Flights from Melbourne to Tokyo

Need to know

Innovative, stylish and constantly evolving, Japan’s capital city is a vibrant metropolis where technology merges seamlessly with tradition. Located on the Japanese mainland, Tokyo is the most populous city in the world and is well known for its vibrant culture and futuristic cityscape.

There’s an endless choice of places to eat, drink and shop in Tokyo. Ginza is an upmarket area where you’ll find designer fashion as well as upscale dining and entertainment. On weekends, the roads are closed to traffic for the ultimate, uninterrupted shopping experience. Fashion-lovers should also check out the famous Harajuku district to revel in its outlandish fashion and up-to-minute style. Head to Takeshita-dori to discover unique designs at Tokyo’s iconic fashion bazaar.

The city is rich with traditional architecture and practices, with plenty of ancient temples dotted around the city. Meiji Jingu, a majestic Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, can be found in the Harajuku area. Hire a kimono and wander through the Geisha District of Asakusa. Here, you’ll find the famous Senso-ji Temple, as well as many seasonal festivals.

Nature-lovers should take a guided tour of Tokyo Imperial Palace, a huge, park-like estate surrounded by stone walls and a moat. Afterwards, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for picturesque gardens made in three traditional styles: French, Japanese and English.

Getting around

While it can be quite exciting to explore Tokyo on foot, the best way to navigate this huge city is by train. Tokyo’s subway system is relatively affordable and easy to use; most major stations have English language options at the ticket dispensers, and there are also English signs and announcements on train services. That said, it’s best to plan you journey before you head out, as train stations in Tokyo can be rather large and confusing. It’s best to avoid trains during rush hour as they are inundated with office workers. Taxis are expensive in the city, so it’s best to seek other forms of transport whenever possible.