Travel to Tokyo

Travel to Tokyo

The capital city of Japan and one of the busiest cities in the world, Tokyo welcomes visitors to its exciting shopping scenes, ultimate nightlife and architectural wonders. With one of the most reliable public transportation systems in the world, you can travel from one place to another fast and hassle-free, leaving more time for you to explore the attractions that this fascinating city has to offer.

Transportation to Tokyo

Tokyo is easily accessed by many means of transport. If you travel to Tokyo by air, you will arrive at either Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Narita serves international flights, while Haneda focuses on domestic flights. The journey between Narita Airport and Tokyo takes about 1 hour, while travelling from Haneda Airport to the heart of Tokyo takes about 30 minutes. There are shuttle bus and taxi services provided at both airports to take you to your destination.

Alternatively, you can travel to Tokyo by private train from other major cities in Japan such as Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone and Yokohama. Buses are an easy option for reaching Tokyo, as most of them are direct including overnight buses from Kyoto and Osaka, and direct buses from Nagoya, Nara and Kobe. These buses arrive at Tokyo Station, next to the rail station. From Shinjuku Station, there are buses to the Fuji and Hakone regions.

Once in Tokyo, taxis are numerous, but they can be very expensive if you travel alone. Travelling by subway and train are better methods of transport, but they stop running at midnight. If you want to explore the citys busy shopping districts, walking is the only option.

What to see

Most of Tokyos tourist attractions reflect the values and charms of Japan before it became the hub of the modern world. The Imperial Palace is the landmark of the city, where visitors can relax in the big open garden, which boasts beautiful flowers and trees during the spring. Next to the palace is a notable shrine, Yasukuni Shrine, which was built to commemorate the deaths of Japanese soldiers during the Pacific War of WWII.

Museum-goers will particularly love Tokyo as there are plenty of museums where you can enjoy some peaceful time wandering around observing great collections of artefacts and many interesting exhibits. Noteworthy museums include the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which unveils the citys history, art, culture and architecture and the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. There are three more museums in the Ueno Imperial Gift Park, a spacious space in the Ueno section of Taito-ku.

Activities and leisure

Tokyo is definitely a mecca for active tourists. There are so many things to choose from including eating out, clubbing, shopping and visiting the much-loved Tokyo Disneyland. Shopping in Tokyo can be overwhelming, as there is an array of shopping streets that are usually packed with teenagers dressed in out-of-this-world costumes. You can have plenty of fun just watching them. Tokyo is also ideal for those into advanced technology, and it offers computer and electronic items at cheap prices compared to other countries.

Daytrips

Driving out of Tokyo to other cities nearby is an eye-opening experience. You will feel as if you are stepping into another side of Japan, where advanced technology, fashion and hectic lifestyles are nowhere to be seen. Head west to Hakone to observe the world-famous Mount Fuji and wander through the Hakone National Park. There are also many hot springs around this area.

Alternatively, you can drive south to Kamakura. Here, you will find many small temples and beautiful shrines, while you can also visit one of many charming beaches here.

Safety issues

Even though Japan is considered to be one of the safest places in the world, you still have to be careful wherever you go and make sure you keep your belongings intact. For those with sensitive stomachs, stay away from famous dishes like sushi and sashimi. It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance for yourself and your family to ensure a smooth and safe trip.