Delta Destinations
Your Guide to Tokyo
No one knows travel quite like Delta people, which is why we've curated a guide to help you discover the best that Tokyo has to offer. Unsure of where to stay? Want to know the best way to get around the city? Just go ahead and book that flight - we'll help take care of the planning.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY
From the airport to your hotel
Tokyo is served by two major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). HND sits just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, while NRT is about an hour out but handles the majority of international arrivals.
From NRT: The Narita Express (N'EX) is a direct, no-transfer ride to major hubs like Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations. For a cheaper alternative, the Keisei Skyliner will get you to Nippori or Ueno, or you can catch a limousine bus straight to your hotel.
From HND: Take the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa. A taxi takes about 30-40 minutes.
Tip: Add a Suica or PASMO card to your phone's wallet or grab a physical card from a vending machine in the arrivals hall. Skip the ticket counter entirely - just tap your phone or card at the gate to ride the train or bus.
Take the subway
The JR Yamanote Line (a loop line that circles central Tokyo) plus the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines will be your best bet for getting around the city. A Suica or PASMO card covers trains, buses and even convenience store purchases - all with one tap. Use the maps feature on your phone for turn-by-turn directions, right down to which exit number to take.
Grab a taxi
Tokyo taxis are clean, safe and known for exceptionally polite drivers. The doors open and close automatically - don't try to open them yourself! Taxis are a great option late at night, when you're carrying luggage or on a rainy day. The ride-hailing app "GO" or “S.RIDE” are also easy for visitors to use.
SIDE QUEST
Known as "Little Edo," Kawagoe is about 30 minutes from Tokyo (Ikebukuro) by train. Wander the Kurazukuri warehouse district, check out the Toki no Kane bell tower, and snack your way down Candy Alley - a great pick if you want Edo-period atmosphere without the crowds.
WHERE TO STAY
Explore some of our favorite areas to call home during your trip
Shinjuku
Best for: First-time visitors, unbeatable transit access and neon-lit nightlife. Home to the world's busiest train station, Shinjuku puts every corner of the city within easy reach, while Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city's energy. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai are perfect for late-night wandering.
Shibuya
Best for: Trend-forward energy, shopping and youthful street life. This is where you'll find the world-famous scramble crossing. Harajuku and Omotesando are just one train stop away, or a scenic 20-minute walk.
Ginza
Best for: Upscale shopping, refined dining and a polished home base. Close to Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, it's an easy launch point for exploring on foot and venturing beyond Tokyo.
Asakusa
Best for: Traditional Tokyo charm, iconic temples and a lively local atmosphere. Home to the historic Sensō-ji Temple and bustling shopping streets, Asakusa offers an authentic cultural experience while providing easy access to other parts of the city.
RECOMMENDED BY DELTA PEOPLE
We asked the people who live, work and play in Tokyo which city experiences can’t be missed
Golden Gai
Located in Shinjuku, this area features six narrow alleyways teeming with over 200 bars. Some are themed (find the horror-themed one), some require a cover charge, and most are only big enough for up to 10 people. You can easily dedicate an entire night to exploring Golden Gai.
Shinjuku Tour
One of the easiest ways to experience Shinjuku? Find a tour. Grab some food at an izakaya and drinks without the hassle of waiting for a spot to open up. This is also a great way to meet people if you're traveling solo!
Stay In A Ryokan
While you'll find more of these traditional Japanese inns outside of Tokyo, you can still find some in the city. Ryokans, which have been around for centuries, feature details like tatami floors and sliding doors, and most offer multi-course kaiseki meals.
Meiji Shrine
Just steps from Shibuya and Harajuku, this shrine sits inside a quiet, forested sanctuary - a peaceful contrast that feels like classic Tokyo.
Solo Ramen
For the solo travelers (or the introverts!), try one of Tokyo's popular ramen spots that let you sit in a small booth on your own. You mark off what you want and order without having to interact with anyone - making it perfect for when you've had a long day and your social battery is low.
Tsukiji Outer Market
A lively market packed with fresh seafood and street food - best experienced with an early-morning appetite. Find the stall making the giant prawn crackers for a larger-than-your-head snack.
Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori
One of Tokyo's oldest temples. Walk through the Kaminarimon gate and snack your way down Nakamise-dori toward the main hall - it's the essential Asakusa route.
Capsule Toys
You'll see these all over the city: coin-operated machines that spit out fun capsule toys. You'll even find entire stores dedicated to these machines. The toys range from normal to absolutely unhinged. Make a game out of finding the craziest capsule toy.
Tokyo Tower & Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo's two iconic towers, both worth the trip up for skyline views, especially after dark.
Akihabara
If you're a fan of all things anime, manga and electronics, visit this lively shopping district. Also called "Electric Town," this area features multi-level shops and arcades, so you'll never run out of things to do.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing & SHIBUYA SKY
Said to be the busiest crossing in the world, with thousands crossing at once. Head up to the SHIBUYA SKY observation deck for a bird's-eye view of the action below.
Kappabashi Street
For the cooks, Kappabashi Street has everything you could possibly want. Located near Asakusa, this area is dedicated to kitchenware, including ceramics, Japanese knives and even plastic food models.
A TASTE OF TOKYO
Our favorite quick bites, big meals and everything in between from across the city
Sushi and Sashimi
A trip to Japan isn't complete with indulging in one of the most popular dishes: sushi. Find a revolving sushi place for something fun or an omakase experience where you let the sushi chef decide for you. For something light and decadent, opt for sashimi (raw fish with no rice).
Ekiben
If you're planning to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to other locations in Japan, grab an ekiben for the journey. These bento boxes are designed specifically for consuming on the train and come in several varieties. Find them at the train station before departing.
Daifuku
A type of wagashi (Japanese confection), daifuku is a mochi typically filled with sweetened red bean paste. Perfectly chewy and sweet, it's an ideal treat.
Seasonal Fruit
In Japan, fruit is treated as a special-occasion treat rather than an everyday snack - think strawberries and Muskmelon in spring, peaches and Shine Muscat grapes in summer, persimmons and pears in fall. Department store basements and fruit parlors turn it into fruit sandwiches and parfaits, for one of Tokyo's more indulgent little luxuries.
Ramen
Tokyo's ultimate comfort food comes in endless variations - shoyu, miso, tonkotsu and more, plus only-in-Tokyo styles like Ie-kei and tsukemen (dipping noodles).
Takoyaki
Originated in Osaka, takoyaki is one of the most popular street foods in Japan. These fried dough balls are filled with pieces of octopus and topped with things like bonito flakes, Japanese mayo and takoyaki sauce.
Somen
Made of wheat flour, somen noodles are very thin and are usually served chilled in a soy-based dipping sauce, making it a perfectly refreshing meal during summer months.
Kaiseki
For an elevated meal, opt for a kaiseki. This multi-course Japanese meal is often served in ryokans, but you can find many restaurants that specialize in it as well, especially in Kyoto. The dishes will usually consist of an appetizer, sashimi, soup, flame-grilled food and more.
Konbini Snacks
If you've heard anything about Japan, you've probably heard about the konbini (convenience stores). While the food you find there isn't the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, it's surprisingly good. Perfect for grabbing when you're jet lagged and wake up before the rest of the city. Grab an onigiri or an egg sandwich.
Tonkatsu
For a casual lunch, try tonkatsu: crispy breaded pork cutlet, usually served set-meal style with shredded cabbage, rice and miso soup. (Psst... there's a pretty good tonkatsu place in Haneda Airport Terminal 3).
Your Tokyo Adventure Awaits
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