Tokyo is not one city so much as dozens of districts stitched together by trains. That is why it works for solo travelers and groups: you can build a trip around contrasts.Best time to go
Cherry blossom season is beautiful and crowded. Late October through November is the underrated equal, with mild weather, clear skies, autumn color, and easier pricing.How to plan it
Five full days is a sensible floor. Build days by contrast: old and new, food and shopping, parks and nightlife, museums and side streets, with room for one day trip if you have more time.Where to stay and move
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Station all work for different travelers. Get an IC card and respect the last-train cutoff because late-night cross-city taxis are expensive.Food and budget
Food is the easiest part to love: ramen, sushi, izakaya, depachika food halls, convenience stores, bakeries, and tiny neighborhood counters. Spend where it matters and let transit do the rest.