Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate and four distinct seasons. The summer months (June to August) are hot and sticky due to an unpleasant level of humidity, while winters (December to February) can get fairly cold, but are clear and dry. The warmest month is August, which averages 33°C, and the coolest month is January, averaging  4°C. Summers can be rainy and Tokyo's rainy season usually lasts from early June to late July. The rain is not constant and the city still gets plenty of sun over this period. 

Typhoons are most likely to affect the city in August and September. Snowfall is now more rare in Tokyo , but can snow occasionally in January and February. The best time to visit Tokyo is in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The famous Japanese cherry blossoms tend to bloom around March and April making this the most popular time for a holiday in Japan.

You can access the building for a birds view of the city for free! It's the headquarters of the governor and assembly of Tokyo. It’s just a short distance from Shinjuku station. 

At 243 meters, it’s also the 2nd tallest building within the city. 

The building has two observatories (one for each tower) which are open free of charge to the public. It offers a viewing of the city from the 45th floors, 202 meters above ground. The Observatory is open from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. The other tower has a cafe and a bar which is open till 11pm. 

The dormant volcano of Mount Fuji, is 100 Km southwest of Tokyo. It has converted on a "must" sight, if you are travelling to Tokyo. Its symmetrical 3,776m, snow-crowned summit has become as symbolic of Japan as the country's own flag, featuring in poetry and art through the ages and considered a holy site in Japanese culture. The mountain, which is the highest in Japan, has many historical and mythological associations; for instance, ancient samurai used the base of the mountain as a remote training area, near the present day town of Gotemba. 

There are six trails to the summit, of which the Kawaguchiko Trail is the easiest, being quite manageable even for children and the elderly as long as they have stamina and good shoes. Overnight huts are available for those wanting to stay a night or two on the mountain. The official climbing season is from 1 July to the end of August as in winter snow makes the ascent too dangerous. 

The are two options to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo; by organised tour or by taking public transport. Read more about Mount Fuji and how to get there below in the next guide.

The nightlife in Tokyo is spectacular. The city has everything from geisha bars to jazz clubs, dive bars referred to as 'shot bars' to themed dance clubs. It is legal to drink out in the streets and vending machines even stock cans of beer!

A good way to enjoy Tokyo's nightlife is in an izakaya, a pub-style watering hole serving food and drink. Western-style bars are much more expensive than those with local flavour, though chains like The Hub have happy-hour prices that are more reasonable.

Roppongi is the top nightlife district in Tokyo, where the locals are very friendly to gaijin (Westerners). Be wary of hostesses and patrons who try to lure you into one of the district's many gentlemen's clubs, where drinks are prohibitively expensive!

Shibuya also has a number of nightclubs, and 🌈Shinjuku is home to both Tokyo's red-light district and its most popular gay bars.

For less expensive bars that cater to students and backpackers, go a little further to the Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Nakano districts.

Many bars and lounges impose a table charge, which includes snacks like nuts or chips. Not all venues charge and policies vary, so ask before you order anything. Note that the legal age for both drinking and smoking in Japan is 20.

Those looking for a more cultured evening can catch a traditional kabuki performance at the Kabuki-za theatre in Ginza,  (it is possible to attend and pay for only one act as opposed to the whole production to get a taste for the art form).

You can also see traditional Western music performances by the Tokyo and NHK Symphony Orchestras at various theatres around Tokyo. Check the Japan Times for concert information. 

Tokyo can be a heaven for shoppers, because of the amount of things that can be found on sale, any spare part, that might be needed for something, will be found in Tokyo! 

But also it can be a stressful experience to shop in Tokyo, due to the size of the malls, the many side streets and more importantly, the lack of many shop owners to speak in any English! i

However, coming to shop in Tokyo is quite possibly the most futuristic shopping environment in the world, in which you can purchase everything from underwear to watermelons from vending machines while never interacting with a human. Ginza and Shibuya districts will confirm this.

Tokyo is also famous for its electronics stores, the biggest concentration of which can be found in Akihabara, Tokyo's 'Electric Town'. Despite the wide range, you will struggle to find genuine bargains and don't expect to negotiate at all, on price. Nevertheless, Akihabara is a colourful and exciting shopping district and the manga and anime stores will delight many.

Shopping malls have also been taken to another level in Tokyo. Shinjuku Station is surrounded by multi-level shopping stores selling everything under the sun. Big name chains such as Keio and Isetan can be accessed directly from the station. They both offer tax-free shopping and European language assistance. For a more upmarket department store experience, visit Mitsukoshi, which has several branches throughout the city.

Tokyo isn't known for flea markets, but two that are worth a visit for artisan-style gifts are Togo Shrine in Harajuku, on the first and fourth Sundays of each month, and Nogi Shrine, on the second Sunday of each month. There are many small markets around the various temples and shrines.

Essential purchases in Tokyo include traditional items like Daruma dolls and crafts such as ceramics and chop-sticks. Kimonos are another good purchase although those made from pure silk, as true kimonos are, will be expensive. A good place to browse for souvenirs is the Oriental Bazaar and Omotesando, both of which offer good value and plenty of interesting social scenery.

Space in the city is a major issue and Japanese are experts on how to use every corner and empty space to maximise potential. Japanese rooms are traditionally a mat on the floor, known as futon. These are advertised as traditional rooms when you book so do not get confused as to expect a traditional European queen size bed! 

Another option to consider if you are on a budget  is staying in Hotels and hostels which offer Capsule type accommodation.  These rooms are essentially piled up bed cabins surrounded in plastic or wood, long enough for one person to sleep and only being able to access the bed through one side, either the end of the bed or the side. Shared bathroom and showers are typical, often being Japanese style also (open showers). 

Other peculiarities of the capsule rooms are the fact that there is no possibility to leave your luggage there if you are staying a few days. Each time you must clear the Capsule by 10-11am and leave your belongings in a locker. Also many places make you take off your shoes before going into the Capsule rooms. Capsule rooms can be cheap at €20 per night. 

However, if you prefer the spacious Hotel rooms and comfortable normal beds you will have to pay the price. Rooms would be at least €60 per night! 

As being such a rapid and growing city with so much to do and see, Tokyo is often a city you will see new things each time you go. For a first time visit and to see the most essential and submerge a little in the culture 5 nights would be just about the minimum, including a trip to Mount Fuji.  

But if you are really planning to see as much as possible and experience the culture and nightlife, up to 10 days would be better value. 

Akihabara, day or night there is always something to see in Akihabara, the main street is lined with tall buildings covered in colourful ads depicting sales and anime characters. There are names you'll recognise, like Sega, and many you definitely won't. Tiny shops focus on one microscopic niche of the electronics world. You can find things like a new switch for your old VCR, a single LED, fuses, cables, or random parts you've never seen before. It's worth exploring down the narrow alleys and corridors, there are hundred of stalls and stores.

Come to Akihabara if you are seeking entertainment. The anime/manga stores are all located here and you will find multitude of playing stations divided in several floors. Also it's popular to find the "Maid cafes" which feature Manga style girls dressed up in a maid uniform and performing a show for the public. It cost about ¥1000 to get in plus drinks.  

As mentioned, Mount Fuji, is an important sight not to miss whilst in Japan, and probably it's the best suggestion to visit. An active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707–08. It it 100 KM of Tokyo, and can be seen from there on a clear day. Mount Fuji is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs. Therefore being very popular for visitors and climbers. It was added to the World Heritage List as a Cultural Site per UNESCO. Also there are important sites to see in the surroundings of the mountain; Shrines, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai hot springs, temples and numerous places to dine, and shop for souvenirs. 

Unfortunately Mount Fuji is so high that most times you will not be able to see the top as it's covered in clouds most of the year with only a 10% of visitors able to see it completely clear. Plan the trip according to the weather but mostly in the summer you will have better chances of seeing it or during some other days when there are clear skies which have been forecasted in advance. 

✔️Tip: As you arrive to Kawaguchiko, there is a multitude of options to see the mountain. The cheapest is to walk around the lake and capture the different views of the peak as you see it. To get to the north of the lake it will take at least 1.5 hours walking. You can also go by bus or a tour can be organised from the station as an alternative to walking. 

It is possible to stay at the base of Mount Fuji with accommodations especially built to withstand lower temperatures of the region with thick walls. These hotels, are normally quite busy with groups over the Summer, so it's important to reserve in advance for the high season. The rest of the year prices are still expensive as its aimed at the richer wealthy tourist market. However, you can still find deals if you book in advance. Also Airbnb options can be prove interesting in the smalls towns nearby. 

Expect prices around €60 at least per room.

Most visitors will come to Mount Fuji for a day trip. To plan well, make sure you leave in the morning for the over 2 hour trip one way from Tokyo.