Travel Guide
Your ultimate introduction to Tokyo's bustling streets, hidden gems and unforgettable eats — everything you need to plan your perfect itinerary.
Concrete Playground
December 04, 2024
Travel Guide: Tokyo

Japan's capital city is the perfect intersection of rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology and world-class dining, plus quirky experiences to boot.

If it feels like everyone you know has been to Tokyo recently, you’re probably right. The exchange rate is currently quite favourable, the locals are polite (almost to a fault) and there’s no end of ways to fill your days.

It’s a place where you’ll get one of the best meals of your life for just a couple of dollars, long queues are usually a good thing (as it’s a sign you’ve stumbled upon something special) and every weird niche interest is catered for. The bustling city is, of course, pretty frenetic but small moments of respite are also easy to find — if you know where to look.

In a city made up of 23 ‘special wards’, covering all the must-see attractions is a near-impossible task but we’ve given it a go. In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city so you can start planning your itinerary.

Japan's capital city is the perfect intersection of rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology and world-class dining, plus quirky experiences to boot.

Planning Ahead

Before you launch into responsibility-free fun in Japan, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first like sorting out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including JPY) preloaded or top up as you go, so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

Getting Around

It should come as no surprise that Tokyo’s public transport system is elite. It’s punctual. It’s clean. It’s efficient. But it’s also complex which can be hard to wrap your head around. Get yourself a Suica card at a JR station, with prepaid funds on it, which will allow you to ride virtually every train, metro and bus.

Locals Love

Fun fact: karaoke is derived from two Japanese words that mean ’empty orchestra’ (isn’t that hauntingly beautiful?). Karaoke is an essential part of Japanese nightlife and, in Tokyo, you can belt out your best rendition of Dolly, Madonna or another diva of your choosing at Rainbow Karaoke or Live Band Karaoke Stage.

Don’t Miss

This should be pretty obvious: Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo’s most recognisable sights. Whether you want to enjoy thousands of others as they dash across this scramble intersection or watch the action unfold from above at the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck, this is arguably the quintessential Tokyo experience.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Restaurants

From high-end omakase experiences to humble hole-in-the-wall joints, the genius of Japanese cuisine is on full display in its capital.

Fun Stuff

In a city of over 14 million people, you have two choices: embrace the chaos... or escape it. Here are five ways to do both.

Cultural Sights

Nowhere do history and modernity converge as seamlessly as they do here. Get a deeper insight into the country's past and traditions.

Drinking Spots

From curiously themed bars to first-rate coffee shops, even the simple act of drinking has some ceremony to it here.

Shopping Districts

Splurge on high-end fashion, browse the street markets for traditional wares or stock up on your anime collection.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Expect upscale amenities and soothing minimalist design at these world-class (and sustainable) stays.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Explore Tokyo Your Way

Dive into Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods with our interactive map. Save must-see attractions, plan your route, and build your dream itinerary — all in one place. Whether it’s buzzing streets or serene escapes, this is your ultimate tool to navigate the city with the help of your HSBC Everyday Global Account.

 

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      Where to eat and drink

      From high-end omakase experiences to humble hole-in-the-wall joints, the genius of Japanese cuisine is on full display in its capital.

      What to do

      Nowhere do history and modernity converge as seamlessly as they do here.

      Where to shop

      Splurge on high-end fashion, browse the street markets for traditional wares or stock up on your anime collection.

      Where to stay

      Expect upscale amenities and soothing minimalist design at these world-class (and sustainable) stays.
      • Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park
        Hotel

        Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park

        What's better than a boutique hotel with a rooftop infinity pool? One based in the heart of the buzzy Shibuya district with views of a forest.

      • Aman Tokyo
        Hotel

        Aman Tokyo

        Ryokan-style rooms, a luxe spa and the mind-boggling lobby on the 33rd floor are all part of what makes this one of the best hotels in the world.

      • Muji Hotel Ginza
        Hotel

        Muji Hotel Ginza

        The minimalist aesthetic of this iconic lifestyle brand is reflected best in the hotel above its flagship store.

      • Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
        Hotel

        Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

        This 140-year-old hotel was once the home of the former prime minister so expect next-level opulence.

      • ANA InterContinental Tokyo
        Hotel

        ANA InterContinental Tokyo

        An open-air swimming pool, shopping arcade, 12 restaurants and over 800 rooms — this hotel takes luxury and supersizes it.

      Further Afield

      If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from Tokyo.

      • Takaosan (Mount Takao)

        Takaosan (Mount Takao)

        Less than an hour from Shinjuku by train, this recreation area has multiple hiking trails, a temple near the summit and an onsen at the base.
      • Hitachi Seaside Park

        Hitachi Seaside Park

        Get your cameras ready — the spacious park in Ibraki Prefecture is filled with seasonal gardens. Miharashi Hill is particularly spectacular with spherical bushes (kochia) that fade from green to crimson to orange in autumn before the hill is blanketed in baby blue eyes (nemophilia) come spring.
      • Nikko

        Nikko

        About two hours north of Tokyo, this is considered the heart of Shinto and Buddhist worship with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshugo Shrine and Nikki National Park. Keen hikers will be spoiled for choice with trails, waterfalls, marshland and more to explore.
      • Kamakura

        Kamakura

        Less than an hour south of Tokyo, this coastal city was once the country's political capital. Now it is home to a 13th-century bronze Buddha, the Museum of Modern Art and a popular sand beach.
      • Yokohama

        Yokohama

        The country's second-largest city is just 30 minutes from Tokyo. Check out one of the world's biggest Chinatowns and the Ramen Museum.
      • Ghibli Park

        Ghibli Park

        Based in Nagoya, about four hours from Tokyo, this theme park is dedicated to the wildly popular Studio Ghibli animated films. There are recreated sets from movie scenes, playgrounds and more.

      Get Started

      Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

      • Tokyo Disney Resort

        Tokyo Disney Resort

        Did you know this was the first Disney theme park opened outside the US? Booking tickets ahead of time is a must for the most magical place on earth. Klook offers one-day passes to both Disneyland and nearby DisneySea.
      • Saunas

        Saunas

        Japan's love affair with hot springs is long-running and well-known but saunas are having a big moment. This chic option is just a five-minute walk from Shibuya Station and has nine different saunas and four cold baths to hop between.
      • Kuge Crafts

        Kuge Crafts

        Learn the Japanese art of kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with metallic dust and lacquer — in a class at this studio.
      • Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience

        Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience

        Sign up for a truly memorable multi-sensory experience at this sleek tea house. You'll be guided through a modern interpretation of the ancient tea ceremony, sipping a variety of brews while snacking on Japanese sweets.
      • Suntory Musashino Beer Factory

        Suntory Musashino Beer Factory

        Learn the entire brewing process from hop selection to taste testing on a guided walk-through of the home of Japan's premier beer brand.

      Be prepared for your Japan adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.

      This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. Other banking services fees and charges may apply. Issued by HSBC Bank Australia Limited ABN 48 006 434 162. AFSL 232595. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.

      Illustration: Haylee Poppi
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