15 Insider Tips for Your Next Trip to Tokyo
Just as ancient Greeks referred to the incredible diversity within Athens, Tokyo can be best described as a symphony of vibrant districts, each singing its own unique tune. As the world's most populous city, it presents an intricate maze that even long-time residents may find challenging to fully explore. A single individual's perception of Tokyo could vastly differ from another's, depending on the slice of the city they routinely inhabit.
Nevertheless, there are certain unwritten social laws that hold true no matter which corner of Tokyo you find yourself in. Here are some insider tips to help you navigate this colossal city with ease, allowing you to savour the multifaceted charm of this urban giant, regardless of the neighborhood you're exploring.
1. Opt for Haneda Over Narita Airport for Your Arrival in Tokyo
While Narita International Airport is, without a doubt, highly recognized and larger, opting for Haneda as your arrival point will be more advantageous. Nestled right in Tokyo's heart unlike Narita, a constituent of Chiba prefecture, reaching the city center from Haneda will be more economical and less time-consuming. Tokyo's superbly efficient public transportation system, offering an array of choices between buses and trains, makes the commute even smoother.
2. The Cost-Effectiveness of Japan Rail Pass Tends To Diminish When Only Touring Tokyo
If you're planning on crisscrossing Japan, then investing in the Japan Rail Pass is certainly a wise move. However, if your itinerary is primarily centered around Tokyo, you might find the expense excessive and actually unnecessary. This railway pass is solely applicable for buses and trains under the jurisdiction of the JR Group. Within Tokyo, JR trains collaborate alongside several other rail lines. While JR stations are strategically placed in many commercial hubs such as Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, there is so much more to discover beyond these frequently visited spots. For a true taste of Tokyo, consider exploring the quieter neighborhood-y districts like Yanaka, the pop culture-centric Kuramae, or even the bustling Tsukiji traditional fish market. These areas, however, are serviced by different companies' buses and subways which do not accept the Japan Rail Pass.
3. Equip Yourself with a Pasmo (or Suica) Card
Imagine navigating Tokyo's labyrinthine network of public transportation with total simplicity—that's where a Pasmo (or Suica) card comes in. These incredibly handy cards, though issued by different railway companies, serve the same purpose, making your journeys as smooth as a leisurely stroll in a park. Besides offering easy passage through railway station barriers, these cards serve as a universal payment method. You could use them to settle anything from bus fares and vending-machine purchases, to transactions at Tokyo’s unrivaled convenience stores. Obtaining one of these versatile cards is a breeze, as ticket machines at all railway stations dispense them. Simply charge the card with yen, and you're free to board and alight public transportation just like a native Tokyo resident.
4. Don't Forget to Bring Cash
Despite its reputation for cutting-edge innovation, Japan remains a nation deeply embedded in the physical realm. Its rich, tactile culture is reflected in the population's preferences, including leasing physical comic books instead of turning to digital options such as Kindle, opting for expertly carved personal seals (hanko) over electronic signatures. Of particular interest to travelers, the traditional preference for hard currency over debit and credit cards still holds strong for many local businesses. It's not uncommon to find luxurious ryokans (traditional inns) or high-end sushi establishments that only accept cash. Always have a substantial amount of yen on hand during your travels in Tokyo. Should you run low, you can replenish your funds at the nearest convenience store, most of which house ATMs within their premises. Note, however, that not all Japanese ATMs are compatible with international cards or offer an English language interface. For reliable service, your best option are ATMs found in 7-Elevens across the city.
5. Be Informed: Shinjuku Can Leave You Spoilt for Choices with its Multiple Stations
When venturing through Tokyo, it's common to come across areas which host a multitude of stations bearing the same name. Such is the case with Shinjuku, a notable district whose vast landscape encompasses several uniquely named stations, each operated by different train entities. Interestingly, of the numerous stations, we find the popular 'Shinjuku Station', recognized for its ownership under the JR company, the brains behind the Japan Rail Pass. However, not all Shinjuku stations go by the same name, with variants such as "Nishi-Shinjuku," “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae,” “Shinjuku-san-chome,” “Seibu Shinjuku,” among others. Therefore, bear in mind to ascertain the exact station in Shinjuku, or any other district for that matter, which aligns with your chosen destination.
Insider Tip: Embrace the magic of Google Maps! Navigating through the intricate Tokyo train system becomes a breeze with this digital route planner. It's adept at directing you to the correct train operator, guiding you to the precise “Shinjuku Station” suiting your travel needs. Simply key in your destination and let Google do the magic by providing you with the most optimal route involving the least amount of walking.
6. Embrace the Tiny Tokyo Trend
Tokyo, a city renowned for its miniaturized style, invites you to adapt and appreciate its small-scale ethos. Upon your arrival, the limited square footage of your hotel room might be one of the initial evidences of this cultural predilection. This compact trend also extends to the size of your bed and bathroom. Therefore, it's wise to travel light and ensure you examine the dimensions of your bed when reserving your lodging. And don't be surprised: even the highest tier of accommodations primarily features queen-sized beds rather than those of king-size.
This micro tendency filters down into the food scene as well, with the majority of eateries designed to accommodate intimate gatherings of two to four persons. Unless you're visiting a family-style dining place or a renowned Izakaya, securing a table for more than four can prove to be quite the task. To ensure a smooth dining experience with larger parties, a judicious approach would be to research the seating capacity of restaurants on your culinary checklist beforehand.
Did you know that this 'miniaturization' is a trend in Japan known as 'kodawari', reflecting the country's desire to optimize and efficiently use space? Or, that due to this unique phenomenon, Japan is considered a pioneer in compact living and sustainable engineering?
7. Lengthy queues are a positive indicator
Japanese culture greatly values endurance and patience, making them well-accustomed to waiting patiently in long queues. This could be anything from standing in line for the inauguration of a brand-new store or grabbing lunch at a well-known soba noodle establishment. The sight of long lines should not deter you; instead, embrace it as an integral part of the journey. If time allows, arriving on the scene a bit earlier could help you outmanoeuvre the queues. In fact, it's advisable to join in if you spot a lengthy queue populated by locals. This is a reliable cue indicating that whatever lies at the end of the line, it undoubtedly is of high value or quality.
8. Skip the Menu, Hit the Ticket Machine
When visiting a ramen shop in Tokyo, it's customary to place your order via a ticket from a machine, rather than asking a waiter for a menu. Typically situated near the entrance, these behemoth machines are your guide to the eatery's offerings. They are decorated with buttons featuring images of the dishes available, each complete with the price tag. To place your order, simply insert your cash (note that credit and debit cards might not be accepted so having cash on hand is invaluable), and hit the button corresponding to your desired dish. Lo and behold, the machine will dispense a ticket along with any change due. This ticket is your gateway to a delicious ramen experience—hand it to the kitchen staff or chef on duty and wait for your culinary adventure to commence.
9. Get accustomed to Tokyo's late-open dining establishments
In Tokyo, the energetic metropolis known as the global gastronomic epicenter, the culinary adventure kicks off predominantly at noon. The majority of cafes and restaurants introduce their morning offerings at lunch. They seldom start service earlier unless explicitly stated in their menu, an attribute primarily found in international establishments. The fast-paced inhabitants of Tokyo typically prefer a homemade breakfast or a quick grab from a convenience store. Occasionally, caught in the dynamic speed of the city, they might even skip the first meal of the day, in a race against time to board crowded trains.
Interestingly, this seemingly late start to the restaurant scene is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and working hours. Also, it's worth mentioning that Tokyo's convenience stores, known as 'konbini', offer an impressive variety of affordable and freshly prepared breakfast options catering to diverse palates.
10. Navigate Skillfully Through Tokyo's Peak Travel Times
Unquestionably, you'd be familiar with the daunting visuals of Japanese rail staff sternly manoeuvring passengers into densely-filled train compartments. If such a situation doesn't appeal to you on your Tokyo visit, it is a prudent strategy to take the trains outside of regular peak hours—principally between 7am and 9am, and subsequently in the period just after 5pm. You'll most likely encounter congestion on the Tozai, JR Chuo-Sobu and noted JR Yamanote lines, the latter being remarkably beneficial, as it travels across the city, touching some of the renowned neighbourhoods such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. The railway stations could also be quite crowded during these timings. Endeavour to circumvent commuting at these particular hours, however, if it's unavoidable, explore other train stations within the vicinity that offer various alternative lines for departure.
11. Grasp the Importance of Escalator Etiquette
Notice the surprising orderliness on Tokyo's escalators? This is the norm, not the exception. Here, the left side functions as the stationary area, a kind provision for those who prefer to enjoy the ride. The right side is a pathway for those who have places to be, allowing them to stride upwards unhindered. To respect local customs and dodge disapproving glances, anchor yourself on the left. However, a fun fact to remember is that you need to flip this rule in the Kansai region—Osaka, Kyoto or Nara come to mind. The key is to stay adaptable and never confuse 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.
Travel Essential: It's a thoughtful idea to carry an empty plastic bag for the disposal of waste during your Tokyo excursions. This will allow you to manage your waste effectively until you return to your accommodation for proper segregation. When purchasing meals or beverages, aim to consume them on the spot. Typically, direct disposal facilities are available in these locations, making it convenient to discard any unwanted wrappers or containers immediately.
13. Delve into Tokyo's distinct districts
Immense in its scope, Tokyo takes pride in its array of city-like neighborhoods, each behemoth in its own right. The multifaceted capital showcases a plethora of business districts scattered across its expanse. Just like a Rubik's cube, every turn into a different part of Tokyo offers a diverse touch and fresh perspective. Let's explore the top five thriving districts of Tokyo, each featuring its unique charm and persona as well as offering a wide spectrum of experiences for every traveler.
Exploring Shibuya
Shield your senses as you dive into the exuberant Shibuya, a neighborhood bursting with youthful energy. Indulge in the frivolous yet captivating charm of animal cafes, find hidden gems at 100-yen shops, or succumb to the allure of artfully crafted puddings, so daintily adorned, you might hesitate before taking a bite.
Exploring Shinjuku
An iconic hub of endless activity, Shinjuku is much more than just a sprawling office arena. By day, it pulsates with the rhythms of corporate Japan, but as the night settles, it takes on a life of its own, transforming into a playground for the regulars of Tokyo's corporate scene. Head into Kabukicho, touted as Tokyo's largest nightlife district, where the streets light up with a multitude of nightlife elements. There are a staggering 300, approximately, night hubs consisting of nightclubs, intriguing love hotels, versatile shops, host and hostess clubs, as well as a plethora of fantastic restaurants, all geared up to keep you entertained throughout the night.
Exploring Ikebukuro
Steeped in a rich artistic history, Ikebukuro offers a distinctive blend of cultural sophistication and family-centric amusement, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere. Unlike the party-centric hubs of Shibuya or Shinjuku, this district offers a gentler yet culturally rich vibrance. Rooted in the 1940s, Ikebukuro served as abode to a thriving community of artists, leaving an indelible artistic imprint that's apparent even today, particularly in the western precinct. Loaded with various shopping options and animated gaming arcades, Ikebukuro particularly resonates with anime enthusiasts. An additional feature is the city's rooftop aquarium, a popular spot to spend a day warming up to aquatic life, especially among families.
The Charm of Roppongi
Tagged as a haven for matured enthusiasts of entertainment and attractions, Roppongi has greatly captivated travelers from across the world. With its kaleidoscope of enjoyable hotspots catering to tourists, it's no wonder it is a favorite in the Tokyo tourism landscape. The area is renowned for its extensive network of foreign enclaves, as many embassies have found residence here, inviting a cosmopolitan feeling enriched by a vibrant expatriate population. In recent years, Roppongi has elevated its standing amongst Japan's artistic circles by evolving into a thriving hub for art, with a myriad of top-tier art galleries debuting in the district, becoming a notable cultural hotspot.
A Glance at Ginza
Where Tokyo's historic affluence meets modernly luxurious shopping, Ginza stands as an establishment. This district, first inspired by the Western-style, retains its position as a primary hotspot for the city's financially superlative class to indulge in retail therapy. It's a lively hub teeming with reverence and prestige, adorned with grand department stores, elite boutiques, exquisite art galleries, and exquisite dining venues that promise a high-end experience.
14. Familiarize Yourself with Self-Checkout Counters
During your upcoming trip to Tokyo, prepare for an entirely autonomous checkout experience. Japan's innovative solution to a mounting labor shortage is the expansion of automated cashier systems. Tokyo's prominent retail outlets including Uniqlo, Muji, and GU, as well as ubiquitous convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart, have implemented self-service registers. These machines tally the cost of your shopping items effortlessly. A unique feature of these machines is that they complete transactions through automatic credit card payment deductions, forgoing the traditional procedure of payment authentication.
15. Embrace the Sound of Silence
As you immerse yourself in the ever-vibrant Tokyo, bustling with the hums of electronic billboards and vendors advertising their latest offers, remember one crucial societal norm -- maintaining silence. This is specifically significant when you're using public transportation or visiting public spaces. Although engaging in conversation on trains or buses isn't outrightly prohibited, raising your voice above a sonic threshold that disturbs fellow passengers is viewed as discourteous.
The Japanese are profoundly conscious of co-existing in mutual spaces and make it a priority to control any unnecessary noise. Even small gestures, like switching smartphones to silent mode or refraining from taking calls while commuting, are deeply ingrained social norms that travellers should be mindful of when moving through the spaces of Tokyo, elucidating the city's unspoken etiquette.