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Tokyo

Japan·Asia

Currency

JPY

Language

Japanese

Timezone

Tokyo

Continent

Asia

Our guide

Discover Tokyo

Tokyo has no centre. It is a constellation of district-cities — Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno — joined by a rail network of disconcerting precision. Sensō-ji temple, founded in the 7th century, and the Skytree, finished in 2012, are fifteen minutes apart and sum the place up fairly well.

When to go

March to April for the cherry blossom, October to November for maples and very clear skies. Avoid July and August: hot, humid, and the start of typhoon season. Golden Week in early May empties the offices and fills everything else.

Getting around

A rechargeable Suica or Pasmo card opens the metro, JR and buses without thinking about it. Interchanges in the big stations are long: allow ten minutes of walking at Shinjuku, the busiest station in the world.

Where to eat

Ichiran industrialised ramen into single booths, which is more pleasant than it sounds when travelling alone. Kanda Yabu Soba has served buckwheat noodles since 1880. Sukiyabashi Jiro belongs to another category, and another budget.

Good to know

Many museums close on Mondays. Cash still matters: smaller places do not take cards. Around twenty halal addresses are listed, which is few for a city this size — plan ahead if that matters to you.

Smart Planning