Flights to Tokyo

What are the best places to stay in Tokyo?

Shinjuku

Buying tickets to Tokyo to shop up a storm? Search for a hotel in the Shinjuku area. It's where you'll find dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment areas. One of the most popular districts in Shinjuku is Golden Gai. It's famous for its nightlife and is home to more than 200 bars and cafes. Want to get a bird’s eye view of the city? Head to the top of one of Tokyo's tallest buildings. There are several in the Shinjuku area that have free-entry observation decks, which is great news if you’ve booked cheap flights to Tokyo and are looking to keep your budget in check while on holiday.

Ginza

For a luxury travel experience, book a hotel in the Ginza district once you have confirmed your return flights to Tokyo. It's one of the most expensive areas to live in the city and is home to a line-up of high-end department stores, boutiques, art galleries and fine dining restaurants. Those wanting to take keepsakes home with them can shop for souvenirs at Chuo Dori Street (closed to traffic on the weekends), Ginza Wako, Ginza Six, Tokyo Plaza Ginza and Mitsukoshi. While the Ginza area is a one-hour drive from Narita International Airport (NRT), you can easily get to your hotel with a taxi or public transportation.

Shibuya

If it's your first time travelling on return flights to Tokyo, Shibuya is a good area to base yourself. It's famous for the large intersection in front of the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. There's plenty of nightlife, entertainment and shopping options to keep you entertained while in Shibuya. The area is also a great place to stay if you love fashion. It's one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Japan and where you'll find Lolita girls (a popular fashion subculture). Another reason to stay in the Shibuya district is the ease of getting to and from Narita International Airport (NRT). Once your flights to Tokyo land, you can hop on-board the Narita Express. It’s a direct line and you don’t need to worry about changing stations.

Chiyoda

To experience an area steeped in history, check into a hotel in the Chiyoda district. This is a quieter part of Tokyo, and in the centre, you'll find the grand Imperial Palace. Other top attractions in the area include the Yasukuni Shrine, Edo Castle, and the National Museum of Art. Anime fans looking to buy flights to Tokyo will also love staying here. One of Chiyoda's neighbourhoods, Akihabara, is famous for its anime culture.

Asakusa

Asakusa is another district that history buffs buying tickets to Tokyo will love. You can easily explore the area on foot or with a traditional Japanese rickshaw, and there are plenty of quirky coffee shops and eateries. Top attractions in the district include the Tokyo Skytree and the Sensoji Temple. The quickest way to get to the Asakusa district from Narita International Airport is with public transport. The average trip is usually 1 hour 15 minutes, whereas a taxi trip can take as long as 1 hour 40 minutes due to heavy traffic congestion.

What are Tokyo's most famous landmarks and monuments?

The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is a 17th-century architectural masterpiece. It's still used by Japan's Imperial Family and is one of the top attractions for tourists visiting on an airfare to Tokyo. If you want to learn more about Tokyo's history and the royal family, sign up for a guided tour. You'll need to pre-register (book as soon as you’ve confirmed your plane tickets to Tokyo), and your guide will take you to see the Kikyo-mon Gate, Someikan, Fujimi-yagura, the East Gardens, Nijubashi Bridge and the Seimon-ishibashi Bridge.

The Senso-Ji Temple

Located in the Asakusa district, the Senso-Ji Temple is a magnificent example of Japanese culture. It's dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of compassion and has been a firm fixture of the city's skyline since AD 645. When planning out the itinerary for your flights to Tokyo, try to visit the temple during the day (and bring some money to shop for souvenirs from the nearby vendors) and at night. In the evenings, the temple lights up the night sky, and it's a far less crowded experience.

The Tokyo Skytree

As the tallest structure in the city and the world’s highest free-standing tower, it’s not surprising the Tokyo Skytree is one of the most popular attractions for travellers buying return flights to Tokyo. You can get a panoramic view of Tokyo from the many observation decks. There's also a restaurant, and you can eat dinner while the city's lights twinkle below. For those wanting to conquer their fear of heights, you can walk up a glass spiral staircase to one of the highest viewpoints with glass floors.

What are the dos and don'ts of visiting Tokyo?

Shrine etiquette

Whether it's your first or tenth time buying flights to Tokyo, it's always a good idea to brush up on shrine etiquette. Here are some things to remember: Always bow at the torii gates before proceeding to the shrine. Don't go through the middle path. Only gods can use it. You should always walk along the side paths. At the end of your visit, put a coin in the box (the amount doesn't matter) and ring the bell if you see one. It notifies the gods of your presence.

Restaurant etiquette

When sitting at a restaurant, men should cross their legs and women should sit with both their legs to the side. Before you start eating your food, you will also need to practice gratitude. A server or guest will let you know when it's time to eat.

Chopstick etiquette

If you don't know how to use chopsticks, it's a good idea to learn before boarding your flights to Tokyo. When eating off shared dishes or plates, it's bad manners to linger near food with your chopsticks. You should also avoid talking while holding your chopsticks.