Best Time to Visit

During the high season, mid-June to mid-September and late April to early May, the weather in Tokyo is very hot and humid. It is also the peak tourist season, which you will quickly notice from long lines at the museums and higher accommodation rates. Early June through July is also the rainiest part of the year. By August, the heat is at its peak. This is the month many students and workers are on summer vacation. April and November, the weather is dry and sunny. It is considered a pleasant time to be in Tokyo. It is also in April when locals and visitors flock to Tokyo's urban parks to witness the bloom of cherry blossoms trees. Winter is the low season (from January to March), and if you don't mind colder weather this is a good period to travel to Tokyo. The humidity is low and snow is rare. During this time the accommodation rates are slightly lower.

Passport/Visa

Travellers from most countries will need a visa to enter Japan unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and many European countries can enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. However, visitors from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before travelling. Always check the latest entry requirements as they can change.

• Web:

  www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport is served by the Tokyo Monorail in approximately 20 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, leaving every 10 minutes almost around the clock. Keikyu’s limousine buses run regularly from Haneda airport to key points in the city. For Tokyo city centre, it takes approx. 40 minutes.

• Web:

  https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/index.html

• Address:

  Haneda Airport, Tokyo

• More info:

  www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp ; www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/en/airport/

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Two airports serve Tokyo: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport (mainly for internal flights). Narita Airport is accessible by the Narita Express Train (N'EX), which is the fastest way to get from the city centre to the airport. It takes approx. 60 minutes to Tokyo Station and 40 minutes to Ueno Station. Trains depart approx. every half hour. You may consider getting a N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket in the JR EAST Travel Service Centers and from JR Ticket Offices at Terminal 1 or 2. This ticket allows you to transfer to any other JR stations within Tokyo once. The Kesei Skyliner trains go from Narita to Ueno/Nippori station in approx. 45 minutes. For a cheaper choice, the Access Express goes to Higashi-Ginza station in approx. 65 minutes. Limousine buses run regularly from Narita airport to key points in the city in approx. 75-125 minutes. Taxis are available for the 70 km journey but fares are astronomical.

• Web:

  www.narita-airport.jp/en

• Address:

  Narita Internation Airport, Tokyo

Public Transport

Tokyo has one of the most efficient train and subway systems in the world. Trains are clean and fast and all stations have signs in English. The major train and subway systems are East Japan Railway (JR), Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. There are other railway companies. Each company has its own ticket. A variety of tickets and passes are on offer to make it easier than buying individual tickets for every trip. You can also consider getting a prepaid Suica Travel pass to travel on JR, subways, and buses. These can be purchased at JR ’Green Window’ areas or ticket machines. The East Japan Railway (JR) is represented by the green letters 'JR' logo, offering the fastest service but at a higher price. It operated overland train lines are colour-coded, the most frequently used line in Tokyo municipality is the Yamanote line (green). Tokyo Metro is run by a private company. The subway consists of 9 lines with the light blue letter 'M' logo. Subways and trains operate from 5am to midnight. Toei Subway operates 4 subway lines by the Bureau of Transportation with a green shape logo. Buses in Tokyo are run by several different companies. It is less confusing to take the subway or train around the city, but bus routes are efficient. Nevertheless, few signs are in English which makes navigation difficult. Bus route guides in English are available at Toei subway stations and hotels.

• Web:

  www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/index.html

Taxi

Taxis are expensive but convenient in Tokyo. Weekend rates are even more pricey, as are rides between 11pm and 5am. Taxi stands are located in almost all busy areas and tipping is not expected. In Tokyo, several ride-sharing and taxi-hailing apps are available to make transportation even more convenient, such as Uber, DiDi, and GO.