Travel

Guide to Traveling in Tokyo

Tokyo is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with an incredible mix of traditional culture and cutting-edge modernity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city like a pro:

1. Getting Around

  • Trains & Subways – Tokyo’s rail network is the most efficient way to travel. Key lines:
  • JR Yamanote Line (loop line connecting major districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Akihabara).
  • Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway – Covers almost every part of the city.
  • Suica/Pasmo IC Cards – Reloadable cards for seamless travel (can also be used at convenience stores).
  • Buses – Useful for areas not covered by trains, but routes can be confusing for tourists.
  • Taxis – Expensive but convenient late at night (when trains stop running). Use apps like JapanTaxi or DiDi.
  • Walking – Many areas (like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa) are best explored on foot.

2. Must-Visit Neighborhoods

  • Shibuya – Famous for the Shibuya Crossing, shopping (Shibuya 109, Miyashita Park), and nightlife.
  • Shinjuku – Golden Gai (tiny bars), Kabukicho (nightlife), and Shinjuku Gyoen (park).
  • Harajuku – Takeshita Street (quirky fashion), Meiji Shrine (serene escape).
  • Akihabara – Electronics, anime, and gaming shops, maid cafés, and arcades.
  • Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple, traditional streets, and river cruises.
  • Ginza – Luxury shopping, high-end dining, and art galleries.
  • Roppongi – Nightlife, Mori Art Museum, and Tokyo Tower views.
  • Odaiba – Futuristic attractions like TeamLab Planets, shopping malls, and the Gundam statue.

3. Top Attractions

  • Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) – Tokyo’s oldest temple.
  • Meiji Shrine (Harajuku) – A peaceful Shinto shrine in a forest.
  • Tokyo Skytree & Tokyo Tower – Iconic observation decks.
  • Tsukiji Outer Market – Fresh sushi and seafood (the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu).
  • Ueno Park – Museums, zoo, and cherry blossoms in spring.
  • TeamLab Planets/Borderless – Immersive digital art exhibits.

4. Food & Dining

  • Ramen – Try Ichiran, Afuri, or local shops in Shinjuku’s Ramen Alley.
  • Sushi – Sukiyabashi Jiro (expensive), Sushi Dai (Tsukiji), or conveyor belt sushi (Kura Sushi).
  • Izakayas – Casual Japanese pubs (Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya).
  • Street Food – Taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), yakitori, takoyaki.
  • Convenience Stores – 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart for cheap, tasty snacks.

5. Shopping

  • Electronics & Anime – Akihabara (for gadgets, anime goods).
  • Fashion – Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Shibuya (Shibuya 109), Shinjuku (Lumine, Isetan).
  • Department Stores – Mitsukoshi (Ginza), Tokyu Hands (for quirky goods).
  • Don Quijote – Discount chain for souvenirs, snacks, and random goods.

6. Day Trips from Tokyo

  • Nikko – Stunning temples and nature (2 hrs by train).
  • Kamakura – Great Buddha statue and beaches (1 hr by train).
  • Hakone – Hot springs and Mt. Fuji views (1.5 hrs by train).
  • Yokohama – Chinatown, Minato Mirai, Cup Noodles Museum (30 mins by train).

7. Helpful Tips

  • Cash is still king – Many small shops and restaurants don’t take cards.
  • Wi-Fi – Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or get a SIM card at the airport.
  • Tipping – Not required (can even be considered rude).
  • Public Etiquette – No eating while walking, keep voice low on trains, stand on the left side of escalators.
  • Language – Learn basic phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me), “Arigato” (Thank you). Many signs are in English.

8. Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March-May) – Cherry blossoms (late March to early April).
  • Autumn (October-November) – Pleasant weather and fall foliage.
  • Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August) – Peak travel times.

Previous Post