Best times: cherry blossom season (late March–early April) or autumn (October–November). Fly into HND (closer/preferred) or NRT. Get a Suica IC card for trains. JR Pass only pays off for multi-city trips.
At a Glance
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Main airport | HND |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Language | Japanese (limited English) |
| Best time to visit | March–May (cherry blossoms), October–November (autumn) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens enter Japan visa-free for 90 days. As of 2026, complete the Visit Japan Web form online before arrival. |
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing at night
- Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa
- Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast sushi
- TeamLab Borderless / Planets (book ahead)
- Meiji Shrine + Yoyogi Park walk
- Akihabara for electronics + anime culture
- Day trip to Mt Fuji or Hakone
- Shinjuku Gyoen national garden
- Ramen tasting in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho alleys
- Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower observation deck
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Shibuya — youth fashion, scramble crossing
- Shinjuku — entertainment, izakayas, Kabukichō
- Ginza — upscale shopping, Michelin restaurants
- Asakusa — old Tokyo, Sensō-ji temple
- Akihabara — electronics, anime, gaming
- Roppongi — international/nightlife
- Harajuku — youth culture, Takeshita Street
Our recommendation: Shinjuku (central, transit hub), Shibuya (young/energetic), Ginza (luxury), Asakusa (traditional + budget).
What to Eat
- Sushi at a counter-style sushi-ya
- Tonkotsu ramen
- Tempura
- Yakitori (skewered grilled chicken)
- Okonomiyaki and takoyaki
- Wagyu beef (real Kobe is rare and pricey)
- Convenience store food (7-Eleven onigiri are excellent)
- Matcha desserts
How to Get Around
Tokyo Metro + JR lines cover everything. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card (tap at gates). Trains stop ~midnight, taxis are expensive after that. Walking distances within neighborhoods are very pleasant.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is HND. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our Los Angeles flight page or Los Angeles To Tokyo route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens enter Japan visa-free for 90 days. As of 2026, complete the Visit Japan Web form online before arrival.
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Tokyo?
March–May (cherry blossoms), October–November (autumn).
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
US citizens enter Japan visa-free for 90 days. As of 2026, complete the Visit Japan Web form online before arrival.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku (central, transit hub), Shibuya (young/energetic), Ginza (luxury), Asakusa (traditional + budget).
How do I book cheap flights to Tokyo?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to HND including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.