Tokyo holidays & city breaks

No, for short stays up to 90 days, you'll receive a temporary visitor visa when you arrive. Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay and complete the necessary entry forms using the Visit Japan App before arrival to speed up the process. You can also fill out entry forms at the airport.

1. A valid passport; you’ll want at least 6 months left on your passport to avoid problems with flights, immigration, or extending your trip
2. Proof of return or onward ticket
3. Proof of sufficient funds
4. Complete the Visit Japan Web online services for both the Disembarkation Card and Customs Declaration
5. A "Temporary Visitor" entry stamp in your passport (if you plan to use a Japan Rail Pass)
6. International Driving Permit (IDP), your UK driver's license and a major credit card (if you’re hiring a car)
7. Medical fees in Japan can be very high, so it's a good idea to get travel insurance

Modelled on the U.S. "ESTA" system, aimed at enhancing border security and preventing illegal overstays, “JESTA” is set to be launched by 2028 in Japan (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation)

You can fly from a variety of UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham International, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle International.

Want to beat the crowds and save £££? Visit Tokyo in late May to early June and late September to early December for the best bargains. Expect warm temperatures in late May/early June, hitting sunny averages of 25°C. Late September still feels tropical in Tokyo, with temps reaching 28-30°C. October, November and early December are much less humid, perfect for exploring T-Town.

Visiting the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in July or maybe August’s Koenji Awa Odori street dance festival is more your cup of tea? Whatever brings you here, prepare for humid temps as high as 37°C or more in the summer months.

Planning a holiday to Tokyo? Keep in mind:

1. December, January & February = cold and dry ❄️
   Experience Tokyo's winter illuminations and Christmas markets, savour winter dishes like oden (Japanese hot pot), see the Furusato Matsuri festival ("Hometown Festival") in January.
    
2. March, April & May = warm and pleasant 🌸
   Visit March’s Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, watch Sumo Spring Basho, discover authentic Japanese crafts at Aoyama Square, experience the Sanja Matsuri festival (“Festival of Three Shrines”) in May.
    
3. June & July = hot, humid and rainy (tsuyu) 🌞
   Enjoy Tokyo’s Hydrangea and Iris festivals, marvel at the Sumida River Fireworks in late July, and dine on a lantern-lit yakatabune cruise around Tokyo Bay.
    
4. August & September = typhoon season (taifū) ⛈️
   Visit Shibuya, Roppongi and Shinjuku for the best karaoke bars, see Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theatre in Ginza and explore endless museums on rainy days.
    
5. October & November = mild and comfortable 🍂
   Stroll along the golden ginkgo-lined avenue of Meiji Jingu Gaien, visit Tokyo's iconic five-storied pagoda, join Ikebukuro’s massive Halloween street party, go vintage kimono shopping in Harajuku, and hike nearby Mount Takao for stunning views.

First holiday to Tokyo? We recommend a minimum of three to ten nights to really make the most of your time here.

1. 💼 3-4 days in Tokyo is enough time to see major sights like Shinjuku and Asakusa, with the flexibility of an extra day trip or going further into Tokyo.
2. 🎒 5-7 days in Tokyo leaves plenty of time to experience its unique vibe without feeling rushed, including a swanky shopping spree in boujee Ginza or a scenic day trip to Hakone with hot springs and Mt. Fuji views.
3. 🧳 7-10 days in Tokyo hits the sweet spot; anime fans can fully immerse themselves in Akihabara, culture lovers have time to venture to Kyoto, Nara, and beyond, and foodies can savour Tokyo’s endless eats as they please.

🗼 Free observation decks ✅

1. Tokyo Government Metropolitan Building, Shinjuku district, next to Tochomae Station. Observation decks: 202m. No advance booking, queue for entry.
    
2. Bunkyo Civic Center, bordering Shinjuku and Chiyoda, 1 minute walk from Korakuen Station. Observation deck: 105m. No advance booking required.
    

🗼 Paid observation decks & towers 💰

1. Tokyo Skytree, Sumida ward, near the Sumida River. Tembo Deck: 350m. Tembo Galleria: 450m. Buy tickets in advance to avoid big queues.
    
2. Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Scramble Square building, directly above Shibuya Station. Multi-level, 360-degree views of Tokyo. Observation deck: 229m. Booking online can work out cheaper.
    
3. Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park, Toshima ward, 5 min walk from Higashi-ikebukuro Station. Observation deck: 251m. Children under 5 go free.
    
4. Tokyo Tower, Minato City, 5 min walk from Akabanebashi Station. Main Deck: 150m. Top Deck: 250m. Book online for tickets and limited-availability tours.
    
5. Tokyo City View, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 3 min walk from Roppongi Station. Indoor Deck: 250m. Outdoor Sky Deck: 270m. Book online in advance; discounts possible.
    
6. Sky Lobby, Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, 5 min walk from Roppongi-itchome Station. Observation deck: 219m. Cover charge and mandatory purchase of at least one drink to enter.

With Thomas Cook, package holidays to Tokyo combine return flights, accommodation, and the option to add extras like transfers, travel insurance and curated experiences at some of the world's top attractions.

Although not as common as in some other destinations, if you opt for an All Inclusive Tokyo trip, food is included (three meals a day plus snacks), as well as unlimited soft and local alcoholic drinks - usually for 12 hours a day - which will vary by package and hotel.

Although it's not mandatory for visiting Tokyo (yet), travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs can be very high in Japan. Beyond medical coverage, a good travel insurance policy protects you against trip cancellation, loss/theft of belongings, delays/missed departures and legal costs/expenses.

Offering optional coverage for certain adventure and sports activities, subject to policy terms, we've teamed up with the Post Office to offer you award-winning travel insurance cover where kids go free on family policies*. Ideal for planning your next family holiday to Tokyo.

* Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on the single-trip and annual multi-trip policies, provided they have no medical conditions

Although generally safe to visit, be mindful of these five do's and don'ts to make the most of your Tokyo holidays:

DO:

• ⛩️ Respect local customs and temple etiquette
• 🚶 Use a travel card for public transport and always cross at designated crossings
• 🥢 Try local cuisine, from sushi to street treats
• 💴 Carry cash for small shops and temples
• 👥 Visit popular spots early to avoid crowds

DON’T:

• 🗣 Tip - it's not a thing in Japan
• 🚆 Speak loudly on trains, keep it chill
• 🚬 Smoke outside designated areas
• 💪 Assume tattoos are allowed at beaches, onsen, pools or gyms
• 🚮 Litter - take your rubbish with you

Other than Google Maps, useful Apps for exploring Tokyo include:

• • Tokyo Metro Subway Map
• • Japan Travel – Route, Map, Guide
• • Japan Transit Planner
• • NHK WORLD-JAPAN
• • VoiceTra
• • Travel JAPAN Wi-Fi
• • Japan Connected Wi-Fi
• • GO / Taxi app for Japan

Many areas in Tokyo offer access to public WiFi, but it's safer to have your own internet access. Most UK mobile providers will work in Tokyo when roaming is enabled, but a local Japanese SIM card is often more cost-effective than roaming with your UK plan. Handy SIM card or pocket WiFi options can be bought at both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports, e.g. Sakura Mobile.

Yes, provided you have:

1. - A 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling
2. - A full UK driving license held for at least 1 year prior to arrival
3. - IDP, UK driving licence and passport as proof when collecting the car

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Good question! Hidden costs to consider when planning your Tokyo holiday include:

• • Tourist taxes, e.g. Accommodation Tax, Departure Tax, Consumption Tax.
• • VAT and Sales Tax
• • Peak season premiums
• • Booking fees
• • Baggage fees
• • Airport transfers
   

We’re committed to transparency and your consumer rights, so any additional costs are clearly disclosed at each step of the booking process. With visitor caps, tiered pricing, and new fees emerging, planning a trip to Tokyo can be tricky. Thomas Cook package holidays to Tokyo take care of it all - tickets, transport, reservations - keeping your trip smooth and stress-free.

> Thomas Cook Booking Terms and Condition

Japan maintains an incredibly low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries to visit. That said, always make sure you're aware of the latest travel advice on entry requirements, visas, passports and health information before booking holidays to Tokyo.