Guide to Traveling in Tokyo, Japan

Guide to Traveling in Tokyo, Japan
You turn up at the airport, it is your first time in Japan. Whether you are flying in and arriving at Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports or the numerous other international airports, what you need is a comprehensive guide to traveling in Japan. The first thing you need to do before traveling to Japan is to decide how long you plan to visit the country and determine which locations capture your interest the most. In this guide, I will be sharing personal tips I gained from my experience so you can create memorable experiences that last a lifetime and help make the most out of your trip to Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is an amazing new world to discover, and an absolute must-see for anyone who loves traveling. There you can soak in the traditional Japanese culture and learn firsthand what modern Japanese life is like in the city. When it comes to food, Tokyo has it all so make sure to try all the amazing food offered there. There are high-end restaurants and sushi bars as well as hidden delights, such as small (literally) hole-in-the-wall ramen shops. Besides the food, Tokyo itself is an incredible city. It is an extremely modern and fast-paced city that still embraces its traditional roots. For example, if you wake up early enough in the morning, you can go near the Sumida River to watch the tuna auction at the Tsukiji fish market. But if you are not a morning person, you can take an afternoon stroll and enjoy the majestic palaces at the Imperial Palace, then in the evening, sing karaoke. This large city is kept impressively clean and welcoming to visitors, earning it first place among the best cities in the world by Global Finance.

A Brief History of Tokyo

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the history of the city of Tokyo stretches back hundreds of years. Back before it was known as Tokyo it was originally a small fishing village named Edo. When Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun, he established the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo in 1603. The city began to thrive and became the center of politics and culture in Japan. This made the city’s population exponentially rise and pass one million by the beginning of the 18th century. After the Shogun’s reign over Edo ended, the Emperor who had been residing in Kyoto moved to Edo. The city was then renamed Tokyo, which means “Eastern Capital” and has since been Japan's capital.

In September 1923, Tokyo was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake. Soon after, Japan’s first subway line was opened. Then World War II occurred, largely impacting Tokyo due to many of its buildings being burned and destroyed. As they gradually recovered from the aftermath, they introduced new industries and technologies as well as the Shinkansen or “Bullet Train.” Today, Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world. It is home to more than 38 million people as well as the latest technology, high fashion, enriching culture, and more. The metropolitan government is constantly implementing ways of improving the city’s infrastructure and environment.

Flying to Tokyo

Tokyo has two airports that offer international flights: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Narita is Tokyo’s main international airport though Haneda is closer and more convenient to the city, but it does not offer as many international connections.

Traveling From the Airport to the City

If you landed in Narita, you could reserve a seat on the Narita Express by activating a Japan Rail Pass or through their counters at the airport. To go from the airport to Tokyo Station would cost around ¥3,000 and takes about an hour. Another option is to take the airport buses which costs around ¥3,100 and ranges from a little over an hour to two hours, but the benefit is that you would be dropped off directly in front of your hotel. I personally do not advise taking a taxi as it would cost around ¥21,000.

If you landed in Haneda then the Tokyo Monorail is an excellent option. It only costs ¥490 and a mere 15 minutes or less to arrive at Tokyo Station, but do keep in mind it cannot be used with a Japan Rail Pass. Haneda also has airport buses that cost around ¥930 and range from half an hour to one hour, depending on where you are staying. Taking a taxi from Haneda is also a good option, especially if you arrived on a weekday and not during rush hour. It would cost around ¥6,000 and take just about 30 minutes.

Getting Around Tokyo

For those who are unaccustomed to large sprawling cities, Tokyo may be intimidating. But not to worry, it is home to one of the world’s best public transportation systems. The best method to exploring and traveling around Tokyo is by utilizing its public transportations. Tokyo’s subways and trains are punctual and have frequent stops, so you can easily access the majority of tourist sites via these systems. I advise visitors to use a Pasmo or Suica card when traveling by subway and train, instead of buying individual tickets for every trip. These cards can be bought at almost every station or convenience store. With one of those cards, all you need to do is simply swipe the card over the reader at the station entrances and exits. The machine will automatically deduct the necessary amount from your card and display your remaining balance. If you find yourself low on balance you can always find a conveniently located automated kiosk and add money to your card. Unless you don’t mind squeezing in with others, try to avoid riding subways and trains during rush hours (7:30~9:30 am and 5:00~8:00 pm). You can also use your cards to ride on Tokyo’s buses, but I do not think they are an ideal method of transportation if you are a tourist. Another method to getting around the city is by taxi, but while they are especially convenient outside of rush hour, they are not cheap.

(Price estimates from experience and current prices according to Tokyo Metro)

Visiting Tokyo

Tokyo is a large city, so it is important to stay at a convenient location. Some of the best parts of the city are located near the most important line of transportation, the Yamanote Line.

Tokyo Station: The Tokyo Station is more than just the city’s main transport hub; it is also a great place to stay. Just by stepping outside, you can easily walk to all of Tokyo’s main department stores as well as numerous delicious restaurants to pick from. Also, located at the Tokyo Station is the terminal station for the Shinkansen line, allowing you easy access to the rest of Japan.

Dining: Since you will often be traveling around the city and thus frequently passing through the Tokyo Station, being able to find delicious restaurants is a top priority. For authentic Osaka soul food, head over to Okonomiyaki Kiji. Treat yourself and have fun with conveyor belt sushi at Nemuro Hanamaru. If you feel like splurging and indulging yourself, go to Yonezawagyu Oki to try various dishes that use Yonezawa Beef, one of the finest Wagyu beef in Japan.

Shinjuku: Shinjuku is one of the city’s largest transport hubs and is located on Tokyo’s most important line of transportation, the Yamanote Line. Here you can enjoy countless department stores, enormous electronics shops, thousands of delectable restaurants, and a favorite of mine: Tokyo’s best bookshop, Kinokuniya.

Sights: In Meijijingu Gaien is an elegant Shinto shrine “dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken” where 100,000 trees were planted to create a forest “for their souls to dwell in.” Visit the Samurai Museum to learn more about these honor-bound warriors. The museum even offers costumes that can be worn by visitors.

Shibuya: Shibuya is a huge shopping and transport hub on the west side of the Yamanote Line. Similar to Shinjuku, it has numerous shops and restaurants. The difference being it is normally slightly less crowded, and the stores are more oriented towards younger audiences.

Sights: A must-see is the star attraction in all of Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing. You can either visit Shibuya Crossing late at night when the roads are virtually empty allowing you to take your time and capture some unique pictures which would be otherwise. The other option is to visit Shibuya during peak hours. This way you can really experience the vibe of Shibuya Crossing, hectic yet organized. If you are a dog lover, you will absolutely want to swing by the statue of Hachiko. It is located right in front of the train station. This is a great place to take a photo and act as a reminder of the importance of the relationship between man and dog.

Asakusa: Asakusa is known as the spiritual heart of Tokyo. It is a district located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan. Asakusa is home to Sensōji, the city’s most popular Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. Here you can truly sense what the vibe of Old Tokyo was like.

Sights: Sensōji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a Buddhist temple. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. Perhaps while you are there you will find an omamori, or talisman, to your liking. Their uses range from helping the owner avoid disaster or grant favors/protection.

Ginza: Ginza became Tokyo’s first Western-style shopping district after the 1923 earthquake. It is still famous for its infamous $10 cups of coffee, high-end boutiques, deluxe department stores filled with leading brand names in fashion and cosmetics, and exclusive restaurants. Also located in the wide boulevards and narrow lanes of Ginza are stunning art galleries, kabuki theaters, and quaint cafes.

Sights: Ginza Crossing is located at the intersection of Harumi-dori and Chuo-dori. Nearby are iconic buildings such as Wako Department Store with its distinctive Seiko clock. World-renowned department store, Mitsukoshi, is also located there. Stop by the Itōya Stationery Store and head up to the business center where you can create a custom notebook. You can choose your own paper and cover. If you are interested in arts then be sure to catch a performance at Kabuki-za Theatre, the most famous of its kind in Japan. Just slightly outside of Ginza is the Tsukiji Fish Market where the day’s biggest tuna catches were auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Dining: Visit Tsukiji Fish Market for the freshest sushi breakfast you will ever find, brought fresh every morning from the auction. Treat yourself to yakitori at Yurakucho. This location sits below Yurakucho Station, reachable from Harumi-dori Ginza Station in about 5 minutes.

Akihabara: Home to the world’s largest electronics bazaar and is known for being a haven for otaku culture. This district is best visited on Sunday because it is when the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, known as “hokosha tengoku” its translation literally means pedestrian heaven.

General Sights: Kanda Myojin Shrine is a relaxing space with a quirky mix of tradition and tech that has special significance for the IT crowd. Another fun stop is the game center near the Akihabara Electric Town Exit of the station. There you can watch hardcore gamers working their magic on arcade machines such as racing, drumming, Dance Dance Revolution, etc.

Sights for Anime Lovers: If you are someone who is interested in all things otaku, then it is a good idea to skip the mainstream spots and check out Akihabara’s hidden gems, such as Animate. Animate is simply a must-go for anything related to anime. It is a multistory shop that offers various manga, DVDs, other items such as key chains, and even themed food. It is less than a 5-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station, located along Chuo-dori. If you find the prices at Animate too steep, you can try bargain hunting at the Mottainai Flea Market. It is in front of Akihabara UDX but be aware that it is not there every single day so be sure to check their dates. Most vendors at this flea market sell figures and other memorabilia.

Dining: An amazing hidden restaurant would be Kyushu Jangara Ramen. The ramen there is mouthwatering, also offering vegetarian and vegan options. Scattered on the streets are numerous maid cafés and a unique Gundam-themed café. The Gundam Café is located right outside the north Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station.

Friendly Tips:

• Do not forget to use a card abroad that will earn you lots of points or at the very least use a credit card that has $0 in foreign transaction fees.
• If you cannot find the place you are looking for when you get there, look up! Stores can often be located above the ground floor.

Friendly Reminders:

• Japanese people drive and walk on the left. When you are on public stairways and escalators, go with the flow so you do not disturb foot traffic.
• Tipping is not expected or even accepted in Japan. It can sometimes even be considered an insult. If you leave extra money on the table at a restaurant, your server might chase you down the street to return it.