Tokyo Holidays

Japan’s exhilarating capital really does cater to all kinds of people, so you won’t have any trouble finding ways to fill your time on a Tokyo holiday. If you want to immerse yourself in history, book a tour of the Imperial Palace – the main residence of the Emperor of Japan – or head to the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. And you can continue your cultural journey at one of the city’s many museums. There are tonnes to choose from, but the National Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum are amongst the very best.

If you’re something of a shopaholic, you can browse designer boutiques in Ginza, or pick up artisanal goods in Kuramae. For electronics, make your way to Akihabara, while Shinjuku, with its extensive range of department stores, has a little something for everyone. A great way to see the city is from atop the towering Skytree or, for a moment of peace, take a stroll around the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. And if you’re looking to experience some authentic Japanese entertainment, why not test your vocal chords at one of the city’s famous karaoke bars or book tickets to a sumo tournament?

A holiday to Tokyo is a foodie’s dream. When it comes to gastronomic experiences, very few places on Earth can compare. Firstly, it has over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants – more than any other city in the world – so you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere fancy for dinner. And you can opt for pretty much any kind of cuisine imaginable.

But really, it’s the local fare that should be top of your list. Whether you’re a fan of sushi, ramen, tonkatsu, yakitori or gyoza, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice – and there’s really no need to break the bank (unless, of course, you want to!). Casual restaurants, hole-in-the-wall joints, even the food courts in shopping centres, all offer top-notch grub. And izakaya – Japan’s answer to a tapas bar – are great places to sample a whole range of delicious snacks, and also try a glass or two of sake or soju.

Located about 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji serves as an impressive backdrop to much of the city. And you’ll no doubt spend at least part of your Tokyo holiday trying to find the best vantage points. On a clear day, observations decks – like those at Bunkyo Civic Centre and Tokyo Tower – offer reasonable views, while those from Mount Takao are even better. But to get the very best views of Japan’s most iconic landmark, you’ll actually need to travel a little way out of Tokyo.

The Chureito Pagoda in Arakura Sengen Park, Lake Ashi and the northeastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko are delightfully scenic spots, all of which make for exciting excursions. But perhaps the best daytrip of all is a visit to Mount Fuji itself. Accessible by train, car or bus, the famous snow-capped volcano can be climbed during July and August – or you might just prefer to soak in the hot springs nearby.

The best time for a Tokyo holiday is either spring or autumn. If you visit between late March and the end of May, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, with top temperatures usually somewhere in the high teens or low twenties. Plus, this is when the cherry blossoms are out, enveloping the city in a soft pink hue. Likewise, October and November also see warm days and cool, comfortable evenings – and colourful bursts of autumn foliage appear in Tokyo’s parks and gardens.

If you book your holiday to Tokyo during the summer months, be prepared for a somewhat sweaty experience. From June to September, daytime temperatures get up into the high twenties, or even low thirties, with night time temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Humidity levels at this time of year are also extremely high, and mid-June to mid-July is particularly rainy. And then in September, typhoons have been known to make an appearance.

Conversely, the winter months are cold, with lows hovering close to freezing. But the skies are usually clear, and rarely disturbed by rain or snow. You’ll need to pack warm clothes, but if you do book your holiday to Tokyo sometime between December and early March, you’re unlikely to encounter crowds – and you might get a great deal on accommodation.