Tokyo event weekends: what to do between sessions
The world's biggest city, neighbourhood by neighbourhood: temples in Asakusa, neon in Shinjuku and ramen everywhere.
Events we cover in Tokyo
5 Mar 2027Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo, JapanMarathon24 Mar 2027*Cherry blossom season in Tokyo
Tokyo, JapanCulture21 Aug 2027*Summer Sonic
Tokyo, JapanFestival23 Sept 2027*Tokyo Game Show
Tokyo, JapanTrade show28 Oct 2027*Japan Mobility Show
Tokyo, JapanTrade show
Tokyo, JapanMarathon24 Mar 2027*Cherry blossom season in Tokyo
Tokyo, JapanCulture21 Aug 2027*Summer Sonic
Tokyo, JapanFestival23 Sept 2027*Tokyo Game Show
Tokyo, JapanTrade show28 Oct 2027*Japan Mobility Show
Tokyo, JapanTrade show
Arriving
Haneda (HND) is 20 to 30 minutes by monorail or Keikyu; Narita (NRT) is 1 hour by Narita Express or Skyliner.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Ueno and Asakusa | Cheaper hotels and temples. |
| Mid-range | Shinjuku and Shibuya | Trains everywhere. |
| Splurge | Marunouchi and Roppongi | Tower hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Nui. Hostel and Bar Lounge
- Mid-range: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- Splurge: Aman Tokyo
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Ueno Zoo.
- Miraikan science museum.
Rainy-day backups
- Tokyo National Museum.
- Ghibli Museum.
Free things to do
- Senso-ji temple.
- Meiji Shrine.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation deck.
Getting around
- A Suica or PASMO card (or Apple Pay) works on trains, buses and convenience stores.
- Shinkansen tickets can be booked on smartEX; reserved seats sell out on holidays.