station itself is a destination — the 1914 red-brick Marunouchi building is a National Important Cultural Property and one of Tokyo’s great architectural landmarks. Here’s everything to do in and around the station area:

Activity	Location	Notes
Tokyo Station Gallery	Marunouchi Wing (inside station)	Rotating art exhibitions
Gransta Tokyo food hall	Inside station concourse	100+ bento & food vendors
Tokyo Station Character Street	First Avenue B1 (inside station)	Anime & character merchandise
Tokyo Station Ramen Street	First Avenue B1 (inside station)	8 famous ramen shops in one corridor
Historic red-brick facade photo	Marunouchi exit	1914 landmark — beautiful at night
Imperial Palace East Gardens	5-min walk from station	Free, open most days 9 AM–4:30 PM

Don’t miss: The Marunouchi building’s elegant red-brick exterior is best photographed at twilight, when the warm illumination against the darkening sky creates a truly stunning image. The Imperial Palace East Gardens, a 5-minute walk away, are free to enter and are among Tokyo’s most beautiful public spaces.

🏙️ Things To Do In Tokyo Shinjuku:

Shinjuku is Tokyo’s most multidimensional neighbourhood — simultaneously a global business hub, late-night entertainment capital, nature retreat, foodie haven, and underground shopping city. Here’s your complete guide:

Activity	Area	Best Time
Tokyo Metropolitan Govt Building (free observation)	Nishi-Shinjuku	Evening for city lights (free)
Shinjuku Gyoen gardens	Central Shinjuku	Daytime; spring for cherry blossoms
Omoide Yokocho izakaya alley	East Shinjuku	Night — atmosphere peaks after 8 PM
Kabukicho entertainment district	East Shinjuku	Night — neon overload
Ikeda-ya matcha shop	Nishi-Shinjuku underground	Morning (sells out by afternoon)
Gonokami Seisakusho tsukemen	Near Shinjuku Gyoen	Lunch — queue before opening
Shinjuku Pit Inn jazz bar	East Shinjuku	Evening — 7 PM show recommended

• Shinjuku Gyoen is especially worth highlighting — this magnificent 58-hectare park blends French formal, English landscape, and Japanese garden designs into one extraordinary green space. One of Tokyo’s finest cherry blossom viewing spots in spring; admission is just 500 JPY (~S$4.40). The adjacent Greenhouse is a tropical oasis open year-round.
  
• Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): One of Tokyo’s most atmospheric eating experiences — a narrow alley of tiny, smoky yakitori stalls tucked behind Shinjuku Station’s west exit. Incredibly low prices, tremendous atmosphere, and utterly locals-friendly. Go after 8 PM for peak atmosphere.

👨‍👩‍👧 Things To Do In Tokyo With Kids:

Tokyo is one of the world’s best family travel destinations — safe, extraordinarily clean, stroller-accessible (nearly all metro stations have lifts), and packed with child-friendly experiences across every age group and interest. Here are the top things to do in Tokyo with kids:

Activity	Key Tip
Tokyo Disneyland	Book online; arrive at 8 AM to beat queues
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka	Tickets sell out months ahead — book immediately on release
Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo	Exclusive merch; check website for special release dates
Harry Potter Studio Tour	Pre-book time slot on official website — mandatory
Tokyo Skytree (glass skywalk)	Under-12s pay reduced rate; thrilling for older kids
Ueno Zoo (inside Ueno Park)	Home to giant pandas; free for under-12s (Tokyo residents)
teamLab Borderless	Interactive digital art kids adore — wear easy shoes
Tokyo Dome City amusements	No park entry fee; pay per ride — great for families

Practical family tips:

• The Tokyo metro is easy to navigate with children — IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on all lines and are accepted at convenience stores and vending machines.
• Children under 6 travel free on all public transport.
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) on virtually every corner stock baby food, diapers, formula, and medicines.
• Most major attractions have baby changing facilities and stroller access.

🛍️ Tokyo Shopping Districts:

28. Harajuku & Omotesando

Image credits: Rakuten Travel

Harajuku is the global epicentre of Japanese street fashion — Takeshita-dori is a narrow, neon-lit street jammed with fast fashion boutiques, vintage stores, themed cafes, and crepe stands beloved by Tokyo’s youth. Minutes away, the wide tree-lined Omotesando boulevard is Tokyo’s equivalent of Paris’s Champs-Élysées — home to flagship stores from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Comme des Garçons, and leading Japanese designers in elegant low-rise buildings.

• 🚇 Nearest Station: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Omotesando Station (Metro)

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29. Daikanyama District

Image credits: Time Out

The ‘Brooklyn of Tokyo’ — a relaxed, sophisticated neighbourhood with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and excellent cafes. The T-Site complex (Daikanyama T-Site) is a design landmark: a stunning magazine and lifestyle bookstore that’s become as much an attraction as the neighbourhood itself. Nearby Nakameguro canal is a must-walk in any season.

• 🚇 Nearest Station: Daikanyama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)

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30. GINZA SIX

Image credits: Conde Nast Traveler

Tokyo’s most prestigious luxury retail destination — a sleek, architecturally stunning Ginza mall housing global flagships (Dior, Fendi, Valentino, Cartier, Bottega Veneta), rotating art installations commissioned from major international artists, a tranquil rooftop garden with city views, and a world-class basement food hall with exceptional Japanese and international options. Worth visiting even for window shopping alone.

• 📍 Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Ginza Station (Ginza / Hibiya / Marunouchi Lines)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily

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31. Matsumoto Kiyoshi — Skincare & Beauty

Image credits: tsunagu Japan

Japan’s most recognisable pharmacy chain is a pilgrimage destination for beauty enthusiasts. Find cult Japanese skincare products at significantly lower prices than in Singapore — including SPF sunscreens, fermented essence toners, collagen supplements, and sheet masks in flavours never exported abroad.

Affordable cosmetics from Canmake, Clio, and Ettusais sit alongside premium counters from Shiseido and SK-II. Most stores offer tax-free shopping on purchases over 5,000 JPY with your passport.

• 📍 Locations: Multiple stores citywide — Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and more
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM (varies by store)

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32. Habikoro Toys, Radio Kaikan, Akihabara

Image credits: Adayofzen

The collector’s ultimate gachapon destination — Habikoro Toys in Akihabara’s Radio Kaikan building lets you choose exactly which capsule toy figure you want from their extensive selection. No random draws, no duplicates, no disappointment. An essential stop for anime figure collectors and anyone looking for genuinely unique, only-in-Japan souvenirs.

• 📍 Address: Sotokanda, Chiyoda City — Akihabara Radio Kaikan 2F
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote / Sobu Lines)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM daily

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31. Ikeda-ya Matcha Store, Shinjuku

Image credits: Mindtrip

The viral TikTok matcha shop that real Tokyo locals have been visiting for years. Located inside the Shinjuku underground station complex near the Odakyu department store, Ikeda-ya specialises in premium ceremonial-grade matcha, matcha-flavoured sweets, and traditional tea accessories at surprisingly accessible price points. A perfect stop for matcha lovers and souvenir hunters — note that popular items sell out before afternoon, so visit early.

• 📍 Address: Nishishinjuku 1 Chome-1, Shinjuku City (Odakyu Ace building)
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Shinjuku Station (multiple lines)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM daily
• 💴 Price: From 280 JPY (~S$2.50)

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34. Kiyosumi Shirakawa District

Image credits: How to Japan

Tokyo’s most rewarding neighbourhood for curious travellers who want to escape tourist circuits. Kiyosumi Shirakawa was formerly a warehouse and industrial district along the Koto waterways; today it’s an effortlessly cool hub of third-wave coffee (Blue Bottle Japan opened its first-ever Japan location here in 2015), contemporary galleries, and the excellent Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT).

The adjacent Kiyosumi Garden — a traditional Meiji-era stroll garden with a central pond, stepping stone paths, and prized stones collected from across Japan — is gorgeous and rarely overcrowded.

• 🚇 Nearest Station: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Metro Hanzomon Line / Toei Oedo Line)

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35. APFR Japanese Fragrance, Shimokitazawa

Image credits: APFR

For the most distinctive and personal Tokyo souvenir possible, visit APFR (Apotheke Fragrance) in the indie-cool neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa. This minimalist artisan perfumery creates small-batch scents inspired entirely by Japanese nature — hinoki cypress forest, morning matcha, amber rain on stone, aged woods. The gallery-like store experience — serene, sensory, and unlike any other shopping experience — is itself worth the trip.

• 📍 Address: Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo
• 🚇 Nearest Station: Shimo-Kitazawa Station (Odakyu Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
• 🕐 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM (check for irregular closures)
• 💴 Price: From 500 JPY (~S$4.47)

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Is S$5,000 Enough For A Week In Tokyo?

Short answer: Yes — comfortably.

For a 7-day trip to Tokyo, S$5,000 per person covers mid-range hotels, good food, major attractions, transport, and shopping — without cutting corners on the best things to do in Tokyo.

Estimated Weekly Budget (Per Person)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Return flights (SIN–TYO)	S$400–S$900	Book 3–6 months ahead
Accommodation (7 nights)	S$700–S$1,400	Mid-range hotels in central areas
Food & drinks	S$350–S$700	~S$50–S$100/day
Transport	S$70–S$120	Metro + IC card
Paid attractions	S$150–S$300	e.g. Tokyo Disneyland, teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Skytree
Shopping	S$200–S$500+	Flexible
TOTAL ESTIMATE	S$1,570–S$3,320+	S$5,000 is a comfortable all-in budget with breathing room

A budget of S$2,500–S$3,500 is realistic if you:

• Stay in capsule or budget hotels
• Eat at ramen bars and convenience stores
• Focus on free attractions like Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, and observation decks

💡 Currency tip: Use YouTrip for the best SGD-to-JPY exchange rates with zero foreign transaction fees. Avoid airport money changers (rates are typically 3–5% worse) and hotel desks. Top up your YouTrip card and lock in favourable rates before departure via the app.

Tokyo vs Kyoto: Where Should You Stay Longer?

	Tokyo	Kyoto
Overall vibe	Electric, modern, overwhelming (in the best way)	Calm, contemplative, deeply traditional
Best for	Food, nightlife, pop culture, technology, shopping	Temples, traditional arts, geisha districts, tea ceremony
Recommended stay	5–7 nights minimum to do it justice	2–3 nights covers all key highlights comfortably
Getting there	Hub — all international flights land here	2 hr 15 min from Tokyo by Shinkansen (from ¥13,320)
Budget	Higher overall — accommodation and dining pricier	Slightly lower, particularly for accommodation
Free attractions	Excellent — many world-class temples & shrines free	Some charge entry; Fushimi Inari is free
Verdict	More to do; reward longer stays generously	Best as a 2–3 night add-on to your Tokyo base

Recommendation:

• If you have 7–10 days in Japan, split your time between Tokyo (5 nights) and Kyoto (2–3 nights).
• The Shinkansen takes just 2h 15m from Tokyo to Kyoto, making even a long day trip possible if you’re tight on time.
• In 2 full days, you can cover Kyoto’s highlights: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, and the historic Gion district.

Tips for Singaporeans

• Book flights 3–6 months in advance (especially for cherry blossom season)
• Reserve a hotel in central Tokyo — Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, or Ginza are the best bases
• Book Tokyo Disneyland, teamLab Borderless, and Ghibli Museum tickets online in advance
• Download the Tokyo Metro app, Google Maps offline, and Google Translate (Japanese language pack)
• Get your YouTrip card for zero-fee JPY spending
• Check YouTrip Perks for cashback on Klook Tokyo activities before booking
• Pack comfortable walking shoes — Tokyo rewards those who wander

Tokyo FAQs

Sushi. Sleep. Tokyo. Repeat.

From Shibuya’s electric scramble to a quiet morning at Senso-ji, from a bowl of lobster tsukemen in Shinjuku to dancing until sunrise in The Church — Tokyo is a city that gives everything to those who explore it. Go with an open mind, a hungry stomach, and your YouTrip card charged up.

Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.

Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!

Arigatou gozaimasu, and happy travels!

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