Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Tokyo in 2020

One of the best times to visit Japan, cherry blossom season, is expected to arrive earlier than usual this year, around late March. So, here's a T&C tested and approved guide to get you started on your first trip to Tokyo. Keep in mind that spring and fall are the best months to visit the city, because the summers tend to be hot and humid. As a bonus, visiting a ryokan, or soaking in an onsen, the country’s famous hot springs, are more enjoyable in cooler months. After dates are selected, it is best to book hotels as quickly as possible. Tokyo is a large city, so picking a hotel near the sights at the top of your list is wise (a few favorites, below). Once the hotel is booked, its concierge can make restaurant reservations for your trip; most of the fine dining experiences in Tokyo are reservation-only and—in most cases—the reservation can only be made by the hotel. Send a list of restaurants to the concierge once the booking is confirmed. From there, you are ready to plan the rest of your trip.