Edomae sushi江戸前寿司
Nigiri sushi in the Tokyo style, where fish is often cured, simmered or marinated before serving.
Kanto
Tokyo Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Japan’s capital: neighbourhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Asakusa, world-class food at every price, and a green west side with the Okutama mountains.
Open Tokyo on the map65 places on the map · 5 local favourites
Local tips
- TipGet a Suica or PASMO IC card for trains, subways and buses; visitors can also buy multi-day Tokyo Subway Tickets.
- Heads upAvoid weekday morning rush hour with large luggage; trains are packed and some lines have women-only cars.
- TipOn escalators, Tokyo people customarily stand on the left and leave the right side free.
- Heads upJuly and August are hot and humid; plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
- TipHidden gem: Okutama in western Tokyo, reached on the JR Ome Line, has river gorges, hiking and forest air.
What to eat
Monjayakiもんじゃ焼き
A runny savoury batter cooked on a griddle and eaten with tiny spatulas; Tsukishima has a whole street of shops.
Fukagawa-meshi深川めし
Clams simmered in miso broth over rice, a traditional dish of the Fukagawa area in Koto ward.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Ishikawa Shuzo, Fussa
石川酒造 Local FoodA historic sake brewery in Fussa that also makes craft beer, with restaurants and a tasting bar among its old brick and wood buildings.
● Mostly localsMukojima Hyakkaen
向島百花園 Nature & SceneryA small, informal garden of seasonal flowers in Sumida, with a bush clover tunnel in autumn.
● Mostly localsTsukiji Outer Market
Local FoodShoppingThe Tsukiji Outer Market is a bustling maze of stalls and eateries surrounding the former wholesale fish market, where you can sample fresh seafood, tamagoyaki, and…
● Mostly localsNippara Limestone Cave
日原鍾乳洞 ExperiencesNature & SceneryA deep limestone cave far up a valley in Okutama, with lit chambers, stalactites and old pilgrim carvings. Cool inside even in midsummer.
● Mostly localsSayano Yudokoro
前野原温泉 さやの湯処 Hot SpringsA natural hot-spring bath in residential Itabashi with open-air pools set in a Japanese garden, fed by a brown, mineral-rich spring. A true local secret.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Senso-ji
浅草寺 Temples & GoshuinchoTokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, reached through the Kaminarimon gate and the Nakamise shopping street.
Meiji Jingu
明治神宮 Temples & GoshuinchoA shrine to Emperor Meiji set in a forest in the middle of the city, next to Harajuku.
Golden Gai
新宿ゴールデン街 NightlifeA maze of tiny bars in Shinjuku, many seating only a handful of people.
Omoide Yokocho
思い出横丁 NightlifeLocal FoodA smoky, narrow alley of tiny yakitori and offal stalls squeezed beside the tracks at Shinjuku Station's west exit. Grab a counter seat and order skewers and a beer.
Tokyo Skytree
東京スカイツリー ExperiencesThe tallest tower in Japan, with observation decks over the city. The Tokyo Solamachi mall is at the base.
Ghibli Museum
三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 ExperiencesStudio Ghibli's museum in Mitaka, with exhibits on animation and a short film. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Shibuya Sky
SHIBUYA SKY ExperiencesAn open rooftop observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square, looking down on the famous crossing.
teamLab Planets
チームラボプラネッツ TOKYO DMM ExperiencesAn immersive digital art museum in Toyosu where you walk barefoot through water and light installations.