Shibuya Crossing
Step into the world's busiest pedestrian scramble, then watch the neon chaos from a café above.
Flight + hotel · Neon districts, temples & world-class food · Guided & independent tours
Destination
At a glance
Japan's dazzling capital is a city of contrasts — neon-lit crossings and centuries-old temples, hushed gardens and buzzing izakaya alleys, the world's best sushi counters and towering skyscrapers. With Air Canada flying nonstop from Toronto to Haneda in about 13 hours, Tokyo has never been more reachable, and it's the perfect base for day trips out to Mt Fuji, Nikko and Kamakura.
Climate
Four seasons; spring & autumn best
Cherry blossom in late Mar–Apr, fiery autumn colours in Nov, hot humid summers.
Currency
Japanese Yen
1 CAD ≈ 110 JPY · IC transit cards widely used
Entry
Visa-free
Short stays for Canadians
Step into the world's busiest pedestrian scramble, then watch the neon chaos from a café above.
Pass through the giant Kaminarimon lantern and along Nakamise street to Tokyo's oldest temple.
Ride to the observation decks of the world's tallest tower for sweeping views across the metropolis.
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Japan is visa-free for short tourist stays.
Getting to Tokyo: Air Canada flies nonstop from Toronto (YYZ) to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) in about 13 hours.
Transit & IC cards: Pick up a Suica or PASMO IC card to tap on to trains, subways and buses, and pay at convenience stores.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Japan uses 100V with Type A/B plugs — Canadian plugs fit, though the voltage is slightly lower.
Time zone: Tokyo runs on Japan Standard Time (JST) — about 13–14 hours ahead of Toronto.
Sakura in bloom across the parks — the most beautiful and busiest time. Book far ahead.
Golden ginkgo and fiery maples in the gardens and shrines. Peak demand.
Mild, comfortable weather with fewer crowds and better value.
Humid summers with the June rainy season. Cheaper but sticky.
Where to stay
Tokyo's neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, from neon nightlife hubs to elegant shopping streets and historic temple towns. Here's how to choose.
West Tokyo
A dazzling hub of skyscrapers, department stores and the lantern-lit alleys of Golden Gai, all around the world's busiest station.
Southwest Tokyo
The neon heart of youth culture and fashion, home to the famous scramble crossing, Harajuku and endless dining.
Central Tokyo
Tokyo's luxury shopping and dining district, steps from the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station's shinkansen lines.
East Tokyo
Old-Tokyo atmosphere around Senso-ji temple, with craft shops, rickshaws and views of the Skytree across the river.
Beyond the city
Tokyo is the perfect base for exploring the Kanto region's mountains, shrines and coastal towns. Every tour below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Chase views of Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and ride the Hakone ropeway over volcanic valleys.
Visit the ornate UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine set among cedar forests, waterfalls and lakes.
Stand before the giant bronze Great Buddha and stroll the temples and beaches of seaside Kamakura.
Experience the nautically themed park that thrills adults and kids alike — unique to Tokyo.
Flight + hotel packages with nonstop flights from Canada, starting at
Good to know
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
No. Canadians can visit Japan visa-free for short tourist stays with a valid passport.
Air Canada flies nonstop from Toronto (YYZ) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) in about 13 hours.
Late March to April for cherry blossom and November for autumn colours are the most beautiful — and busiest. May and October offer great weather with fewer crowds.
Tokyo has one of the world's best rail and subway networks. Pick up a Suica or PASMO IC card to tap on to transit and pay at shops.
The Japanese Yen (¥). Cash is still common, though IC cards and credit cards are widely accepted in the city.
Yes — it's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan, which can be costly.
Hakone and Mt Fuji, Nikko, Kamakura and Tokyo DisneySea are all within an easy train ride and make excellent day trips.
Yes, you can add guided tours and day trips like Mt Fuji and Nikko to your trip at checkout.