Is Tokyo Japan on your bucket list of must-visit destinations? Are you already packing your stuff to go there for the first time? Then you should definitely read this Tokyo Japan travel guide, as I walk you through everything you will need to know before your trip. From the best time to travel, to things you must have on your checklist, I’ve got you covered.
Tokyo has become increasingly popular among travellers all around the world. Consistently being one of the most visited cities in Asia, it seamlessly blends modern technology with urban landscapes while preserving its ancient traditions. It is truly an experience worth living.
If you’re planning to visit the Land of the Rising Sun for your next vacation, read along as I share travel tips and cover all the essentials you need to keep in mind before going to the city and while you’re there.
I’ve also shared my experience of visiting Tokyo, Japan for the first time in my YouTube video. Check it out here.
Tip #1: The Best Time to Visit Tokyo, Japan
Right off the bat, let us understand what’s the best time to visit Tokyo. While planning your trip, you need to consider when you want to go. Japan has four distinct seasons, each of which has its unique features.
- Spring (March to May) is by far the most popular time, with good reason. That is when travellers get to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The city is wrapped in a hue of pink and white, with a pleasant temperature as the chilly winter dissipates.
- Summers (June to August) can be tough, with temperatures reaching 30°C on the higher end and the air becoming pretty humid. However, for the same reason, it is also the time of many beach festivals as well as amazing fireworks.
- Autumn (September to November) is the second most popular season in Tokyo. The temperature drops as we move towards winter. Visitors can see the vibrant orange-yellow hues of foliage during this time.
- Finally, winter (December to February) visitors need to put some serious thought into their trip before travelling, as temperatures can drop as low as -25°C. Even then, it is a prime time for skiing and snowboarding, while the Christmas spirit is also onboard.
In the end, it is you who decides which season to visit Tokyo. However, if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, then there’s another point you may want to consider.
Tip #2: Cheapest Time to Visit Tokyo, Japan
When looking at your Tokyo trip from the point of view of expenses, there are two main parts: flights and accommodation.
Usually, the time between December and February has the lowest visitor turnout among the four seasons. A lot of travellers avoid the winters due to the extreme low temperatures, which is why there’s a dip in flight and hotel prices around this time.
If you want to go for a pocket-friendly, crowd-free trip to Tokyo, this is the best time to go. You can enjoy a range of fun winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding while you’re there.
But whether you’re going in winter or any other season, there’s a list of essential items that you must have while you’re visiting Tokyo.
Tip #3: What to Pack for Your Trip to Tokyo
As there are many things you must keep in mind, let’s go through them one by one.
Gadgets and Devices |
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Clothing and Accessories |
You can also use reusable pocket heat packs that are quite helpful when you want to keep your hands warm inside your pockets. Just snap the silver circle, and it generates 55°C of heat for about 30 to 40 minutes at once. |
Buy the SNAP Wireless 4-in-1 charger
Let’s move on to some other items you must cross off on your checklist before you set off for your dream destination.
Tip #4: Carrying Cash is a Must
You will be amazed at the number of stores and outlets across Tokyo that accept cash as the only form of payment, even in today’s age. Small establishments, bars, and izakayas in small streets solely rely upon cash for their transactions. Therefore, make sure you have sufficient money at hand when you arrive. Ideally, how much cash you should be carrying depends on what you plan to do.
However, places like shopping malls, international food chains, hotels, and restaurants accept credit cards too.
Note: During currency conversion, check the exchange rates as they vary from country to country. Compare the rates and choose the option that is best for you.
Tip #5: Network and Connectivity: eSIM or Mobile Data?
If you’re travelling to Tokyo, Japan for the first time, you’d want to be sure to have a stable and reliable internet connection on your smartphone at all times. You will need it for your navigation, translation, and even transportation.
Option 1: Mobile Data | The easiest option is to activate the international roaming on your mobile data and enjoy internet connectivity. However, it is expensive, therefore make sure to check with your telco provider for their international roaming plans before doing so. |
Option 2: Wireless Wi-Fi Device | You can also use a portable, wireless Wi-Fi device that comes in handy when you need connectivity on the move. They often have unlimited data packs and are a great option if you’re travelling with family or friends, as they can connect up to 10 devices at once. If you plan on buying a wireless Wi-Fi Dongle, do check out the Klook link below, which starts from 2 to 3 USD a day. I can even get you 10% off your first purchase! Simply use the code PHATLIFEPROJECT while booking. |
Option 3: eSIM | My personal go to for mobile data though is always eSim. But what is it? eSIM is a virtual SIM card slot that allows your phone to take on another network at the same time, so you don’t have to purchase an additional physical SIM card or spend extra on international roaming plans. eSIM also allows you to keep your existing SIM card in your phone to keep receiving calls and messages. Just make sure you turn data roaming off. You can use your phone as a hotspot for your other devices as well. Note: Most phones come with an eSIM slot. If you want to know whether your phone is eSIM-compatible, check if it has an EID, which is generally under the About section of your phone settings. Airalo is a good choice for eSIM, as it gives you eSIM options for over 200 countries. Simply click into the app, select your country of destination and you will see the data plans available. As a regular Airalo user I can get you 3 USD off your first Airalo data pack purchase. Click on the link below and enter the code STEVE5974 while checking out. |
But if your budget does not permit you to spend extra on connectivity, don’t worry. There are free options as well.
Tip #6: Free Internet Wi-Fi Connection Across Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan has several free Wi-Fi spots that can help you gain endless connectivity as long as you’re within their range. But all the free Wi-Fi spots will require you to register before using it, which can be quite tedious when you’re on the go.
Worry not, as the Japan Wi-Fi Auto Connect App allows you to pick up free Wi-Fi zones wherever you go in Japan by registering just once via the app. It is available for both iOS and Android systems for free.
Note: Just know that the internet connection can waver as you’re on the go, depending on how far away you are from a free Wi-Fi zone.
Disclaimer: Be cautious while using Public Wi-Fi Networks, as you can’t be certain whether there’s a hacker in the network you’re using. However, you can protect yourself by installing a secure VPN.
Now that your checklists are crossed off and you’re all set for that trip, let’s get you to your destination the fastest way.
Tip #7: Skip the Long Immigration Clearance Queues
Immigration Clearance can be quite a hassle, as your application may have to wait in queue for hours before you’re cleared. But there’s a simple tip to avoid this and speed up the process.
Go to the Visit Japan website and fill in your travel details, so that the clearance authorities can have your necessary details on their system. Once you have completed the process, you will get a QR code. Use it along with your passport to clear immigration faster. It’ll save you a lot of time.
Note: The website will also ask you to upload a scanned copy of your passport. Make sure you have adequate sunlight while you’re doing it because passports scanned at nighttime (even with good lighting systems) are not recognised in certain cases.
Tip #8: Transportation from the Airport to Your Hotel
Once you’ve landed in one of the two international airports — Narita or Haneda Airport, you have several transport options to go to your hotel in Tokyo.
Option 1: Cab | If you’re planning to take a cab, and have luggage or family, it may be a very expensive option, costing you anywhere between 200 to 300 USD depending on where your hotel is located.
Instead, you can ship your luggage directly to your hotel through the luggage delivery services of the airports. Both Narita and Haneda airports have shipping counters. After claiming your luggage, you can fill out the paperwork and pay, and the baggage will be shipped to your hotel. This will cost you between 30 to 40 USD each way, meaning you can also avail these services while departing.
In rare instances, the luggage takes over 24 hours to arrive at the hotel. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I recommend you carry a small handbag with things you’ll need immediately after checking into your hotel. |
Option 2: Public Transportation | There are several public transportation options to reach Tokyo from both airports. Let’s look at them one by one.
From Narita Airport
From Haneda Airport
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Check the operational timings of the above services to know beforehand which of the options are available during your estimated time of arrival.
Tip #9: Get a SUICA or PASMO Travel Pass
If you want to travel around the city, SUICA and PASMO are the two most essential passes that you’ll need while in Tokyo. Here’s what you need to know;
- Both are rechargeable e-money cards that work on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Can be used on all JR East lines in the Greater Tokyo Area, private railway lines, subways, and buses.
- They can also be used for purchases in convenience stores and vending machines supporting SUICA/PASMO cards.
- SUICA Pass is of two types;
- Normal SUICA: Ideal for those visiting Japan frequently. 500 Yen deposit fee. Valid for 10 years. Reusable upon revisits.
- Welcome SUICA: Designed for those who plan to visit Japan only once. No deposit fee. Valid for 28 days. You’ll lose the remaining balance at the end of 28 days.
- Similarly, PASMO IC card is of two types;
- Normal PASMO Card: Similar to normal SUICA. 500 Yen deposit fee. Valid for 10 years. Can be reused on your next visit to Japan.
- PASMO Passport Card: Similar to Welcome SUICA. No deposit fee. Valid for 28 days. You’ll lose the remaining balance at the end of 28 days.
- Physical SUICA and PASMO cards are available in both airports. In case physical cards are unavailable, you can activate a SUICA or PASMO digital card within your apple wallet if you have an iPhone. Look for SUICA or PASMO in your wallet and top up using Apple Pay.
Tip #10: Navigating Tokyo’s Subway System
Subways are an excellent option if you plan to explore different places around Tokyo, Japan. However, with 13 lines and 285 stations, figuring out where exactly you want to go can be quite daunting. Here are two ways to make it easier for you;
Colour-coded Alphabet-Number Combination Symbols
Each of the 13 lines are designated by a colour and an alphabet. Also, each station along the line is represented by a number.
For example, the Ginza line is denoted by the letter G, and Asakasa Mitsuke station, which is the 5th station down this line, is assigned the number 05. Therefore, to go to the Asakasa Mitsuke station, you must look for the code G-05.
You can check out my YouTube video to better understand how to use the signs in Tokyo subway systems.
Google Maps
Google Maps can also come to your rescue when it comes to the subway system in Japan. Once you open the app, you’ll notice it uses the same alphabet-number combination as described above. You can type in your destination station and easily locate your track. You can find the app in both iOS and Android app stores.
However, when you’re in some of the bigger stations, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, there’s a chance you may enter from the wrong point and waste hours trying to find your way. To avoid this, check the correct entry point to a station on Google Maps; it will be marked in yellow. Once you’ve entered, check the signs, the direction the train is heading towards, and the platform number you need to be on using the app.
You can also check out my YouTube video, where I demonstrate how to use the alphabet-number signs and Google Maps for navigating across the subway system.
Tip #11: Eating Where the Locals Eat
When it comes to food, Tokyo, Japan has so many restaurants that you can have your lunch and dinner at a different place every day on your trip, and still be left with numerous options.
But it can also be confusing to choose the best place to eat when there are so many choices, and you have certain food preferences. To make your task easy, check out the Tabelog website, where you can search for the best food chains within a particular area. Filter your options by food type, area of Japan, solo/group locations, and it will show you the top restaurants in Japan rated by the locals.
When it comes to the quality of food, the standards and palates of Japanese locals are very high. Therefore, if you choose any food item with 3 stars or above, rest assured it is going to be very good.
Tip #12: General Social Etiquette in Tokyo, Japan
When travelling, it is always important to respect the traditions and culture of the place you’re visiting. The lack of etiquette has already created an uproar among locals in various parts around the world. In Japan, tourists are prohibited from visiting the Geisha district in Kyoto, which is incredibly sad, as we now miss out on experiencing a whole part of Japanese culture. It is, therefore, essential to follow certain social etiquettes while you’re in Japan.
- Learn Rudimentary Japanese: Keep in hand a few basic expressions that you will need regularly. For example,
- Arigato gozaimas: Thank you
- Konnichiwa: Hello
- Sayōnara: Goodbye
- Be Polite: Simple gestures, such as an occasional smile, or a small bow to those who are older than you can go a long way.
- Etiquette in Public Places: Do not eat, receive phone calls, or talk loudly in trains, as it is considered disrespectful. Eating while walking on the street is also frowned upon.
- Be Punctual: The Japanese hold punctuality in high regard. Therefore, if you’re expected somewhere, make sure you’re on time.
Final Take
Now you’re all set to plan your first trip to Tokyo, Japan with confidence. Your tickets are booked, bags are packed, lists are checked off, and itineraries are made! If you feel you’ve missed out on anything, feel free to come back to this travel guide or my YouTube video for the final touches. After all, what truly matters is to make this first trip an experience you’ll never forget.
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