Tokyo defies expectations. The neon-lit cyberpunk city from your imagination exists, yes—but so do serene temples surrounded by ancient forests, quiet residential streets with corner ramen shops, and business districts where suited workers bow to each other with formal precision.

The city holds 14 million people (37 million in the greater metropolitan area) yet somehow feels orderly, safe, and navigable once you understand its rhythms. This guide gives first-time visitors the foundation to explore with confidence.

Before You Arrive

Visa and Entry

Most Western passport holders receive visa-free entry for tourism stays up to 90 days. Check current requirements for your nationality before booking.

Japan requires a valid passport (valid for the duration of your stay—no six-month rule), return/onward travel documentation, and sufficient funds for your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Cherry Blossom Season (Late March-Early April): Magical but extremely crowded. Hotels book months in advance and prices peak. If this is your dream, plan early.

Autumn (October-November): Comfortable temperatures, stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds than spring. Perhaps the best time for first-timers.

Summer (June-August): Hot, humid, and rainy season in June-July. August brings festivals but also peak heat. Be prepared.

Winter (December-February): Cold but generally clear. Fewer tourists, great for indoor attractions, excellent skiing accessible as day trips.

Money

Japan remains more cash-dependent than other developed countries. While credit cards are increasingly accepted in tourist areas, many restaurants, small shops, and even some attractions prefer cash.

ATMs: 7-Eleven convenience stores have ATMs that accept foreign cards. Japan Post Bank ATMs also work. Regular bank ATMs often don't accept international cards.

Currency: Yen (¥). No tipping—it can actually cause confusion or offence. Prices are final.

Budget: Tokyo is expensive but not unreasonable. Budget travelers can manage on ¥8,000-12,000/day excluding accommodation. Mid-range visitors might spend ¥15,000-25,000/day. Luxury is unlimited upward.

Language

English signage exists in transit systems and major tourist areas, but outside these zones, English is limited. Google Translate's camera function (point at Japanese text for translation) is invaluable.

Learn basic phrases:

• Sumimasen (Excuse me/Sorry)

• Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very much)

• Konnichiwa (Hello/Good afternoon)

• Hai/Iie (Yes/No)

• Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (Do you speak English?)

Most Japanese people are incredibly helpful even across language barriers. Patience and politeness go far.

Getting There and Around

Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT): Further from central Tokyo (60-90 minutes) but serves most international flights. The Narita Express train reaches Tokyo Station and Shinjuku.

Haneda Airport (HND): Closer to central Tokyo (20-40 minutes), increasingly serving international routes. Monorail and Keikyu train lines provide access.

The Train System

Tokyo's rail network is the world's most extensive and efficient. It's also initially confusing because multiple companies operate different lines.

Key operators:

• JR (Japan Rail): Yamanote Line (loop around central Tokyo), major trunk lines

• Tokyo Metro: Most subway lines

• Toei: Additional subway lines

• Private railways: Lines to suburbs and surrounding areas

How to pay:

• IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Rechargeable cards that work on all trains, buses, and many vending machines/convenience stores. Get one immediately at any station. Tap in, tap out, fare calculated automatically.

• Individual tickets: Possible but inefficient. Use IC cards.

JR Pass: If travelling beyond Tokyo (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima), the JR Pass offers excellent value. For Tokyo-only visits, it's unnecessary—the pass doesn't cover most subway lines.

Tips:

• Rush hour (7:30-9am, 5:30-8pm) is genuinely crushing on popular lines. Avoid if possible.

• Stand on the correct side of escalators (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka).

• Talking on phones on trains is considered rude. Set to silent.

• Platform screens show car numbers and door locations. Use them to position yourself for transfers.

• Google Maps works excellently for Tokyo transit routing.

Getting Around Within Areas

Tokyo rewards walking. Neighbourhoods are dense and interesting, with discoveries at every turn. Most tourist areas are easily walkable once you've taken the train to the general vicinity.

Taxis are clean, safe, and expensive. Use them for late-night travel when trains stop (roughly midnight-5am) or when carrying heavy luggage.

Cycling is popular in Tokyo but requires understanding local traffic rules and bike parking regulations.

Understanding Tokyo's Layout

Tokyo isn't one city with a centre; it's many villages that grew together. Each neighbourhood has its own character.

Key Areas for Visitors

Shinjuku: The busiest station in the world (3.5+ million daily passengers). Government buildings, department stores, nightlife in Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane—tiny yakitori bars), and Golden Gai (miniature bars in a labyrinthine alley).

Shibuya: Famous crossing, youth culture, Hachiko statue, scramble intersection, shopping. Centre Stage for Tokyo's contemporary energy.

Harajuku/Omotesando: Teenage fashion (Takeshita Street), high-end shopping (Omotesando Avenue), Meiji Shrine (essential Tokyo landmark in a forest).

Ginza: Upscale shopping, traditional department stores, expensive restaurants, sophisticated atmosphere.

Asakusa: Old Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, traditional crafts, gateway to more traditional experiences.

Akihabara: Electronics, anime, manga, gaming culture. Sensory overload in the best way.

Ueno: Major museums, zoo, Ueno Park (cherry blossom hotspot), Ameyoko market.

Roppongi: Art museums (Mori, National Art Center), nightlife, expat scene.

Tokyo Station/Marunouchi: Transport hub, business district, beautiful restored station building, good food in station basement.

Essential Experiences

The Temples and Shrines

Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Tokyo's oldest temple, dedicated in 645 AD. The Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) with its giant red lantern is iconic. The Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple sells traditional snacks and souvenirs. Best visited early morning before crowds.

Book Asakusa tours

Meiji Shrine (Harajuku): Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, set in a forest that feels impossible given surrounding Harajuku's chaos. The contrast is profound. Weekend visitors may witness traditional Shinto weddings.

What to do at shrines:

1. Bow before entering the torii gate

2. Walk to the sides of the path (centre is for deities)

3. At the water pavilion, rinse both hands and mouth

4. At the main hall, bow twice, clap twice, bow once

5. You can write wishes on wooden plaques (ema) or draw fortunes (omikuji)

The City Views

Tokyo Skytree: The world's tallest tower (634m). Two observation decks at 350m and 450m. Clear days offer views to Mount Fuji. Best at sunset or evening.

Book Tokyo Skytree tickets

Tokyo Tower: The older, smaller, more charming tower. Strong Eiffel Tower influence. Night views of the lit city are spectacular.

Shibuya Sky: Rooftop observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square. Excellent sunset views over the famous crossing and beyond.

The Food

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city on Earth. But you don't need fine dining to eat extraordinarily well—Tokyo's casual food culture is equally refined.

Ramen: Regional styles abound. Tonkotsu (pork bone, creamy), shoyu (soy sauce, clear), miso (rich, northern style), tsukemen (dipping noodles). Every neighbourhood has excellent shops. Queue length indicates quality.

Sushi: Conveyor belt (kaiten) sushi offers affordable quality. Standing sushi bars serve fresh fish at reasonable prices. Omakase (chef's choice) meals at high-end sushiya are the pinnacle but require reservations and significant budgets.

Izakaya: Japanese pub-restaurants serving small plates meant for sharing alongside drinks. The quintessential Japanese dining experience. Point at what others are eating if menus are challenging.

Depachika: Department store basement food halls. Extraordinary variety, high quality, perfect for picnic assembly or eating in food courts.

Convenience stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson. Not like convenience stores elsewhere—onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, bento boxes, and hot food are genuinely good. Many visitors eat multiple conbini meals and remain satisfied.

The Pop Culture

Akihabara: Electronics shops (fewer than before, but still present), anime/manga stores, maid cafés (servers dress as maids and treat customers as "masters"), gaming arcades, figurine shops. Even non-fans find it fascinating.

Nakano Broadway: Less touristy alternative to Akihabara. Labyrinthine shopping complex filled with vintage anime, rare figurines, and collector items.

Ghibli Museum (Mitaka): Shrine to Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Totoro, Princess Mononoke). Tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain—book months ahead through official channels only.

teamLab Borderless/Planets: Immersive digital art museums. Borderless (Odaiba) is larger; Planets (Toyosu) is more intense (including wading through water). Both are remarkable. Book ahead.

Book teamLab tickets

Day Trips

Nikko: UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, stunning mountain scenery. 2 hours by train. Full day required.

Kamakura: Coastal town with giant Buddha statue, numerous temples, hiking trails. 1 hour from Tokyo. Popular weekend trip.

Hakone: Mountain resort area with hot springs (onsen), views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), open-air museum. Excellent ryokan (traditional inns) for overnight stays.

Mount Fuji: The iconic peak. Best viewed (clear weather permitting) from Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes area. Climbing season is July-August; day trips for views possible year-round.

Book Mount Fuji tours

Etiquette and Culture

Understanding Japanese social norms helps you navigate respectfully and have better experiences.

The Basics

Shoes: Remove them when entering homes, many traditional restaurants, some museums, and anywhere with raised floors. Look for shoe racks and slippers at entrances.

Bowing: A slight bow accompanies greetings, thanks, and apologies. Don't overthink it—a small nod of the head shows respect and is appropriate for tourists.

Queueing: Japanese people queue for everything, patiently and without cutting. Join the culture.

Noise: Trains are quiet. Phones are on silent (manner mode). Conversations happen in hushed voices. The contrast to Western public transit is striking.

Cleanliness: Japan is famously clean. There are almost no public trash cans (carry your rubbish until you find one or return to your hotel). Don't litter. Don't smoke outside designated areas.

Eating etiquette: Don't walk and eat (standing at food stalls is fine). Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral association). Do slurp noodles (it's proper). Do say "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisousama" when finished.

Onsen (Hot Spring) Etiquette

Onsen are traditional communal baths, often separated by gender and requiring complete nudity. They're wonderful once you understand the protocol:

1. Shower thoroughly before entering the bath

2. Tie up long hair so it doesn't touch water

3. Don't bring towels into the bath (small towels go on your head)

4. No soap in the bath—it's for soaking only

5. Tattoos are traditionally prohibited (yakuza association); some onsen now allow them, others don't. Check in advance.

Being a Respectful Tourist

• Ask before photographing people, especially geisha/maiko in Kyoto

• Don't touch merchandise unless you're considering purchase

• Follow photo rules in museums and temples

• Don't tip—it confuses people

• Learn a few Japanese phrases—attempts are appreciated

• Be patient with language barriers—communication happens eventually

Practical Matters

Where to Stay

Shinjuku: Central, excellent transport links, good nightlife, can be overwhelming.

Shibuya: Youth-oriented, great shopping, busy but exciting.

Asakusa: Traditional atmosphere, calmer, slightly less convenient transit.

Ginza: Upscale, sophisticated, quieter at night.

Tokyo Station area: Business-focused, excellent transport, good for JR Pass users.

Accommodation types:

• Hotels (Western-style, varying price points)

• Ryokan (traditional inns, futon sleeping, often includes meals)

• Capsule hotels (pod sleeping, efficient and interesting for a night)

• Hostels (budget-friendly, social)

• Airbnb (available but regulated)

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and stations but not ubiquitous

• Pocket Wi-Fi rental is popular and reliable (pick up at airport)

• SIM cards for unlocked phones available at airports and electronics stores

• Japan uses Type A/B plugs (same as US); voltage is 100V

Seasons and Packing

Spring: Layers, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes Summer: Light, breathable clothing, sun protection, umbrella (rain or sun) Autumn: Layers, light jacket Winter: Warm coat, layers (interiors are heated)

All seasons: Slip-on shoes make temple/restaurant visits easier.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Orientation and Shibuya/Harajuku

Morning: Arrive, settle into accommodation, get IC card, orient yourself. Afternoon: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku's Takeshita Street, Omotesando. Evening: Shibuya Crossing, dinner in Shibuya.

Day 2: East Tokyo

Morning: Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa (early, before crowds). Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree, then Ueno Park and museums. Evening: Ameyoko market, dinner in Ueno or return to central Tokyo.

Day 3: Central Tokyo

Morning: Imperial Palace East Gardens (free, beautiful). Afternoon: Ginza shopping and exploring, or Akihabara for pop culture. Evening: Yurakucho under-rail yakitori bars, or Roppongi for art/nightlife.

Day 4: Immersive Experiences

Full day: teamLab, food tour, cooking class, or day trip to Kamakura/Nikko. Evening: Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku.

Day 5: Your Choice

Morning: Revisit favourite area or explore somewhere new (Yanaka for old Tokyo, Shimokitazawa for indie culture). Afternoon: Last shopping, final temple visit. Evening: Dinner at a restaurant you've been anticipating.

Quick Links

• Tokyo Skytree tickets

• teamLab tickets

• Mount Fuji tours

• All Tokyo experiences

Tokyo intimidates first-time visitors. Then it enchants them. Then it brings them back, again and again. Book Tokyo experiences on tickadoo and discover why this city is unlike anywhere else on Earth.