Tokyo
Japan has been a bucket list destination for me for years and years, and this year I had the exciting opportunity to go with my family for 2 weeks! We covered hotspots in Japan such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I had no clue what to expect or how to plan and was overwhelmed with the content on TikTok. I wanted to write this blog to narrow down all the exciting things to see and do in Japan in the least overwhelming way possible. I had the best time in Japan, and I hope you do too!
Getting to and from the airport
The form they ask you to fill out and hold onto on the plane? Make sure you fill it out so you can move through customs as fast as possible!
We touched down at HND airport and took a Taxi to our hotel in Ginza. You have the option to take the train, but we decided on a Taxi because we had so much luggage.
The best method of transportation
Unlike New York, the trains run on time and are extremely clean and quiet! But in addition to that, there are unfortunately no train stops at every other square block. Tokyo is quite spread out, so the trains will take you to the general neighborhood, so it’ll get you close- and the rest is on foot.
However, the trains do get you where you need to go and are a very cost-effective mode of transportation! If you’re expecting to bop around all day, I would suggest getting a day pass which gives you unlimited rides for about $15 USD (pricing may be different now).
If you don’t want to get a pass, you can pay as you go through the turnstile with your Apple Wallet. Make sure you add a Suica Card to your Apple wallet for transportation and have that as your primary payment (you can also use this to pay at 711). Suica is great because you never know what credit card they will accept and it also converts your money to YEN.
Taxis are also a great option. They’re nowhere near as expensive as Ubers in major US cities, so if you’re tired of walking, a $10 Uber is worth it!
Understanding the layout of Tokyo
As I mentioned, Tokyo is very dense but equally spread out. It’s best to batch up the things you want to see and stick to certain areas before bouncing back and forth so you can save yourself a ton of time (and walking!)
Image credit to the tokyo files: maps
Areas to visit & things to do:
Ginza
If you’ve watched Crazy Rich Asians and want to experience it in real life, Ginza is the place to be! It is one of the most famous shopping districts in the world, lined with designer stores left and right, and with the biggest Uniqlo ever (7 floors)!
It is one of the most polished neighborhoods with people dressed to the 9’s, surrounded by art, commercial art galleries (like Nissan), and shopping.
Tsukiji
Nearby Ginza (about a 25 min walk) is the famous Tsukiji market which you can spend an entire afternoon walking through and trying all of the wonderful flavors of Japan. My favorite bites had to be the Waygu on a stick and the fresh sashimi left and right! Make sure to bring cash with you.
I also recommend getting a small bit and sharing a dish so you can try many of the other selections around the market!
There is also a crab restaurant that has delicious, MASSIVE king crabs. They sell it just outside of the restaurant but I highly recommend you take the stairs up and dine at the restaurant so you can eat comfortably and enjoy the full menu.
Shinjuku
The best way to describe Shinjuku is a city within a city, or in New Yorker terms, Times Square on steroids. If you’re looking to be stimulated, this is the place to be as over 3 million people pass through the Shinjuku train station every day.
This is a great spot to shop for souvenirs and try different bars and restaurants. My favorite is going through Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho which is a tiny little alley lined with 6-10 seater Yakatori stands. A very authentic Japanese experience!
There is also a TON of nightlife here, so this is a fun spot to hang out at if you’re looking for a night out.
Shibuya
If you’re looking for the life and the action, Shibuya is the place to be. There is a never-ending buzz of energy. Here you will find the famous Shibuya Crossing which you can get a great view of from Starbucks. There are endless options for entertainment, ranging from clubs, theatres, and bars + karaoke parlors.
Keep in mind, it will be insanely busy on the weekends and you will be shuffling by inch by inch.
Marunouchi
Frankly, I didn’t spend a ton of time here except to explore the grounds of the Imperial Palace. We didn’t go inside the Imperial Palace since you required reservations in advance and you also couldn’t go look inside the palace, just the courtyards.
Roppongi
This neighborhood is a combination of Shibuya and Ginza. It’s one of the nicer neighborhoods to be in, but unlike Ginza where it’s primarily shopping, there are a ton of entertainment and dining options here. This is a very close proximity to Tokyo Tower and many Japanese gardens.
Roppongi Hills is where you’ll find more shopping.
Harajuku
If you’re looking for shopping, thrifting, or small cutesy shops, this is the place for you! There is fashion for everyone here, but with that said it gets insanely busy and the streets are incredibly small. A super young & hip neighborhood!
Favorite eats:
Tatsunoya Ramen - Amazing ramen! Bring cash. You will order through a vending machine to get a receipt for the chef.
Han No Daidokoro - Japanese BBQ with premium beef
Musashi Sushi - Michieln Star Sushi
Gyukatsu Motomura - You grill your own beef Katsu. Get here early before opening otherwise it’ll be sold out or a 2-hour wait!
Shabusen Ginza Core - Shabu Shabu
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho - Yakatori lane
Ichiran Ramen - a chain but delicious! you can sit in your own cubby or open it up and dine with your friends. Same system as Tatsunoya.
Bongen Coffee - Their matcha here is phenomenal! They also have amazing coffee. Be prepared to wait up to 1 hr if you don’t arrive first thing in the morning!
Where to stay:
I can only speak to the locations that I have stayed at, and both are fantastic. The rooms are incredibly spacious!
The Royal Park Canvas -Ginza Corridor
make sure you do this specific one, there are 2 locations very close to each other!
What I didn’t expect & hacks you need to know
You will do the most walking you’ve probably ever done in your life
CASH IS KING! Make sure you pull out plenty of cash before you go.
Women dress very conservatively here. No sleeveless or deep-cut tops. You can still wear what you want but personally, I felt extremely out of place wearing sleeveless and low-cut tops, so just something to keep in mind!
There are no public trash cans. Expect to hold your trash until you get to a 711 or your hotel.
If you are staying at a hotel, there is an option to valet your luggage to your next destination for very cheap. All you need to do is ask the front desk, and give them your luggage about 24 hours before you depart to your next destination and it will be available when you arrive! WAY better than lugging it around.
+1 to this, there are not many escalators/elevators available in public transportation stations.
711 is going to be your best friend. Trust me.
Things do not open early in Japan. If you’re looking for breakfast to start your day, 711 is your best bet, or if you book a hotel that includes breakfast. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until 10 am for cafes to open.
You can view my entire Japan itinerary of things to do and restaurant reccomendations, here.