Things to Know if it’s Your First Time in Tokyo

So you’re going to Tokyo for the first time and are feeling eager but a bit nervous! Rest assured you have made a great choice, because Tokyo has the most Michelin star restaurants in the world, an astonishingly low crime rate, and is the most populated city in the world so you know there’s so much to discover. To calm down any nerves, here are some tips and tricks that we have compiled here at Arigato Travel to make a smoother first trip for you.

Visit Japan Web

There is a way to save some time upon landing at an airport in Japan thanks to Visit Japan Web. Visit Japan Web is an official digital fast track for customs, immigration, and tax free service. By creating an account and filling in your flight and passport information, you can avoid manually filling out paperwork, and instead use a QR code for customs and immigration at the airport. The QR code you generate for the tax free service is particularly useful, just take a picture of your arrival stamp and you can show your code to stores instead of bringing your passport.

https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web-en/ 

SIM Cards and Pocket Wifi

Although free wifi spots are not hard to find in Tokyo, sometimes you might need to call or text, and you’ve lost connection while on the subway. That’s why it is important to look into Sim Card or portable wifi options. We recommend that you use pocket wifi because you can connect to multiple devices with it, it is easy to set up, and you don’t have to worry about locked phones (phones still being paid for that are on a limited plan). If you’re looking for a dependable provider, we recommend PuPuRu Pocket Wifi as a safe option. Check out this article we published that discusses the pros and cons of SIM cards, pocket wifi, or hot spots, if you are unsure about which to use or want to see more benefits of using pocket wifi.

Train Cards

In general, Uber is more expensive than taxis or the subway in Tokyo, so you may want to consider purchasing a subway card. There are several different types of cards with different advantages and disadvantages. SUICA cards are prepaid subway cards that can be used at almost all bus and train lines (and even at convenience stores and claw machines). They are very popular among commuters. You can also purchase a Tokyo subway ticket for 24, 48, or 72 hours. These tickets are ideal if you’re staying for a short time and plan on traveling to numerous locations each day.

Arigato Travel has also previously discussed The Tokyo Pass, which allows for unlimited entry to nearly 40 museums and landmarks, as well as unlimited rides on the Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro. Click here for more details.

If you plan on using Taxis, try out JapanTaxi, an app that we included in our must-download app series. You have access to 61,000 taxis, and online payment options are available.

Navigation Tips

If you have a fear of getting lost, there are multiple options. Google Maps can usually do the trick, but if you have issues with data or connectivity, then try MAPS.me. This is an offline map service that can come in handy, as does the app Japan Travel by Navitime, which is helpful because it instantly finds ATMs and wifi spots nearby. Check out these apps in our must-download app series.

ATM Information

When it comes to needing an ATM, 7-Eleven is a wonderful and convenient option. In fact, there are 2,824 stores in Tokyo and 21,215 in Japan! This means that while you withdraw cas,h you can also grab a quick snack – maybe an egg sandwich, tuna mayonnaise onigiri, or melon pan. Several 7-Eleven locations also have currency exchange machines in addition to ATMs (link to stores here). Lawson is another giant convenience store chain that offers ATMs, so you can look for it if your hotel is farther from a 7-Eleven.

What District to Stay in

Tokyo is within the top 10 geographically largest cities in the world, so the big question is, where is the best area in Tokyo to stay? Shinjuku is a prime location to stay at, as it is a convenient location for day trips to Hakone or Mt. Fuji. There are plenty of 100 yen shops, and of course, there is good train access to the rest of the city. The nightlife is also bustling; for example, Omoide Yokocho is a lantern-lit alley that offers delectable yakitori and drinks at night. 

Although it has a reputation as a luxury shopping haven, Ginza is a decent area to stay in as it is close to the city center and is near attractions like the Tsukiji Fish Market and the Imperial Palace. Shibuya is a good option for younger people who want endless shopping or nightlife, and is close to other areas like Shinjuku and Harajuku. Although Asakusa is farther from other areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya, it has the benefit of Sensō-ji Temple and is an ideal spot to experience tradition alongside affordable hotels.

What Hotels to Stay in

Your next question may be what hotel you should stay at. Luckily, we have tried numerous hotels, so check out some of our recommendations below!

The Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu is in the heart of the international and bustling district of Shibuya. The hotel offers a gym, restaurants, and even a multi-story mall within the same building. With a prime location and plenty of entertainment options, this is one hotel you may want to consider! Click here for more details.

For family-friendly options, Tokyo Family Stays has it all. They offer traditional and modern homes that are perfect for all sizes of families staying in Tokyo short to medium term. They also offer furnishings and locations near playgrounds and other amusements for children. They have locations in Shinjuku and Shibuya, and you can get a 10% discount with the code “arigatojapan.” Check out our interview with them here.

The Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel is a blast to the past hotel that connects well with the traditional ambience of Asakusa. Complete with a terrace to enjoy views of Asakusa and a theater, this hotel is a phenomenal way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Check out our interview with their team here!

A hip and unique hotel in Ginza is the Aloft Hotel Ginza. It comes with a rooftop bar with drinks and hot dogs (as well as a great night view of Ginza). Check out our interview with them here.

General Tips

It is crucial to respect social and cultural expectations in Japan, as with any foreign country one goes to. When in the subways, be sure that your music is not too loud, as sound leakage from earphones and headphones is considered disruptive. Additionally, talking loudly on the subway is also seen as rude. Another tip is to know that trash cans can be difficult to find on the streets, so always bring a plastic or foldable bag to carry any trash. It is critical not to litter or put garbage into containers that are only supposed to be for plastic/tin bottles. You can have a better experience when you’re respecting local customs!

Earthquake Preparedness 

If you are touring Japan for the first time, it is important to also be prepared for earthquakes. There are roughly 1,500 earthquakes every year in Japan because of the country’s location between numerous tectonic plates (pieces of the Earth’s crust that can cause earthquakes when they collide). Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay safe, with the help of earthquake notification apps like Yurekuru Call (App store, Play store), or the NHK world app, which offer alerts for any quakes. Check out our in-depth earthquake safety guide, and always remember to drop, cover,and  hold on as an earthquake safety tip!

What To Do

The big question is what you should do upon coming to the electrifying metropolis of Tokyo. Many previous tourists will recommend seeing the Shibuya Scramble. You can first walk through it and take pictures, but if you want an aerial view, we have some alternatives to paying for Shibuya Sky tickets. You can go to the nearby Starbucks and Tsutaya and take pictures from the windows; however, it gets very crowded, and seats can be hard to find. Mark City Shibuya has a bridge where you can take photos of the iconic crossing; however, there is a mesh over the windows that can cause lines to form in photos. The Hikarie Building has a free observation deck on the 11th floor for further out views of Shibuya Scramble and is great for night views of the metropolis as well. Mag’s Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing also has a view of Shibuya scramble on a closer scale, and drinks are inexpensive.

If you want a bigger aerial view of the cityscape, Tokyo Sky Tree is a safe bet. You will have to purchase tickets. A phenomenal alternative is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. They have a free observatory deck on the 45th floor with great aerial views of Tokyo.

Of course, we also recommend seeing the temples. The Meiji Jingu temple in Shinjuku and the Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa (and the surrounding Nakamise-dori Street, which is perfect for souvenir shopping) are free and have stunning views and architecture.

If you’re a fan of Pokémon, Miffy, Sanrio, or any cute characters, you can always visit Tokyo Character Street. It is a large underground shopping area that has many cute and famous cartoon characters, and can be great for splurging or for presents for friends.

If you’re not too tired, you can also try an authentic karaoke session. Sing your heart away with your friends or family. There are many options; the most popular include Karaoke Kan (which has many locations, including one in Shibuya) and Bar AMICI.  

Why not try a tour with Arigato Travel? Book a tour with us, and we assure quality service that will leave you with more knowledge about Tokyo. Our diverse array of tours includes expert-led food tours, hidden gems, and family-friendly options that will let you get the most of your journey to Japan completely stress-free.

We hope that these tips have helped prepare you for visiting Tokyo for the first time. We guarantee that you will feel less anxiety and more anticipation for your trip the more informed you are. Remember to bookmark this blog or share it with anyone you know who might be going to Tokyo soon!

Feature photo credit: xamnesiacx84

If you want to explore Tokyo AS a local WITH a local, make sure to book a tour with us at the beginning of your trip to get the best advice and tips!