I grew up in Tokyo and left at 18. When I go back as a visitor now, I see it with completely different eyes — the organized chaos of Shinjuku station, the obsessive perfection of every bowl of ramen, the way the whole city somehow feels both ancient and 50 years into the future. If Tokyo is your first Japan destination, prepare to have your mind completely rearranged.
Arriving and Getting Around
From Narita Airport: The Narita Express (N'EX) takes 60 minutes to Shinjuku for ~$30. Or take the cheaper Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (~$25, 41 minutes).
From Haneda Airport: 30 minutes to central Tokyo by monorail or Keikyu Line — much easier.
IC Card (Suica or Pasmo): Buy one at the airport. Load it with ¥3,000–5,000 and use it on every train, subway, and bus. Also works at convenience stores. This is the most important thing you'll do.
Google Maps works perfectly in Tokyo — it knows train schedules, platform numbers, and how many minutes to walk.
The Tokyo Neighborhoods You Need to Know
Shinjuku — The beating heart of the city. Kabukicho for nightlife, Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for tiny yakitori bars, Golden Gai for dive bar crawls.
Shibuya — The famous crossing, Shibuya Sky observation deck, shopping madness at Scramble Square.
Harajuku — Takeshita Street for wild youth fashion, Omotesando for luxury brands, Meiji Shrine for peace.
Asakusa — Old Tokyo atmosphere, Senso-ji Temple, rickshaw rides, traditional craft shops.
Akihabara — Electronics, anime, manga, gaming culture. Even if that's not your thing, it's worth 2 hours just to experience it.
What to Eat (And Where)
Rule #1: Never eat at a restaurant without a line or queue. If locals are waiting, it's worth the wait.
Rule #2: Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are legitimately good. Onigiri, sando, hot oden — all excellent and $1–3.
Ramen: Ichiran for solo ramen (individual booths — very Japanese), Fuunji for tsukemen (dipping noodles), Afuri for yuzu shio ramen.
Sushi: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast sushi, standing conveyor belt sushi everywhere for $15–25.
Izakaya (Japanese pub): Order beer, edamame, yakitori, and karaage. The perfect dinner experience. ¥2,000–4,000/person.
Day Trips from Tokyo
Kyoto (2h15m by Shinkansen) — Absolutely essential. Book 2–3 nights minimum. Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Gion geisha district. ~$70 round trip on JR Pass.
Nikko (2h by train) — Ornate shrines and temples in the mountains. Full day trip from Tokyo.
Hakone (1.5h) — Views of Mount Fuji on clear days, hot spring resorts, rope cars.
Kamakura (1h) — Giant Buddha, zen temples, excellent fish lunch on the coast.
💡 Quick Tips
- →Buy a JR Pass before arriving if you plan to travel between cities — saves significant money.
- →Cash is still king in Japan. Carry ¥10,000 at all times. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards.
- →Shoes you can slip on and off easily — you'll be removing them constantly at temples, restaurants, and some hotels.
- →Pocket WiFi rental from Ninja WiFi or use a SIM card — connectivity is essential for navigating.
- →The 'no food while walking' unwritten rule is real. Eat at the stall, not while moving.
- →Download Google Translate and use the camera feature to read menus — game changer.
Share this deal
Ready to visit Tokyo?
See the full destination guide, compare hotels, and find a travel companion.
