Tokyo route: Skytree, Shinjuku, Akihabara and Odaiba
Explore Tokyo's major attractions across 55.6 km, visiting Tokyo Skytree, the bustling Shinjuku District, Akihabara's Electric Town, and cultural landmarks like the Tokyo National Museum and Edo Tokyo Museum. This route also covers the Tokyo Metro System, showcasing how locals navigate this massive metropolitan area, plus the modern attractions of Odaiba Island.
- Distance
- 55.6 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Tokyo Skytree Viewpoint
- End
- Edo Tokyo Museum
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Tokyo Skytree Viewpoint — Tallest structure in Japan at 634 meters, offering panoramic views of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape from observation decks.
- Tokyo Metro System & Rush Hour — World's busiest rapid transit network moving millions daily, showcasing Japan's precision engineering and organized chaos during peak commute times.
- Shinjuku District & Dining — Vibrant entertainment hub featuring countless restaurants, bars, and izakayas ranging from street food to Michelin-starred establishments.
- Electric Town & Neon Districts — Dazzling neighborhoods dominated by towering LED signs, pachinko parlors, and electronic shops that epitomize Tokyo's hypermodern aesthetic.
- Tokyo National Museum & Edo Tokyo Museum — Premier institutions preserving Japanese art, artifacts, and cultural heritage spanning from ancient times through the Edo period to modernity.
- Odaiba Island Attractions
- Tokyo Skytree — Iconic broadcasting tower; planned visit from different areas of the city
- Electric Town / Akihabara — Neon-lit district with electronics and entertainment venues
- Edo Tokyo Museum — Museum dedicated to the history and heritage of Tokyo
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Tokyo is massive (35-40 million people in greater metropolitan area). Break up sightseeing by different areas rather than going place to place, as travel between distant areas takes significant time.
- Transport
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card for subway/train travel. You can use it not only for metro but also to pay at convenience stores and for food, helping avoid leftover cash.
- Transport
- Avoid rush hour on subways if possible. Trains get extremely packed, though they remain efficient and quiet even at peak times.
- Save money
- Public transport is very affordable. Example: 1-hour journey costs approximately 260 yen (~$2-3 USD). Use trains/subways as primary transport.
- Avoid
- Your home country bank ATM cards likely won't work at Japanese banks. Use 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart convenience stores for cash withdrawals instead.
- Food
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart) offer quality prepared food including sushi, hot buns, and packaged items. They're open 24 hours and ideal for budget meals and dealing with jet lag.
- Save money
- Tokyo is expensive. Stay in Airbnb apartments instead of hotels, buy food from convenience stores or grocery stores rather than restaurants to save significantly.
- Tip
- Japanese toilets have heated seats with remote controls and bidet functions. Public toilets are clean but the technology may shock first-time users.
- Tip
- English is not widely spoken in Tokyo. Know basic phrases (konnichiwa, arigatou). ATMs have multiple language options but most other places don't.
- Food
- Many restaurants lack English menus and servers may not speak English. Be prepared to navigate dining without language assistance.
- Tip
- Vending machines are ubiquitous throughout Tokyo (every block, alleys, etc). They accept coins, bills, and sometimes Suica/Pasmo cards; offer both hot and cold beverages.
- Timing
- You cannot see all of Tokyo in one day or even one week. Plan multiple visits if possible; many museums, shrines, and attractions require significant time.
Video on this route
Visit Tokyo - 10 Things That Will SHOCK You About Tokyo, Japan