Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide 2025: Shibuya, Harajuku & More! | Expedia

Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide 2025: Shibuya, Harajuku & More! | Expedia

Welcome to Tokyo, a city where historic 
shrines sit beside ultramodern skyscrapers, where your next meal might come from a 
vending machine or a Michelin starred counter, and where mega crossings are just
a few steps from peaceful side streets. Tokyo is iconic for its fast pace, but if you know where to look,
it’s also full of quiet moments, unexpected flavors, and unforgettable views. From trend setting streets to
temple lined alleys, here’s our travel guide for Tokyo, including some of our
favorite spots and the best ways to explore them. Let’s kick things off in the Shibuya district. 
It’s the Tokyo you’ve probably imagined and then some. If there’s one Tokyo moment you’ve seen 
everywhere online, it’s probably Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. The action peaks at dusk when waves
of people move through the neon lit street. Or if you’re visiting during the day,
head upstairs to take in the spectacle from above. You’ll find plenty of stellar
vantage points, like this one from the top of Shibuya 109. For another epic viewpoint
of the crossing and the rest of the city, take the elevator to Shibuya Sky. This observation deck offers 360° views across the city. If you’re traveling during spring high season,
book your tickets ahead online to skip the lines. If you’re looking for food in Shibuya, follow the scent of Char Grilled Skewers
and squeeze into a yakitori stall in Nonbei Yokōcho. This narrow alleyway near Shibuya Station is lined with
lantern-lit bars where locals unwind over late night bites. Next, let’s head north to Shinjuku, a neighborhood of extremes. Fast-paced and serene, gritty and refined, old school and ultramodern, 
all packed into one dynamic district. Start outside Shinjuku Station
where you’ll be welcomed by a giant 3D calico cat that blinks and stretches above the crowds. Then head into Omoide Yokōcho,
for smoky grills, paper lanterns, and tiny food stalls. It’s the perfect spot for cheap eats and big flavors. Just remember to bring cash.
Many of the stalls are proudly low tech. Need a quiet moment? Just a short walk away is one of 
Tokyo’s most famous green spaces, Shinjuku Gyoen. Or visit Hanazono Shrine, a pocket 
of calm tucked between office towers and arcades. Ring the bell for good luck
and tie a fortune beneath the Torii gates. When night falls, the nearby Golden Gai
lights up with glowing signs and cozy bars. They may be compact,
but each one overflows with character. Continue your nightlife adventure just two subway stops west, where Tokyo Night & Light
transforms the Metropolitan Government Building into a mind-boggling display every 30 minutes. Next up is Harajuku, where Tokyo’s
cool, creative edge collides with tradition. You’ll find high fashion, pop culture, as well as
leafy parks, and one of the city’s most sacred shrines, all packed into a few walkable blocks. Start with Takeshita Street. This narrow pedestrian lane is packed
with pop culture boutiques and all kinds of snacks. For a complete contrast, stroll over to Omotesandō Avenue. It’s a treeline stretch of modern design and luxury storefronts. One of the highlights here
is the mirrored entryway at Tokyo Plaza. When you’re ready to take it down a notch, take the short walk to Yoyogi Park, just around the corner. Wide lawns and shaded paths 
make it one of Tokyo’s best places to relax. It’s a calm open space that feels 
worlds away from Takeshita’s buzz. Tucked in the forest just a few steps away is
Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto sites. The towering Torii gate is made from ancient Cyprus, and the walk to the main hall
feels like stepping into another world. Next up is Ueno, a neighborhood
that connects you to Tokyo’s roots, with centuries old temples, national museums, and lively markets that balance
the city’s fast pace with culture and tradition. And it’s all centered around
one of the city’s most beloved parks. Ueno Park is a sprawling 
green space that’s home to museums, shrines, and shady spots
for picnicking or people watching. If you’re traveling in spring, it’s one of Tokyo’s most iconic cherry 
blossom spots, but it’s gorgeous all year round. Within the park itself, you 
can explore the Tokyo National Museum, where ancient art, Buddhist sculptures,
and centuries old scrolls trace Japan’s legacy. For quieter moments,
step over to Bentendō Temple or visit Gojōten Shrine. And at the heart of the park stands Ueno Tōshōgū Shrine. with golden details and a lantern-lined path leading to its gates, it’s a rare glimpse of Edo‑era
craftsmanship right in the middle of the city. When you get hungry,
head just outside the park to Ameyoko Market, one of Tokyo’s liveliest shopping streets. Next up is Akihabara, the city’s tech capital. This neighborhood is packed with
electronics, anime, and arcades stacked floor by floor. Manderake is a must visit for collectors 
stocked floor to ceiling with comic books, figurines, and rare finds. Nearby, Super Potato is retro gaming heaven. With dusty cartridges, pixel art, and
vintage consoles, it will transport you straight back to the ’90s. Or if you prefer to try your luck,
Akihabara’s got an endless lineup of gacha pon halls. Rows and rows of capsule machines
with surprises ranging from cute to quirky. When you need a quick bite
between battles, grab some Kushiyaki skewers. Tender grilled bites of meat and veg on a stick. Once you’ve had your 
fill of flashing lights and capsule toys, head east to the neighborhood where tradition still thrives. Step into Asakusa and you step into Old Tokyo. Here, tradition lives on in every
gate, lantern, and curl of incense smoke. Start your journey at Kaminari mon, the iconic red 
thunder gate that marks the entrance to Asakusa. From here, walk straight down Nakamise Dori, a centuries old shopping street lined 
with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. You’ll want to try the sweet Ningyo Yaki 
cakes made of batter poured into cute molds. At the end of the street, you’ll 
reach Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Cleanse your hands in the dragon fountain 
and draw a fortune from the omikuji stand. Tucked just beside the temple,
Asakusa shrine offers a peaceful pause shaded by trees and watched over by lion guardians. It’s a great place to slow down and take it all in. For more fresh air, head to 
the prominade along the Sumida River. It’s a short walk from Sensō-ji and a
peaceful stretch where locals stroll and boats drift by. Just across the river, Tokyo Skytree 
rises from the surrounding buildings. Head to the top just before sunset
for one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable views. Tokyo is a city of contrast,
and each neighborhood tells a different story. You can start your day in a centuries
old shrine and end it under a sky of glowing lights. Whether you come for tradition, tech,
food, or fashion, there’s a Tokyo for every vibe. So, what’s yours? Save this video for your Japan trip and tell us 
which neighborhood you’re going to explore first.

Skip the tourist traps and see Tokyo for what it really is — a city of contrasts!
From sacred shrines to skyscrapers, this 2025 neighborhood travel guide explores Tokyo’s most iconic districts and a few under-the-radar gems. Whether you’re chasing pop culture, peaceful parks, or late-night bites, we’ll show you where to stay, eat, and explore in Japan’s dynamic capital.

Shibuya: Neon lights, famous crossings, and epic city views
Shinjuku: Lively nightlife, lush gardens, and pockets of calm
Harajuku: Fashion, flavor, and Tokyo’s cool creative edge
Ueno: Temples, tradition, and culture at every turn
Akihabara: Retro gaming, anime, and electric energy
Asakusa: Old Tokyo charm and timeless sights

Neighborhood travel guide:
0:00 Introduction to Tokyo
0:45 Shibuya: The iconic one
2:00 Shinjuku: The dynamic one
3:43 Harajuku: The cool one
5:16 Ueno: The cultural one
6:44 Akihabara: The electric one
7:54 Asakusa: The historic one

Start planning your next trip to Tokyo with the latest vacation packages from Expedia:
https://www.expedia.com/Tokyo.d179900.Destination-Travel-Guides