The lively and vibrant capital city of Japan, Tokyo is one of the popular destinations amongst the wanderers. Exhibiting a marvelous conjunction of modern and ancient times, Tokyo is all about friendly locals, traditional cultures, enchanting art, futuristic architecture, and extremely delectable cuisine. The entrancing capital city of Japan never sleeps, it is always on the move, working towards a brighter future. Cosmopolitan city life, vivacious nightlife, fairytale castles, contemporary vibes, and marvelous attractions combine to form Tokyo. Although Japan is one of the most convenient and safest places to take a trip to, one should still have Tokyo travel tips in mind when traveling to the city for the first time. After all, it is better to be safe and prepared than sorry!
Facing a history of extreme hardship, Tokyo has emerged out stronger and prouder than ever. Boasting about luxurious shopping places and mighty sky-high scrapers, the city of Tokyo attracts flocks of tourists and explorers. Go through this list of tips that one should certainly jot down and make a note of when planning an escapade to the city of magic.
10 Tokyo Travel Tips
The magnificent city of architectural marvels, rich history, clean surroundings, authentic cultures, iconic monuments, and major contemporary influence, Tokyo is a city of dynamic experiences. Warm-hearted and friendly locals of Japan simply add to this already amazing experience. Take note of these tips before planning an escapade to Tokyo and enjoy a hassle-free vacation!
1. Visit During Fall Season
Although Japan is an all-year destination, with summer heat and humidity ending and chilly, cool weather taking over, months from September to November are the best time to visit Tokyo when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Comfortable and pleasant weather makes it easier to roam around and explore the city to the fullest. During these months, a myriad of festivals is also celebrated and lively, colorful vibes blankets over the capital city.
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2. Know Your Basics Of Japanese Language
Japanese locals are some of the most welcoming and friendly people one will ever come across. They don’t expect one to learn their language for a week’s trip but knowing some basic phrases are always helpful. In most of the cities of Japan including Tokyo, English is a very common language. One can find menus, signboards, and other important information written in English. However, Japanese locals get a little uncomfortable in speaking the language and hence, knowing the basics of the Japanese language is a little important to go around the city.
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3. Do Not Rely On Wifi
Though Tokyo is considered to be one of the tech-savvy destinations in the world, the lack of wifi connections is one problem that still hovers. It is advised to either purchase a local sim card from the airport or carry a portable hotspot device. One can also buy a portable hotspot from various gadget shops in the capital city. This is one of the important Tokyo travel tips for those who are visiting the city on business.
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4. Consider Staying In Ryokan
To get the taste of authenticity of the Japanese culture, spending at least one night in Ryokan is a must. Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that features futon beds, traditional style bathrooms, tatami floors, local food, and extremely courteous hospitality. These accommodations give a great opportunity to the travelers to get a hands-on experience of the true Japanese lifestyle.
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5. Always Keep Enough Cash
This is one of the most important Tokyo travel tips. As advanced as Japan might be, there are a countless number of places that still do not accept the plastic money. Most stores are not well-equipped to make use of card transactions. It is always better to keep extra cash and coins with oneself when visiting this beautiful city. The facility of currency exchange is available at the airports and every nook of the city. If using an ATM to withdraw cash, it is suggested to use the 7-Eleven ATMs.
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6. Make Use Of The Public Transport
The most convenient, inexpensive, and efficient way to travel around the city is by using public transport. Traveling around public transport helps one save a lot of money that might get spent on hiring a private vehicle. Buses, trains, and subways are extremely clean at all times and make traveling from one destination to another much faster.
7. Eat Like A Local
Do not forget to try the authentic and extremely delectable Japanese cuisine. One of the must try and renowned dishes of Japan is Sushi! Although, if one has any allergies, it is better to know about them in the local language so that it becomes easier to explain. Also, it is considered rude to be walking while eating. One must sit inside a restaurant or a cafe while dining.
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8. Shop Your Heart Out
Ranging from traditional handicrafts and vibrant anime goods to any electronic gadget and trending fashionable products, the streets and shops in Tokyo have anything and everything that one might need or more. The majority of the attractions in Tokyo form a part of the shopping hub. The price range of products varies from the most expensive to extremely low costs.
9. Invest In Suica Card
Suica Card is one of the most convenient purchases to invest one’s money in. We have already talked about how using the public transport is an impeccable idea, the Suica card makes it much easier to commute via trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo. These prepaid cards can also be used in convenience stores and vending machines to make the small purchases and hence Tokyo hides a wonderful shopping experience for every traveler, irrespective of their budgets.
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10. Dress To Impress
Locals in Japan love to dress up in the most elegant and sophisticated manner. Lots of layers and decent length dresses or skirts are the usual items that women in Tokyo can be seen wearing. The men in Tokyo are equally conscious of their fashion sense. Wearing clothes that are chic yet not too flashy, fashionable yet not too short is advised. It is also better to pack comfortable shoes along if one is not too accustomed to heels.
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Tokyo is the city of culture, art, modernization, and extremely rich history all in one. Friendly locals, clean surroundings, and homely aura in the atmosphere have led to the emergence of this capital city as one of the hottest travel destinations amongst the tourists. Keep these Tokyo travel tips in mind while planning your escapade to Japan and get to experience the city of an enigma in the most hassle-free manner!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo Travel Tips
Which is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Despite being an all-year destination, the months of September and October is the most pleasant time to the year to visit Tokyo. You can also get to be a part of a number of events and festivals around this time of the year.
What are the best places to visit in Tokyo?
Some of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo are:
1. Tokyo Skytree
2. Senso Ji
3. Tokyo Tower
4. Meiji Jingu
5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
What should I know before traveling to Tokyo?
If you are traveling to Tokyo for the first time, these tips can come really handy for you:
1. The best food in Tokyo is served in small eateries rather than high-end restaurants
2. You can expect very few people to speak in English, so brush up some Japanese works before you travel.
3. Credit/debit cards are not accepted everywhere, so make sure to carry enough cash.
4. Tipping is not a norm in Tokyo and will not accepted even if you try to offer.
5. Japan Rail is the best and most economical way to explore the city.
How safe is Tokyo for tourists?
Tokyo is quite safe for tourists except for a few regions such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho areas that should be avoided especially at night.
Is traveling in Tokyo safe for solo female travelers?
Yes. Females can feel absolutely safe while traveling in Tokyo, however, ist always wise to practice some caution while going out at night.
What currency do they use in Tokyo?
The official currency of Tokyo is the Japanese Yen.
How much money should I bring to Japan?
The maximum cash that you can bring to Japan should not exceed 1 million Yen. Any amount exceeding this has to be declared.
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A pastry-chef turned writer, Srishti has a knack for traveling to various corners of the country and penning them down in the most justifiable manner possible. When she’s not writing you can find her petting mountain dogs and not eating cottage cheese!