Tokyo, Japan: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Getting Around
Tokyo is one of those cities that somehow manages to be everything at once — ancient and futuristic, chaotic and perfectly ordered, overwhelming and oddly calming. Whether you're navigating its legendary subway system for the first time or slipping into a hidden ramen bar in Shinjuku at midnight, this city rewards the curious traveller at every turn.
Overview
Tokyo is Japan's sprawling capital and one of the most visited cities on earth, drawing over 15 million international tourists in a typical year. Home to roughly 14 million people within the city proper — and nearly 38 million in the greater metropolitan area — it is the world's most populous urban centre. Yet despite its sheer scale, Tokyo is remarkably navigable, safe, and welcoming to first-time visitors. From the neon-soaked corridors of Akihabara to the serene moss-covered paths of Yanaka, every neighbourhood tells a different story. If you're only going to visit one Asian city in your lifetime, make it this one.
Essential Information
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). As of 2025, roughly 150 JPY equals $1 USD. Cash is still king in many places, so carry some at all times.
- Language: Japanese. English signage is common in tourist areas and on the subway, but learning a few phrases — arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me) — goes a long way.
- Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9. Japan does not observe daylight saving time.
- Visa: Citizens of over 60 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check current requirements before travel.
- Electricity: 100V, Type A plugs. Most US devices work fine; European travellers will need an adapter.
- Connectivity: Pick up a pocket Wi-Fi device or a local SIM at the airport. Unlimited data plans cost around $4–$7 USD per day and are absolutely worth it for navigating the city.
Practical Tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card: These rechargeable IC cards work on virtually every train, subway, and bus in Tokyo. You can even use them at convenience stores and vending machines. Load around $20–$30 USD to start.
- Avoid rush hour: Tokyo's subway is impressively efficient but brutally crowded between 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM on weekdays. Adjust your sightseeing schedule accordingly.
- Explore by neighbourhood: Don't try to see everything. Pick two or three areas per day. Shibuya and Harajuku pair well together; so do Asakusa and Ueno. Shimokitazawa is a favourite local haunt for vintage shopping and live music that most tourists miss entirely.
- Convenience stores are your best friend: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson in Japan are genuinely excellent. Hot meals, fresh onigiri, ATMs that accept foreign cards, and clean bathrooms — all under one roof.
- Tipping is not customary: In fact, it can be considered rude. Save yourself the confusion and simply say thank you with a bow.
- Budget daily costs: Backpackers can get by on $50–$70 USD per day. Mid-range travellers should budget $120–$180 USD. Luxury experiences can easily run $300+ USD per day.
Getting There
Most international flights arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT), located about 37 miles east of central Tokyo. Haneda Airport (HND) is closer to the city and increasingly popular for international routes, particularly from the US, UK, and Australia — worth checking when booking. Direct flights from Los Angeles or New York typically range from $700–$1,200 USD return depending on the season, with the cheapest fares usually available in January–February and late autumn. Airlines including Japan Airlines, ANA, United, and American operate regular transatlantic and transpacific routes.
From Narita, the Narita Express (N'EX) train connects directly to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station in around 60–90 minutes and costs approximately $30 USD one-way. From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line gets you into the city in 30 minutes for under $5 USD. Taxis exist but expect to pay $120–$200 USD from Narita — skip it unless you're travelling in a large group.
Accommodation Options
Plan your trip to Tokyo
Tokyo has no shortage of places to sleep, from ultra-cheap capsule hotels to some of the finest luxury properties in the world.
- Budget ($30–$70 USD/night): Capsule hotels like 9 Hours in Shinjuku or traditional guesthouses (guesthouses and hostels) in Asakusa offer clean, functional stays with a uniquely Japanese feel. Book early — good budget spots fill up fast.
- Mid-Range ($100–$200 USD/night): Business hotels such as Dormy Inn or the APA Hotel chain deliver excellent value. Expect small but immaculate rooms, great locations, and often an onsen (hot spring bath) on-site.
- Luxury ($300–$800+ USD/night): The Park Hyatt Tokyo (made famous by Lost in Translation), The Peninsula, and Aman Tokyo represent the pinnacle of hospitality in the city. Service, views, and dining at these properties are genuinely