Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Japan has become the hotspot over the past few years, and I feel like every second traveller I meet has Tokyo at the top of their bucket list for next year.

I spent almost a week in Tokyo and a full month travelling around Japan, and all I can say is… wow. The city fascinated me in every possible way. It was exactly what I hoped it would be: glowing neon signs, 7-Eleven sandwiches, next-level sushi and ramen, and a constant buzz that somehow never feels overwhelming. Tokyo really delivered.

But, because there’s always a “but”, I also met quite a few travellers in Japan who didn’t love Tokyo the way I did. Some found it too big, too busy, or just not what they expected. And that’s fair. So I figured I’d do what I always do after visiting a place I feel strongly about and put together a little guide answering the big question: Is Tokyo worth visiting?

Here’s my honest take, backed up by my own experience and a little common sense, so let’s get into it.

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Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

I honestly feel a bit silly even writing this, because… obviously yes. Tokyo is absolutely worth visiting, one million percent. I’m not entirely sure if it’s my number-one city in Japan (Kyoto has my heart), but Tokyo is so iconic, so full-on, and so much fun that of course it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

I spent almost a week in Tokyo, partly exploring on my own and partly with a local guide since I worked with Go Tokyo, the official Tokyo tourism board, on this project. That experience was such a treat because I got to wander freely and see the city through the eyes of someone who really knows it. Shoutout to my guide Yuko, she was incredible.

Naturally, I ticked off all the classic Tokyo experiences. I crossed the Shibuya Scramble, wandered the wild nightlife streets of Shinjuku, visited teamLab Planets, ate my way through the fish market, the full first-timer lineup. And yes, all of it was so amazing!

But if I had to pick one true highlight? The food. Tokyo (and Japan in general) turned me into a full-blown food-obsessed person. Sushi, ramen, gyoza, tonkatsu, izakayas, little no-fuss omakase bars, I loved every single bite. If you consider yourself even slightly a foodie, that alone is a good enough reason to book a trip to Tokyo.

What I Loved About Tokyo Japan

The Food in Tokyo

I have to say it again: the food in Tokyo absolutely blew me away. I had some of the best meals of my life here, from sushi and ramen to gyoza, curries, tonkatsu, and izakayas. I genuinely treated food as an activity in itself, and that’s how I justified spending a little more on it at times.

If you’re even remotely into food, Tokyo will ruin you in the best way. I have a full list of my favorite food spots in Tokyo, but my top two that you need to bookmark are Sushi Bar Nigirite and Ramen Tatsunoya in Shinjuku. Both are fantastic.

The Tokyo Vibe

Tokyo just has a vibe. It’s iconic in the same way New York is iconic, simply walking around feels like an activity. One minute you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and neon signs, and the next you’re slipping into a tiny alleyway with a little ramen counter hidden inside. I genuinely loved wandering aimlessly and taking it all in.

Activities in Tokyo Japan

You will not run out of things to do in Tokyo. I could’ve easily stayed longer than a week. From the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky to teamLab Planets, the fish markets, and all the incredible day trips, there’s so much to keep you busy.

We did a day trip to Mount Fuji and even though Fuji-san didn’t show herself the entire time (tragic), we still had such a fun day. That’s the thing about Tokyo: even when things don’t go to plan, there’s always something great to do.

Tradition & Culture

One of the things I loved most is how Tokyo balances the ultra-modern with the traditional. We’d step out of a busy train station surrounded by skyscrapers and then a few minutes later be wandering through peaceful shrines and ancient temples. That contrast makes the city feel really special.

Public Transport & Convenience

Tokyo is overwhelming in size, but weirdly convenient to navigate. The subway is fantastic and made it super easy for me to get around. Then you have all the convenience stores with great coffee and snacks (yes, I’m deeply loyal to the 7-11 egg sandwiches), and overall the city just works. Even on hectic days, nothing felt inconvenient.

What I Didn’t Like About Tokyo Japan

Tokyo Can Be a Lot

And I really mean that. Tokyo can be a lot, a lot of people, a lot of noise, a lot of buzz. After a long day of exploring, it can feel pretty draining. We stayed in Shinjuku for a few nights and honestly, the sheer amount of people stressed me out at times. I loved the energy, but there were definitely moments where it felt overwhelming. It’s mainly certain pockets of the city, but still something worth knowing if you’re sensitive to crowds.

Waiting in Line… for Everything

This ties into the point above. With so many people, you end up waiting in line for pretty much anything good, restaurants, cafés, observatories, even random little food spots. I’ve waited in line in Tokyo more than anywhere else in the world. And sure, I’ll queue for incredible food, but once you hit the 1-hour mark you start questioning your life choices. And it’s not just the viral places on Instagram, even the truly local, amazing spots have long waits.

Hotel Rooms Are Tiny

This isn’t just a Tokyo thing, but you really feel it here. Hotel rooms are tiny, even in the pricier places. I paid over $150 USD for a room and still couldn’t open my suitcase on the floor. I get it, space is limited, but it’s definitely something to mentally prepare for. If you value space (or just want to open your luggage without playing Tetris), this might be a little frustrating.

Things to Do in Tokyo Japan

Tokyo has so many things to do that it honestly feels impossible to fit everything into one trip. You’ve got the cultural and traditional spots like Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine, the crazy and fun neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya, and then the downright silly-but-fun activities like driving Mario Karts through the streets.

This little list is more of a teaser of what Tokyo has to offer, but I also put together a comprehensive guide of all my favorite things to do in Tokyo, definitely check that one out if you want the full rundown.

1. Soak in an Onsen

One of my absolute highlights in Tokyo was visiting an onsen. Our guide Yuko took us to an incredible tattoo-friendly onsen with spotless facilities and a very local vibe an we were the only tourists there. After weeks of traveling through Japan (and visiting in November), soaking in the hot spring water felt unreal. My muscles needed that reset more than I realized. Click here to check out the Onsen!

2. Eat Amazing Japanese Food in Tokyo

I know “eating” isn’t technically an activity, but let’s be honest… it kind of is in Tokyo. Pretty much every day I planned my itinerary around where I wanted to eat next because Tokyo’s food scene is truly that special. I have a full Tokyo food guide with all my favorites, but trust me, this city will turn you into a full-time foodie.

Click Here: Book a Food Tour in Tokyo

3. TeamLabs Planets (Skip Borderless)

We did both TeamLabs experiences Planets and Borderless, so I could properly compare them for you guys, and the verdict is easy: go to TeamLabs Planets. It’s way more immersive and interactive, and the whole experience just feels more magical. Borderless was fine, but Planets is the clear winner.

Click Here: Teamlab Plantes Tickets

4. Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky Observatory

We also did both major observation decks, the Skytree and Shibuya Sky, and of course we had terrible weather both times. The Skytree is insanely high (450m!) and on a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji. Shibuya Sky, on the other hand, is more of a vibe: it’s outdoors, has a light show, a bar, and lounge seating. I could imagine that on a clear day, during sunset, it might be beautiful having a drink up there!

Click Here: Tickets Tokyo Skytree

Click Here: Tickets Shibuya Sky Observatory

5. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Is it the most life-changing activity ever? No. But it’s so iconic that you just have to do it. We walked across it, took the classic photos, and even found a secret observation spot with zero people where we got the best shots of the whole trip.

My favorite viewpoint is actually in the same building as Shibuya Sky, just head to the 13th floor, wander past the restaurants, and you’ll find a big open area with incredible views of the crossing and zero tourists. Such a good little hack.

Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan

I know Tokyo has endless neighborhoods, some super local, some wildly touristy, but as a first-timer, I’d personally stick to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or maybe Harajuku. They’re central, well-connected, packed with food spots, and just make life easier when you’re trying to see as much as possible. Yes, they’re busy, but for a first visit, the convenience honestly can’t be beat.

Here are two hotels I really liked (or almost stayed at!) and think are worth checking out:

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku Tokyo

This is where I stayed, and it was absolutely hilarious in the best way. It’s the hotel with the massive Godzilla head on top. Sadly, the terrace with Godzilla was closed during our stay, but we could see it from our window, which cracked me up every morning. Location-wise and comfort-wise, I’d definitely recommend it. I had a great stay.

Book Here: Hotel Gracery Tokyo

Hotel Indigo Shibuya Tokyo

Hotel Indigo Shibuya was high on my wishlist because I’d heard such good things, and some friends of ours stayed there and loved it. Unfortunately, I was too slow when I booked Tokyo and it was already full for my dates. The views from the rooms and the rooftop look incredible though, and it’s 100% on my list for next time.

Book Here: Hotel Indigo Tokyo

FAQs About Is Tokyo Worth Visiting

Is Tokyo expensive?

From my own experience, I’d say yes, at least to start. Accommodation was by far my biggest expense. But activities, food, and especially public transport can actually be pretty affordable, so it really depends on how you travel.

Is Tokyo Tower worth visiting?

Tokyo Tower… the red-and-white Eiffel Tower lookalike. Quick answer: no. There’s not much to see besides a mediocre shopping mall at the base. Hard pass, speaking from firsthand disappointment.

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo for first timers?

Shinjuku and Shibuya were my favorite areas to explore, especially as a first-timer. I also loved the Tsukiji Fish Market, the sushi there was unbelievably fresh, and TeamLab Planets, which was such a fun and unique experience.

What do I need to know before visiting Tokyo?

Honestly, I’ve traveled to many countries and Japan is one of the places where preparation really helps. From eSIMs to local apps, there’s a lot that makes your trip smoother. Check out my Japan prep guides for everything you should know before you go.

Why should I visit Tokyo?

There are so many reasons, but my top two are:The food and the culture. I’m still dreaming of the food, it was that good. When it comes to culture, the Japanese way of living is just fascinating, thoughtful, and beautiful to experience.

Final Thoughts on Is Tokyo Worth It?

This one’s easy to wrap up because the answer is simply yes. Tokyo is iconic, energetic, and packed with amazing things to see and do. I loved wandering through Shinjuku at night, watching the Shibuya Scramble from above, and eating fresh sushi straight from the market. There are absolutely a million reasons to come here.

And just to put things into perspective: I’ve been to almost 50 countries, and Japan is probably number one on my list of places I want to revisit ASAP. I spent almost a month here and still felt like I needed more. So yes, book your trip, seriously.