TokyoCapital
Japan · Country profile
Tokyo is a hyper-modern capital that somehow never loses its soul — neon-crossed districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku thrum at midnight, while quiet shrines, gardens and older wards keep the city’s traditions alive just a train stop away. It’s a paradise for food lovers, from Michelin-starred sushi and ramen counters to casual izakayas, and its transport network makes exploring effortless. Day trips to Mount Fuji, Kamakura and Nikko are easy, and the city’s seasonal festivals give every visit a rhythm of its own. Tokyo rewards spontaneity — wander, eat, and let the districts surprise you.
About Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan. The city's documented population is around 9,953,160 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY) and Japanese is spoken; the dialling code is +81. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Tokyo Haneda Airport.
A Patchwork of Wards, Each Its Own World
Tokyo is not one city but a patchwork of wards, each with its own character, served by one of the most reliable rail networks on earth. You will land at one of two major airports on the edge of the metropolis and take limited-express trains into the core. The scale is enormous and the pace orderly; streets are quiet and clean, and everything runs on time. It is a city of distinct day trips within itself — the neon districts, the old temple quarters and the shopping streets feel like different worlds, and the rail system ties them together.
IC Cards, Blossom Crowds and Securing the Tiny Counters
An IC transit card (charged, refundable) makes the train and metro seamless and is worth getting before you travel if you can. Book the famous attractions and any popular restaurants in advance — some counters only seat a handful. Spring brings the famous blossom, which is wonderful but crowded; the heat and humidity peak in summer, while late autumn is mild and calm. Cash is still used at smaller restaurants and some temples, so keep some on hand alongside your card. Tipping is not practised and can even cause confusion.
The Complex Rail Web and the Etiquette That Runs It
The rail network is a marvel but genuinely complex — study the lines, the different operators and the transfer points before your trip. Trains stop running around midnight on most lines, so plan the night out accordingly. Mind the etiquette: quiet carriages, no eating or phone calls, and queue at the doors. Ramen counters and izakayas are the eating heart, but lunch set menus are the budget secret. Vending machines and konbini stores cover snacks and top-ups. The airport express is faster than it looks, and the subway covers the city core better than you expect.
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- Country
- Japan
- Population
- 9,953,160
- Coordinates
- 35.5494, 139.7798
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Languages
- Japanese
- Calling code
- +81
- Country code
- JP
Entry requirements for Japan
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Japan for tourism.
Getting to Tokyo
Airports we list for Tokyo:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Japan
Other cities we cover in Japan:
Frequently asked questions
Is Tokyo the capital of Japan?
Yes — Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
What currency do I need in Tokyo?
The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Languages spoken in Japan include Japanese.
What is the dialling code for Japan?
The international dialling code for Japan is +81.
Which airport should I fly into for Tokyo?
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is the airport we list for Tokyo.
How far is Tokyo from the nearest airport?
Tokyo is about 60 km from Narita International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from United Kingdom and United States currently enter Japan visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Tokyo? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.