Entering the buzzing, seething, sprawling megacity of Tokyo can feel like time traveling. Overhead are neon-shimmering skyscrapers, steel-clad and cloud-piercing. At ground level, streams of people and bright lights converge on Shibuya Crossing – one of the busiest intersections in the world. But delve deeper or pick yourself Tokyo vacation rentals in more ancient corners of the town, and you'll find another, more mysterious place. You can wander the pine-shaded citadel at the Imperial Palace, spark incense in mystical Shinto shrines and taste ramen from nocturnal street stalls. It's seriously fun.
It's easy to divide your days in Japan's capital between culture and good old fun. You could stick a trip to the Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace or the Mori Art Museum in the morning plans. They promise to be a medley of enthralling Shinto temples, elegant shogun court rooms and avant-garde sculptures. Then come the twirling roller coasters and leafy parks of Bunkyo, Dome City, or the fairy-tale castle turrets and shopping malls of Tokyo Disney Resort, heralding plenty of adrenaline-pumping, smile-inducing attractions for the whole crew.
Exploring a city as vast as Tokyo can be a daunting prospect. There are activities that can help, though. Hop-on, hop-off buses – also known as Sky Buses – will whizz you beneath cherry blossom blooms, out to Odaiba island and under the mighty Tokyo Tower, all with a multi-lingual guide to reveal tales of the metropolis. Jet-setters could take to the skies for a heli-tour, to see the UFO-like cityscape and its concealed shrines from above. After that lot, how about a trip to a local sento bathhouse to sooth the muscles with a hot spa?
Tokyo is certainly at its most Instagram-worthy in spring – March, April, May – when the world-famous cherry blossom brings the parks to life in a pinkish hue. That's also one of the top times to come and explore this sprawling capital. You might need to book your Tokyo vacation rentals early, but you should get to enjoy mild daytime temperatures and plenty of dry weather. Summertime, from June to August, can get really hot and humid, while winter, from November to February, means lows in the 30s – just be sure to bring a coat if you're planning on coming then.
Japan's huge capital encompasses Pacific archipelagos and rising hills within its city limits, and has plenty to keep outdoorsy types entertained. You could bag Tokyo vacation rentals on the Izu Islands. They are hardly in the city at all, set out in the ocean with their rugged cliffs, soaring volcanic domes and dolphin-ringed waters. Going inland means hitting the Kanto region, where pine forests and bubbling hot springs emerge from the earth at Hakone. Or it means scaling Mount Odake, which has crashing waterfalls and misty hiking paths unfolding on its slopes.
Fly into Haneda Airport (HND), the closest airport, located 9.2 mi (14.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Narita Intl. Airport (NRT), which is 35.4 mi (57 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Tokyo Station, Yurakucho Station and Hatchobori Station are the main stations in the area. You can get around Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Nijubashimae (Marunouchi) Station, Kyobashi Station or Otemachi Station.
Whatever your vacation needs, you'll find a rental property in or around Tokyo that's a match made in heaven. Why not try these on for size?:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Tokyo vacation rental for you.
Your Monday to Friday will be easier to face if you've got something awesome set up for the weekend. Give yourself something nice to look forward to by locking in one of these top weekend getaways in or near Tokyo:
Typically small, easy on the wallet and well located, it's hard not to fall for the appeal of a studio apartment. Get comfy in one of these vacation rentals and experience the culture of Tokyo up close:
There are plenty of sights around Tokyo to add to your agenda. Nourish your inner culture lover with a visit to Imperial Garden Theatre and AKB48 Theatre.
Short-term rentals are in good supply in and around Tokyo. Stay for a night or two in a luxury cabin, a budget studio apartment or a house that fits the whole family. No matter what type of vacation rental you're chasing, you'll have plenty to select from with Vrbo. These are some of our favorites:
Take a look at these large group vacation rentals in or near Tokyo where you won't have to leave anyone off your guest list:
Nothing screams fun and frivolity like a pool does. Pump up your unicorn floatie and browse these houses in or near Tokyo that feature this added bonus:
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures fluctuating between 75 ºF and 80 ºF. But there's no need to wait until summer to visit! Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the ideal Tokyo vacation rental and organize your getaway for any time of year.
It's always more fun when you share those memorable moments with the people that are closest to your heart. Whether you're organizing a family reunion or reuniting with friends, Vrbo has a large vacation rental that suits you. Here are two of our best in and around Tokyo:
If you're eager to visit some family-friendly attractions in the area, there's no shortage of choice. Tokyo Disneyland®, Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower offer fun for both adults and kids.