Tokyo has emerged as a leading travel hotspot in 2024, experiencing an impressive 284 per cent increase in popularity among Australian travellers, according to the latest trends reported by Skyscanner. This interest is a testament to Japan’s captivating charm, which continues to attract international visitors to its picturesque landscapes.

Tokyo is a city that gracefully balances the delicate art of ancient traditions with the brisk pace of a bustling metropolis displaying cutting-edge innovation on every corner.

Nestled among neon-lit skyscrapers, serene temples and tranquil parks offer a sanctuary of calm and culture within Tokyo’s vibrant heart. The city invites you on a cultural adventure catering to culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo Dome

The Tokyo Dome, a landmark in the heart of the city, is a hub of excitement and entertainment. Known as the ‘Big Egg’, this 55,000-seater stadium is the home of the Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s beloved baseball team.

Visitors can embed themselves in the electrifying atmosphere of a Japanese baseball game, complete with enthusiastic cheerleading, live bands, and a unique blend of sportsmanship and culture.

Tokyo Dome: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo.

TeamLab Planets

TeamLab Planets is not just an art exhibition, it’s a groundbreaking immersive experience that transports visitors into a world where they journey through interactive spaces, walking through water and seamlessly integrating into the artwork itself.

The exhibit dynamically responds to the presence of its audience, creating an ever-changing boundary that offers an entirely new way to experience art.

TeamLab Planets: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu stands as a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, encompassing a vast 70-hectare forested area that transports visitors into a realm of Japanese tradition and natural beauty.

Established in 1920, the sacred forest is a man-made marvel, brought to life by 110,000 volunteers planting 234 varieties of trees from across Japan.

This meticulously crafted natural setting, designed to evolve beautifully over centuries, is complemented by the Inner Garden, once an imperial estate, and the Meiji Jingu Museum.

Meiji-Jingu Shrine: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo.

Places to eat and drink in Tokyo

Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel

Enjoying Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons is an experience that combines breathtaking views of Tokyo’s vast cityscape with world-class luxury.

This beautiful hotel, situated in a prime city location, provides guests with a savoury and sweet seasonal feast while overlooking the lush grounds of the Imperial Palace to the majestic peak of Mount Fuji.

Four Seasons Hotel at Otemachi: 1 Chome-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo.

Cocktails at Bar High Five

Bar High Five, situated in the dazzling epicentre of Ginza, is the brainchild of Hidetsugu Ueno-san, one of the world’s most esteemed bartenders.

This basement haven showcases the pinnacle of Japanese bartending craftsmanship, where classic cocktails are reimagined with inventive flair.

Patrons are treated to signature drinks like the Full Bloom, a distinctively Japanese offering that marries maraschino, homemade roasted tea bitters and sakura liqueurs in perfect harmony.

Bar High Five: Efflore Ginza 5 Bldg. BF 5-4-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

Yakitori at Jomon in Roppongi

For those in search of refined yet approachable dining, Jomon in Roppongi offers a delightful selection of umami-rich, Hakata-style grilled skewers.

This izakaya (meaning a spot to grab a drink, settle in, and get comfortable) has a cozy atmosphere where shoes are left at the door, jazz music fills the air, and promises a lively, communal setting.

Indulge in the fresh flavours of grilled skewers, predominantly featuring pork — a cherished staple in Japan’s southern regions. In a delightful twist on traditional grilling, Jomon also presents skewered cheeses and vegetables, such as avocado and mozzarella, grilled to perfection.

Jomon Roppongi: 1F Fujimori bldg., 5-9-17 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Places to stay in Tokyo

Hotel Chinzanso

Hotel Chinzanso stands as a beacon of traditional luxury, set amidst a historic garden that marries Japanese elegance with contemporary comforts. The hotel’s signature summer event, the ‘Ultimate Sea of Clouds’, transforms its garden into an ethereal landscape of mist, offering a unique experience of Tokyo’s natural beauty.

Each season brings its own charm to the garden: a burst of pink cherry blossoms in spring, a fiery palette of red and orange in autumn, and the stark beauty of the trees’ natural architecture in winter.

Dining at Hotel Chinzanso is an adventure in itself, with nine options on site. Among them is Mokushundo, a gem tucked away in the tranquillity of the gardens. This Showa Era-inspired restaurant specialises in stone-grilled kaiseki, using lava stones from Mount Fuji for a distinctive culinary experience. For those seeking intimacy, the restaurant’s old neighbouring houses, repurposed as private dining rooms, offer a secluded retreat.

Guests at the spa enjoy the embrace of natural sunlight alongside a collection of luxury amenities. It includes an all-season warm pool, complete with a retractable roof for open-sky swimming, a lavish jet bath for ultimate relaxation, and a traditional Japanese onsen, directly sourced from the healing waters of Ito. Complementing these water features are a soothing sauna and a well-equipped fitness gym.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo: 2-10-8, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.

Conrad Tokyo

Strategically located in the Minato District and adjacent to the Shiodome subway station, Conrad Tokyo sits near the opulent Ginza district, akin to Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

Perched within the Shiodome skyscraper, Conrad Tokyo’s vast windows frame Tokyo Bay and afford an extensive panorama of the 25-hectare Hamarikyu Gardens, a former exclusive sanctuary for the elite, now welcoming the public to wander and discover its beauty.

The hotel features five distinct dining venues alongside an executive lounge, with Cerise offering a casual, all-day dining experience highlighted by an exquisite breakfast buffet. The TwentyEight Bar and Lounge, located on the 28th floor, is the epitome of sophistication. It is renowned for its breathtaking views and an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, spirits, and whiskies, making it the ideal place for an evening unwind or a stylish night out.

Conrad Tokyo is home to the city’s most expansive hotel spa, offering an urban sanctuary that features a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. This haven of relaxation also offers baths inspired by ancient rituals, designed to soothe your body and quiet your mind, creating a holistic experience of luxury and tranquillity.

Conrad Tokyo: 1 Chome-9-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Getting to Tokyo

From Australia, direct flights to Tokyo are available from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Upon arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, travellers can easily access central Tokyo via efficient and affordable train services or limousine buses. The city’s extensive public transportation system, including the Tokyo Metro and JR Lines, makes navigating Tokyo convenient and fast.

Taxis and Uber rides in Japan tend to be pricier compared to other countries. However, this higher cost comes with a promise of premium service and exceptional amenities.

Whether it’s the spotless interiors, free Wi-Fi, or the perfectly climatised ride, the attention to detail in every journey reflects Japan’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and service.