travel in tokyo tips

A beginner’s guide to visiting Tokyo: Everything you need to eat, see and do

There's a reason everyone and their mother is going to visit Tokyo these days. It's one of the most incredible destinations on Earth, and I fell head over heels in love with this city on a recent trip.

When you go, you'll understand why.

Now, when I tell you I spent as much time planning my itinerary as I did putting together the TPG beginner's guide , it's not an exaggeration. I spent hours researching, calling, emailing — pretty much everything except sending a carrier pigeon to the other side of the world — to make sure I had the most incredible experience ever. And it paid off. Fortunately, I created this guide so you don't have to do the same before your first trip to Tokyo. Just do me a solid and enjoy every second of the trip, OK?

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Where to eat in Tokyo

If you know anything about me, you know that my life revolves around where I'm eating. Considering that Tokyo is one of the culinary capitals of the world, you can imagine how excited — and overwhelmed — I was before the trip. I reviewed everything from Instagram to Tabelog (Japan's version of Yelp), and then crosschecked online reviews to make sure these restaurants deserved to make the final cut.

Keep in mind that it can be difficult to make online restaurant reservations in Tokyo. There's no Resy or OpenTable to speak of. So, your best bet is using some type of concierge service from either your hotel or credit card (think: the Amex Platinum Concierge ).

Also, I think there's a misconception that you have to spend a lot of money to visit Tokyo. Yes, you can absolutely splurge on omakase and Wagyu (I'll get to that in a minute), but you can also find inexpensive street food or pop into a no-frills sushi, ramen or udon restaurant that'll make your wallet and stomach very happy. You can do Japan on a budget, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Related: 3 ways to do Tokyo on points

Where to get sushi in Tokyo

First thing's first: I knew I needed to stuff my face with as much sushi as possible, and there was one restaurant I kept seeing pop up again and again: Sushi-Ya.

Sushi-Ya is an eight-seat omakase restaurant in the the Ginza district of Tokyo (right near the Conrad !) and was the most incredible sushi experience I've ever had. I mean, just look at this tuna:

Chef Ishiyama was warm and welcoming, and explained every piece I was going to eat during the two-hour ordeal. This was a real treat, since many sushi chefs don't speak English; it can be intimidating if you don't speak the language. It was far and away the most expensive meal I had in Japan, but worth every single penny yen.

That wasn't my only sushi journey, though. I was also able to get a reservation at Isana Sushi Bar, a slightly more casual sushi spot I kept seeing pop up during my research. Chef Junichi Onuki was another near-fluent English-speaking chef, and the fish here was high-quality without being too pricey. I ended up chatting with a family from California who was also visiting, and we got into a long conversation about — you guessed it — sushi. Chef Onuki chimed in, as well, and it made for a really memorable start to my trip.

Where to get noodles in Tokyo

Let's talk about ramen for a second. Of course, Tokyo is full to the brim with ramen shops, similar to (but better than) Ippudo locations all over the U.S. But the real treat here is tsukemen . It's a Japanese specialty where the cold noodles are served in a bowl separate from the warm broth. You dip the cold noodles in the broth and then you reach ramen Nirvana. It's all part of the experience. The best tsukemen I had was at Fuunji, followed closely by Rokurinsha on Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. You'll inevitably end up waiting in line for each for about an hour or so, but since it's Japan, everything is efficient and moves quickly.

Oh, and did I mention that you'll order using a vending machine?

I also knew I needed to dive into a bowl of udon, and Shin Udon seemed like the place to go (coincidentally, it was right around the corner from Fuunji). It was a few minutes away from the Park Hyatt in an unassuming little room. They even line people up on another street as to not block the tiny little entrance. If you're staying anywhere in Shinjuku — and even if you're not — add this to your list.

Related: Inside Tokyo's bizarre robot restaurant

The best restaurants in Tokyo

Now, you'll think I've lost my mind for what I'm about to tell you, but believe me when I say I ate the best pizza I've had in my life in Tokyo ; I'm a native New Yorker and have traveled multiple times to various cities around Italy, but the pizza at Seirinkan blew all the other slices out of the water. It was as close to perfect as you can get. I found this place through chef David Chang's "Ugly Delicious" show on Netflix , and he said the same thing: You'll think he's crazy, but it really is the best pizza in the world. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself. If you do believe me, well, bring your stretchy pants. I'd definitely recommend making a reservation, too. I got mine through the concierge at the Conrad hotel , and you can probably use a similar strategy, or call the Amex Platinum concierge.

If you thought my culinary extravaganza was over, you'd be wrong.

I kept seeing these delicious-looking wagyu beef sandwiches pop up on social media and knew I needed to taste one for myself. I ultimately landed on a shop called Wagyumafia and it did not disappoint. Granted, it was also probably the most expensive sandwich I have ever and will ever order (it cost about $30), but how can you say no to a fried wagyu sandwich? You can't.

You know you're in a good spot when everyone in the restaurant is Japanese. Enter: Tempura Kondo. This restaurant, tucked away on the fifth floor of a building in Ginza, turns out some of the best fried food I've ever had. Just follow the people getting in the elevator and you'll know you're in the right place. Those two Michelin stars aren't for nothing.

Fluffy pancakes are also a must in Japan, and trust me, I had more than my fair share. In Tokyo, I went to Bills Ginza and A Happy Pancake; I inhaled my pancakes in minutes. Of the two, I would choose Bills — the quality of the food was better, and the overall vibe of the restaurant was more relaxed and fun. Safe to say I stayed pretty carbohydrated during my trip.

And if you don't stock up on snacks (hello, matcha Kit Kats!) and a daily chicken katsu sandwich at 7/11 , Lawson or FamilyMart, you're doing it wrong.

Like I said: Tokyo is an eating extravaganza.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about Tokyo

What to see and do in Tokyo

You could spend your entire life in Tokyo and still never run out of things to see and do. It's just that massive. Assuming you're just visiting for a few days, however, and not relocating there, these are the things you should prioritize.

Yes, you keep seeing it on Instagram , but there's a reason: It's called teamLab Borderless, and it's cooler in real life than it is on your phone. I was skeptical about it at first, thinking it was just another "Instagram pop-up," but this interactive light museum and installation can take hours to properly explore. The most popular exhibit (see below) had a pretty long line — about 20 minutes or so — when I was there, but it was absolutely incredible.

You should definitely make it a point to visit the famed Tsukiji Market when in Tokyo. While the inner market — the place where the tuna auction took place — moved to Toyosu Market, you can still visit the outer market at Tsukiji to eat all the fish your heart desires without shelling out the big bucks. I had an oyster the size of my face for about $2; a giant octopus skewer; and a tuna, salmon and sea urchin situation that was unlike anything else I've ever eaten. All of this cost me less than $20.

Another favorite locale was Ameyoko Ueno market. Visiting markets while you're traveling is a great way to get a feel for the people and the culture, and at Ameyoko, you'll find cheap shopping, authentic cuisine and approachable residents who can introduce you to Tokyo.

No trip to Tokyo is complete without a quick trip to Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. The surrounding area has great shopping (Tower Records), so you definitely want to take a few minutes to cross the street and feel the heartbeat of the city. I've also heard the Starbucks at the corner has the best aerial views, but I didn't have time to make the trip there.

You'll also want to visit the Harajuku area, the center of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Take a walk down colorful Takeshita Street — just be prepared for a sensory overload in the best way possible. If you're a cotton candy fan, stop at Totti Candy Factory.

Steps away from Harajuku, you'll find Meiji Jingu, a beautiful Shinto shrine. It's dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. I'm not a religious person at all, but it was a deeply spiritual experience. I really liked writing down my wishes in an envelope and putting them away in a box. It all felt very "Eat, Pray, Love." The shrine is located in Yoyogi Park, which is a gorgeous, sprawling green park in the middle of Shibuya. I went early before the crowds, and it was the definition of Japanese Zen.

In Asakusa, you'll find Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple and the oldest in Tokyo. Everything I'd ever dreamt about Japan came to life here. Be sure to bathe in some of the smoke from the incense, since it's said to have healing powers.

My favorite shopping was in Shinjuku. I kept seeing the name Komehyo pop up during my research, and decided to make a trip to the store's flagship in this neighborhood . I ended up getting a bag I've had my eye on for years, and it cost me less than half of what it would have cost at home. And thrift stores are a thing in Japan. They resemble actual department stores, and have enough luxury goods to make your head spin — and since it's Japan, everything is in pristine condition.

If you're even remotely a fan of the Grateful Dead, you need to visit Chi Chi's. It's a little off the beaten path in the Setagaya City neighborhood, but is a well-known destination for Deadheads. Chi Chi and Merry, the owners, were so warm and welcoming, and we ended up talking for an hour about music, travel, Japan and food. The best things in life, if you ask me. All the shirts are handmade, and you could easily spend an entire day there browsing and chatting with Chi Chi and Merry. Merry even let me take a picture with her signed copy of John Mayer's "The Search for Everything" album that she got back when Dead & Company went to visit the shop in April.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CHI-CHI'S (@chichis_1985) on Jun 21, 2019 at 12:46am PDT

Where to stay in Tokyo

With so many hotels in Tokyo, it can be hard to narrow it all down. Trust me, I know the feeling.

I ended up staying in two hotels during my trip: Both the Conrad and Park Hyatt . While I'm more or less obsessed with the Conrad and can't recommend it highly enough, the Park Hyatt definitely fell below my expectations.

These are two of the city's most high-end points properties, but I promise there's something for everyone and every budget here.

Take, for example, the wealth of Marriott hotels in the city. There are two Courtyard properties — one in Ginza , the other near Tokyo station — both available from 35,000 points per night. There's also a Westin (rates start at 50,000 points per night) and, one step up from there, a Ritz-Carlton (rates start at 85,000 points per night).

And there are even more properties on the horizon as the capital prepares for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Marriott loyalists can look forward to a forthcoming Edition property; a spring grand opening is expected for the Kimpton Shinjuku for travelers with IHG points; and if you're more interested in earning than redeeming points, Japan's third Four Seasons will appear in time for the games at Tokyo at Otemachi.

You'll want to check out our guide to the best points hotels in Tokyo to find the one that works best for you.

Related: 3 of the best value points hotels in Tokyo

How to get to Tokyo

Naturally, there are a ton of ways to get to Tokyo — it's one of the biggest cities in the world, after all. There are two airports that serve the city: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Haneda is much closer to the city , but I ended up flying in and out of Narita because of how my flights worked out.

On the way there, I flew in Japan Airlines first class . I'll probably never be over the fact that I can say that and yes, it really was that amazing. I found award availability on Alaska Airlines for 70,000 miles and $18 in taxes and fees.

Coming home, I flew in Air Canada business class with a short layover in Montreal (YUL) — I transferred 75,000 Amex points to Aeroplan , paid about $175 in taxes and fees and voilá! That's how you do it, people.

The details

Getting around.

I'm a big fan of walking, especially in a city I haven't been to before so I can explore every corner.

That said, Tokyo is a massive 845 square miles. You'll inevitably have to take the subway, which is extremely efficient and clean — people wait on lines to get in and out of it. (Take notes, New York City.) I'd definitely recommend getting either a Pasmo or Suica card ahead of time and loading it with money so you don't have to buy individual tickets. Also, you'll need to swipe it (or your individual ticket) as you leave the station, so be sure to keep it accessible.

I loved putting on my headphones and listening to music while Google Maps was on in the background; it told me exactly when I needed to turn, and if I was taking the subway, when the train was leaving and what platform I needed to be at. Efficiency at its finest.

While I felt safe walking around at night, I opted to take a cab home from restaurants that weren't walking distance to my hotel — when traveling alone, I always err on the side of caution. That said, you'll be more than fine taking the subway with a companion, or even by yourself. I just always play it safe.

Uber is available here, although the fleet is fairly small and prices are typically more expensive than taxis. Taking a taxi in Tokyo is an experience — the drivers all wear white gloves, not to mention they open and close the door for you. Beats an Uber any day of the week.

To get to Kyoto, I took the scenic Shinkasen directly from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. I'd recommend getting to Tokyo Station early and going to Rokurinsha for ramen; you'll thank me later. The trip took less than three hours, and yes, the bullet train is as fast as you've heard. Added bonus: The ticket cost about $120 each way, and counted toward my Chase Sapphire Reserve $300 travel credit .

Related: Second cities: Destinations to add onto a trip to Tokyo

Japanese currency and tipping

In Japan, $1 gets you about 108.55 Japanese yen, so don't panic when you see astronomical numbers while scoping out prices. You'll also want to carry a decent amount of cash on you, since many places don't accept credit cards. Of course, when you do pay with card, you'll want to use one that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . Just think of what you could be putting that money towards instead (read: food).

The service in Japan was absolutely incredible — I'd even venture to say it's pretty much the ideal location for a solo woman traveler . People (everyone, not just those working in hospitality) go out of their way to help you and make sure you're comfortable. Excellent service and hospitality is so ingrained in the culture that tipping is actually considered rude . Instead, just smile and say thank you.

Bottom line

In case you couldn't tell, I had the absolute best time in Tokyo , and am already itching to go back. There is so much to see and do here that it's difficult to even scratch the surface. But with these tips in mind, you'll begin to understand what the hype is all about — and if my past trip here is any indication, you're going to fall in love with this beautiful city, too.

Pasmo and Suica are contactless prepaid cards (known as IC cards) that allow you to tap in and out of all train and subway stations in Tokyo. They can also be used on most local buses too. Both Pasmo and Suica are essentially identical ; Suica is operated by JR East while Pasmo is operated by Tokyo Metro, who operate most of the subway train lines in Tokyo.

The sale of Pasmo and Suica cards were suspended in 2023 due to the global shortage of semi-conductors that are needed to produce them. However there are still short term versions of both Pasmo and Suica cards available for visitors to Japan – these are the Pasmo Passport and the Welcome Suica .

Both of these are only valid for a 28 day period and you can order a Welcome Suica in advance for ¥1,500 here.

If you’d prefer to use your smartphone to travel around Tokyo then both Suica and Pasmo can be linked to iPhones using the Apple Wallet app. You can find more information about how to set up a Pasmo with an iPhone here . Unfortunately for Android users the Pasmo and Suica apps only work on Android phones that are sold in Japan.

Whether you use a physical IC card or an app they essentially work in the same way . If using an IC card, tap it on the card reader at the barrier to enter or exit the station. If using your smartphone, simply hover your phone over the card reader. 

You can add funds to a Suica or Pasmo card at ticket machines at any train or underground station when required. If using the app you’ll need a data or WiFi connection to top up funds via your linked credit or debit card in the Apple Wallet app. 

As well as essential for travelling around Tokyo, both Pasmo and Suica cards can be used on a number of train lines and buses in all other major cities in Japan that use IC cards, such as Kyoto, Osaka , Hiroshima and Sapporo .

The Best Way to Travel in Tokyo is by Train

9 useful travel tips for visiting Tokyo: transport, wifi, tax-free shopping and more

Find out the best way to travel from the airports, get around the city, store your luggage and enjoy tax-free shopping

Photo: Siraanamwong/Dreamstime

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned Tokyo traveller, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for your trip to the capital. To help you out, we’ve pulled together these essential tips for making the most of your time in the city. From transport passes and airport routes to tax-free shopping and wifi options, here are the most useful things to know when visiting Tokyo.

Catching the shinkansen in Tokyo Station? Read our guide to locate the tourist services and facilities you need at the gargantuan Tokyo Station.

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Tokyo hot tips

Purchase an ic transport card.

Pasmo and Suica are the two main IC transport cards used in Tokyo. These reloadable cards are convenient not just for travelling on trains and buses, but also for paying at selected stores and restaurants. You can get a card from train station kiosks and ticket machines for a refundable ¥500 deposit. Overseas visitors can even pick up special IC cards like the cute Sanrio-themed Pasmo Passport , which also gets you additional discounts on attractions in Tokyo.

The cheapest and the most convenient ways to get to the airports

There are plenty of options for getting to and from Tokyo’s two international airports. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but many airlines use Narita Airport in Chiba prefecture. 

Don’t worry if you’re landing at Narita, though, because it's well connected to the city. We recommend jumping on the TYO-NRT Airport Bus , which costs just ¥1,300 for a one-way ticket to Tokyo Station, with the journey taking about an hour. If you’d rather take the train, look no further than the Narita Express Round Trip Ticket , which costs ¥5,000 (¥2,500 for children). It’s a great deal as a one-way ticket on the Narita Express starts from ¥3,070. This round-trip ticket is only available to foreign residents and overseas tourists.

To get from Haneda into the city, the best option is to take the train. You can get from the airport to Shinagawa Station in just 20 minutes on the Keikyu Airport Line for just ¥330. Taxis are available at both airports, but they aren’t cheap. To give you an idea, a taxi ride from Narita into central Tokyo can cost upwards of ¥20,000.

Send your luggage to your hotel or next destination separately

Lugging your baggage around Tokyo can be a hassle, especially if you’re constantly going in and out of packed train stations. To lessen your load, Yamato Transport can take your heavy suitcases to and from the airport. Continuing your travels in Japan? Yamato also offers a service to take your luggage from Tokyo to your next destination. 

To use the service when you arrive in Tokyo, drop by the baggage delivery counters at Haneda or Narita airports. On your return trip, your hotel should be able to help you organise luggage pick-up with Yamato.

Using Uber in Tokyo

Uber is available in Tokyo and Japan, but it's used to hail taxis and not rides like in other countries. The cheapest Uber option is with Uber Taxi , which charges you the same base fee as a general taxi (¥500) plus an additional surcharge per kilometre travelled. A good point of using Uber in Tokyo is that you can book your ride to your destination via the app and it's all in English. Plus, the transactions are cashless so you don't have to mess around with coins and notes.

Where to take out cash

Although cashless payment options have made great strides over the past few years, cash is still very much used in Japan. Your credit cards should be accepted at major establishments, but you can withdraw cash with international credit and debit cards from ATMs at Japan Post branches ( Yucho Bank ) and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson.

Carry along your passport for tax-free discounts

Tax-exemption service for international tourists is offered at many shops and retail outlets in Japan. You can save on the ten percent consumption tax, but you have to spend a minimum of ¥5,500 (inclusive of tax) at the same store on the same day. The service is only available to foreign tourists staying in the country for less than six months.

Most department stores in Tokyo have a dedicated tax-free counter where you can complete your transactions. You need your passport to use the service, so make sure to bring it along with you on your shopping trip.

Wifi in Tokyo

Japan isn’t exactly the most wifi-accessible country. Many public networks require you to have a Japanese address or phone number and you can’t always rely on connecting at cafés and restaurants. 

To make life easier, it’s best to purchase a temporary sim card at the airport or from an electronics store like Bic Camera. You can also rent a pocket wifi device at the airport. There are even e-sim card apps like Airalo that allow you to purchase data plans from as little as $4.50 USD for seven days. To use an app like this, you just need to make sure your phone is unlocked.

Store your luggage in lockers

Checked out of your hotel and still have time to spare before continuing your journey? Tokyo’s train stations and shopping centres have lockers that are perfect for storing small to medium-sized bags. However, you can't always count on availability as these lockers are usually in busy central areas. And you definitely won’t be able to fit a large suitcase in one of these lockers.

As an alternative, some department stores offer temporary luggage storage like Seibu Shibuya . It's reasonable, too, costing just ¥400 a day for smaller bags and backpacks and ¥700 a day for larger suitcases. Alternatively, the Tokyo Tourist Information Center Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal  also offers baggage storage right at the terminal. 

Get a JR rail pass for nearby trips from Tokyo

There are a number of great JR rail pass deals for both foreign residents and overseas tourists visiting Japan. These passes can save you money on side trips to some of the most popular destinations just outside Tokyo. One of the best deals is the Tokyo Wide Pass , which you can use to visit Nikko, Izu, Karuizawa, Kawaguchiko and the Mt Fuji area for three consecutive days. ​​The pass costs ¥15,000 for adults and ¥7,500 for children. It’s available to tourists from overseas and foreign residents of Japan.

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Explore versions of Himeji Castle, Kyoto’s famous torii gate tunnel, a Japanese old town and more in and around Tokyo

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Tokyo Travel Tips and Sightseeing

The best tips and highlights in tokyo.

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In a nutshell: Our Tokyo Highlights

• Top sights in Tokyo include the Sensō-ji temple, the Skytree and Tokyo Tower.
• Great places to visit near Tokyo are the cities of Yokohama and Kamakura.
• Our Tokyo accommodation tip is the InterContinental Hotel Tokyo Bay – the view from the hotel is amazing.
• A tour of Tokyo’s historic district Asakusa is a great way to start getting to know the traditional side of the city.

These were our best tips for Tokyo. Want to find out more? Then read on and check out all our travel tips and sights in Tokyo .

Table of Contents

• Sights on a map
• The best day trips from

How much time should I spend in Tokyo?

• Underground and public transport
• Where to stay
• Guided city tours

Sights in Tokyo, sorted by neighborhood on a map

When we first started planning our trip to Tokyo, we were overwhelmed by the incredible size of this city. To help you find your way around, we’ve grouped the Tokyo sights here according to neighborhoods. This should help you to get a first impression of Tokyo so know which sights you should visit in one day.

We’ve drawn you a sightseeing map showing the location of the individual neighborhoods. Tokyo consists of 23 neighborhoods in total – the major tourist attractions are located in the 6 neighborhoods we’ll be covering in this post.

Fun fact: The city of Tokyo was officially dissolved in 1943. Officially, the districts are independent municipalities, but of course they’re still collectively known as Tokyo.

Tokyo consists of 23 neighborhoods in total – the major tourist attractions are located in the 6 neighborhoods we’ll be covering in this post.

Sights and attractions in Taitō

The Taitō neighborhood is located in the east of Tokyo and offers two major highlights for visitors.

Ueno Park is a large park with two beautiful shrines.

In our opinion, Ueno Park isn’t an absolute must-see in Tokyo. The park is beautiful and the shrines are worth seeing, but there are much greater highlights in the city.

But if you come to Tokyo for the cherry blossom season, there’s no way around Ueno Park. Of all the cherry blossom spots in the city, Ueno Park is no doubt the most popular.

Our tip: The park is usually packed during the cherry blossom season. It’s even worse on weekends. We got there very early in the morning (around 6:00 am) and even then there were quite a few people out and about. So if you want to take beautiful photos of the cherry blossoms, you should get up very early. If you want to celebrate the cherry blossoms with the locals, go there later in the day, but be prepared for crowds.

We actually found the cherry trees by the Shinobazu Pond, also located in Ueno Park, to be even more beautiful than the often-photographed cherry tree-lined path.

Admission: free Opening hours: daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm How to get there: Ueno (Ginza Line, JR Yamanote Line)

The Sensō-ji built in 628 is the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Right next to it is the Asakusa shrine, which is about 1,000 years younger, but just as popular.

If your idea of a shrine is a place of contemplative tranquility, then this might not be the place for you. Unless you arrive very early in the morning, you’ll be sharing the experience with masses of tourists descending on the grounds. That isn’t much fun and detracts from the shrine’s magic.

Admission: free Opening hours: daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, the outer grounds are always open How to get there: Asakusa (Asakusa Line, Ginza Line)

Sights and attractions in Sumida

Sumida is located in the northeastern part of the city and has several sights and attractions to offer.

Tokyo Skytree

The Skytree is a TV tower with an incredible height of 634 meters, making it the second-highest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

There are two observation decks on the Skytree, one at 350 meters and one at 450 meters. Admission to the lower platform costs 2,000 yen (24 euros), and if you want to go up even higher, you have to pay an additional 1,000 yen.

It’s not worth paying the extra 1,000 yen for the view alone, but it’s much emptier on the upper deck, so it’s much better suited for taking pictures.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to buy tickets for the Skytree online, so you may have to stand in line for one or even two hours. But if you’re pressed for time there’s a fast lane for foreigners, where you can get a ticket right away. It costs 1,000 yen more, but it’s worth it for the time you save. You’ll need to bring your passport to use the fast lane.

Climbing the Skytree is only really worthwhile in clear weather. Then the view is simply amazing. But if it’s misty or foggy, the view is rather disappointing.

Our tip: We discovered two beautiful photo spots to take pictures of the Skytree. The Jukken Bridge ( in Google Maps ), which leads over the small channel, offers a nice view. The small street leading up to the Skytree on the south is a great place for selfies (here: photo location for the Skytree ), or just try taking pictures from under the Skytree.

Admission: 2,000 yen (350 meters), +1,000 yen (450 meters), +1,000 yen for fast lane Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 10 pm How to get there: Oshiage (Toei Asakusa Line, Hanzōmon Line); Tokyo Skytree (various regional trains)

Sumida Park

Sumida Park is a small park not far from the Skytree. During the cherry blossom season, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo. At lunchtime, the park is teeming with locals who meet for lunch under the cherry trees to enjoy sushi on their picnic blankets.

Admission: free Opening hours: 24/7 How to get there: see Skytree

Asahi Beer Tower

Asahi is one of the most popular beers in Japan. The company’s somewhat eccentric headquarters are located in the neighborhood of Sumida. The office building looks like a huge beer glass. Right next to it is the so-called Asahi Flame, which is colloquially referred to as the ‘golden turd’, and you can easily see why.

The best view of the building is from the opposite side of the river or from the bridge.

Sights and attractions in Minato

Minato is located in the south of Tokyo’s city center and also includes the offshore island of Odaiba.

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks of the Japanese capital. The tower doesn’t just look like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It’s actually a direct copy of the famous original. But since everything in Japan always has to be a bit bigger and better, of course the Tokyo Tower is 8 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.

There are two observation platforms on the Tokyo Tower, one at a height of 150 meters and the other at a height of 250 meters. T

he upper platform was under renovation during our visit, so we only visited the lower one. But we read that the upper platform isn’t really worth it anyway.

The view from the Tokyo Tower is magnificent and in some places you can even look down to the ground through a glass floor.

Admission: 900 yen (lower platform), 1,600 yen (both platforms) Opening hours: 9:00 am to 11 pm How to get there: Kamiyacho (Hibiya Line) or Akabanebashi (Oedo Line)

Roppongi Hills – Mori Tower

Roppongi Hills is a major urban development project in the Minato district with offices, shops, and restaurants. The Mori Tower is the largest building in Roppongi Hills and has a very special observation platform.

It’s the only viewpoint in Tokyo without any glass windows to obstruct your photos. There’s a helipad on the roof of the tower and the walkway leading around it is open to the public.

One floor down, there’s also a closed viewing platform that also offers a great view, but behind glass windows.

The sky deck is only open in good weather. You can’t go up if it’s raining or too windy. The lower platform is always open.

Admission: 1,800 yen for the lower platform + 500 yen for the sky deck Opening hours: 10 am to 11 pm (sky deck until 8 pm) How to get there: Roppongi (Hibiya Line, Oedo Line)

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tokyo’s fish market is the largest in the world. There’s a huge fish auction in the morning starting at 5 am, where the gigantic tuna fish are auctioned off to the highest bidders.

A maximum of 120 tourists per day are allowed to attend this spectacle. The seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so get in line before 5 am at the Osakana Fukyu Center. If you’re late, you can’t go in. The 120 lucky ones are only allowed to watch the events for about 20 minutes and some people who went told us that it isn’t really worth it. So we chose to give it a miss and sleep in instead.

At 10 am, the market opens its doors for tourists. Please note: Many travel guides and online resources list 9 am as the opening time, but that seems to have changed recently.

The activity on the fish market is really interesting and it’s pretty impressive watching the huge tuna fish being professionally cut up and the general hustle and bustle.

However, the fish market isn’t primarily a tourist attraction. First and foremost, it’s really hard work and people are constantly driving around the market with stacking vehicles. So you’ll always be standing in the way as a visitor and not all traders like to have their photo taken.

Admission: free Opening hours: 10 am to 3 pm (the earlier you go, the more fish is left), closed on Sundays and often also on Wednesday How to get there: Tsukijishijo (Oedo Line) or Tsukiji (Hibiya Line)

Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge

Tokyo Bay is ideal for an evening stroll. Then the Rainbow Bridge, which leads to the offshore island of Odaiba, shines in different colors and makes for some great photos. The Hamarikyu Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, are also well worth a visit.

How to get there:  Shiodome Station (Oedo Line, Yurikamome Line) for Hamarikyu Gardens; Shibaurafuto for Rainbow Bridge (Yurikamome Line)

Sights and attractions in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is located in western Tokyo and is definitely one of the most exciting districts in the city.

Piss Alley – Omoide Yokocho

The small alley with the charming name Piss Alley is actually called Omoide Yokocho and is just around the corner from Shinjuku Station. The alley is really just over a meter wide and looks a bit out of time in neat and tidy Tokyo.

Left and right of the alley are small restaurants offering delicious soups, fish, and grilled meat. The restaurants are tiny and generally only fit 5-6 people at the small counters.

Opening hours: The restaurants are usually open until midnight, many of them even opening at lunchtime. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Kabukichō – The red light and nightlife district

Kabukichō is a huge amusement district that starts right in front of Shinjuku Station. It’s still relatively quiet here during the day, but it’s worth going on a daytime photo walk. In the evening, the countless neon signs light up the night.

In addition to red light establishments, Kabukichō has countless restaurants, clubs, bars, and arcades. Kabukichō is also one of the few places in Tokyo where you really have to be a bit careful. Some places here have been known to cheat tourists.

Opening hours: Restaurants usually open from noon, bars only in the evening. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Golden Gai is a small area in Kabukichō with lots of tiny bars. The narrow streets are very photogenic, but we recommend taking photos here during the day. The bars are still closed then and you can take pictures in peace. In the evenings, tourists taking pictures aren’t as welcome.

Most of the bars in Golden Gai are hardly bigger than a living room with just enough space for 6 to 8 people. They often charge a cover of 500 to 1,000 yen in addition to the price of the drinks.

Opening hours: Most bars open from 7 pm and stay open until late at the night. Many bars close on Sundays. How to get there: Shinjuku (Maranouchi Line, Oedo Line, JR Yamanote Line)

Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo has a lot of great viewpoints, but you’d run up quite a bill if you wanted to visit them all. Tokyo’s city hall, the Metropolitan Government Building, offers a very good free alternative.

The building has two towers, both of which have an observation deck. It’s generally worth visiting both towers as you can see other things from each of them. You can visit the observation decks free of charge, but you need to be a bit patient waiting for the elevators. It took about 15 minutes when we were there.

Admission: free Opening hours: North tower: 9:30 am to 11:00 pm (closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month); South tower: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month) How to get there: Tochomae (Oedo Line)

Harajuku is a neighborhood in the district of Shinjuku mainly known for its youth culture. Especially on Sunday, the cosplay scene meets on the bridge between the train station and Yoyogi Park, which is also worth seeing.

Cosplay is a popular subculture in Japan where mostly young people dress up elaborately in the style of manga and anime figures. Unfortunately, it rained hard all day long in Tokyo on Sunday, so we couldn’t watch the spectacle. But we’ll be back!

Harajuku is worth a trip regardless. The area has lots of stylish clothes stores, cool bars, and cafés, and a whole lot of hipsterdom to offer. We really liked it there and it’s really fun to stroll through the streets of the neighborhood.

How to get there: Harajuku (JR Yamanote Line), Meijijingu-Mae (Fukutoshin Line, Chiyoda Line)

Sights and attractions in Shibuya

Shibuya is located in the east of downtown Tokyo and is especially popular with younger Tokyo residents as a shopping and entertainment district.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is probably one of the most famous crossings in the world. At this intersection, all pedestrian lights turn green at the same time, and hundreds or even thousands of people cross the intersection at each green phase.

This spectacle is an absolute highlight and so typical of this crazy, overcrowded, and hectic city. Simply wonderful!

Opening hours: It’s really lively here from about 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. How to get there: Shibuya (Ginza Line, Fukutoshin Line, Hanzomon Line)

There’s a statue of a dog in front of Shibuya Station. That sounds relatively unspectacular at first, but this statue is still a real attraction that draws hundreds of tourists every day.

Because the story of Hachikō is heartwarming. The faithful dog picked its master up from Shibuya station after work at the same time every day until he suddenly died in 1925.

Nevertheless, Hachikō continued to go to Shibuya station every day to wait for his master and continued doing so for 10 whole years. And so Hachikō became known throughout the country as a symbol of a loyal companion.

Isn’t that a nice story? Fittingly, the statue has become one of the most famous meeting places for dates in Japan.

The best day trips from Tokyo: Our tips

Although Tokyo itself is absolutely amazing enough by itself, it’s still worth going on one or the other day trip from Tokyo.

One of these trips leads to Kamakura to the south of Tokyo. There are several temples and an impressive Buddha statue there. On the way back it makes sense to stop off in Yokohama .

A day trip to Nikko in the north is also highly recommended. Here you can find some of the most important and beautiful shrines in all of Japan. It’s also home to the three famous monkeys Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

You can also visit Mount Fuji as part of a day trip from Tokyo. But you should leave very early in the morning for that. If you want to more fully experience the area around Fuji, we recommend staying overnight.

If you want to go on a more unusual tour far away from the tourist hot spots, you could also go to Mito to the northeast of Tokyo. Karaku-en, one of the three famous gardens in Japan, is located here. You can also visit an old manor house and a former Samurai school without being surrounded by crowds of tourists.

It is absolutely impossible to completely cover Tokyo in just a few days. You’ll never have enough time for Tokyo unless you come here for half a year or so.

We visited all the above-mentioned sights in 5 days, and dedicated two full days to excursions in the surrounding area. A week is a good guideline to at least see the most important sights in Tokyo and go on a day trip or two.

If you’re up for a real sightseeing tour de force, you’ll probably manage the highlights in 3 days. But then your feet will really ache by the end of the day.

Tokyo travel tips: Underground and public transport

Tokyo’s public transport system is excellent. You can reach almost every corner of the city by subway and bus. Tokyo has a total of 13 metro lines that transport more than 3 billion people a year, more than anywhere else in the world.

The Yamanote Line, which is operated by Japan Railways, the state-owned railroad company and which is also covered by the Japan Railpass, is also important. The Yamanote Line is a circle line that runs around downtown Tokyo and stops at many places of interest in Tokyo.

Tokyo subway tickets

The ticket vending machines look terrifying at first glance. However, there’s a small button on the display that switches the machine to English. Then the machine is relatively easy to operate.

Metro travel is relatively cheap. A trip usually costs between 150 and 200 yen (1.20 to 1.60 euros). The best idea is to buy a Suica Card .

You can top up this card with any amount of money and place it on the card reader at the turnstile before entering the platform and after leaving it. The fare is automatically deducted and you only have to use the machine for top-ups.

The Suica Card is also available at any of the machines. There’s a 500-yen deposit, but you’ll get it back in the end. Conveniently enough, you can also use the Suica Card in other cities such as Osaka or Kyoto . Plus, you can use your card to pay in many stores and vending machines. However, you can only return the card in the Tokyo area.

Day tickets for the metro are also available, but since different metro lines belong to different operators, a ticket for entire network is pretty expensive at 1,000 yen. It’s only worth the price if you really plan to use the metro a lot in one day. But take note that these tickets aren’t valid for JR lines and buses.

Tokyo metro schedule

Many subway lines run every 2 or 3 minutes during peak times. Even so, it can get crowded in the subways, especially in the morning and after work. If you’ve ever seen pictures of crowded subways with faces stuck to the windows – sometimes it looks like that, but not on all the lines.

The last trains run between midnight and 1 am, and don’t resume service until 5 in the morning. If you want to go out in the evening, make sure to check when your last train leaves. There’s always a notice at the train stations showing the times of the last trains.

Taking a taxi in Tokyo is relatively expensive, but the only alternative at night.

How to get to the city from the airport

Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda Airport to the south of the city and Narita Airport to the west. Both airports are very well served by public transport.

Transport from Narita Airport to the center

Most international flights go to Narita Airport.

The fastest and easiest way to get from Narita to Tokyo is the Narita Express. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you use it on the Narita Express , which is very handy.

After all, a ticket usually costs 3,220 yen (about 27 euros). It’s a convenient way to get to the most important stations in Tokyo, including Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shinjukum, and Shibuya, in less than an hour.

The JR Sobu Line is a cheaper alternative, taking you to Tokyo Station for 1,320 yen (about 12 euros) in about 90 minutes. However, this train can get very crowded and is less comfortable than the Narita Express.

Another alternative is the Keisei Limited Express , which takes you to Nippori Station in about 75 minutes for 1,090 yen. You can change to the Yamanote Line there and continue to your destination in Tokyo.

The Keisei Skyliner also serves the same route as the Keisei Limited Express. For about 2,400 Yen (approx. 20 euros) this train runs to Nippori and Ueno Stations, where you can change trains.

Taxis are also available, but they’re really, really expensive. One journey costs 20,000 yen, which is about 170 euros.

Transport from Haneda Airport to the center

Some international flights also land at Haneda Airport. If you’re lucky enough to land there, getting to the center is much cheaper.

First you have to take the monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station. Once you’re there, you can change to the Yamanote Line, which will take you to Shinjuku and Shibuya Stations. The fare for the entire journey is only 600 to 700 Yen (approx. 5-6 euros).

A taxi from Haneda Airport costs between 5,000 and 10,000 yen (approx. 45-90 euros) depending on traffic and time of day.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Overnight accommodation in Tokyo is expensive, very expensive! Living space in the city is scarce and the size of the hotel rooms reflects this fact of life. You’ll have trouble finding anything reasonable for under 100 euros per night.

Tip : If you’re looking for a hotel in Tokyo, please read our post Where to stay in Tokyo to find out which part of Tokyo suits you best. You can find a list of all the hotels we stayed at in Japan here:  Where we stayed in Japan & 7 hotel booking tips .

The famous capsule hotels or dormitories in hostels are an inexpensive alternative if you’re on a budget, but a private room with your own bathroom will definitely cost you big bucks.

We stayed at the Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka , which offers a great value for money by Tokyo standards. The location is very good and the rooms are modern and clean, but you’ll have to get really organized to fit your bags, etc. into the 10-square-meter rooms. And for 140 euros per night, we would have expected a more comfortable bed. But now we’re just nitpicking.

We also spent two nights at the InterContinental Hotel Tokyo Bay . Of course the rooms there are much larger, more stylish, the beds are much more comfortable, and the view is amazing! But the quality of the rooms and the location come at a price.

General tips for booking a hotel in Tokyo:

We recommend that you book your hotel in Tokyo (this also applies to all other places in Japan) as far in advance as possible, because the hotels with the best value for money get snapped up very quickly.

Unless you’re an avid smoker yourself, make sure you book a non-smoking room! Japan is still a country of smokers, although that’s starting to change.

Hotels outside the center are obviously cheaper. But that means joining the working population on their daily commute to the city center and back again every morning and evening. Taking the metro is no fun in the overcrowded trains at rush hour. We were just glad that our hotel was right in the center so we only experienced a watered-down version of this.

Guided city tours of Tokyo

If you don’t want to explore Tokyo on your own, we recommend booking a local guide. Not only does this allow you to get through the city stress-free, but you’ll also receive a lot of insider tips from a local.

We’ve picked out some exciting and unusual city tours for you to book online.

Explore the history of Asakusa : Find out lots of historical facts about Asakusa and visit Sensoji Temple and great viewpoints on this informative walking tour. You also get to try some typical Japanese snacks.

Cycling tour through Tokyo : Discovering Tokyo by bike is a completely different experience. But it’s not that dumb an idea, because you can cover quite a lot of ground in a short time.

Private day tour through Tokyo : On this tour, you’ll have a private guide all to yourself for a whole day. This is our favorite kind of tour, as you can put together a very individual agenda and communicate with the guide much more intensively than on a group tour.

Even more travel tips for Tokyo and Japan

We hope our Tokyo travel tips have been helpful for planning your trip. Of course we always look forward to hearing from you in the comments. What attractions in Tokyo did you like the most? Do you have a great tip you’d like to share with all future visitors to Tokyo?

• Travel Tips

Tokyo Travel Guide: Things to Do, Transportation, Weather, Events, and More (2024 Edition)

• Chisa Nishimura

This complete Tokyo travel guide covers everything you need for those initial stages of planning your Tokyo itinerary. We’ll cover things to do in Tokyo, annual events and festivals, recommended accommodations, transportation, and more. Tokyo is an enormous city with many different faces, from glamorous shopping districts to retro downtown neighborhoods and even lush parks and gardens, making it vital to properly plan. Read on to get to know the basics of Japan’s capital city and start down the path to planning the perfect Tokyo trip!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

A Basic Introduction to Tokyo

With a population of around 14 million in the city proper and 38 million in the metropolitan area, Tokyo (official name: Tokyo Metropolis) has established itself as Japan's capital and largest city, acting as the nation's political, cultural, and financial center. It is the world's most populous metropolitan area, with hundreds of companies and millions of people calling it their home.  

Over the years, Tokyo has gained worldwide acclaim for its multiple achievements, such as being one of the safest cities in the world. It has also played host to international events such as the 1964 Summer Olympics, and will be the stage of the 2020 Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympics.

Furthermore, as one of the world's top tourist destinations, it is made up of a number of highly attractive areas, such as Asakusa , an area where vestiges of old Japan still remain; Shibuya, where new trends are created; Shinjuku, one of the world's busiest transport hubs; Ginza, home to a multitude of high-end brands; Ueno , a culture-rich part of Tokyo with several art museums; and Ikebukuro, an otaku paradise.  

Though all the areas mentioned above refer to the urban side of Tokyo, they do not completely define this metropolis. If you look to Tokyo's west, you can find areas like Okutama and Mt. Takao, filled with so much nature that you wouldn't even think you were in Tokyo! They have proven Tokyo to be a place where one can enjoy both the busy city life and a wealth of greenery.

The History of Tokyo

Before a merger in 1943, the present-day Tokyo was separated into two entities: Tokyo City, a small fishing village that grew into what is now known as the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo, and Tokyo Prefecture, which now refers to the 26 municipalities in the western part of the prefecture, as well as the Izu and Ogasawara Islands to its south-southeast.  

Furthermore, Tokyo wasn't always known by its present name. Before it became the capital of Japan, it was known as "Edo". It only became known as Tokyo when the Emperor of the time made a permanent move from the then-capital Kyoto to Edo in 1869.

Tokyo's Location

Tokyo is situated in the southern region of the Kanto Plain, right in the center of the Japanese archipelago. Though considered a part of the metropolis, the Izu and Ogasawara Islands are geographically distanced from it, lying approximately 1,000km south-southeast.  

Chiba Prefecture lies to its east, with Yamanashi Prefecture to its west, Kanagawa Prefecture to its south, and Saitama Prefecture bordering its north. It also opens up to the Pacific Ocean via Tokyo Bay.

Tokyo's Climate

Though Tokyo's summers are known for bringing about torrential rain and being especially hot and humid, tourists also need to be wary of its winters. Since Tokyo is largely covered by asphalt, when it snows in the winter, the ground gets very slippery, making it dangerous to walk about in the city. It can also occasionally snow very heavily in certain parts of Tokyo.

For these reasons, it is highly recommended to check the weather forecast before you travel to Tokyo. This is especially important if you plan to come during Japan's rainy season, which is from July to September. For a monthly guide to Tokyo's weather, check out this article:  Must-See! A Monthly Guide to Tokyo Weather

Getting to Tokyo from Outside Japan

One of the most common ways to enter Tokyo is by airplane. The two closest airports to Tokyo are Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) and Narita International Airport.

It is recommended to arrive at Haneda Airport if possible, as it is close to the city's central areas like Shinagawa. The U.S. claimed ownership over Tokyo's airspace shortly after World War II, and as a result, Japan was forced to build Narita Airport outside of Tokyo in the neighboring Chiba Prefecture, so it is quite distanced from the city. However, if you do end up arriving at Narita Airport, you can easily get to the city center by train. If you know Tokyo like the back of your hand, you can consider taking the highway bus instead, too.

Traveling Within Tokyo

Tokyo has a daytime population of 15.92 million people*, so as you can imagine, the trains can get quite crowded. Rush hour is from 7:00 am - 8:30 am on weekday mornings and 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm on weekday evenings. It is best to avoid taking the train during these times, but if you do, make sure to give yourself some extra time to get from place to place. *Accurate as of Japan's October 1st, 2015 census

Our Top Tips

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. 

Most tourists will end up exploring Tokyo by train, as it's one of the best methods of travel for getting to all the main tourist spots. However, navigating through incredibly large stations like Shinjuku Station can be difficult, and the train map is also confusing. That said, if you can figure out how to transfer between train lines, you can get to your destination quickly and cheaply.

One way to solve this issue is by making use of train and bus navigation apps, which are increasingly becoming available in several languages. Alternatively, view some of the train maps in your language on the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation's website.

▼Official Website for the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation Japanese:  https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/ English:  https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/

Many buses regularly depart from train stations. If used wisely, they can be more convenient than trains. However, it is strongly recommended for beginners to Japan to avoid using them. This is because many of the buses have their route maps, destinations, and in-bus announcements available only in Japanese.

If you will be traveling with a group of people, depending on the distance, traveling by taxi can be cheaper than train or bus . Many taxis now support credit card payments, so payments can often be settled smoothly. This also helps ensure that you won't get charged a ridiculous price.

Not many taxi drivers are multilingual, but as long as you can tell them your destination, you will be able to get to where you want to go. You can get a taxi from the taxi stand by most train stations or by waving down an empty taxi if you spot one on the road.

If you have the money, consider riding a sightseeing taxi. Not only can you choose your preferred sightseeing course, but there's also no need to carry any heavy luggage, making it an easy way to explore Tokyo! It is highly recommended for Tokyo beginners, people with disabilities, those traveling in large groups, and the elderly.

Many Japanese people don't like driving in metropolitan areas, as the roads are narrow and the traffic regulations are confusing. For this reason, it goes without question that beginners to Tokyo shouldn't attempt to do this!

However, rental cars can be extremely useful for getting to prefectures near Tokyo. Furthermore, if you go with a group of people, you can split the bill and save on transport. Just try to avoid consecutive holidays like Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year's, as the road can get incredibly congested.

If you won't be traveling far, consider getting a rental bicycle. You can see the sights while traveling to your destination, which is great during pleasant seasons like spring and autumn. It's also easy to stop at any spot that catches your fancy, so you can experience Japan like a local. For a list of bicycle rental services in Tokyo, check out this article:  9 Rental Bike Services in the Tokyo Area You Should Try

Other Methods

Another popular way to get to places like Asakusa, Hamarikyu Gardens, Odaiba, and Tokyo Big Sight is by water bus. They're a great way to experience something special, as many of them offer night cruises that let you gaze at Tokyo's nightscape, and several others run during seasonal events like the sakura (cherry blossom) blooming season and fireworks shows. For more information on Tokyo's water buses, including the departure schedules and costs, visit the Tokyo Cruise website .

Tokyo's Main Sightseeing Spots

Although Tokyo has an almost countless number of sightseeing spots, the following is a small selection of classics that everyone should spare the time to visit.

TOKYO SKYTREE: Enjoy a Sweeping View of Tokyo

TOKYO SKYTREE is a digital communications tower that stands at a whopping 634m above the ground! It was recognized in 2011 as the world's tallest tower by the Guiness World Records.

From the observatory situated 450m in the air, one can get a sweeping view of the whole city. Observe this sight in the daytime or visit at night to see the lovely twinkling night sky. Those looking for a thrill can walk through the tower's glass corridor - no doubt, it'll make you feel as if you're walking in air! There's even a restaurant on the observation deck where you can dine while gazing at the beautiful Tokyo cityscape. Finally, don't forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo spots in the tower.

Asakusa: Get a Taste of Old Japan

Asakusa is an area of Tokyo that is extremely popular for its retro Japanese townscape. Its symbol is the famous Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate), from which hangs a giant red lantern. It is located at the entrance to Senso-ji Temple (official name: Asakusa Kannon Temple). This temple has 1,400 years of history and was visited by great warriors like Tokugawa Ieyasu so that they could pray for victory in battle.

The street that leads up to Senso-ji Temple from Kaminari-mon is known as Nakamise Street and is home to roughly 90 shops that sell wares and foodstuffs. Why not look around while nibbling on Asakusa delicacies such as kibi dango (soft sticky rice cakes), menchi katsu (deep-fried minced meat cutlets), and jumbo melon bread?

Shinjuku: The Best Place in Tokyo for Night Entertainment

You can find Kabuki-cho, one of Tokyo's main entertainment districts, in an area known for its neon lights flickering late into the night. Located northeast of Shinjuku Station, it is home to a plethora of eateries, a department store, a movie theater, and other entertainment facilities.

Shinjuku Golden-gai is another interesting spot in this area where you'll find many small eateries shoved into long wooden buildings. It spans just 6612 sq.m. and is a great spot for those wishing to enjoy Tokyo's nightlife. However, keep your guard up - there's a lot of unsavory people around the area as well!

For even more things to do and places to explore within the Shinjuku area:  50 Things to Do in Shinjuku

Dining in Tokyo

The one thing that sets Tokyo apart from other Japanese cities is variety in both fare and prices.

While you can definitely find high-class restaurants listed in the Michelin guide, there are also plenty of cheap and delicious restaurants that'll have people drooling, as well as many stores open late at night, found in places like Ueno's Ameyoko, Shinjuku's Kabuki-cho, and under the elevated railway tracks of Yurakucho. Furthermore, you can now find more eateries catering to various needs, with vegetarian and even halal menus.  

Despite all of these great points, one of the downsides to dining in Tokyo is that you'll almost definitely need to line up for popular restaurants. To avoid this, try booking in advance through the restaurant's official website or your hotel concierge. Alternatively, you can make a booking through Savor Japan, a restaurant listing and booking website. You can search for restaurants supported by Savor Japan through this search page .

Finally, for a quick list of cheap yet amazingly delicious restaurants in Tokyo to try out, check out this article:  30 Cheap but Delicious Restaurants and Shops in Tokyo

Staying Overnight in Tokyo

According to a survey undertaken in 2017 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, the estimated number of tourists to Tokyo for the year was 537 million. Of that sum, the number of tourists from abroad was 13 million. With this number increasing annually, popular accommodations are quickly being booked out, so it's imperative to book your accommodation as soon as possible.

For a quick list of options, consider looking at the various articles we have on accommodations in Tokyo !  

There are plenty of world-acclaimed hotels in Tokyo, with 33 hotels alone listed in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for 2019. If you have room in your budget for one of these hotels, you'll get the best that Tokyo has to offer. However, it's quite easy to find a hotel that matches your preferences and budget, so don't fret if you're looking for more affordable options. Alternatively, maybe even consider a luxury love hotel ...

Business Hotels

These hotels mainly serve as places to sleep for the night, with the bare minimum in terms of furniture, appliances, and amenities. This is what allows them to offer more competitive rates, which attracts tourists from all over. Many of them are clean, comfortable, and located in super convenient areas, so popular business hotels tend to get booked out quite early.

Here are some business hotels close to Tokyo Station that come highly recommended by the tsunagu Japan editing team:  Comfortable and budget-friendly! 10 Recommended Business Hotels Around Tokyo Station  

Those who want to experience as much Japanese culture as they can are recommended to stay at ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Tourists can stay inside a retro Japanese building and enjoy dressing in yukata (traditional Japanese robes), bathing in an onsen (hot spring baths), and viewing Japanese-style gardens. On top of all that, they will get to savor delicious traditional Japanese cuisine!

Here are a couple of ryokan in Tokyo that will guarantee a wonderful trip to Japan:  10 Recommended Japanese-style Ryokan Overflowing With the Essence of Tokyo

Guest Houses

Guest houses are popular with backpackers, as they're cheaper than regular accommodation options and allow travelers to exchange travel info with fellow wanderers and even locals in the common spaces. Nowadays, many are made extremely convenient with cafes or bars annexed to them, while others are visually appealing as they are beautifully decorated or constructed within old retro buildings.

This type of accommodation is best suited for those looking to stay somewhere unique or meet new people. If that interests you, here's a great article to start off with:  19 Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo That Won't Disappoint!  

Capsule Hotels

These hotels originated in Japan and are worth experiencing at least once. Each capsule is furnished simply and designed to be just large enough to fit one person, but in exchange for the lack of room, it costs just a few thousand Japanese yen per night.

Capsule hotels used to be mainly frequented by salarymen who missed the last train, but recently, several of them have undergone a complete makeover, with refined designs, comfortable mattresses, a plethora of amenities, and improved common spaces that have attracted new kinds of customers to their doors.

For affordable capsule hotel options:  [2018 Edition] 50 Affordable & Convenient Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is a great shopping destination, with plenty of stores to meet whatever needs someone may have. For example, there's Ginza, the place for high-end luxury brands; Harajuku, where young people go for trendy goods; Shimokitazawa, perfect if you're looking for secondhand or vintage finds; and Akihabara, the "electric town" full of electronic stores.

Looking for souvenirs? Tokyo has you covered there as well! There are classics like Tokyo Banana and Ningyo-yaki, but if you're looking for more options, check out this beginner's guide to souvenir shopping in Tokyo:  20 Souvenirs You Should Buy in Tokyo . Alternatively, browse all the other Tokyo shopping articles that we have!

And if you want Japanese electronics, we suggest heading to  BicCamera , which has stores all over Tokyo. Use the discount coupon below for an even better deal on your Tokyo shopping!

Events in Tokyo

Spring (march - may).

Spring is when Tokyo starts warming up from the cold winter and more people start to spend time outdoors. Other than the falling sakura painting the streets a beautiful pink, don't miss out on seeing the beautiful purple wisterias in bloom! You'll find Japanese people enjoying the beautiful view and warm weather at hanami spots like Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and Chidorigafuchi.  

Summer (June - August)

Festivals, fireworks, outdoor music festivals, beer gardens... Japan's summers are so full of things to do that even locals have trouble deciding what to fit into their schedules.

Every mid-August, the Fukugawa Hachiman Festival takes place at Tomioka Hachiman Shrine (Tomioka Hachiman-gu). During this impressive festival, participants carry 120 mikoshi (portable shrines) of varying sizes around town, and spectators will throw holy water over them while yelling "Wasshoi, wasshoi!" It is a grand spectacle that can't be missed!  

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn is when many food-related events occur. If you'll be in Tokyo at the time, give the Meguro Sanma Festival a try. You'll get to eat freshly cooked sanma (Pacific saury) for free! There are also plenty of events out there for art or culture enthusiasts, such as Kanda's Secondhand Book Fair and Asia's largest film festival, Tokyo International Film Festival.

If you'd rather see beautiful autumn scenery, head over to the Jingu Gaien Gingko Festival that takes place from mid-November to early December at Meiji-jingumae. Rows of trees with gorgeous gold and orange leaves await you!

Winter (December - February)

In Japan, there is a practice called "hatsumode" where people will visit shrines or temples at the beginning of a new year in order to pray for a safe year and express thanks to the year that's passed. There are plenty of places within Tokyo for you to experience your own hatsumode, such as Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), known for having the most worshippers in all of Japan; Senso-ji Temple, situated within a retro townscape; and Kanda Shrine, which is always visited by businesspeople hoping for a successful year. Check them out if you'll be in Tokyo at this time!

Tourist Information Counters in Tokyo

If you're lost or don't know how to get to your destination, visit a tourist information counter! It is strongly recommended to visit counters with a JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) certification.

This guide will introduce you to three different info counters. They all provide their services in English, as well as in other languages. Furthermore, since they're all located in areas popular with tourists, they're extremely easy to find!

Use them wisely to make your trip one to remember!  

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Asakusa)

This tourist information counter is housed inside a stunning building constructed out of wood and glass that was designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma. It is located in front of Asakusa's Kaminari-mon. Inside the building, you will also find a currency exchange counter, smoking rooms, and observation deck where you can get a panoramic view of the Asakusa townscape for free.

Japanese:  http://www.city.taito.lg.jp/index/bunka_kanko/oyakudachi/kankocenter/index.html  

Shinjuku Tourist Information Center (Shinjuku)

This information counter is a short walk away from the East Gate of Shinjuku Station, one of Japan's busiest transport hubs. Other than offering Tokyo travel information in several languages, it has ATMs, a currency exchange service, and coin lockers.

Japanese:  http://www.kanko-shinjuku.jp/office/-/index.html  

TIC TOKYO (Nihombashi)

TIC TOKYO is only a short walk away from the Nihombashi Exit of Tokyo Station. The staff there can give you directions in several languages, as well as book accommodations for you! There's also a cafe right next to the counter, so you can take a breather here if you're tired from sightseeing.

Japanese:  https://www.tictokyo.jp/ English:  https://www.tictokyo.jp/en/

Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets

Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

What to Do If You Have an Emergency in Tokyo

Hospitals and clinics.

If you get sick or injured in Japan, visit the website below. It has information on roughly 900 hospitals and clinics in Japan that accept foreign travelers as patients. There's also a Guide for Using Medical Institutions (downloadable as a PDF) that will help you navigate through a visit to a Japanese medical institution. It also includes warnings for when you do and lists exactly how to tell doctors your symptoms. The website even has guides for what to do in case of natural disasters like earthquakes!

Japanese:  https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/jpn/mi_guide.html English:  https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html  

If you lose something, become lost, or run into trouble, head to the nearest police box or station. The website below should also come in useful, as it has the contact details for police boxes or stations in Japan, as well as information on the basic rules and etiquette for things like traffic. Look through the website before coming to Japan, and your trip is sure to be safe and fun!

Japanese:  https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/about_mpd/shokai/ichiran/index.html English:  https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/index.html

▼For residents of Tokyo English:  https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/for_residents/index.html

Muslim-friendly Facilities

Muslims looking for eateries and accommodations that cater to them should check out the TOKYO MUSLIM Travelers' Guide, a pamphlet published by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau. It introduces roughly 124 different restaurants, worship facilities, accommodations, and stores that accommodate Muslims.

English:  https://www.gotokyo.org/book/en/list/1664/

Getting to Other Cities from Tokyo

There are several ways to get to sightseeing locations like Hokkaido, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa from Tokyo, such as by shinkansen, airplane, or bus.  

●Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Sometimes traveling by shinkansen can take longer than airplanes, but if you consider that some airports are set quite far apart from certain destinations, it can often be faster to travel by shinkansen. If you use the Japan Rail Pass within its specified time period, you'll even get to save on your shinkansen travels! Also, traveling by shinkansen means that you can buy and eat bento while gazing at the scenery through the train windows.  

●Airplane This can be the fastest method of transportation when it comes to traveling long distances, though it depends on how far away the airport is from your destination. Nowadays you can find plenty of low-cost carriers, so you'll easily be able to travel to faraway cities for a cheap price.  

●Highway Bus If you don't want to spend lots of money traveling, take the highway bus! It takes significantly longer to get anywhere with one of these, but depending on the date and destination, it can cost only a few thousand yen! If you travel in the daytime, you can enjoy the scenery from the windows, and if you take the night bus instead, you'll reach your destination before you know it! What makes traveling by highway bus fun is that you'll get to sample a variety of local foods from the rest areas that the bus stops at.  

Search up the options that match your budget or preferences ahead of time so that you can enjoy your Tokyo trip to the fullest!  

Tokyo → Hokkaido (Hakodate)

Shinkansen: Approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes (Tokyo Station → Hokkaido Shinkansen → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station → Hakodate Station)

Airplane: Approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes (Tokyo Station → Haneda Airport → Hakodate Airport → Hakodate Station)  

Tokyo → Osaka (Shin-Osaka)

Shinkansen: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes (Tokyo Station → Shin-Osaka Station)

Airplane: Approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes (Tokyo Station → Haneda Airport → Itami Airport → Shin-Osaka Station)

Highway Bus: Approx. 8 hours (Bus terminal within Tokyo → Bus terminal within Osaka)  

Tokyo → Fukuoka (Hakata)

Shinkansen: Approx. 5 hours (Tokyo Station → Hakata Station)

Airplane: Approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes (Tokyo Station → Haneda Airport → Fukuoka Airport → Hakata Station)  

Tokyo → Okinawa (Naha)

Airplane: Approx. 4 hours (Tokyo Station → Haneda Airport → Naha Airport) *All of these times are the shortest estimated times. Actual times may differ depending on the date and/or traffic conditions.

Tokyo is a metropolis that many people flock to, and it is home to a wealth of sightseeing spots. Make sure to look up information on transport and tourist spots within the city before arriving, and your trip is sure to be a blast!

Interested in coming to Tokyo, but not sure what to do once you're actually there? Begin here:  50 Things to Do in Tokyo

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram !

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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15 essential things to know before you visit Tokyo

By Crista Priscilla

Tokyo is a city that might be well spoken of in the plural, just as the Greeks used to speak of Athens – for this city is the largest in the world, and even locals might not be able to comprehend the whole city in their lifetime. Made up of 23 wards that are distinctively unique to each other, one person's understanding of Tokyo might be different to another's – depending on which area they spend most of their time in.

However, there are some universal rules to live by whenever you are in the city. No matter which area of Tokyo you are in, these are some tips to enjoy the magnitude of the megalopolitan area seamlessly and pleasantly. 

1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival

Narita may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city centre from Haneda will save you time and money. With its amazing public transportation system, you can easily choose between trains or buses.

2. The Japan Rail Pass might be too expensive if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to travel through the country, but if you will spend most of your time in Tokyo, it can be a rather lavish expense – and an unnecessary one. The Japan Rail Pass only works for trains and buses that are managed by the JR company. Throughout Tokyo, other train lines operate as well as JR trains. Most JR stations sprawl among the more commercial areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku, but to get to know Tokyo beyond the touristy sites, explore more the neighbourhood-y ones such as the old town Yanaka, hipster Kuramae, or traditional fish market of Tsukiji. To get to  those  places you’ll need to take the subway and buses operated by other companies, which are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

3. Get yourself a Pasmo (or a Suica)

These will make your adventure through the megalopolitan serpentine transportation system a walk in a park. Pasmo (or Suica – they are the same kind of cards, just issued by different train companies) is a super-smart card that can be used not only to get you through the train station ’s gate but also to pay for everything, from bus tickets and vending-machine snacks to your compulsive buying in Tokyo’s exceptional convenience stores. You can easily get one from the ticket machines at any train station, load it up with yen and hop on and off effortlessly between modes of transport like the locals do.

4. Remember this is a cash country

No matter how futuristic your imagination of Japan is, it is still a country that is very much rooted in tangibility – and to some extent, a sensory experience. That is why Japanese people prefer renting comic books rather than getting a kindle, or ordering an expensive carved seal (hanko) than registering a digital signature, or in this case, carrying (and receiving) cash than using debit and credit cards. So prepare a thick wad of yen at all times, because there are five-star ryokans or top-tier sushi restaurants that refuse to take credit cards or e-money. If you need more cash, find the nearest convenience store – these usually have an ATM inside. Very few Japanese ATMs work with foreign cash, let alone provide you with an English language option, but those in the 7-Elevens should be reliable enough.

5. Note: there are at least five stations with the name “Shinjuku”

If you ask the locals where the Shinjuku station is, they might ask you in return, “Which one?”. Shinjuku, like most famous districts in Tokyo, is not only vast but also comprised of several areas, and each has its own train station (with different operating train companies). There is the famous Shinjuku Station that is owned by JR company (the same company that issues the Japan Rail Pass), and there are those with the name “Nishi-Shinjuku”, “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae”, “Shinjuku-san-chome”, “Seibu Shinjuku”, plus many more. So when you’re planning to visit Shinjuku, or any other district, make sure you’re heading to the right station, closest to the place you’re looking for.

Tip : Google Maps is a life-saver! It can indicate which train company you have to hop on to, and which “Shinjuku Station” you need to go to. Just enter the name of your destination and choose the one with the least walking distance.

By Abigail Malbon

By Sarah James

By Kiki Deere

6. Be prepared to downsize

Get used to everything being small in Tokyo. The first diminutive thing you may notice is most likely your hotel room, and more often than not, the size of the bed and bathroom. Try to pack lightly for Tokyo, and check the bed size when you book your accommodation – the largest size most hotels have is a queen size, and few provide king-size beds. Most restaurants are also small, and they are meant to cater to only two-four people per group. Unless you come to a family restaurant or an established izakaya, it is usually a challenge to find one table for a group of more than four people. It’s highly advisable to do a little research about your preferred eatery’s seating arrangements, especially if you’re travelling in a big group.

7. A long queue is a good sign

Japanese people are known for their long suffering and perseverance. They don’t mind a long waiting time – nor getting up (way too) early to get in the line, be it for the opening of a new store or lunchtime at a famous soba joint. Don’t let long queues discourage you! Instead, get used to it or arrive earlier to beat the crowd. Better yet, join the queue because wherever there’s a long line with locals lining up, it’s a sign that the place is undoubtedly worth it.

8. Don't ask for a menu – ask for the ticket machine instead

When you step into a ramen shop, you are expected to place your order by giving your ramen ticket to the cook. There is no menu that will be given to you, nor a waiter to take your order. You have to find a massive machine, usually located by the shop’s entrance, that is full of buttons with photos of every item on the menu and its price. Insert your bill (remember to always bring cash) and press the button for the item that you want. Your ticket and exact change will be spewed out by the machine. Hand the ticket to the food attendant (or the cook himself) – that’s how you place your order in a ramen shop.

9. Be aware that most cafes and restaurants only open after 11am

Although Tokyo is the greatest feast on earth, the feast starts at lunch time, not at breakfast. Most eateries begin their first service at lunch, and hardly anything opens for breakfast unless it’s an international joint that clearly serves breakfast on its menu. The denizen of Tokyo have their breakfast at home, from a convenience store, or nothing at all because they are too busy running to get into the packed train before the doors close.

10. Watch out for rush-hour hell

You’ve probably seen the videos of Japanese train officers ruthlessly pushing people into sardine-packed carriages  And if you’re not keen to experience that kind of phenomenon during your trip, it is better to steer clear of taking the trains during weekday rush-hour peak – between 7am and 9am, and shortly after 5pm. The most congested lines will be the Tozai line, JR Chuo-Sobu line, and the popular JR Yamanote line which runs around the city and stops at some of Tokyo’s most popular districts including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. The stations will also be packed. Try to avoid commuting around these hours, but if you can’t, search for other walking-distance stations that operate different lines and depart from there.

11. Learn escalator protocol

You will soon notice that on the escalator, people stand on the left side, and leave the right side open. That is to give way for others who are in a rush to use the right side to walk up without any obstruction. Stay on the left side when you’re riding the elevator to avoid annoyed looks from locals. While you’re living by this rule in Tokyo, you will have to do the opposite in the Kansai region – that will be Osaka , Kyoto and Nara. Just  don’t get mixed up between the two.

12. Public bins are scarce – so bring a bag for rubbish

Soon after devouring 7-Eleven’s fried chicken, you realise that you cannot find anywhere to throw away the greasy paper. A domestic terror attack in 1995 that involved deadly sarin gas forced the government to remove public bins to prevent future attacks, as they believed this could be another place where dangerous substances could easily be installed. That being said, you still can find these rare objects in a few spots in public parks, some train stations, public restrooms and in front of convenience stores.

Tip : Bring an empty plastic bag with you to hold the rubbish until you can take it home and sort it. Also, if you buy food or drink, eat it where you bought it. They usually place bins nearby so you can toss your rubbish right away.

13. Get to know Tokyo's neighbourhoods

Tokyo, as vast and large as it is, is divided into many neighbourhoods that became city centres in their own right. The capital has several downtowns spread throughout the city. Depending on what you’re looking for, one downtown might be more suitable than another. Here are the five busiest downtown districts of Tokyo which each offer different impressions and experiences.

A frenetic neighbourhood full of young people. Expect to spend your money on animal cafes, 100-yen stores, or cute-looking puddings that are too pretty to eat.

The district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a massive office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese salarymen after office hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long.

An old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly – but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still widely present, especially in the western part. Ikebukuro is also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. 

A classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travellers, offering a large number of tourist-friendly entertainment spots. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural centre with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district is where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries and exclusive restaurants.

14. Get used to self-service cashiers

Don’t be surprised if there is no one waiting for you at the cashier when you’re checking out. These days, the country is increasing self-checkouts to ease labour shortage problems. You will find big stores in Tokyo such as Uniqlo, Muji or GU, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart install rows of self-service cashier counters that will calculate the total amount of your purchase. Note: these machines will automatically deduct payment from your credit cards without applying any payment authentication steps.

15. Silence is golden

Tokyo may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet – especially when on the train, bus and other public places. Talking in the train car is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by the people around you, it is considered annoying and rude. Japanese people are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume – including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board – is considered an understood etiquette.

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15 Insider Tips for Your Next Trip to Tokyo

By Crista Priscilla

Tokyo is a city that might be well spoken of in the plural, just as the Greeks used to speak of Athens—for this city is the largest in the world, and even locals might not be able to comprehend the whole city in their lifetime. Made up of 23 wards that are distinctively unique to each other, one person's understanding of Tokyo might be different to another's—depending on which area they spend most of their time in.

However, there are some universal rules to live by whenever you are in the city. No matter which area of Tokyo you are in, these are some tips to enjoy the magnitude of the megalopolitan area seamlessly and pleasantly. 

1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival

Narita International Airport may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city center from Haneda will save you time and money. With its amazing public transportation system, you can easily choose between trains or buses.

2. The Japan Rail Pass might be too expensive if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to travel through the country, but if you will spend most of your time in Tokyo, it can be a rather lavish expense—and an unnecessary one. The Japan Rail Pass only works for trains and buses that are managed by the JR company. Throughout Tokyo, other train lines operate as well as JR trains. Most JR stations sprawl among the more commercial areas like Shinjuku , Shibuya, and Harajuku, but to get to know Tokyo beyond the touristy sites, explore more the neighborhood-y ones such as the old town Yanaka, hipster Kuramae, or traditional fish market of Tsukiji. To get to  those  places you’ll need to take the subway and buses operated by other companies, which are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

3. Get yourself a Pasmo (or a Suica)

These will make your adventure through the megalopolitan serpentine transportation system a walk in a park. Pasmo (or Suica—they are the same kind of cards, just issued by different train companies) is a super-smart card that can be used not only to get you through the train station’s gate but also to pay for everything, from bus tickets and vending-machine snacks to your compulsive buying in Tokyo’s exceptional convenience stores. You can easily get one from the ticket machines at any train station, load it up with yen, and hop on-and-off effortlessly between modes of transport like the locals do.

4. Remember this is a cash country

No matter how futuristic your imagination of Japan is, it is still a country that is very much rooted in tangibility—and to some extent, a sensory experience. That is why Japanese people prefer renting comic books rather than getting a kindle, or ordering an expensive carved seal (hanko) than registering a digital signature, or in this case, carrying (and receiving) cash than using debit and credit cards. So prepare a thick wad of yen at all times, because there are five-star ryokans or top-tier sushi restaurants that refuse to take credit cards or e-money. If you need more cash, find the nearest convenience store—these usually have an ATM inside. Very few Japanese ATMs work with foreign cash, let alone provide you with an English language option, but those in the 7-Elevens should be reliable enough.

5. Note: there are at least five stations with the name “Shinjuku”

If you ask the locals where the Shinjuku station is, they might ask you in return, “Which one?” Shinjuku, like most famous districts in Tokyo, is not only vast but also comprised of several areas, and each has its own train station (with different operating train companies). There is the famous Shinjuku Station that is owned by JR company (the same company that issues the Japan Rail Pass), and there are those with the name “Nishi-Shinjuku,” “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae,” “Shinjuku-san-chome,” “Seibu Shinjuku,” plus many more. So when you’re planning to visit Shinjuku, or any other district, make sure you’re heading to the right station, closest to the place you’re looking for.

Tip : Google Maps is a life-saver! It can indicate which train company you have to hop on, and which “Shinjuku Station” you need to go to. Just enter the name of your destination and choose the one with the least walking distance.

By Jessica Puckett

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Jessica Chapel

6. Be prepared to downsize

Get used to everything being small in Tokyo. The first diminutive thing you may notice is most likely your hotel room , and more often than not, the size of the bed and bathroom. Try to pack lightly for Tokyo, and check the bed size when you book your accommodation—at the largest category, most hotels normally offer a queen-sized bed. Very few provide king-sized beds. Most restaurants are also small, and they are meant to cater to only two to four people per group. Unless you come to a family restaurant or an established Izakaya, it is usually a challenge to find one table for a group of more than four people. It’s highly advisable to do a little research about your preferred eatery’s seating arrangements, especially if you’re traveling in a big group.

7. A long line is a good sign

Japanese people are known for their long suffering and perseverance. They don’t mind a long waiting time—nor getting up (way too) early to get in the line, be it for the opening of a new store or lunchtime at a famous soba noodle joint . Don’t let the long lines discourage you! Instead, get used to it or arrive earlier to beat the crowd. Better yet, join the queue because wherever there’s a long line with locals waiting, it’s a sign that the place is undoubtedly worth it.

8. Don't ask for a menu—ask for the ticket machine instead

When you step into a ramen shop, you are expected to place your order by giving your ramen ticket to the cook. There is no menu that will be given to you, nor a waiter to take your order. You have to find a massive machine, usually located by the shop’s entrance, that is full of buttons with photos of every item on the menu and its price. Insert your bill (remember to always bring cash) and press the button for the item that you want. Your ticket and exact change will be spewed out by the machine. Hand the ticket to the food attendant (or the cook himself)—that’s how you place your order in a ramen shop.

9. Be aware that most cafes and restaurants only open after 11am

Although Tokyo is the greatest feast on earth, the feast starts at lunch time, not at breakfast. Most eateries begin their first service at lunch, and hardly anything opens for breakfast unless it’s an international joint that clearly serves breakfast on its menu. The denizen of Tokyo have their breakfast at home, from a convenience store, or nothing at all because they are too busy running to get into the packed train before the doors close.

10. Watch out for rush-hour hell

You’ve probably seen the videos of Japanese train officers ruthlessly pushing people into sardine-packed train cars. And if you’re not keen to experience that kind of phenomenon during your trip, it is better to steer clear of taking the trains during weekday rush-hour peak—between 7am and 9am, and shortly after 5pm. The most congested lines will be the Tozai line, JR Chuo-Sobu line, and the popular JR Yamanote line, which runs around the city and stops at some of Tokyo’s most popular districts including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. The stations will also be packed. Try to avoid commuting around these hours, but if you can’t, search for other walking-distance stations that operate different lines and depart from there.

11. Learn escalator protocol

You will soon notice that on the escalator, people stand on the left side, and leave the right side open. That is to give way for others who are in a rush to use the right side to walk up without any obstruction. Stay on the left side when you’re riding the elevator to avoid annoyed looks from locals. While you’re living by this rule in Tokyo, you will have to do the opposite in the Kansai region—that will be Osaka , Kyoto and Nara. Just don’t get mixed up between the two.

12. Public bins are scarce—so bring a bag for rubbish

Soon after devouring 7-Eleven’s fried chicken, you realize that you cannot find anywhere to throw away the greasy paper. A domestic terror attack in 1995 that involved deadly sarin gas forced the government to remove public bins to prevent future attacks, as they believed this could be another place where dangerous substances could easily be installed. That being said, you still can find these rare objects in a few spots in public parks, some train stations, public restrooms, and in front of convenience stores.

Tip : Bring an empty plastic bag with you to hold the rubbish until you can take it back to your hotel or Airbnb and sort it. Also, if you buy food or drink, eat it where you bought it. They usually place bins nearby so you can toss your rubbish right away.

13. Get to know Tokyo's neighborhoods

Tokyo, as vast and large as it is, is divided into many neighborhoods that have become city centers in their own right. The capital has several downtowns spread throughout the city. Depending on what you’re looking for, one downtown might be more suitable than another. Here are the five busiest downtown districts of Tokyo which each offer different impressions and experiences.

A frenetic neighborhood full of young people. Expect to spend your money on animal cafes, 100-yen stores, or cute-looking puddings that are too pretty to eat.

The district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a massive office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese salarymen after office hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long.

An old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly—but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still widely present, especially in the western part. Ikebukuro is also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. 

A classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travelers, offering a large number of tourist-friendly entertainment spots. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and boasts a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural center with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district is where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants.

14. Get used to self-service cashiers

Don’t be surprised if there is no one waiting for you at the cashier when you’re checking out. These days, the country is increasing self-checkouts to ease labor shortage problems. You will find big stores in Tokyo such as Uniqlo, Muji, or GU, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart install rows of self-service cashier counters that will calculate the total amount of your purchase. Note: these machines will automatically deduct payment from your credit cards without applying any payment authentication steps.

15. Silence is golden

Tokyo may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet—especially when on the train, bus, and other public places. Talking in the train car is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by the people around you, it is considered annoying and rude. Japanese people are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume—including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board—is considered an understood etiquette.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

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Tokyo (����, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures , consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town , Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping , entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums , historic temples and gardens . Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

Top attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Tranquil Meiji Shrine
• Urban exploring in Shibuya
• Shopping in Shinjuku and youth culture in Harajuku

• Ancient Sensoji Temple
• Cruise down the Sumida River
• Shopping in modern Odaiba

• Exploring Shinjuku's busy streets
• Relaxing in Shinjuku Gyoen
• Taking in the skyscraper district

• Exploring Asakusa area

• Serene Imperial East Gardens
• Lively Ginza shopping district

• Old-fashioned post town
• Artsy Tennozu Isle
• Waterfront walk

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Tokyo metropolitan government, hotels around tokyo, tokyo hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Tokyo

Experiences around Tokyo

The 30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Tokyo is an incredible, massive city home to almost 14 million people. It’s the capital of Japan and home to a wide array of fun, historic, and quirky attractions. From the world’s largest tuna auction and the Imperial Palace to ninja restaurants and vampire cafés, Tokyo really does have something for everyone.

Whether you’re here for a short stopover or living here as an expat, you’ll be able to find plenty of ways to pass the time and get a feel for the organized chaos that is Tokyo. To help you make the most out of your trip, here’s my list of the best things to see and do in Tokyo:

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Fish Market

2. explore by the imperial palace, 3. experience a tea ceremony, 4. relax in ueno park, 5. see the tokyo metropolitan teien art museum, 6. stroll along the meguro river, 7. check out asakusa, 8. have dinner with ninjas, 9. drink in golden gai, 10. visit the national art center, 11. eat below the girders, 12. go superhero go-karting, 13. check out a sento, 14. visit a quirky café, 15. see shibuya crossing, 16. stroll around shimokitazawa, 17. gaze at mt. fuji from hakone, 18. hang with the harajuku girls, 19. watch a sumo match, 20. watch traditional japanese theater, 21. visit daibutsu (the great buddha), 22. visit the ghibli museum, 23. get touristy at tokyo disneyland, 24. hike mount mitake, 25. stroll through shinjuku gyoen national garden, 26. visit the tokyo tower, 27. visit the samurai museum, 28. walk across the rainbow bridge, 29. drinks at the park hyatt, 30. take a cooking class.

There are over 600 vendors here selling fresh fish as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Gorge on sushi and marvel at the chaotic atmosphere of the world’s largest tuna market. The tuna auction here powers much of the world’s sushi supply, and it is truly a sight to be seen. You can also see a model of the largest tuna ever sold at Tsukiji — which weighed 500kg (1,100lbs!).

In addition to the new market, the old outer market at Tsukiji still has plenty of restaurants and shops. You can still head there to eat and look around, though all the action is now at Toyosu. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds (especially on Saturdays). Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 14,350 JPY.

Tsukiji Fish Market: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, +81 3-3542-1111. Admission is free. Toyosu Fish Market: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto, +81 3-3520-8205. Open Monday-Saturday from 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Most shops are closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free.  

You can’t go inside (or even get super close), however, the building itself is both regal and serene and a great place to relax or snap some photos. The palace is surrounded by beautiful grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the massive stone walls. Admission to the grounds is free.  

No visit to Japan is complete without experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. Tea was brought to Japan in the 9th century by a Buddhist monk and by the 12th century, the ceremony began to take shape. While these ceremonies are usually long (not to mention expensive), they are worth splashing out on if you want a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture. The experience involves learning about tea, preparing matcha (a powdered green tea), and then drinking the tea, often with a sweet. Budget experiences start at around 6,700 JPY per person.  

There are also a few important things to see in the park as well. Here are a few sights in the park you should make time to visit:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872, this museum is located in the north end of the park and houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan. 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-1111, tnm.jp. Open daily 9:30am-5pm (7pm on most Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 1,000 JPY.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This is a 17th-century Shinto shrine with stunning gold doors and ornate carvings. Admission is 1,300 JPY to the shrine and an additional 1,000 JPY for the museum. 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-3455, uenotoshogu.com/en. Open daily 8am-5pm.

This small museum used to be the official residence of the Prince and Princess Asaka. Built in 1933, the building itself was influenced by the art deco movement in Paris. The prince had studied in Paris and wanted to bring the art deco style to Japan, hence the building’s style and decorations. In 1983, the residence transitioned into a museum and is now home to a rotating series of modern art exhibitions. See their website for information on what exhibits are available.

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, +81 3-3443-0201, teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en. Open daily 10am-6pm (closed Mondays.) Admission is 1,400 JPY, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors.  

While the walk is nice at any time of year, late March to early April is when the cherry blossoms will be in bloom. While there will be a lot of people then (cherry blossom viewing is a national pastime) you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful scenery in the heart of the metropolis.  

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular (and arguably most famous) temple. It’s beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s busy during the day so aim to visit in the evening to beat the crowds. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3842-0181, senso-ji.jp. The grounds are open 24/7, though the temple itself is open daily 6am-5pm. Admission is free.
• Asakusa Shrine – This is a Shinto shrine located near Senso-ji. It’s much more peaceful and less busy than Senso-ji as well. It was built during the Edo period and miraculously survived the air raids of World War II. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3844-1575, asakusajinja.jp. Open 24 hours. Admission is free.

For a unique dining experience, head to Ninja Tokyo. It’s a novelty ninja-themed restaurant designed like an Edo-era building. The waitstaff is clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and trained in all sorts of simple tricks, sleight of hand, and illusions. You’ll order off of old scrolls while being entertained by the skillful tricks of your server. The food isn’t anything special but it’s super fun (especially if you’re traveling with kids) and the atmosphere is unique.

Tokyu Plaza Akasaka, +81 3-5157-3936, ninja-tokyo.jp/home/home-en. Open daily 5pm-10:00pm (and from 11:30am-2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays)  

If you are looking for something interesting to do at night, this alley of backstreet bars should not be missed. There isn’t much going on here during the day, but come sundown, these zigzag hallways and closet-sized beer rooms are filled with interesting people and cheap drinks. There are six alleys connected by narrow passageways only wide enough for 1 or 2 people, making it a rather unique place to start your night out on the town. While many bars are open to everyone (including tourists), some only serve their regulars. Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku.  

Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t actually have a permanent collection but rather houses a never-ending series of temporary exhibitions, from impressionism to modern art (the Monet exhibition that was held here in 2007 was the most visited exhibition in the world). There are upwards of 60 exhibitions each year so check their website to see what is currently being shown.

7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, +81 3-5777-8600, nact.jp. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm. Admission varies by exhibit.  

Not far from Ginza is the Yurakucho neighborhood. Below the elevated train tracks at Yurakucho Station is a 700-meter-long (2,296 feet) stretch of restaurants and bars. There are wine bars, beer pubs, and casual restaurants filled with businessmen. If you want to get a sense of local city life, this is a good neighborhood to explore after the workday is over.  

If you’re a video game fan (or just want to do something different), check out Street Kart. This is a real-life Mario Bros. go-kart company that lets you dress up and race around the city. As long as you have an international driving permit (which you can get if you have a valid driver’s license), you can take part, racing around the city dressed up as Mario, Yoshi, or even Spiderman. There are both private and group tours , with multiple departure locations that cruise through different neighborhoods.

4-12-9 Sotokanda, +81 80-8899-8899, maricar.com/en/akihabara.html. Open daily 10am-10pm. Expect to spend about 1-2 hours and 15,000 JPY per person depending on the options you choose. An International Driving Permit is required to participate, which you can procure with a current valid driver’s license before you leave home.  

A sento is a traditional (and communal) Japanese public bathhouse. In the past, private baths were rare as accommodations in Japan are notoriously small. While private baths are much more common today, sentos remain important cultural hubs. The Japanese are not shy in sentos so you need to be comfortable with nudity! They are typically separated by gender. A budget-friendly sento will cost you just under 1,000 JPY. Just keep in mind that many have rules against tattoos.  

Tokyo has all sorts of weird and wonderful cafés. Monster cafés, cat cafés, dog cafés, owl cafés, vampire cafés, and much more! If you can think of it, there is probably a café for it somewhere in the city. If you’re looking for something unusual to do (or just want a place to relax after exploring) then take a look and see what weird and quirky cafés are near you (they’re all around the city so you never have to go far to find one!).

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Vampire Café (vampire/goth themed)
• Dog Heart (dog café)
• Pokemon Café (Pokemon themed)
• Chiku-Chiku Café (hedgehog café)

While you’re here, make sure to visit the statue between Shibuya Station and the intersection. It’s a tribute to Hachiko, who would greet his owner at Shibuya Station every day until the owner passed away at work in 1925. Hachiko visited the train station daily and waited for his owner until he also passed away a decade later. He is a national hero in Japan and his story is well-known as it highlights the virtues of loyalty and devotion, which are highly valued in Japanese culture. The dog is something of a national icon in Japan, and the story was made famous by the film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale . You can find Hachiko, unsurprisingly, at the Hachiko Exit.  

Brimming with vintage shops, this Bohemian neighborhood is often compared to New York’s East Village. It’s a great example of the quieter side of Tokyo and offers some more relaxing streets to wander and window shop. Whether you’re looking to shop or just want to take in the scene, this is a cool neighborhood to explore for a couple of hours.  

If you have the Japan Rail Pass you can get here for free.  

Harajuku is an electric and quirky part of town known for its fashion, vintage stores, and cosplay shops. As you wander, you’ll often see “Harajuku girls” walking around town in unique clothing and colorful hairstyles. In addition to all of the avant-garde fashion, there are also tons of trendy restaurants in the area as well. It’s one of the best places to come and people watch and appreciate Japan’s more unique cultural trends.  

1 Chome-3-2-8 Yokoami, Sumida, +81 3-3623-5111, sumo.or.jp/kokugikan. Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around 3,800 JPY.  

Kabuki theater is a traditional form of Japanese performance involving dance and drama. The costumes and makeup are heavily stylized, making for a very visual performance. The Kabuki-za Theatre, located in Ginza, is the best place to see these incredible and powerful performances. You can purchase tickets for an entire show or just one act if you’re not ready to commit to a longer performance (they’re in Japanese and usually last a few hours).

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held almost daily. Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule. Expect to pay at least 1,000 JPY for a single-act ticket.  

The journey to Kamakura takes around an hour and is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, +81 467-22-0703, kotoku-in.jp. Open daily 8am-5:30pm April to September and 8am-5pm October to March. Admission is 300 JPY plus 50 JPY to visit the interior of the Buddha.  

If you’re a fan of the award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (he’s the genius behind Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke ), then you’ll want to check out this amazing museum. The exhibition was actually designed by Miyazaki himself and is an immersive experience that any film buff will appreciate. The museum hosts a new short film every month, only available to visitors. While a visit here won’t take up a whole day, it’s not in a very central location so you’ll need to plan accordingly (it’s about an hour from downtown Tokyo).

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, +81 570-055-777, ghibli-museum.jp. Open weekdays from 10am-5pm and weekends from 10am-7pm. Admission is 1,000 JPY for adults, with discounts available for youth and children. There are limited tickets available each day so book in advance.  

1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, +81 45-330-5211, tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html. Open daily 8am-10pm. Admission is 7,900-10,900 JPY for adults and 4,700-5,600 JPY for children, depending on age.  

Located just over an hour from Tokyo is Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The park covers 1,250 square kilometers (482 square miles) of rolling hills, mountains, and lush forests. There are plenty of hiking trails, though you can also take a cable car to the top and then hike to the shrine that sits on the peak, some 930 meters (3,051 feet) above sea level. It’s a 30-minute walk to the shrine from the peak/top of the cable car. From there, you can hike for an hour to a small valley with two picturesque waterfalls or continue on to Mount Otake, which is about two hours from the summit of Mount Mitake.  

This park spans over 144 acres and is home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II, however, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, the park is one of the best spaces to see cherry blossoms. My favorite part is the Japanese landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful little oasis within the hustle and bustle of the city.

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, +81 3-3350-0151, env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Admission is 500 JPY.  

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, +81 3-3433-5111, tokyotower.co.jp. Open daily 9am-10:30pm. Admission is 1,200 JPY for the main deck or 2,800 JPY for the top.  

No trip to Japan would be complete without learning about samurai, Japan’s hereditary nobility. While they were known for their skills in combat, there was much more to the culture than just mastering the sword. This museum does a great job of illuminating life as a samurai and it also has some incredible displays of traditional weapons and armor (some of which you can even try on).

Kabukicho 2-25-6, +81 3-6457-6411, samuraimuseum.jp/en. Open daily 10:30am-9pm. Admission is 1,900 JPY per person. You can explore the museum on your own or in a group tour, which occur every 30 minutes. The museum is temporarily closed due to COVID.  

This is the city’s most popular bridge and offers some lovely views of both sides of Tokyo Bay. Built in 1993, the bright lights up at night with rainbow colors — hence the name. It makes for a pleasant walk during the day or at night if you need to stretch your legs after binging on sushi.  

New York Bar is the iconic bar from Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation. Located on the 52nd floor, the bar actually lives up to the hype of the film. The atmosphere is classy, the drinks are great, and the view is absolutely stunning. There is live jazz every night, and while there is a cover charge (around 2,750 JPY), it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking to splash out.

3-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku, +81 3-5322-1234, hyatt.com. Open Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am and Thursday-Saturday 5pm-12am.  

In addition to food tours, cooking classes are a great way to engage in the local cuisine, while learning something new and connecting with local chefs. By taking a cooking class in Tokyo, you’ll get to take home some new culinary skills from one of the culinary capitals of the world. There are a ton of options from which to choose, from sushi making workshops to a wagyu cooking class ! It’s definitely a fun activity to do that gives you a good understanding of Japanese food.

Tokyo is one of those cities that really does have something for everyone. Nightlife, delicious food, accessible day trips, insightful museums, art galleries, relaxing parks — you name it, you can find it here. But where the city really shines is with its quirky offerings. You’ll find tons of weird and wonderful restaurants, cafés, and activities here — things you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

While the city isn’t the cheapest in Asia ( though there are lots of ways to save money here ) it offers visitors the opportunity to experience life in one of the most electric, futuristic cities in the world.

And, to me, that’s worth the price.

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Sheena and Ippei
• Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo

For more places to stay, check out my article on my favorite hostels in Tokyo . And to see what neighborhoods are the best for travelers, check out this post .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Want More Information on Japan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Japan for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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First Time in Tokyo? Know These 18 Things Before You Go

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Visiting Tokyo for the first time can be overwhelming, and planning a trip to this bustling city is a daunting task. What are the best places to see in Tokyo? How to get around? Where to stay? What to do in Tokyo in 5 days? A million questions start coming to mind. To help you prepare your trip to Tokyo, here are 18 important things you need to know. Keep these travel tips in mind and you will leave all your worries behind.

Tokyo Travel Tips For First Time Visitors

1| fly into haneda airport (instead of narita airport) if you can..

Haneda or Narita? Which airport should you fly into? Before buying your ticket to Tokyo, this is an important question to consider.

If you’re flying into Tokyo from another country, chances are you will land at Narita International Airport, which handles the majority of international flights to Japan. However, Narita International Airport is actually located in Chiba prefecture, not in Tokyo. Transportation to downtown Tokyo, which is about 60km away, will take around 1.5 hr.

Haneda Airport, on the other hand, is only 15 km away from central Tokyo. A 30-min train ride will take you straight to the city center. In the past, Haneda handled mostly domestic flights. But it is becoming a hub for international travel, especially as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approaches!

When purchasing flight tickets to Tokyo , definitely make sure to choose Haneda Airport if possible. It will save you time and hassle!

2| Buy a Pasmo or Suica card

Tokyo is covered by an extensive network of train and subway lines. Getting around Tokyo couldn’t have been easier.

If you’re planning to use trains and subways to travel around Tokyo, buy a Pasmo or Suica card as soon as you arrive in Japan! Those prepaid cards allow you to take all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo . You can even use them to make small purchases in convenience stores and vending machines!

Suica and Pasmo can almost be used interchangeably. The only difference is that they are sold by different companies. Due to that reason, it impacts where you can purchase them: Pasmo cards  are sold at any ticket vending machine at Tokyo subway stations whereas Suica cards  are only available at JR EAST stations. Both machines have English instructions. But if you’re taking a train from the airport to Tokyo city center,  you can buy either card at Narita and Haneda airports .

One card costs as little as 1000 yen (500 yen for deposit, 500 yen credit). You can top up as you go.

3| Rent a pocket WiFi

It’s true – you can get free public WiFi at Tokyo Metro stations and coffee shops. But if you have multiple gadgets that need constant access to high-speed internet, then it’s better to rent a pocket WiFi.

Wi-Ho Rental Location in Narita Airport

Many companies offer 4G Pocket WiFi service in Tokyo. We went with  Wi-Ho  on our last trip and had a great experience with them. They offer UNLIMITED data at a reasonable price and have pick-up and return locations at the airports. Very easy and convenient!

4| JR Pass is a money saver, but it’s not worth buying if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Japan Rail Pass (also called JR Pass) is an “all-inclusive” rail pass available to foreign visitors only . With this pass, travelers can take unlimited rides on almost all JR trains across Japan, including shinkansen (bullet trains).

There are 2 types: Green Car (first-class seat) or Ordinary Car pass, each of which allows you to travel for 7, 14, or 21 days. It can save you a lot of money if you’re planning to travel across Japan.

The catch is…JR Pass must be purchased outside of Japan before your departure. You can buy the pass online through an official distributor, such as Japan Rail Pass or JRPass . Or, from a local travel agency. After you place your order, you will receive an Exchange Order, which will allow you to exchange for the actual ticket in Japan.

However, there are 2 situations where buying a JR Pass is not worth it:

• if you’re not venturing beyond Tokyo
• if you’re planning to make day trips to nearby cities (in this case, you should consider one of the JR East Passes )

Pro tip: Still unsure if it makes sense to buy a JR Pass? Use the Japan Rail Pass Calculator to find out!

5| Use Google Maps and HyperDia to plan your trip

To navigate within Tokyo city, Google Maps is super useful. It displays the best route with price and travel time.

HyperDia is another great tool you can use, especially for train travel. It displays detailed timetable and compares routes and prices. Besides the web-based version, it also has an app for iOS and Android.

6| Order taxi via JapanTaxi app

If you don’t speak Japanese and encounter situations where you need to take a taxi, use JapanTaxi.

Similar to Uber, you can order a taxi directly via your smartphone, get an estimate of the taxi fare, and make payment through credit cards. It is more widely used in Tokyo and cheaper than ordering through Uber!

Note: You will get a discount code (~1000 yen) for your first ride after downloading the app. Sometimes you might get more codes after the first ride. On our last trip, almost all of our rides were discounted!!

[irp posts=”7989″ name=”Best Tokyo Luxury Hotel To Experience Tokyo Like A Local”]

7| Learn some basic Japanese

Should you learn Japanese before going to Tokyo? Absolutely!

English is common in big cities like Tokyo – you can find English signs in train stations and airports. Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas generally have English menu as well. However, most Japanese speak very little English or are uncomfortable conversing in English. For this reason, try to learn some essential Japanese words and phrases!

Below is a list of useful words and phrases for your survival in Japan:

• Hello = [konnichiwa]
• Yes = [hai]
• Thank you = [arigato gozaimasu]
• Excuse me = [sumimasen]
• Do you have water? = [omiza arimasuka?]
• Do you have WiFi? = [WiFi arimasuka?]
• Do you have an English menu? = [eigo no menu wa arimasuka?]
• The check, please = [okaikei onegaishimasu]
• This one, please = [kore onegaishimasu]
• Tea, please = [ocha kudasai]
• Can you speak English? = [eigo ga hanasemasuka?]
• What do you recommend? = [osusume wa nandesuka?]
• How much does it cost? = [ikura desuka?]
• one = [hitotsu]
• two = [futatsu]
• three = [mittsu]
• four = [yottsu]
• five = [itsutsu]
• six = [muttsu]
• seven = [nanatsu]
• eight = [yatsu]
• nine = [kokonotsu]
• ten = [too]
• one person = [hitori]
• two people = [futari]
• three people = [sannin]
• four people = [yonin]
• five people = [gonin]

Pro tip: Download Google Translate app – it is a handy tool to have when you need instant translation between Japanese and English. Or have the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook with you to help you break the language barrier!

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8| Plan at least 7 days for your first trip to Tokyo

How many days in Tokyo is enough?  Some say 3 days, others suggest 5. In our opinion, give yourself  at least 7 days if it’s your first time in Tokyo.

Tokyo is such a huge city with a limitless variety of shopping, dining, and cultural sites to experience. There are so many fun things to do in Tokyo that you’ll probably need months or even years to fully explore the city. Having said that, 7 days is a good amount of time to get a brief taste of Tokyo. Add a few extra days if you’d like to make day trips to nearby cities, e.g., Osaka , Kyoto , or Mt. Fuji in Hakone

9| No tipping

One of the things you need to know about Japan is that tipping is not a common practice. Actually, leaving a tip can be seen as demeaning and disrespectful to the server.

10| Take advantage of Japan’s Tax Exemption Program

Tokyo is a shopping paradise for many. Foreign tourists, in particular, are exempted from the 8% consumption tax .

Here’s what you need to know about Japan’s Tax Exemption Program to make the most of your shopping experience:

• bring your passport if you plan to shop at tax-free stores (you can find a list of shops here )
• present your passport (not a copy) at the store counter upon checkout (in some cases, there’s a designated ‘tax-free’ counter)
• you need to spend at least 5000 yen (excluding tax)  in the same store on the same day to qualify for tax exemption
• consumer goods such as food, beverage, medicine, and cosmetics. These items will be put in a sealed plastic bag. DO NOT open the bag before departing Japan.
• general items including bags, clothing, appliances. You can use them while in Japan.
• the name on your passport and credit card must match. Of course, you can also pay in cash.
• you can get the refund immediately, but  tax refund procedure must be done on the same day of purchase .
• the cashier will attach a card entitled “Record of Purchase of Consumption Tax-Exempt for Export” to your passport. Return this piece of paper to the Japan customs at the airport before heading to immigration.

Note:  Most large department stores have dedicated tax refund counters on a certain floor. Bring all your receipts there along with your passport and credit card to get the cash refund.

[irp posts=”8912″ name=”10 Best Tokyo Shopping Districts To Up Your Style”]

11| Trying on clothes? Know these etiquettes

I experienced a culture shock on my recent shopping spree in Tokyo. Apparently, there are etiquettes you need to follow when entering a fitting room?!

Ladies, if you’re trying on tops, you will be given a face cover. Its purpose is to prevent your makeup from staining the new clothes. Simply put the face cover over your head with the longer, veil part covering your face.

Also, you are expected to take off your shoes . Usually, you can find a raised platform (or a carpet) inside the fitting room. It is customary to take your shoes off before entering.

12| Book restaurants via Pocket Concierge

It can be tricky for foreigners to make restaurant reservations.

Good news – with online booking services like Pocket Concierge , you can book a reservation without making a phone call!

We strongly recommend using Pocket Concierge for popular restaurants. This concierge service, available in Japanese and English, offers access to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and top-gourmet restaurants in Tokyo. You can check real-time availability, book reservations, and make payments through their system.

TABLEALL is another invaluable tool for making reservations at top-rated, exclusive restaurants in Japan.

[bctt tweet=”Visiting Tokyo for the first time? Here are 18 important things you need to know before you go!” username=”fortwoplz”]

13| Visit these tourist attractions? Book tickets in advance

Want to visit popular tourist attractions in Tokyo? Take our advice and plan ahead of time. By ‘ahead of time,’ we mean at least 3 months prior to your trip .

Snoopy Museum

Some attractions, such as  Ghibli Museum , Snoopy Museum, and  Imperial Palace , require booking tickets online in advance. The Grand Sumo Tournament is seasonal and extremely popular that reservation is strongly recommended. The Michelin 3-star restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro , goes without saying that reservations need to be made approximately half a year in advance!

[irp posts=”9038″ name=”Honeymoon in Tokyo: 5-Day Itinerary For Couples”]

On the contrary, for other Tokyo attractions such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo SkyTree , we would recommend NOT purchasing the tickets beforehand – in case the weather does not turn out well.

14| Know how to order food from a ticket machine

At some restaurants like ramen shops, you are expected to buy food tickets at a vending machine and pay in advance. There’s no need to talk to anyone!

Ticket Machine at Afuri Ramen

Here’s how it works: 1) put in money; 2) select what you want (the machines typically feature photos of each dish on offer); 3) collect your ticket and change; 4) take a seat and give the food ticket to the kitchen staff. Easy peasy!

Note: At some machines, you put in the bill AFTER you select your order. If you’re lucky, some machines even have Engish menu!

[irp posts=”8956″ name=”13 Best Tokyo Restaurants & Cafes You Can’t Miss”]

15| Enjoy the incredible wonder of Japanese electronic toilets

The very first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Japan is the electronic toilets. These hi-tech toilets are EVERYWHERE and will amaze you with their remarkable functionality!

What exactly can they do? The sophisticated toilets come equipped with an array of smart functions, including a heated seat (super great for winter!), water sprays for front and posterior wash (with adjustable position and water strength), noise maker (for privacy), and air-drying.

Don’t be afraid. Give it a try! It is so comfortable that you might never want to leave the bathroom!!

[irp posts=”7967″ name=”Coolest Hotel in Tokyo: Stay Here, Or You Will Seriously Regret It”]

16| Stay on the left side

In Tokyo, people walk on the left-hand side, just like road traffic. On escalators, it is a common, unspoken rule to stand on the left and leave the right side for those who want to climb the steps.

Exceptions exist in some metro stations though. To avoid running into other pedestrians, always check the signs!

17| Smoking is still allowed indoors

Japan allows smoking in many places. In outdoor public areas, there are designated spaces for smokers. However, there’s no national law that prevents smoking indoors.

Many restaurants and bars allow smoking inside. Some have separate areas for smokers and non-smokers, but the set-up usually does very little help in limiting exposure to secondhand smoke. Keep that in mind when you visit izakayas in Tokyo.

18| Tap water is safe to drink

It’s perfectly safe to drink from the tap!

These are just a few tips and suggestions for those who are planning a trip to Tokyo. What surprised you the most?

If you have visited Tokyo before, what other things have you noticed on your last trip?

More Tokyo Trip Planning Resources

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34 comments leave a comment ».

So nice to come across one of your posts again, Cat! I’ve never been in Tokyo, so I’ll make sure to bookmark your post. You share some very useful information here and I’m hoping to make it to Japan someday. I’ve heard a lot about the Japanese electronic toilets. If for nothing else, at least I should go experience those, hahaha!

These are all great tips! Being from Japan, these are all the tips I give my friends who are visiting Japan. The only thing I always forget to mention is the food ticket machines 🙂

This is an amazing guide; straight to the point and informative without exhausting the topic. Tokyo has been on my list for a while, and I will for sure look this up if I’m every lucky enough. The makeup protectors for changing clothes is an amazing idea I wish we had here!

Tokyo is fascinating. Olympics 2020 will catapult it to the global tourist map. Pasmo sounds very convenient. I always prefer to travel in public transports. Renting a pocket wi-fi is a great idea. Japanese seem complicated to me. Konnichiwa is the only Japanese term I know. But, I agree with you, it is wise to learn a few basic words and phrases. I didn’t know tipping is considered bad in Tokyo. Strange!

This is the perfect post for me, as I really want to visit Japan! I’ve read about getting pocket wi-fi when there, so thanks for the tip. Thank you also for the tips on trying on clothes, and the airport! It’s so funny that these simple tips and advice can really ensure your trip goes smoothly.

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There is so much useful information in this article – you are going to save readers a lot of time and money planning their trip to Japan. It can be hard to know which airport is better when booking an international flight and I would never have guessed that Narita was so far away. Also awesome that the JR pass has a calculator so you can work out if it is worth it

Great tips for someone like me who know nothing about Japan. I will be fully prepared after reading this amazing article. All actionable tips to make your Japanese holiday easier

Thanks for your tips! These are very helpful for first timers in Tokyo. Have you visited the nearby shrines around Tokyo? How about Ameyoko, you can find lots of locally produced, fruit candies!

Japan has been a dream destination for me for a fairly long time now, and I would inevitably spend time in Tokyo when I visit. Your tips would be immeasurably useful. I’m bookmarking this post for future reference.

Love this, this is the perfect post for someone visiting Japan for the first time. I would never know those things like the face cover for trying on clothing or that tipping is considered disrespectful. Sometimes going to a new country you feel like you need a how-to manual, and this is just that.

Nice Article. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful information! I am Looking forward to get more Articles. I really appreciate the points present in the blog.

Thank you, Ashley George

Very useful article on travel tips for first timers. Taking exemption of Japan Tax policy and No tipping is very useful as very few people know about it. Keeping the veil cover while trying out clothes is the most unique feature and looks feasible too. You have shared all useful information with cultural etiquette of Tokyo. Saving your post!

Awesome tips! I have visted Tokyo but only once and a long time ago. I would love to visit again soon and will be sure to read this post again before I go!

Such useful tips! Especially the amount of time you could save by flying into the closer airport. And the hubby has always wanted to buy food from one of the vending machines. It’s on his bucket list! Awesome list. Saving it for when we visit Tokyo!

There were some quality suggestions on this list. I have for into Narita before and wondered how hard it would be to get to Tokyo. It didn’t look close from the air and apparently it isn’t very close on the ground. Good to know about booking 3 months in advance for attractions. WOW- that’s some lead time there.

These are such great tips! I’ve never been to Tokyo but I’ve heard it can be overwhelming at first and I’ll definitely keep these tips in mind when I do go. Japan has been on my list for quite some time now.

I love Japan and had been there few times but I still haven’t been to Tokyo! It’s next on my list to go when I return to Japan hopefully next year for the Cherry Blossoms! Love the great tips you got here.

These are great tips! Love the airport suggestion – that saves a lot of time and headaches! And I always like to use local taxi apps too in the destinations I travel too. Such a helpful list!

Such great tips, Cat! Such a lifesaver. I wish I’d had your post handy before I visited Tokyo in October 2017! 🙂 I agree with so many of these — esp. the Pocket Wifi, HyperDia app, and learning some Japanese beforehand. I will say that, though Haneda is closer, I actually didn’t mind arriving in Narita. We took the train from there to Shinjuku and I rather enjoyed it. But we returned out of Haneda, which was nice because we could squeeze every last possible second in Tokyo before flying out! 🙂

So many useful tips! I´d love to visit Japan soon – so happy I came across your blog post! Pinned

Have a wonderful weekend! Anna http://atlifestylecrossroads.com

Great Tips for first-timers to Japan, and Tokyo is for sure one of my favorite cities in the world, that’s why I visit there almost once a year~! 🙂 Yes, Haneda airport is much easier getting to the city and I would also remind everyone not to cross the road during red lights, and try to stay a hotel with on-sen

This is an incredibly detailed post, full of essential information that I would not have known or found too easily elsewhere. For example re: tipping and the tax exemption program. Will certainly be saving this, as we are hoping to visit Tokyo within the next year.

Absolutely love your tips! I totally love the tax free part about Japan. And the tax refund is actually immediate once you hit certain amount, it saves all the trouble of doing tax refund at the airport. And I’m heading to japan next week again!

What a great article. Everything I need to know before visiting Japan. None of these were there when I visited 40 years ago except for the smoking???

Thats an amazing list of tips. One Im sure even repeat visitors to tokyo would benefit from! WIll be bookmarking this for when we visit tokyo!

Fabulous guide. I only had 5 days in Tokyo on my first trip and I would agree that you need at least 7! There’s just so much to see and do. I relate to all these tips. Learning to order ramen from the machines took a few trial & error attempts but got there in the end. I loved how organised everything was and that in the chaos of such busy streets, intersections and escalators, people stand to the left and let the “movers” overtake on the right. Great guide. 

I’ve been planning a trip to Tokyo for almost 2 weeks and did not about the tax exemption! Will be taking full advantage of that. Great post!

Great tips! I LOVE Japan for all its beauty, quirkiness and etiquette requirements. That’s what makes the culture so fascinating. Smoking indoors however is the one thing I can’t handle. When the Izakayas are completely smoked out and all you see is a layer of smoke. Can’t even enjoy our meal!

Great guide with very good points for new visitors! I’ve been to Tokyo a few times and even so, I’ve learned very useful information from this article =D

Great help and recommendations Thank you for the information.

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I’m so glad I stumbled across this site. I am traveling to Tokyo in the spring, and your tips will be very helpful to me. Thank you so much!

Great tips. I am planning to visit Tokyo next month. Thanks for the most informative article. Great share.

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Things to do (and not do!) when taking public transport around Tokyo

Mar 1, 2020 • 6 min read

Tokyo’s subway and train maps can look utterly impenetrable for the first time traveller or even a repeat visitor. But it’s very well signed in English, and once you understand how the system works it’s no more complicated than any other major world city’s public transportation — and it works a lot better than most.

Do consider staying on the Yamanote Line during your first visit

The first thing to do is to orient yourself: what most people would think of as central Tokyo is largely within walking distance of the Yamanote Line  — the circular JR line that travels around central Tokyo — operated by JR East, Many if not most of the things that most first-time travellers to Tokyo want to see and do are either found on the Yamanote Line, or at most one easy connection from it. 

Some of the smaller stops on the line have great local character and reasonably priced hotels close by, giving you a real feel for Tokyo. Otsuka is one of my favourites and comes with a bonus tram that trundles through central Tokyo, while Nippori has a lot of decent hotels and is very handy for the Keisei Skyliner fast train to Narita airport.

JR trains to Narita, and the Keikyu trains and Tokyo monorail to Haneda , also connect to the Yamanote. If you want to strike out further afield to Mt Fuji , Hakone or elsewhere in the Kanto region, all the major train termini are on the Yamanote as well. 

Do stick to the trains and subways, and don’t freak out 

Tokyo has a lot of train and subway lines, run by a lot of different companies and it can get confusing. For the most part, if you have a tap-to-pay card — see below — it’s really cheap (just a few hundred yen to go anywhere in central Tokyo) and it doesn’t matter what which company is running the line or whether it’s a subway or a train.

That’s true not least because some of the subway lines actually have commuter trains running through them, sometimes as expresses that don’t stop at every station. 

This can be a little confusing, but the worst that will happen is that you’ll get on a commuter train by mistake, go whizzing past the station you wanted, and have to double back a couple of stops by crossing the platform and waiting for the next train.

For most travellers, unless you’re staying somewhere way out of central Tokyo, you won’t need to use the complicated bus network or most of the commuter trains. 

Do use Google Maps for routefinding

Over the last few years Google Maps has got even better for international tourists, with step-by-step guides that include information about how and where to transfer, with both English and Japanese writing in the app.

It’s pretty handy, and for most travellers it’s the best way to get around. 

Don’t bring luggage, food or beverages

Tokyo’s public transport isn’t designed for luggage, especially suitcases. For your own sanity alone, don’t bring anything larger than a shoulder bag or backpack with you in rush hour, and nothing more than a small cabin bag with you in off-peak times.

Instead, use one of the takkyubin luggage services like Kuroneko Yamato, which will usually set you back only about ¥2000 or so. The exception is the Tokyo Monorail to and from Haneda Airport, so my trick if I have luggage is often to combine that with a taxi to my destination from Hamamatsucho, the monorail terminus in central Tokyo. 

Alternatively, take the airport limo bus, or if there are more than two of you then a taxi can be a good deal too. Ask your hotel.

As a rule, don’t eat on any train that doesn’t have a table that you could use for eating, which mainly means long-distance services. Drinking is fine on the platform, usually next to a vending machine where you can also find recycling bins for your bottle or can. 

Don’t miss your last train

Compared with some other world cities, Tokyo’s public transport ends early — the last trains on some routes are before midnight. The information is displayed on platforms, and you can also run a search on Hyperdia, Jorudan or Google Maps, using an arrival time of, say, 0300, to figure out your last connections.

(If you do miss the last train, the first usually start running shortly after 0500, so time for an all-night karaoke session, napping in a manga café, or even heading to a capsule hotel or business hotel.) 

Don’t use your Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is great value for travelling between cities, but you won’t get great value out of using it within Tokyo. It’s also a bit of a faff: you have to show it at the staffed ticket windows rather than using the tap-to-pay gates, so you end up having to swim sideways against the flow of your fellow passengers.

And while there are 1, 2 and 3-day subway passes, I’ve never found these to be a particularly compelling buy compared with the pay-as-you-go Suica rate. 

Do use a Suica or Pasmo tap-to-pay IC card

Japan has a nationwide network of tap-to-pay cards that are largely interchangeable between cities, and Tokyo’s JR version is called the Suica, while the private railways offer the Pasmo. It doesn’t matter which you get — they’re basically interchangeable.

An IC card like Pasmo or Suica works across the subway networks, JR trains, the Monorail… and in almost every shop in the city, which stops you from amassing a pocketfull of tiny plastic one and five yen coins. 

You can buy a Suica in most major stations, but note that you need to pay cash for it. There’s a deposit of ¥500, which you get back if you return it on the way back out of the country, minus a ¥220 charge if you have a balance of over that amount left on the card.

Do get a Suica on your phone

Many modern smartphones with NFC functionality let you electronically load a Suica onto their payment wallets. This is a bit complicated, so have a look for guides online on how to do it. A bonus: you can add value to it via credit card on your phone, using Apple Pay or the equivalent.

Do have fun on the trains!

Taking public transportation anywhere can be an amazing window into real life wherever you are. Peoplewatch, stand at the front window of the train and look out with a driver’s eye view, and take a moment to listen to the sounds of Tokyo. It’s worth enjoying.  

You might also enjoy: Top 20 free things to do in Tokyo How to spend a perfect weekend in Tokyo   Tokyo watchlist: films to see before your trip 

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Tokyo Travel Tips – Important Tourist Information for First-Time Travelers

Planning a trip to Tokyo is an exciting process, and some important Tokyo travel tips can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Once you know the basics of traveling in Japan, including how to tip, how to get around by train, and how consumption tax works, you can get started on creating a travel itinerary full of landmarks and attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland , Sensoji Temple , Tokyo Tower , and Ghibli Museum .

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Japan’s visa policy

Japan has a travel visa exemption arrangement with over 60 other nations, including the United States, Canada, many Latin American countries, many European countries, and many surrounding Asian countries. Travelers to Tokyo holding a passport from one of those countries do not need a visa to enter Japan if visiting for tourism, conferences, commerce, or to see friends or family. The exemption is typically up to 90 days. Visitors traveling from nations that are not part of the visa exemption arrangement must first obtain a visa from a Japanese diplomatic mission. Visas are granted for up to 90 days for tourism and business travel.

It is important to check with a Japanese diplomatic mission closest to you to make sure you are clear about the visa requirements for your country and that you obtain a visa, if necessary, before your trip. Once you’ve got that sorted out, you can continue planning the rest of your travels and book your flight to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport , the two major airports serving the Tokyo area.

Check In to Narita Tobu Hotel Airport , Step Out to Narita Airport

FIND MORE TOKYO HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Population & Statistics

Tokyo has a population of approximately 13.5 million people. Over 10% of the population of Japan lives in Tokyo , despite the fact that it has less than 1% of the country’s total area. It is the most populous and also most densely populated prefecture among all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Because of the number of people who commute to Tokyo for work and school, the city’s daytime population can actually swell by another 2.5 million people. The number of foreign residents in Tokyo is just under half a million people.

The Greater Tokyo Area, which is made up of Tokyo Metropolis and the neighboring Chiba , Kanagawa , and Saitama prefectures, has a staggering population of over 38 million people. Home to over a quarter of the population of Japan, it is the world’s most populous metropolitan area. It is actually 1.5 times more populous than the next largest metropolitan area in the world, Seoul.

Despite Tokyo ‘s large population and high population density, the city has many spots where you can find some peace and quiet. Chief among them are parks and green spaces where locals and tourists alike can go to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. Among the most well-known parks are Ueno Park , Meiji Shrine , Asukayama Park , and Shinjuku Gyoen Park .

Check In to Hop Step Inn , Step Out to Asukayama Park

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Shopping, taxes & where to save on purchases

Shopping is one of the top tourist activities in Tokyo , and it is carried out everywhere from large department stores to small, local convenience stores. There are so many fantastic shopping districts, such as Ginza and Omotesando , where you can buy unique souvenirs for people back home and ingenious Japanese lifestyle products for yourself. Of course, if you’re traveling, you’ll want to be smart with your money and be aware of any relevant tax.

In Japan, there is an 8% consumption tax levied on all consumer goods. Luckily, visitors on a tourist visa are often exempt from this tax in order to encourage shopping. To be eligible, all you need to do is show your passport. Always check with the store first to make sure you can make a tax-free purchase on the goods they offer. You typically need to spend over a certain amount in order to claim the exemption. This amount is ¥5,001 for consumables such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and medicine, and ¥10,001 for commodities such as clothing, accessories, shoes, and electronics.

The savings on everyday goods such as food, beverages, and clothing can help make traveling a little more affordable for the average tourist. Taking advantage of Japan’s tax exemption can also get you significant savings on higher-priced goods such as electronics. You’ll be able to claim the exemption either when you make the purchase or by taking your receipts to an in-store tax exemption counter. Keep in mind that you may have to declare these goods upon flying home.

Check In to Hotel Emit Shibuya , Step Out to Omotesando

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: How to get around

Because it is such a large and sprawling metropolis, Tokyo may seem a little intimidating to navigate at first. However, its train and subway systems are among the best in the entire world. Rail is unequivocally the best way for tourists to get around Tokyo . While you may want to hop into a taxi while traveling in busy areas during rush hour, rail will be the far more affordable and convenient option for most of your travel needs.

The main rail terminal in the city is Tokyo Station , which receives over 3,000 trains a day. You’ll likely find yourself most often traveling on the JR Yamanote Line. Often simply called the “loop line” because of how it loops around Tokyo , the JR Yamanote Line can take you to major urban hubs such as Shinjuku , Shinagawa , and Ueno . Train and subway maps are usually in English but can be confusing for first-time travelers. Using Google Maps is a recommended way to navigate Tokyo ‘s rail system.

There are a number of privately owned train and subway companies operating in Tokyo . Thankfully, you can buy rechargeable, prepaid cards that allow for easy payment at all train and subway stations, regardless of the rail company. The most common prepaid cards you’ll find at just about any convenience store are Pasmo and Suica cards. To pay with the card, simply tap it when entering a station. This saves you from having to calculate ticket costs. You won’t need a Japan Rail Pass for travel within the city, but it is a must-have for long distance travel.

Check In to Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi , Step Out to Tokyo Station

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Tipping Etiquette

Unlike many other parts of the world, tipping is not a common practice in Tokyo or anywhere in Japan. Good service is considered to be the standard, and service workers are not motivated by the possibility of an extra tip. It doesn’t matter if you are buying food from a local street food vendor or dining at a high-end restaurant in Tokyo such as Kozue in Shinjuku , you do not need to tip your server. The same holds true for taxi drivers, hotel staff, bartenders, hair stylists, and spa staff, all of whom will likely provide excellent service.

This culture of exceptional and attentive customer service is known as omotenashi, and it is deeply ingrained in the Japanese service industry. So much so, in fact, that if you do try to tip service workers, you will likely be politely refused. The only exception to the no tipping rule is tour guides, interpreters, and other travel service providers. Staff at Tokyo tourist companies are often accustomed to receiving tips from tourists and will likely graciously accept.

If you do decide to tip a tourism industry worker, then the most important piece of Tokyo travel advice is to place the bills inside of an envelope and offer it with both hands, instead of taking the bills directly out of your pocket or wallet and offering them loose. Rather than a monetary tip, it is also polite to treat your guide or interpreter to refreshments or local food specialties during your tour or to offer them a small gift from your home country.

Check In to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku , Step Out to Shinjuku Station

Additional TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS

There are many unique aspects of Japanese culture that may surprise you during your trip to Tokyo . While new and exciting experiences are what traveling is all about, knowing a bit about the culture before you go will help you be a mindful and respectful tourist. Here are some important tips for Tokyo travel.

• Keep cash on-hand : Japan is still very much a cash-based society, so make sure you keep some cash on you at all times. You can find ATMs at 7-Eleven stores.
• Save money with soba noodles : Locals love traditional soba noodles because they are both tasty and inexpensive. One of the best places to go for delicious soba noodles is Honmura An in Roppongi .
• Be mindful of your trash : Public garbage bins are uncommon in Tokyo , so be prepared to take all and any trash with you until you have the chance to dispose of it properly.
• Use a bilingual map : Locals in Tokyo are usually friendly and eager to help, and they will have an easier time helping you if you show them a map that also has Japanese on it.
• Follow proper walking etiquette : A strict adherence to walking etiquette keeps even the most crowded areas in Tokyo orderly, such as the iconic Shibuya Crossing . Just as they drive, Japanese people walk on the left side of the sidewalk. On escalators, it is customary to stand on the left side and allow people to pass on the right.
• Rent mobile Wi-Fi : Free public Wi-Fi is not common throughout Tokyo , so it is better to carry around your own pocket Wi-Fi router if you want to stay connected.

Check In to Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel , Step Out to Shibuya Crossing

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There’s no need to tip in Japan. Here’s what else travelers should know.

The Land of the Rising Sun has fascinated travelers for centuries, and this summer is no exception. 

Tokyo is among the top five international cities Americans are visiting this summer, according to Expedia and Google Flights. And with the exchange rate currently so strongly in Americans’ favor, it’s an especially good time to visit if you can take the hot and humid weather .

Before you book your flight though, there are some things you should know. From cultural customs to customs and immigration, here are 10 things to do when visiting Japan.

1. Learn basic Japanese

Some people, particularly in Tokyo, may speak English, but it’s best to learn a few basic phrases in Japanese like “hello,” “excuse me,” “where is the restroom?” and “thank you.” There are free tutorials available across social media and language apps like Duolingo or Babbel. 

You’ll also want to download a free translation app like Google Translate that can handle both verbal and written translation.

2. Fill out the Visit Japan Web form 

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to visit Japan for stays under 90 days, but you will need to fill out a Visit Japan Web immigration and customs form . Save time by doing this in advance online instead of at the airport when you arrive.

What to know about Tokyo Disney Resort: Why Disney fans will travel all the way to Japan for its theme parks

3. Get a transit card 

A prepaid Suica or PASMO transit card isn’t just for public transportation. It can also be used to pay for things at vending machines, convenience stores and some shops. 

You can download a digital version through Apple Wallet or get a physical card once you arrive in Japan. Just keep it loaded with as much money as you want to spend.

4. Keep cash on hand

Cash is still king in some places, including food stalls and small shops that may not accept credit cards or digital payments. 

You can withdraw cash for low fees and fair exchange rates from ATMs at Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven. A Suica or PASMO card can tide you over until you can get to an ATM.

5. Skip the tip

There’s no tipping culture in Japan. In fact, some servers have been known to follow customers out and return tips like they were accidentally left behind. Instead of tipping at restaurants, offer thanks. 

Before eating, it’s customary to say “ itadakimasu ” like a quick prayer to show appreciation for the food and those who grew it. When you leave, you can say “ gochisousama deshita ” to staff to show gratitude for the meal.

6. Stand aside on escalators

In Tokyo, people stand to the left of escalators and keep the right side open for others walking up or down the moving steps. In Kyoto, like in most U.S. cities, people stand on the right. Don’t worry about trying to remember which side to stand on. It will be immediately clear once you’re there. Just do what everyone else is doing and don’t block foot traffic.

7. Keep the noise down on trains

It’s considered rude to talk on your cell phone or play music or videos out loud on subways and trains. You may hear some small groups of friends chatting, but many commuters keep quietly to themselves.

8. Wear or carry socks

Some places, like temples or restaurants with tatami mats, may require you to remove your shoes. If you’re not wearing socks, you may want to carry a clean pair with you, just in case.

9. Prepare to bare all at onsens

If you’re not comfortable sporting your birthday suit around others, you may want to skip public hot springs. Swimsuits and other garments aren’t allowed in the communal water. Some onsens may also bar tattoos or ask guests to cover them up with a patch. However, there are some tattoo-friendly onsens as well as private onsens available.

Additionally, it’s customary to shower before entering the springs to keep the water clean.

10. You’ll have to wait to open some souvenirs

If you plan to load up on Japanese beauty products, snacks and other consumables to take home, you can buy them tax-free at stores like Don Quixote, but they’ll seal them in a bag indicating they were purchased without paying tax. You can’t open the bag until you leave Japan. 

Bonus: Eat all the things, including at convenience stores or vending machines

From egg salad sandwiches to fresh onigiri rice balls, there’s so much good, affordable food in Japan. Don’t miss the delicious and cheap treats at Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart. The same goes for the wide variety of readily available vending machines selling cold and hot drinks, depending on the season. 

20 things you must do in Tokyo

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Trying to navigate Tokyo can feel like trying to eat a bowl of Ramen with your hands. Anyone who has been to the city knows that it spans forever, with things to do in every corner of town. So where does one start? Maybe start with our curated list of activities, which offers a wide range of classic ventures. From modern wonders to ancient splendors, these are the things that make Tokyo great. 

This stroll through ancient temples feels both overwhelming and refreshing.  It's the perfect way to start your trip, immersing yourself in the ancient relics that made Tokyo iconic. No one thinks of skyscrapers when they think of Tokyo--they think of a samurai aesthetic that put the country on the map. 

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Sake, karaoke, bright lights—what's more Japanese than that? There are 280 bars crammed into four streets in Golden Gai, each with about 15 seats. It's a choose-your-own adventure with no wrong options and the same ending every time: you're hammered in Tokyo.

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Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace embodies the beauty of modern Tokyo. It's an ancient palace guarded by giant walls and lush foliage, yet is attacked on all sides by skyscrapers. That's the story of modern Tokyo, the battle between ancient relics and modern invention. 

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The line is like a mix between Disneyland and Schlitterbahn. Combine the two, and you'll have a three-hour wait. But just a taste of the restaurant's udon makes the wait worth it. The city is overflowing with incredible places to eat, but we might not have had a better meal than this one. The artistry that goes into the fat wheat noodles, the craft that goes into making soup this savory—that's udon worth waiting for.

The roll call at Shibuya includes great restaurants, modern skyscrapers, and some of the best views of the city. You can take an elevator to multiple observation decks that will make your jaw drop. We've never seen a skyline like this one, probably because one doesn't exist.

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Meiji Jingu

Walking into Meiji Jingu is like walking into a time machine. You feel like you just stepped into a samurai movie when you enter this collection of temples, paths, and parks, some of which feel like they haven't been touched in centuries. The same sun-dappled trees waiting to greet you for decades.

Nakemegero changes from a ghost town to a parade within a single season. Like a tree in winter (cold and forlorn) that blossoms into a colorful pillow of pink, so too does the city of Nakamegero when Cherry blossoms bloom. It's okay only to visit when it's spring. That's when the neighborhood springs to life.

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Ramen Street

One of the best places to eat ramen is under a train station. That's Tokyo for you. You can't predict where Tokyo's gems are going to be--unless you read this list of course--but they are out there waiting to be discovered. Ramen Street is a row of noodle shops packed with locals on their way to work. What is the best way to find it? Listen for the slurp of ramen.

Farmers Market

Japan's farmer's market is near the world's busiest street in Shibuya but never feels overly crowded. Every weekend, farmers from across the country come out to sell their best produce. Grab a bite and then wash it down with some sake from a nearby food cart.

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Ghibli Museum

Fans of Studio Ghibli (how can you not be?) should check out this museum from the studio's founder. The director of such classics as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, Hayao Miyazaki, has crafted a museum every bit as playful as his films, bringing out the child in all of us.

Monzen Nackako

Wander the ancient streets of Monzen Nackaco at night, when the golden leaves are lit above you, and the street vendors glow with red. As medieval drums pound in the background, you'll find yourself lost in a maze of historical grandeur.

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It's on every tourist's menu when they arrive in Tokyo. Sushi! There are too many iconic sushi spots to mention, and trying to pick just one would be like trying to pick just one place to eat pasta in Italy. We recommend you ask the locals, who will likely point you to their favorite sushi spot in the area. 

Shinjuku Gardens

Who doesn't enjoy a nice garden stroll? 145 acres of lush foliage, ponds and temples sounds pretty great to me. The temple resting on Shinjuku's pond, with red tiles shooting out like a dragon's breath, is simply a transcendent experience.

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Tokyo Skytree

The electric bill has got to be through the roof. At night, the 2,080-foot tower puts on a perpetual light show, lighting up the sky with neon colors that dazzle nearby pedestrians. You can pay to go inside, but the real view is of the monument itself.

Tokyo Tower

This is one of those buildings that makes you stop in your tracks. It's not a must-see, per se, but you will be dazzled if you happen to walk by.

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Try one of the pastries at the local convenience stores, especially the ones that look like puff balls. This might sound insane. In one of the culinary capitals of the world, I'm asking you to eat cheap food at a convenience store. But those rich, savory Tokyo pastries are still on my mind to this day.

Tokyo is the center of Japan's art scene, with museums packed with the country's biggest names. Nezu Museum and Yayoi Kasuma Museum are two spots you should check out, boasting an array of modern pieces that rival anything in the country.

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Take a barge out to sea and marvel at the Tokyo skyline. During the warm season, these open-door ships take you to several viewpoints while food and sake are delivered to your table. 

Discover all the modern food trends at this kitschy mall. Are deserts shaped like anime? Ramen you can smell from a block away? Make sure you arrive at Harajuku on an empty stomach. 

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Neighborhoods

There is no center in Tokyo. Unlike most cities, this sprawling city has multiple centers with their own distinct vibe. A great way to see Tokyo--the grand, magnificent, ever-changing Tokyo--is to wander the city's many neighborhoods. At the intersection of modern and ancient, Tokyo has so much to offer. 

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Travel Things to do in Tokyo Editor's Pick Japan

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Not only is Tokyo an exciting destination in its own right, it also serves as a great base for exploring further afield. And should you want to savor them at a more leisurely space with an overnight stay, check out our suggestions for MICHELIN Guide hotels in each location.

Experience the modern side of the city at Minato Mirai 21, a waterside shopping and entertainment hub with gleaming high rises, museums and the Cosmo World Amusement Park. Another popular shopping spot in this area is the Red Brick Warehouse, a historic port facility which has been transformed into an atmospheric setting for restaurants and bars.

For panoramic city views, head up to the observatory on the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower, or take a trip on the Yokohama Air Cabin cable car that connects JR Sakuragicho Station and Unga Park Station. Yokohama is one of Japan’s most photogenic cities at any time, but the evening views are truly magical.

Getting there: Central Yokohama can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes on various express trains from Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo or Shinagawa Stations.

If you’d like to spend the night in Yokohama, check out:

Hotel Edit Yokohama

The Knot Yokohama

InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8

Catch a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to Hakone, to reach beautiful Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi. After exploring the shrine, walk down to the edge of the lake to see another of Hakone’s most famous sights—the vermillion torii gate ‘floating’ on the lake with Mt. Fuji behind. While they seem an incongruous match for such a traditional setting, colorful boats decked out like pirate ships are a popular option for cruising on the lake. Indulge your inner child and enjoy the photo ops during a relaxing excursion. Take the boat from Motohakone and get off on the other end of the lake at Tongendai. From there it’s a short walk to the Hakone Ropeway, which will take you up to the steaming geothermal area of Owakudani and, with luck, more views of Mt. Fuji. Try some of Hakone’s signature black eggs (chicken eggs boiled in hot spring waters) while you’re there.

Gora Park boasts an attractive French-style garden with various flowers and is situated between two very different art museums. The Hakone Museum of Art features an extensive collection of Japanese earthenware and sits next to the park, while a 15-minute walk brings you to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with a wide range of modern sculpture plus dynamic playscapes to delight the youngest members of the family. Access all three attractions directly by taking a train from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, or take the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai/Owakudani and change to the Hakone Tozan Cablecar at Sounzan. Getting there: The easiest way to reach Hakone from Tokyo is to board the Odakyu Romance Car at Shinjuku Station, and travel directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes about 90 minutes and advance reservations are required. If you’d like to spend the night in Hakone, check out:

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora

Fufu Hakone

Visitors staying overnight may wish to check out the Hakone Freepass, a discount ticket which comes in two or three-day versions and covers eight different transportation systems in the area, including the round trip from Tokyo.

Izu Peninsula

Shimoda and Kawazu

Shimoda sits at the tip of the Izu Peninsula and is widely considered to have some of Japan’s best beaches. During his second voyage to Japan in 1854, American Commodore Matthew Perry spent time in Shimoda with his fleet of “black ships” (kurofune)—the Japanese name for the western vessels—and the first US Consulate in Japan was subsequently established here in 1856. Learn more about these events at the Shimoda Museum of History and the nearby Ryosenji Temple, where Perry conducted negotiations with the ruling Tokugawa shogunate. Other activities within easy reach of the central area around Izukyu-Shimoda Station include strolling Perry Road, an attractive tree-lined street with restaurants, cafes and shops, or taking a short cruise of the port aboard a replica of a black ship. Shirahama, one of the area’s most popular beaches, is a 15-minute bus ride from the city center. If time allows, take the train to the neighboring town of Kawazu and then change to a bus to reach the Kawazu Nanadaru, a series of seven lovely waterfalls along a wooded 1-km trail.

Shuzenji Onsen

If you’d like to spend the night in Izu, check out:

Top Image: Ⓒ593_AdobeStock

Originally from New Zealand, Louise George Kittaka is a Japan-based freelance writer and cross-cultural specialist, with a passion for exploring the country she has called home for more than two decades. When she isn’t at her computer, Louise loves visiting waterfalls, going to afternoon tea, and collecting anything related to the Aliens movie franchise.

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5 of the best museums and galleries for first-timers in tokyo.

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People walking next to the entrance of the Honkan museum building that holds the Japanese Gallery in ... [+] the Tokyo National Museum in the Ueno Park at the Taito ward in Tokyo city, Japan.

Tokyo is an intoxicating swirl of culture and entertainment with something exciting to do or see around every corner and alleyway. It would be an understatement to say that narrowing down your itinerary on your first trip to the city is going to be difficult. That said—there are a handful of museums and galleries that should be on every first-timer’s itinerary when visiting Tokyo, especially if you like to spend your holiday getting lost observing artifacts and fine art.

The following museums and galleries offer a great overview of contemporary and historical Tokyo and greater Japan and will allow you to get a feel for the city and for Japanese culture past and future. Here are five of the best museums and galleries for first-timers in Tokyo:

Yayoi Kusama Museum

The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a must-see for contemporary art lovers, hands down. Dedicated to the work of the 90-year-old Japanese artist, the museum boasts the largest collection in the world. Note that tickets sell out extremely fast, and go on sale on the first of every month. It’s imperative that you book in advance.

teamLab Borderless

You’ve probably seen shots of the teamLab Borderless exhibit on viral Instagram videos, but the interactive digital 3-D museum is well worth visiting in real life—and not just for the social media pics. Expect moving art, hidden rooms, and innovative installations that will instantly transport you back to childhood.

The National Art Center

From Murakami to Cartier, The National Art Center in Roppongi highlights some of the best contemporary and classic art from around the world. One of Japan’s largest exhibition centers, here’s where to come for the best and most interactive art exhibits in the country.

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Google pixel deadline—10 days to update or stop using your phone, leak reveals crypto is braced for a huge biden flip ahead of trump debate that could trigger a bitcoin, ethereum and xrp price earthquake, ghibli museum.

The Ghibli Museum should be on every first-timer’s itinerary, whether or not you’re a fan of the animation studio already. The quirky museum was partially designed by director Hayao Miyazaki and the colorful exterior architecture and dense layers of greenery that surround the property are almost as impressive as the collection of artifacts on the inside.

Tokyo National Museum

You’ll want to give yourself the full day to explore the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. The museum is considered the oldest museum in all of Japan and features the most comprehensive collection of Japanese art in the world. The Tokyo National Museum also contains more than 100,000 different Japanese artifacts to explore and discover—but keep in mind that the museum is constantly designing different curations, which means every time you visit you’ll see something new.

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Japan traveling tips

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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are a few things you should know to make your trip smoother and more fun. From local customs to getting around on public transport, these Japan traveling tips will help you navigate the ins and outs of this intriguing country.

Buy a Japan Rail Pass

Sort out your itinerary, ... but leave space for free time.

• Sort out your budget (you'll need it in Japan)
• Don't just go for the cities

Learn about Japanese culture and etiquette

Learn some japanese words, ... but come prepared for the weather.

• Bring some cash

Carry your trash

Your sim card might not work in japan, hire a guide, watch out for expensive taxi rides.

• Want more Japan traveling tips?

Travel ideas for Japan, created by local experts

Small Group Tour: Splendours of Japan

Discover the allure of Japan on our small group tour (max 16 guests). Unveil Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama through guided explorations. Immerse in tea ceremonies and relish in the captivating beauty of these iconic destinations. Regular departures ensure an unforgettable journey.

Small Group Tour: Secrets of Japan

Embark on an exceptional small-group tour, available monthly, unveiling Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Uncover Japan's hidden gems, from serene shrines to bustling cities, and immerse in enchanting forests.

Small Group Tour: Highlights of Japan

Exciting small-group tour with monthly departures. Immerse in Japanese culture, challenge a pro in a sumo suit, wander Arashiyama's bamboo groves in Kyoto, and relish a kaiseki feast with Maiko entertainment - all included in this fascinating small group tour.

Japan highlights: Tokyo to Osaka

From Tokyo to Osaka, this Japan trip features fantastic experiences. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savor a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.

Self-Guided Adventure Tour in Japan

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, history, enchanting culture and warmhearted people of Japan, with our self-guided tour of Japan. Walk-through a bamboo forest, see how sake is made, join Samurai lesson, go bar-hopping in Tokyo and Osaka and extend your journey to Hiroshima

Culinary tour across Japan

This trip takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto, where you will experience authentic Japanese foods, visit morning markets in the local cities, learn how to make Japanese food and enjoy a unique stay at a monastery. A once in a lifetime experience.

At first glance, the Japan Rail Pass might seem expensive, but it's truly worth every yen. This pass allows you to save a significant amount of money, especially if you plan on traveling extensively using the Shinkansen, or bullet train . 

The pass is available for purchase online, but here's the crucial part: you must buy it  before  you leave for Japan. After your purchase, you'll receive a voucher in the mail. This voucher will come with detailed instructions on how to exchange it for the actual pass once you've arrived.

There are two types: the Green Pass and the Ordinary Pass. If you're travelling with a big group, the Green Pass (first-class) might be worth spending extra money on because the Green Cars are generally less crowded and more comfortable .

Japan traveling tips: buy a Japan Rail Pass  © Shutterstock

One of the most important steps in planning your trip to Japan is sorting out your itinerary well in advance. Booking your accommodations early — ideally more than six months ahead — can save you a lot of money. 

The same goes for restaurant reservations, especially at popular spots. Crowds are a fact of life in Japanese cities especially, and some restaurants require reservations weeks or even months in advance.

Major museums and attractions are also worth buying a ticket ahead of time. If you don’t, you might find impossibly long lines when you arrive.

If you want help creating your perfect itinerary, see our tailor-made trip service . Our trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customizable. See our Japanese trip ideas for inspiration.

You won’t want to overload your itinerary either. Japan is a place to be savored, not rushed. Jet lag can hit hard (Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT and 14-17 hours ahead of various US time zones), so leave some free time in your schedule. 

This way, you have time to stroll through serene gardens, take a spontaneous detour into a charming side street, or spend extra time in a café people-watching. 

Japan traveling tips: come during the Cherry Blossom season  © Shutterstock

Sort out your budget (you'll need it in Japan)

Japan is known for being pricey, so it's essential to have a realistic budget. But don't worry — there are options for every budget. Convenience stores, or " konbini ," are great for quick, affordable snacks and meals, and you'll be amazed at the quality and variety they offer. 

Accommodations range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly capsule hotels. Ryokans ( traditional Japanese inns ) offer a unique cultural experience and can vary in price. 

And while high-end dining can be expensive, you can find plenty of budget-friendly options like ramen shops , conveyor belt sushi, and izakayas (casual pubs). Street food, especially in places like Osaka's Dotonbori or Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market, is also a delicious and affordable way to experience local cuisine.

Don't just go for the cities

Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are amazing, but don't miss out on Japan's countryside. Two-thirds of Japan is covered in forests. Staying in the cities means you might miss the charming villages , rice terraces and shrines.

Japan also boasts fantastic beaches, such as those in Okinawa, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters and even go scuba diving with hammerhead sharks.

If you're visiting in the winter, the Japanese Alps offer some of the best skiing and are absolutely gorgeous. 

Just remember, life in the countryside moves slower, and many places close early (around 5:30 PM).

Cable car at Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Japan © Shutterstock

For instance, tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered disrespectful. 

When using escalators, stand on the left side to allow people in a hurry to pass on the right (except in Osaka, where it’s the opposite). 

It's also considered impolite to eat or smoke while walking; instead, find designated smoking areas and places to sit and eat . Public transport is generally very quiet, even when crowded. Speaking loudly or talking on the phone is frowned upon, so try to keep noise to a minimum.

When making purchases, you will notice that money is not handed directly to the cashier. Instead, you’ll want to place your cash on a small tray provided at the counter in order to be polite.

Photography etiquette varies; while photos are often allowed in Shinto shrines, many Buddhist temples prohibit them. 

Caves in  Dogashima, Nishi-Izu Town © Shutterstock

Although you can navigate Japan without knowing Japanese, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way. Most menus and signs include English, and many Japanese people speak some English. Nevertheless, making the effort to learn and use some Japanese words is appreciated and can make interactions smoother.

 Words like " arigatou " (thank you), " sumimasen " (excuse me/sorry), and " onegai shimasu " (please) are appreciated. The VoiceTra app can help with translations for more complex conversations.

Pack light for your trip to Japan, leaving space for souvenirs like ceramics, traditional clothing, and local snacks. Japan has so many great shopping opportunities , and you won't want to miss out on bringing home some special mementos.

Hotels usually have laundry facilities, and laundromats are common. Plus, public transport has limited space for large bags.

 Moreover, public transport doesn't have much space for large bags. If you have substantial luggage, consider using luggage forwarding services available at most convenience stores and hotels, which can transfer your bags to your next hotel for you. This service is called "takkyubin" and is incredibly convenient.

Yoshinoyama, Nara, Japan spring landscape © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Japan's weather is highly variable and can change drastically from one region to another.  Spring (March to May) and  autumn (September to November) are often considered the best times to visit Japan. During spring, you can experience the cherry blossom season, which typically peaks from late March to early April. Autumn is great for it’s pleasant temperatures and stunning fall foliage.

Summer  (June to August) in Japan can be hot and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. If you plan to visit during this season, be prepared for high temperatures and occasional typhoons.

Winter  (December to February) brings cold temperatures and heavy snowfall to areas like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.

Bring some cash 

Japan is still largely a cash-based society. Smaller shops and public transport might not accept credit cards, and splitting bills can be tricky due to language barriers. 

Your best bet is to exchange your money at your local bank before your trip to get a better exchange rate than at the airport. Since yen coins go up to ¥500, bring a coin purse to keep your money organized.

While ATMs can be scarce, most 7-Eleven stores have machines that accept international cards, making them a reliable option for withdrawing cash.

Iriomote Island, Japan © Pixabay

Japan is renowned for its cleanliness, and this is partly because public trash cans are rare. You're expected to carry your trash with you and dispose of it at home or in designated areas, where you'll need to separate it for recycling. It’s also polite to wash items before throwing them away to keep public spaces clean.

If you're really struggling to find a trash can, convenience stores like 7-Eleven usually have one, but use them sparingly and respectfully.

Japan’s mobile network can be tricky for foreign visitors. Many international SIM cards don’t work, so consider renting a Pocket WiFi device. 

You can reserve one online before your trip and pick it up at the airport. These devices provide reliable internet access wherever you go and can connect multiple devices. This can be super helpful when you are navigating Tokyo’s city streets, for example.

Shirakawago Village in Gokayama Japan © Mitsuboshi Kaidou

To really see Japan, consider hiring a guide. They can offer local insights, historical context, and cultural explanations that you might miss on your own. 

Guided tours can be especially helpful in places like Kyoto, where understanding the significance of temples, shrines, and historical sites enhances the experience. Some guides also offer themed tours, such as food tours, anime and manga tours, or nature hikes.

Taxis in Japan are clean and efficient but can be expensive, especially at night. Public transportation is much more economical. 

Apps like Hyperdia and Google Maps are great for navigating Japan’s transit system, providing detailed routes and train schedules. Japan's trains are known for their punctuality and efficiency, making them a reliable way to get around. 

Japan traveling tip: Don't miss the countryside like Mount Takao © Shutterstock

Want more Japan traveling tips? 

Planning a trip can take hours of research — why not skip the hassle and instead leave the details to us? Our tailor made trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customizable to your preferences. We take care of the booking, and you are left to just enjoy your trip, with 24/7 support. See our existing trips for inspiration. 

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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Travel advice for Japan

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