Tokyo blends ancient traditions with modern lifestyles. From shrine etiquette and local customs to famous dishes and seasonal festivals, this page helps you understand the city beyond its landmarks.
Tokyo moves fast, but social behaviour tends to be calm and considerate. On trains, people avoid talking on the phone and usually speak softly, if at all. Queues form neatly at station platforms, and passengers wait for others to exit before boarding.
Eating while walking is uncommon, except around festivals or food markets. You’ll often see rubbish bins only at convenience stores, so many locals carry their trash home.
When entering a shrine, walk to the side of the central path, bow once at the torii gate, and cleanse your hands at the water basin:
At the main hall, a typical pattern is: bow twice → clap twice → offer a short prayer → bow once.
Available everywhere from standing counters to refined omakase restaurants. For budget-friendly options, try rotating sushi chains or small neighbourhood shops.
Choose from tonkotsu (pork broth), shoyu (soy sauce), miso or shio (salt). Many ramen shops use vending machines at the entrance; buy a ticket, hand it to staff and take a seat.
Izakaya are casual Japanese pubs serving small plates: yakitori skewers, fried chicken, tofu dishes, tempura and shared snacks. They’re perfect for groups or travellers wanting to try a bit of everything.
Try takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), crepes in Harajuku and festival snacks sold from colourful stalls.
Late March to early April is one of the most celebrated times in Japan. Families and friends gather under blooming cherry trees at parks and riversides for hanami (flower viewing). Popular spots include Ueno Park, Meguro River and Shinjuku Gyoen.
Summer brings fireworks shows, night markets, street dances and people wearing yukata (light kimono). Expect bright lanterns, food stalls and lively crowds. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest events.
Parks and temple grounds turn red, orange and gold. Warm days and cool nights make this the best season for outdoor walks, shrine visits and photography. Popular locations include Rikugien Garden and Mount Takao.
Shibuya, Roppongi and Marunouchi display elaborate winter illuminations. Early January is filled with New Year traditions, shrine visits and seasonal food.
Tokyo is a global centre for anime and gaming culture. Akihabara is filled with arcades, retro game shops and themed cafés. Ikebukuro also offers large stores dedicated to anime and manga fans.
Tokyo blends traditional kissaten coffee houses with modern specialty cafés. Try hand-drip coffee in Shimokitazawa, desserts in Omotesando or themed cafés featuring animals, robots or manga characters.