East Asia · Japan

Tokyo Travel Guide

Flights, places to stay, and the best things to do in Tokyo for travelers flying from Vietnam.

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Tokyo Travel Guide
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Timezone
UTC+9
Flight Time
5.5 hours from HCM

Overview

Tokyo is a city of contrasts — ancient shrines beside neon-lit skyscrapers, quiet zen gardens steps from the world's busiest intersection. For Vietnamese travelers, Japan has become increasingly accessible with competitive flight prices and simplified visa processes. Tokyo's food scene alone is worth the trip — the city has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. From the cherry blossoms of Ueno Park to the electronic wonderland of Akihabara, Tokyo rewards every type of traveler.

Flights from Vietnam

SGN → NRT
Ho Chi Minh City → Tokyo
Compare prices from 87 airlines
HAN → NRT
Hanoi → Tokyo
Compare prices from 87 airlines
SGN → HND
Ho Chi Minh City → Tokyo
Compare prices from 87 airlines
HAN → HND
Hanoi → Tokyo
Compare prices from 87 airlines

Where to stay

Budget$30–60/night

Asakusa

Traditional Tokyo. Home to Sensoji Temple. Budget hostels and ryokans. Good subway access.

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Mid-range$60–150/night

Shinjuku

Transport hub with JR and Metro lines. Kabukicho nightlife. Department stores. Most convenient base for first-timers.

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Luxury$150–500/night

Shibuya / Omotesando

Fashion district. Shibuya Crossing. Trendy cafes and boutiques. Young, energetic atmosphere.

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Things to do

Sensoji Temple (Asakusa)

Tokyo's oldest temple (645 AD). Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street. Free entry.

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Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Best viewed from Starbucks 2nd floor or Shibuya Sky observation deck.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Fresh sushi for breakfast, tamagoyaki, and wagyu skewers. Go before 10am. The inner market moved to Toyosu but outer market remains.

TeamLab Borderless

Immersive digital art museum. Book tickets 2+ weeks in advance — sells out fast. Budget 2-3 hours.

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Day Trip to Mt. Fuji

Hakone or Kawaguchiko. Clear views best in winter (Dec-Feb). Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku.

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Best time to visit

March – May

Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April). Perfect weather 15–22°C.

October – November

Autumn leaves. Comfortable 15–20°C. Fewer tourists than spring.

December – February

Cold (2–10°C) but clearest Mt. Fuji views. Winter illuminations. Lowest flight prices.

Travel tips

  • 1

    Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — works on all trains, buses, and convenience stores.

  • 2

    7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards. Lawson and FamilyMart too. Many places are still cash-only.

  • 3

    Download Google Maps offline — it works perfectly for Tokyo transit. Alternatives: Navitime or Japan Travel.

  • 4

    Pocket WiFi ($5/day) or eSIM is essential — free WiFi is rare outside stations and Starbucks.

  • 5

    Tipping is NOT customary in Japan. It can be considered rude.

Practical FAQ

Q:When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

A:The prettiest time to visit Tokyo is March to May, when cherry blossoms peak from late March to mid-April and temperatures sit at a perfect 15–22°C. October to November brings autumn leaves at 15–20°C with fewer tourists than spring. December to February is cold at 2–10°C but offers the clearest Mt. Fuji views, winter illuminations and the lowest flight prices.

Q:How long is the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo?

A:The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo takes about 5.5 hours. That makes Tokyo a comfortable overnight or early-morning departure from Vietnam, and short enough that you can land and still use most of the first day. Remember Tokyo runs two hours ahead of Vietnam, so plan your arrival transfers on Japan time.

Q:What currency and time zone does Tokyo use?

A:Tokyo uses the Japanese Yen (JPY) and sits in UTC+9, which is two hours ahead of Vietnam — noon in Hanoi is 2pm in Tokyo. The language is Japanese. Many Tokyo businesses are still cash-only, though 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart ATMs accept international cards. Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be seen as rude.

Q:Which area of Tokyo should I stay in?

A:In Tokyo, Asakusa is the budget pick at roughly $30–60 per night and puts you beside Sensoji Temple. Shinjuku is the mid-range all-rounder at about $60–150 per night with the city's biggest transit hub. For a luxury stay, Shibuya and Omotesando run around $150–500 per night. All three sit on Tokyo's train network.

Q:What should I do and know before visiting Tokyo?

A:In Tokyo, the classics are Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Shibuya Crossing with the Hachiko statue, Tsukiji Outer Market, TeamLab Borderless and a day trip to Mt. Fuji. Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — it works on trains, buses and convenience stores. Free WiFi is rare in Tokyo, so a pocket WiFi or eSIM is essential.

Read more about Tokyo

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