Overview
Tokyo is where most first trips to Japan begin, and it rewards more time than people expect. Ancient temples sit a few streets from glass towers, and each neighbourhood feels like a different city: old Asakusa, fashionable Shibuya and Harajuku, upmarket Ginza, electronic Akihabara.
It is also the easiest place in Japan for vegetarian and Jain families, with the widest choice of Indian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
- Region
- Kanto
- Stay
- 3 to 4 nights for a first visit; 5 if you want Tokyo Disney or a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura.
When to go
Late March to early April for cherry blossom, and October to November for comfortable weather and autumn colour. Winter is cold but clear and less crowded. July and August are hot and humid.
How long and getting there
How long: 3 to 4 nights for a first visit; 5 if you want Tokyo Disney or a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura.
Getting there: Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai land at Narita or Haneda, roughly 8 to 9 hours. Both airports connect easily to the city.
Highlights
- Senso-ji, Asakusa. Tokyo’s oldest temple and the shopping street leading to it.
- Shibuya and Harajuku. The famous crossing, Meiji Jingu shrine and youth fashion streets.
- teamLab. Immersive digital art museums that children and adults both love.
- Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky. City views, with Mt. Fuji visible on clear days.
- Ginza and Akihabara. Department stores and luxury brands, or electronics, anime and gaming.
- Tokyo Disney Resort. Disneyland and DisneySea, a full day each.
Vegetarian and Jain food
The easiest city in Japan for vegetarians and Jains. There are many Indian restaurants, vegetarian and vegan cafés, and international options, so meals can be planned around your diet without compromise.
Theme parks and family days out
- Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Two parks side by side in Urayasu, about 30 to 45 minutes from central Tokyo. DisneySea is found only in Japan. Allow a full day for each.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter. Original sets, costumes and props from the films, in Nerima. Timed tickets.
- Sanrio Puroland. An indoor Hello Kitty theme park in Tama, best for younger children.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tokyo. An indoor LEGO attraction in Odaiba for children aged about 3 to 10.
- KidZania Tokyo. A child-sized city where children role-play real jobs. Activities are mostly in Japanese.
- Ghibli Museum, Mitaka. For Studio Ghibli fans. Tickets sell out quickly and must be booked in advance.
Opening days, prices and ticket rules change through the year. We book dated tickets in advance as part of your itinerary.
Combine with
Mt. Fuji and Hakone (1.5–2 hours away), then Kyoto and Osaka by bullet train for the classic first-time route.
Sample journeys that include Tokyo
Other regions
Questions people ask
Is Tokyo good for children?
Very. It is safe, clean and easy to get around, with teamLab, Tokyo Disney, aquariums and parks. A private vehicle makes days with young children much easier.
Narita or Haneda?
Haneda is closer to the city centre. Narita is further out but well connected. We plan transfers around whichever your flight uses.