Tips before your trip
**You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan**
Apps:
- Download Google Maps for directions. Train stops are included
- Download Airalo or rent a pocket WiFi online and pick up when you arrive
- Download Google Translate
Transportation Info:
- Land in Haneda Airport. It is much closer to the city
- Do not take Taxi to and from the airport as it is very expensive in Tokyo
- Purchase your JR Pass before you get to Tokyo and pick it up at one of their offices.
- Make use of your JR Pass and take day trips if you have time
-- Due to a shortage of IC chips, the sale of Suica and Pasmo is currently suspended until further notice; however, the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards remain available. While Pasmo Passport remains on sale at locations across Tokyo, the sale of Welcome Suica is temporarily limited to Narita and Haneda airports.
-Trains and subways in Tokyo generally runย between 5:00 am and 1:00 am
Other Useful Tips:
- Be aware that most restaurants and cafes do not open until 11am
- Your hotel can assist with making reservations if you do not speak the language
- Your hotel can ship your luggage to the next destination for a cost. Ask the front desk!
- Long line is a good sign
- A lot of bars have cover charges that do not apply to your check
- Make sure you always have cash
- Always look up "Events in (location) today, this week, or this month" and there might be fun events going on around the city you are visiting!
-Learn a few useful Japanese words such as: Hello, Thank You, Excuse Me, How Much?, Where is _____ ?
- 7/11, Lawsons, and Family Mart foods are always good! Use the Guide below to find out what each store is known for
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay in are Shinjuku and Ginza. Other good places to stay in Tokyo are Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Asakusa.ย
-Stay in Shinjuku if you want easy transport access to sightseeing within Tokyo and day trips to Mt. Fuji and Hakone.ย
-Stay in Ginza or Tokyo Station if you you want to be close to your bullet train ride to get to Kyoto, Osaka and other regions in Japan.
-Stay in Shibuya if you love nightlife and want a youthful vibe.
-Asakusa is a great place to stay if you want a deeper cultural experience. It is also a cheap area to stay in Tokyo for those who are on a budget.
Below you will find some hotels that I recommend staying at:
Neighborhoods/Streets
Attractions
Restaurants
Nightlife/Cocktail Bars
Tips before your trip
**You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan**
Apps:
- Download Google Maps for directions. Train stops are included
- Download Airalo or rent a pocket WiFi online and pick up when you arrive
- Download Google Translate
Transportation Info:
- Land in Haneda Airport. It is much closer to the city
- Do not take Taxi to and from the airport as it is very expensive in Tokyo
- Purchase your JR Pass before you get to Tokyo and pick it up at one of their offices.
- Make use of your JR Pass and take day trips if you have time
-- Due to a shortage of IC chips, the sale of Suica and Pasmo is currently suspended until further notice; however, the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards remain available. While Pasmo Passport remains on sale at locations across Tokyo, the sale of Welcome Suica is temporarily limited to Narita and Haneda airports.
-Trains and subways in Tokyo generally runย between 5:00 am and 1:00 am
Other Useful Tips:
- Be aware that most restaurants and cafes do not open until 11am
- Your hotel can assist with making reservations if you do not speak the language
- Your hotel can ship your luggage to the next destination for a cost. Ask the front desk!
- Long line is a good sign
- A lot of bars have cover charges that do not apply to your check
- Make sure you always have cash
- Always look up "Events in (location) today, this week, or this month" and there might be fun events going on around the city you are visiting!
-Learn a few useful Japanese words such as: Hello, Thank You, Excuse Me, How Much?, Where is _____ ?
- 7/11, Lawsons, and Family Mart foods are always good! Use the Guide below to find out what each store is known for
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay in are Shinjuku and Ginza. Other good places to stay in Tokyo are Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Asakusa.ย
-Stay in Shinjuku if you want easy transport access to sightseeing within Tokyo and day trips to Mt. Fuji and Hakone.ย
-Stay in Ginza or Tokyo Station if you you want to be close to your bullet train ride to get to Kyoto, Osaka and other regions in Japan.
-Stay in Shibuya if you love nightlife and want a youthful vibe.
-Asakusa is a great place to stay if you want a deeper cultural experience. It is also a cheap area to stay in Tokyo for those who are on a budget.
Below you will find some hotels that I recommend staying at:
Neighborhoods/Streets
Attractions
Restaurants
Nightlife/Cocktail Bars