Tokyo travel blog — The fullest Tokyo travel guide for first time visiting Tokyo

If you love the beauty of temperate nature, love the pleasant climate along with the diversity of culture, cuisine then you should definitely traveling to Tokyo, Japan once in your lifetime. This place will make you “love at first sight” by the friendliness of the Japanese people with the poetic landscape and the unique architecture of temples and Shinto shrines. Do not worry if this is the first time you are traveling alone to Japan because we are ready to share a “basket” of Tokyo travel guide and tips from A to Z to you to visiting the capital of the land of the rising sun!

Now, let’s explore this biggest, busiest, bustling, rich culture, extremely delicious food, and so beautiful city in Asia through our Tokyo travel blog (Tokyo blog, Tokyo trip blog) — The fullest Tokyo city guide and Tokyo travel guide blog for a wonderful budget trip for the first time visiting Tokyo, Japan from how to get Tokyo, top and best things to do in Tokyo to what and where to eat in Tokyo, suggested Tokyo itinerary 3 days in below.

Tokyo travel blog: When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Tokyo has subtropical humid climate, was divided into four distinct seasons, hot and humid in the summer and very cold in the winter, each season bringing its own beauty, charm, and characteristic. Therefore, you can based on your hobby or free time to make plan to travel to Tokyo. However, because it is located on the Pacific coast, so the weather is cooler than the cities with the same latitude. The best time to travel to Japan in general and Tokyo in particular is around the end of August and early September, when it beginning of the autumn, the weather will be very pleasant, especially if you visit Tokyo in the period time, you will be admired the forests, parks, gardens turn their colors to bright yellow and red, extremely romantic and poetic.

Spring (March – May): It is the time for all flowers to blossom, when you come here at this time you will experience the festival of beautiful cherry blossom which occurs in late March to the second week of April, the famous festival in Japan.

Summer (June – August): At this time the weather is hot and humid, but the heat here is not as harsh as the weather in Vietnam. If you like bustling, take a stroll on the streets and enjoy the exotic atmosphere, let’s plan travel Tokyo on the summer. In addition, there is also fireworks festival at the end of July. When taking a walk, remember to bring umbrellas or raincoats to avoid the rain.

Autumn (September – November): In our experience, autumn is the best time to travel to Tokyo, this is also the peak tourist season in Japan. Because, if you come here in this period you will be admired the romantic scene of autumn Tokyo, with forests, parks, gardens filled with red maple leaves. The maple leaves will be turning from green to yellow, orange, and red that create an astonishing beautiful, romantic, poetic space.

Winter (December – February): The weather in Tokyo is very cold, so there is usually snowfall, snow covers the roofs and the streets. When visitors come here in addition to enjoying the cold of winter in Japan or watching the snowfall, you also experience exciting activities such as skiing, snowballing … Surely, you will have many memorable memories when traveling Tokyo in winter.

Tokyo travel blog — How to get to Tokyo from Vietnam?

To getting to Tokyo, Japan you will travel by air. You can buy airline tickets from airlines such as Jetstar, All Nippon Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Japan Airlines, American Airlines … to fly directly to Narita or Haneda Airport (These are Tokyo’s two largest airports without need to transit). The round trip air fares from Vietnam to Tokyo range from $473 to $645 depending on the flight route, airlines that have different prices. To save money, you can hunt for Jetstar’s low fares for just $172 to – $215.

Tokyo travel blog — Getting around Tokyo

From the airport to central Tokyo

For transportation from the airport to central Tokyo and the Tokyo tourist attractions, you can base on your financial and economic conditions on choosing the right vehicle. There are three popular means of transportation in Tokyo: bus, taxi and subway, monorail. However, taxi prices here are quite expensive, so only suitable for those who have good economic conditions. To save money, you should choose the bus and subway to moving. In the days of sightseeing, to getting around Tokyo, you should use the subway if the destinations are far apart and cycling or walking if the destinations are close together.

You can choose the following types of trains to moving:

Tokyo Subway: You can buy tickets at Narita or Haneda Airport quickly, easily and can use immediately. Buy tickets online at: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html

Tokyo Skyliner: Rapidly moving at speeds of up to 160km/h, from Narita Airport to the city center takes only 41 minutes. Buy tickets online at: https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/e-ticket/en/

Airport Limousine: From the airport to downtown Tokyo, if you have lot of baggage and want to see the scenery of Tokyo, you can take the Airport Limousine bus, it costs about $28. For more, visit: https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/

You can contact to buy a train ticket right after arrive at the airport at the Tourist Information Center (HIS) or you can pre-booking tickets on websites as above.

To getting from the airport to Tokyo center you can also hire Klook’s private car charter service, which is convenient and saving a lot of time, and the travel cost is not too expensive if you go with a large group. You can refer to and book these services as follow:

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo (Same Day Booking)
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo (For Urgent Flight)
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)

Getting around Tokyo

Tokyo is known for having the most developed and the transport system are extremely complex, spread throughout the inner and outside city. So, you should choose to travel by subway when traveling in Tokyo to save costs and experience the incentives attached to each type of train tickets.

Some of the most popular train travel cards in Tokyo are:

JR Pass: This card is very popular and only available for foreigners to traveling in Japan. JR Pass is divided into two types: Green card (VIP ticket) and Ordinary card (regular ticket) with a usage time of 7-14 and 21 days. The price of each ticket depends on age and time of use. Ranging from 19.440 yen to 50.000 yen. This card will allow you to use public transport such as trains, buses and ferries.

Read more: JR Pass — Top 11 things about Japan Rail Pass you need to know.

Tokyo Subway Pass (Metro Card): Tokyo metro card used in 24, 48 or 72 hours: Tokyo metro card applies to all routes of Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. These are the two largest subway systems in Tokyo, with spread routes, and more than 250 stopovers, which are convenient for sightseeing.

Read more: Using Tokyo metro 24 hour ticket — You can discover all the best places of Tokyo during one day for only 600 yen!

Free Kippu Day Pass): The type of ticket that once purchased you will be traveled with some main subway and bus routes in a day of visiting. One-day ticket price is 1.590 yen and allows you to use the routes of Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and JR routes in Tokyo inner-city within one day.

Toei Bus One-day Pass (Toei One-day Pass): If you do not like to take the train, you can choose to take the bus. This card will allow you to travel comfortably to 23 districts in Tokyo for just 500 yen a day.

Tokyo travel blog — Where to stay in Tokyo?

Tokyo is a popular tourist destination in Japan, and the world, so the hotel and guesthouses services here are extremely diverse. You can easily choose hotels from budget to high-end class, depending on your finances. Hotels, homestays, guesthouses, dorm, … in Tokyo from the popular to modern, luxurious. All are ensured of quality, comfort, safety and convenient for traveling.

The price of hotel rooms, guesthouses in Tokyo ranging from $15.27 to $900 / room / night. Depending on your needs and “wallet” that you can choose for yourself a suitable accommodation. You can refer to some of the most popular hotels are highly rating, such as Park Hyatt Tokyo Hotel, The akasaka, Khaosan Tokyo Origami, Capsule and Sauna Oriental…

• Budget: There are dorm rooms, bunk beds, capsule hotels in East Tokyo such as Asakusa area.
• Middle range: The hotels with average room rates also extremely diverse for you to choose such as in Ueno area.
• High-end: The standard hotels in the Shinjuku area.

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu: If you want to find a cheap hotel, guesthouse with good quality then The Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu is an wonderful choice for you. With a team of enthusiastic and caring staffs, this hotel also offer a wide range of services including hot tub, sauna, fitness room, golf course (within 3 km), indoor swimming pool, bring you the most relaxing moments. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

• Address: 31, Oyama, Narita-Shi, Chiba, Narita International Airport, Tokyo.
• The lowest reference price is $68.12.

APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari: The 4-star hotel, with its good location for easy access to popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, the hotel has become an ideal accommodation for tourists. Moreover, with cheap room rates, good quality, full facilities you will not bother about anything when staying here. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

• Address: 2-3, Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo.
• The lowest room rate is around $104.

Shinjuku Granbell Hotel: With modern space, clean rooms, professional staffs bring comfort to guests. Moreover, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel’s massage, after a day exploring Tokyo. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

• Address: 2-14-5 Kabuki Cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• The lowest room rate is $118.02.

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku: As one of the beautiful, quality hotels, the best price in Tokyo that you should choose. With convenient location, easy access to entertainment, dining and shopping areas in Tokyo, so it is very convenient for sightseeing, exploring Tokyo. Moreover, with professional service style, modern equipment, full facilities, you will be very pleased to stay here. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

• Address: 2-3-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• The lowest reference price is $ 170.99.

Keio Plaza Hotel: Considered a great hotel for travelers in Tokyo. When coming here, besides relaxing after the sightseeing, tours in Tokyo, when return to Keio Plaza Hotel, you will experience a lot of services such as gym, massage, outdoor swimming pool, kids club … to help visitors always feeling enjoyment during their vacation. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

• Address: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• The lowest reference price is $242.34.

Below are more hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Address: 6 Chome-3-3 Toyo, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0016, Japan / Phone: +81 3-5683-5683), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $47/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku (Address: 2 Chome-6-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan / Phone: +81 3-5333-8687), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $119/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Address: 1 Chome-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8466, Japan / Phone: +81 3-6833-1111), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $120/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Hotel Century Southern Tower (Address: 2 Chome-2-１ Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8583, Japan / Phone: +81 3-5354-0111), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $139/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Tokyo Dome Hotel (Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8562, Japan / Phone: +81 3-5805-2111), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $109/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Hotel Niwa Tokyo (Address: 1 Chome-1-16 神田三崎町 Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0061, Japan / Phone: +81 3-3293-0028), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $92/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Tokyo: New design capsule hotel (co-ed, no lock) at $27/night or Posh Tsukiji / Ginza Lux Design Studio – New! at $67/night.

–> Airbnb link discount up to $35 for the first booking here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Tokyo hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com or Airbnb.com.

Tokyo travel blog — Tokyo experiences: Top places to visit and top things to do in Tokyo

Top places to visit

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

It is the greenest and most beautiful park in the heart of Tokyo. Especially, if you come here at the end of March, early April in the year, you will see a whole sky of cherry blossoms. Entrance fee is $2.

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3350-0151
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Entrance fee: 200 yen

Imperial Palace East Gardens

The campus offers tranquil green spaces and calm lakes along with a beautifully trimmed Japanese garden. Visitors can easily see monuments from the old walls. Nearby is the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, MOMAT Kogeikan Art Gallery and Science Museum.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3213-1111
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30. Mon, Fri: Closed. Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 9AM–4:30PM. Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.

Tokyo Skytree

This is the tallest tower in Japan with an impressive height of 634 meters, the Guinness Book of World Records being the tallest building in the world in 2011. The Tokyo Sky Tree is not only the central point of every viewing angle but also this is the perfect spot to see Tokyo from above. At the 350th or 450th floor of the building, there is a panoramic view of the whole city.

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Hours: 8AM–10PM. Mon-Sun 8AM–9PM
Prices: First observatory: 2060 yen / Second observatory: 1030 yen
Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

Tokyo Disneyland-Disneysea

If you take your kids visiting here, this is probably the best place to have fun with your family. As the largest entertainment area in Japan, this place promises to bring a lot of wonderful experiences to your family.

Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan
Hours: 8:30AM–10PM. Mon-Sun 9AM–10PM
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp

J-World Tokyo

A place for devotees who love Japanese manga such as One Piece, Dragon Balls, Naruto, … Come here you will see your favorite manga characters with the same size as real life.

Address: 3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
Hours: 10AM–10PM
Phone: +81 3-5950-2181

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

A scale aquarium orient art installation and combines visual art. The park is divided into 11 different zones with a variety of fish, marine creatures, rare animals are classified according to the topic.

Address: 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato 108-8611, Tokyo Prefecture
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +81 3-5421-1111
Website: http://www.aqua-park.jp

Read more: Top 3 best aquariums in Tokyo and around.

Yoyogi Park

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