Which Tokyo neighborhood should I stay in first time?

Shinjuku and Shibuya work best for most first visits because the train access is ridiculous and you can still eat late after missing the last train home. Shinjuku feels rougher around Kabukicho but gives you more range, from business hotels to tiny bars and ramen counters. Shibuya skews younger and louder, especially near Center Gai. Asakusa suits people who want quieter nights and easier hotel prices.

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

Four to six days is the sweet spot. Less than that turns the city into a checklist of stations and observation decks. A week gives you time to drift through places like Koenji, Kiyosumi Shirakawa, or Nakameguro instead of sprinting between tourist stops. Tokyo gets better once you stop treating it like a speedrun.

Is Tokyo safe to walk alone at night?

Yes, far safer than most major cities this size. Women regularly ride trains late at night alone and convenience stores stay open everywhere. The main problems for visitors are scam bars and aggressive touts in Kabukicho or parts of Roppongi, not street violence. Ignore anyone trying to pull you upstairs into a bar.

What are the best day trips from Tokyo?

Kamakura is the easiest win because the temples, hiking trails, and coast all fit into one day without spending half the trip on trains. Nikko feels more dramatic and forested, especially around the shrine complex. Hakone works if you want ryokan baths and mountain views, though the transport loops get crowded fast on weekends. Kawaguchiko is mostly about Mount Fuji views rather than the town itself.

Is public transport better than renting a scooter in Tokyo?

Tokyo's rail network is one of the few systems where owning a vehicle actively makes life harder. Parking is expensive, traffic is dense, and roads stack over each other in ways that confuse even locals. Trains run everywhere you actually want to go and Google Maps handles transfers surprisingly well. Renting a scooter here makes far less sense than in Bangkok or Bali.

Is Tokyo mostly cash or card based?

Cards work in department stores, chain restaurants, hotels, and most train stations, but cash still matters more than many visitors expect. Small ramen shops, older izakayas, temple stalls, and ticket machines still reject foreign cards regularly. Carry yen at all times. Suica and Pasmo on your phone solve a lot of small daily payments.

Is tipping customary in Tokyo restaurants?

No. Leaving cash on the table often creates confusion because staff assume you forgot your change. Good service is already built into the culture, especially in restaurants and hotels. The rare exception is private guides working with foreign clients.

What travel apps should I download for Tokyo?

Google Maps does most of the heavy lifting, especially for train platforms, exits, and transfer timing. Google Translate helps once you leave tourist-heavy areas. Suica or Pasmo mobile apps matter more than most travel apps because they turn your phone into a train ticket, convenience store wallet, and vending machine card.

What are Japan's drug laws for foreigners?

Japan treats drug possession harshly, including marijuana. People arrive assuming legal weed back home changes anything here and end up arrested. Even small amounts can mean detention, deportation, and a ruined trip. Prescription medication rules are strict too, especially for stimulants and ADHD medication.

What etiquette rules matter most in Tokyo?

Keep your voice down on trains, queue properly, and do not block narrow sidewalks with luggage or group photos. People rarely eat while walking outside festival areas. Shoes come off more often than visitors expect, including some restaurants and fitting rooms. Tokyo runs on quiet cooperation more than visible rules.

Where do locals eat in Tokyo?

Office workers pack into tiny lunch counters around Shinbashi, Kanda, and Akabane rather than the restaurants filling TikTok lists. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai look famous online but many locals treat them as nostalgia zones or places for one late drink. Some of the best meals happen in anonymous basement restaurants with plastic food models outside. Judge places by the queue of salarymen, not the decor.

What dishes should I actually try in Tokyo?

Edomae sushi and monjayaki are the most Tokyo-specific choices. Ramen matters too, but the city has thousands of styles and half the fun is wandering into random counters near stations. Yakitori in places like Yurakucho or Omoide Yokocho works better as a late-night drinking meal than a formal dinner. Convenience store food is also far better than most visitors expect.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo with kids?

Tokyo DisneySea is the standout because it works surprisingly well for adults too. Ueno Zoo, teamLab Planets, railway museums, and arcades in Odaiba work well on rainy days. Parks like Yoyogi and Shinjuku Gyoen give children actual space to move around after long train rides. Avoid trying to cram too many districts into one day with young kids.

Is Tokyo stroller friendly for families?

Better than most Asian megacities, but not effortless. Major stations have lifts, yet many older exits still involve stairs and long underground walks. Rush hour trains with a stroller are miserable. A compact stroller works far better than oversized travel systems.

Are there vaping and smoking restrictions in Tokyo?

Yes. Smoking while walking is banned in many districts and people actually follow the rules. You smoke inside marked outdoor areas or dedicated smoking rooms, not wherever you feel like it. Vaping falls into the same social category and blowing clouds on the street gets dirty looks fast.

Is it rude to photograph people in Tokyo?

Street photography happens constantly in Tokyo, but pointing a camera directly into someone's face still crosses a line. Many restaurants, temples, themed cafes, and small bars ban photos entirely. Staff usually tell you clearly if cameras are not welcome. Respect the sign and move on.

What should I wear at Tokyo temples and shrines?

You do not need formal clothing, but beachwear and nightclub outfits look disrespectful. Quiet behaviour matters more than fashion. At major places like Meiji Jingu or Sensoji, visitors often treat the grounds like a photo backdrop and forget people still come there to pray. Follow the crowd and keep the volume down.

What should I do if I get sick in Tokyo?

Pharmacies handle basic issues well and staff in central areas often know enough English to help. Large international hospitals in Minato and Shinjuku are easier for foreign visitors than smaller clinics. Bring your passport and insurance details. Without insurance, medical costs climb fast.

Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

Yes. Tokyo is safe, but hospital treatment is not cheap and English-speaking clinics are limited. Insurance also matters because weather disruptions and train cancellations can snowball into expensive rebooking costs. People skip insurance because Japan feels orderly. That logic falls apart once something actually goes wrong.

What are Tokyo's main nightlife areas?

Shinjuku covers everything from grimy standing bars to host clubs and late-night ramen counters. Shibuya leans younger, louder, and more club-focused around Center Gai and Dogenzaka. Roppongi attracts more tourists and expats, along with the city's worst bar touts. Koenji and Shimokitazawa suit people who prefer live music and smaller bars over giant clubs.

Is Tokyo LGBTQ plus friendly for travellers?

Tokyo is one of the easier places in Asia for LGBTQ plus travellers to move through comfortably, especially around Shinjuku Ni chome. Public attitudes stay fairly reserved, so you see less open affection than in cities like Berlin or Madrid. Harassment is uncommon. The bigger issue is social conservatism rather than personal safety.

Can foreigners get Japan's digital nomad visa?

Yes, but the requirements are stricter than many people expect. Applicants need high income thresholds, private health insurance, and remote work tied to companies outside Japan. The visa lasts up to six months and does not convert into long-term residency. Tokyo works well for remote work once you are legally there, but the visa itself is not casual.

Do I need a VPN while visiting Japan?

Not really. Japan has an open internet and most travellers never think about VPNs while there. A VPN mainly matters if you need home-country streaming services or extra privacy on public WiFi. Hotel and cafe internet is usually stable enough without one.

What is dating like in Tokyo for foreigners?

Tokyo has huge social circles, but language and social expectations shape dating more than visitors expect. Apps are common, especially in international areas like Shibuya and Roppongi. Foreigners arriving with anime stereotypes usually crash into reality quickly. The city feels socially reserved at first, especially outside nightlife settings.

Does Tokyo have a red light district?

Yes. Kabukicho in Shinjuku is the most famous, though it works more like an entertainment district packed with host clubs, love hotels, bars, and adult businesses than a single red light street. Most visitors pass through without problems, but tout scams targeting foreigners are common. Never follow strangers into upstairs bars promising cheap drinks or free entry.

Is Tokyo expensive for tourists?

Tokyo can be expensive if you chase luxury hotels, omakase sushi, and taxis everywhere, but daily life is often cheaper than people expect. Cheap ramen, convenience store meals, and reliable public transport keep costs manageable. The real money drain is accommodation, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn weekends.

Can you drink tap water in Tokyo?

Yes. Tokyo tap water is safe and heavily regulated. Many locals drink it directly from the tap without filters. Convenience stores still sell endless bottled water because people buy drinks constantly while commuting.

Do Tokyo trains stop running at night?

Yes. Most trains stop around midnight and restart around 5am. Visitors underestimate this constantly and end up paying painful taxi fares after missing the last train. Late nights in Shibuya or Shinjuku work better if you stay nearby.

Can foreigners use Suica or Pasmo on iPhone?

Usually yes, especially on iPhone with Apple Wallet. Android support depends heavily on the phone model and country version. Mobile Suica or Pasmo makes Tokyo far easier because you can tap into trains, convenience stores, lockers, and vending machines without handling cash constantly.

Is Tokyo good for vegetarians or vegans?

Better than it used to be, but still frustrating outside tourist-heavy areas. Broth, fish stock, and hidden meat ingredients appear in dishes that look vegetarian at first glance. Areas like Shimokitazawa and Shibuya have strong vegan cafe scenes. Translation cards help a lot in smaller restaurants.

Should I use luggage forwarding in Tokyo?

Yes if you are moving between hotels or travelling with oversized suitcases. Tokyo stations get exhausting once you add stairs, crowds, and rush hour into the mix. Yamato Transport and hotel front desks handle luggage forwarding smoothly. Many locals use it instead of dragging bags through the subway.

Tokyo Travel Guide - Weather, Costs & Safety

7eleven in tokyo in cherry blossom season — Photo by Hanvin Cheong

Tokyo Right Now

UPDATED 16 JULY

Weather today

35°/25°

hot and humid

July is peak summer in Tokyo, which means hot, humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Mid Summer

Heads up

Air quality is at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups due to elevated pollution.

Reduce time spent outside if you are experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

Environment

Upcoming

Marine Day

A national holiday celebrating the ocean's bounty and its importance to Japan. Expect some crowds at coastal areas and aquariums.

Jul 20Public holiday

Sumida River Fireworks Festival · Sumida River, Asakusa area

Tokyo's largest and oldest fireworks display lights up the night sky over the Sumida River, attracting nearly a million spectators.

Jul 25Festival

Tokyo ePrix Round 14 & 15 · Tokyo, Koto

Experience the thrill of electric open-wheel racing as Formula E holds two rounds of its championship in Tokyo.

Jul 26Sporting event

Popularity

Growing

Interest in travel to Tokyo rose 15% from a year ago, suggesting demand is growing.

Google Trends travel searches · last 12 months

+15%vs last year

42/100

Off-season🔥Hot and humid

Score for July

Expect hot and humid weather with frequent rain in July, though crowds are moderate. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella for the frequent showers.

☀️Weather33

🌬️Air Quality88

👥Crowd Level76

SCORE BY MONTH

Visit Tokyo in April, May, October, or November for pleasant temperatures and less rain. Avoid June through September when it's hot, humid, and rainy, making sightseeing uncomfortable.

High °CLow °CRain daysCrowd levelAQI

Visitor data: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) 2019

Walkability

92/100

Excellent

0255075100

Tokyo is one of the easiest major cities in the world to explore on foot if you stay near a train station.

Sidewalks 24 / 25

Sidewalks stay wide and continuous across most districts, even around huge stations like Shinjuku and Ueno.

Compactness 24 / 25

Most neighbourhoods pack restaurants, convenience stores, bars, and train access into a few walkable blocks.

Traffic safety 25 / 25

Drivers usually stop for crossings, though cyclists on pavements create occasional chaos near major stations.

Climate 19 / 25

A few months are tough on walkers, but the rest of the year is workable for daily outdoor time.

Monthly cost

$2,718 / month

EXPENSIVE

Solo mid-range stay including rent, daily eating out, groceries, and routine costs.
COFFEE CULTURE

Tokyo's coffee scene runs on obsessive detail rather than lifestyle branding. Kiyosumi Shirakawa became the unofficial centre after Blue Bottle arrived, but smaller spots in Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, and Kuramae often feel more interesting than the big names. Many cafes focus almost entirely on hand drip coffee and espresso, with tiny counters, limited seating, and owners who care more about extraction than turnover.
Coworking

$215 / month

EXPENSIVE

Tokyo's coworking scene works best if you stay near Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Marunouchi, where fast trains matter more than community events. WeWork, Impact Hub, and Basis Point dominate the mainstream end, with strong internet and quiet workspaces but less of the social nomad culture you get in Bangkok or Bali. Cafes are usable for short sessions, though many still limit laptop seating during busy hours.
Gym

$72 / month

EXPENSIVE

Tokyo gyms are clean, serious, and often built around long term memberships rather than casual drop ins. Gold's Gym has the strongest footprint for travellers, especially around Shibuya, Omotesando, and Ginza, while Anytime Fitness covers residential neighbourhoods deeper into the city. Public sports centres are the workaround if you only need basic weights and cardio without paperwork.

Population: 14,246,219 Statistics Bureau · 2025 Census

Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
Language: Japanese; functional English around major stations, hotels, and tourist districts, far less elsewhere.
Tap water: Safe to drink
Time zone: JST (UTC+9)
Power plug: Type A / B, 100V
Dialling code: +81
Driving side: Left
Tipping: Not expected. Leaving cash on the table often causes confusion rather than gratitude.
Internet: Fast and reliable across most of the city, including trains and subway stations. Public Wi Fi exists but signups and time limits are common.
Emergency: 110 police, 119 ambulance and fire, 118 coast guard

Golden Week crushes central Tokyo
29 Apr – 5 May
Avoid Tokyo during Golden Week unless you enjoy queueing for basic things. Hotels around Shinjuku, Ueno, and Asakusa sell out weeks ahead, domestic tourists flood major rail lines, and even chain restaurants end up with hour-long waits. Shift the trip earlier in April or go to Hiroshima for a slower pace.
Go here instead:
- Hiroshima Calmer city pace and fewer domestic tourism bottlenecks.
- Bangkok Big-city energy without Japan's nationwide holiday surge.
Tokyo summer drains walking trips
Late Jun – early Sep
Tokyo in summer turns simple sightseeing into a sweat-soaked grind. Temperatures around 33C (91F) combine with thick humidity, and long afternoons crossing districts like Shibuya or Ueno leave people hiding in convenience stores and department basements for air conditioning. If your ideal trip involves walking all day, wait for October or head north to Hokkaido.
Go here instead:
- Hokkaido Cooler summers and easier full-day outdoor sightseeing.

Upcoming events — next 30 days

16 Jul

Mitama Matsuri

Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda

FestivalLocal

18 Jul

TOP4 in TOKYO DOME

Tokyo Dome, Tokyo

MusicNational

More info ↗

18 Jul

Rugby Nations Championship

Tokyo, various

SportingInternational

18 Jul

Hilcrhyme

SGC HALL ARIAKE, Tokyo

MusicNational

More info ↗

18 Jul

Festival Brasil & Latino

Yoyogi Park, Shibuya

FestivalLocal

24 Jul

Yucco Miller

Shibuya Pleasure Pleasure, Tokyo

MusicNational

24 Jul

World Lacrosse Women's Championship

Tokyo, Japan

SportingInternational

25 Jul

Ryosuke Yamada DOME TOUR 2026 Are You Red.Y?

Tokyo Dome, Tokyo

MusicNational

More info ↗

25 Jul

TDK Tokyo E-Prix

Ariake, Tokyo

SportingInternational

25 Jul

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Sumida River, Asakusa area

EntertainmentNational

25–26 Jul

Tokyo ePrix Round 14 & 15

Tokyo

SportingInternational

26 Jul

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya

MusicNational

28 Jul

Mitski: 'Nothing's About to Happen to Me' Album Tour

Zepp DiverCity, Odaiba

MusicInternational

28 Jul

Katsushika Fireworks Festival

Katsushika Ward, Tokyo

EntertainmentLocal

29 Jul

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple Noryo Bon Odori Festival

Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tokyo

FestivalLocal

1 Aug

Faulieu.

Liquid Room, Tokyo

MusicNational

1 Aug

FIBA 3x3 Women's Series

Tokyo, Japan

SportingInternational

1 Aug

Awapa 2026 -Tokyo 1st Foam Party-

clubasia, Shibuya

MusicLocal

12 Aug

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri

Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Koto

FestivalLocal

14 Aug

Summer Sonic Tokyo

ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe, Chiba (Tokyo area)

FestivalInternational

More info ↗

On the horizon

SEP12

Rock in Japan Festival

Rock in Japan Festival, one of Japan's biggest rock festivals, features numerous Japanese artists including Ado, Vaundy, and Creepy Nuts.

SEP19

Ultra Japan

Ultra Japan, the Tokyo edition of the global Ultra Music Festival, brings major international EDM DJs to Odaiba.

More info ↗

SEP30

Japan Open (Tennis)

The Japan Open, an ATP Tour tennis event, takes place at Ariake Coliseum.

OCT26

Tokyo International Film Festival

The Tokyo International Film Festival is an annual film festival showcasing a wide range of international and Japanese films.

Public holidays & observances — next 12 months

JUL

Marine Day

A national holiday celebrating the ocean's bounty and its importance to Japan. Expect some crowds at coastal areas and aquariums.

Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around

AUG

Mountain Day

A relatively new national holiday dedicated to appreciating Japan's mountains. Expect more people at hiking trails and mountainous regions.

Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around

AUG

Obon Festival

While not an official public holiday, many businesses close as people return to their hometowns to honor their ancestors. Transportation can be very crowded.

Observance onlyHigh impact

SEP

Respect for the Aged Day

A national holiday to honor elderly citizens. Many people spend time with their older relatives.

Public holidayLow impact

SEP

Autumnal Equinox Day

A national holiday to appreciate nature and remember deceased relatives. It marks the beginning of autumn.

Public holidayLow impact

NOV

Culture Day

A national holiday to promote culture, arts, and academic endeavor. Museums and cultural institutions may have special events.

Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around

NOV

Labor Thanksgiving Day

A national holiday to give thanks for labor and production, and to celebrate workers' rights.

Public holidayLow impact

JAN

New Year's Day

The most important holiday in Japan, with many businesses closed from December 31st to January 3rd. Many people visit temples or shrines.

Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around

JAN

Coming of Age Day

A national holiday celebrating young people who have reached the age of 20. Ceremonies are held at local government offices.

Public holidayLow impact Worth timing around

FEB

National Foundation Day

A national holiday celebrating the founding of Japan. Parades and festivals may take place.

Public holidayLow impact

FEB

Emperor's Birthday

A national holiday celebrating the birthday of the reigning Emperor. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo may open to the public on this day.

Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around

MAR

Vernal Equinox Day

A national holiday to celebrate nature and care for living things, marking the start of spring.

Public holidayLow impact

APR

Showa Day

This holiday marks the start of Golden Week and encourages reflection on the Showa Era. Expect significant crowds and transportation delays.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Constitution Memorial Day

A national holiday commemorating the promulgation of Japan's post-war constitution. Part of Golden Week, leading to increased crowds.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Greenery Day

A national holiday dedicated to nature and the environment. As part of Golden Week, expect large crowds and potential travel disruptions.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Children's Day

A national holiday celebrating the health and happiness of children. It's the final day of Golden Week, so expect continued crowds.

Public holidayHigh impact

Dates are researched and checked, but events move. Always confirm with the official source before you book anything around them.

Narita International Airport NRT

36-90 min to central Tokyo depending on train or bus.

Narita sits much farther from the city than many visitors expect, so arrival time matters more than flight time. The Keisei Skyliner is fastest for Ueno and northeast Tokyo, while the Narita Express works better for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. Cheap buses exist, but traffic into the city can get ugly during evening rush hour.
- Narita Express: 53-60 min, ¥3070-¥5000 ($20-33 USD)
- Keisei Skyliner: 36-41 min, ¥2580 ($17 USD)
- Airport Bus TYO-NRT: 65-90 min, ¥1500 ($10 USD)
- Limousine Bus: 75-120 min, ¥3100-¥3600 ($21-24 USD)
- JR Sobu Rapid Line: 85-95 min, ¥1340 ($9 USD)
Direct flights from Narita

Serves 113 direct destinations, 92 international and 21 domestic, about 343 flights a day.
International 92

Seoul ICN South Korea

Air Busan A Air Incheon A Air Seoul

A APZ Asiana Airlines EASTAR JET Ethiopian Airlines Jeju Air Jin Air Korean Air P Parata Air P Perimeter Aviation T'Way Air ZIPAIR Tokyo

41/day

Hong Kong HKG Hong Kong

A AHK Air Hong Kong Limited ANA Cathay Pacific

H HGB H Homer Air H Hong Kong Airlines Hong Kong Express JAL Jetstar Japan

27/day

Taipei TPE Taiwan

A Atlas Air Cathay Pacific China Airlines

EVA Air JAL Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation Scoot Starlux Airlines Thai Lion Air Tigerair Taiwan

25/day

Sapporo CTS Japan

ANA Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

Spring Airlines Japan

21/day

Fukuoka FUK Japan

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

15/day

Bangkok BKK Thailand

ANA JAL Thai Airways International

Thai Vietjet Air ZIPAIR Tokyo

8/day

Busan PUS South Korea

Air Busan Jeju Air Jin Air

Korean Air

8/day

Naha OKA Japan

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation Spring Airlines Japan

8/day

Kaohsiung City KHH Taiwan

China Airlines EVA Air Jetstar Japan

Thai AirAsia Tigerair Taiwan United Airlines

7/day

Los Angeles LAX United States

ANA A Atlas Air JAL

Singapore Airlines United Airlines W Western Global ZIPAIR Tokyo

7/day

Manila MNL Philippines

ANA Cebu Pacific Air JAL

Jetstar Japan Philippine Airlines

7/day

Singapore SIN Singapore

A Air Japan ANA JAL

Scoot Singapore Airlines ZIPAIR Tokyo

6/day

Osaka KIX Japan

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

6/day

Hanoi HAN Vietnam

ANA JAL VietJetAir

Vietnam Airlines

5/day

Kuala Lumpur KUL Malaysia

ANA JAL Malaysia Airlines

Malindo Air

5/day

San Francisco SFO United States

ANA JAL United Airlines

ZIPAIR Tokyo

5/day

Ho Chi Minh City SGN Vietnam

ANA JAL VietJetAir

Vietnam Airlines

4/day

Vancouver YVR Canada

Air Canada ANA JAL

ZIPAIR Tokyo

4/day

Lapu CEB Philippines

Cebu Pacific Air Philippine Airlines United Airlines

4/day

Honolulu HNL United States

ANA JAL ZIPAIR Tokyo

3/day

Tokoname NGO Japan

ANA JAL

3/day

Guam GUM Guam

JAL United Airlines

3/day

Matsuyama MYJ Japan

Jetstar Japan

3/day

Houston IAH United States

United Airlines ZIPAIR Tokyo

3/day

Jakarta CGK Indonesia

ANA JAL

3/day

Ulaan Baatar UBN Mongolia

A Aero Mongolia M Miat - Mongolian Airlines United Airlines

3/day

Chicago ORD United States

ANA A Atlas Air JAL

1-2/day

Mexico City MEX Mexico

A Aeromexico ANA

1-2/day

Brisbane BNE Australia

Jetstar Qantas

1-2/day

Cheongju CJJ South Korea

Aero K Airlines

1-2/day

Doha DOH Qatar

Qatar Airways

1-2/day

Ishigaki ISG Japan

Peach Aviation

1-2/day

Kumamoto KMJ Japan

Jetstar Japan

1-2/day

Osaka ITM Japan

ANA JAL

1-2/day

Seattle SEA United States

A Alaska Airlines JAL

1-2/day

Takamatsu TAK Japan

Jetstar Japan

1-2/day

Newark EWR United States

United Airlines

1-2/day

Istanbul IST Türkiye

Turkish Airlines

1-2/day

Melbourne MEL Australia

JAL Qantas

1-2/day

Da Nang DAD Vietnam

Vietnam Airlines

1-2/day

Bangkok DMK Thailand

Thai AirAsia X

1-2/day

Kitakyūshū KKJ Japan

Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Anchorage ANC United States

A Atlas Air W Western Global

~1/day

Warsaw WAW Poland

L LOT - Polish Airlines

~1/day

Abu Dhabi AUH United Arab Emirates

Etihad Airways

~1/day

Amsterdam AMS Netherlands

KLM

~1/day

Asahikawa AKJ Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Auckland AKL New Zealand

A Air New Zealand

~1/day

Boston BOS United States

JAL

~1/day

Cairns CNS Australia

Jetstar

~1/day

Calgary YYC Canada

W WestJet

~1/day

Daegu TAE South Korea

T'Way Air

~1/day

Dallas DFW United States

American Airlines

~1/day

Bali DPS Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia

~1/day

Denver DEN United States

United Airlines

~1/day

Dubai DXB United Arab Emirates

Emirates

~1/day

Frankfurt FRA Germany

JAL

~1/day

Helsinki HEL Finland

F Finnair

~1/day

Kagoshima KOJ Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Miyazaki KMI Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Montreal YUL Canada

Air Canada

~1/day

Mumbai BOM India

ANA

~1/day

Nagasaki NGS Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Nankoku KCZ Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

New Delhi DEL India

JAL

~1/day

Ōita OIT Japan

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Toronto YYZ Canada

Air Canada

~1/day

Vienna VIE Austria

A Austrian

~1/day

Amami ASJ Japan

Peach Aviation

~1/day

San Jose SJC United States

ZIPAIR Tokyo

~1/day

Zurich ZRH Switzerland

S SWISS

~1/day

Angeles City CRK Philippines

Cebu Pacific Air

5/week

Bandar Seri Begawan BWN Brunei

R Royal Brunei Airlines

5/week

Colombo CMB Sri Lanka

S SriLankan Airlines

5/week

Jeju City CJU South Korea

Korean Air

5/week

Tel Aviv Yafo TLV Israel

E El Al

5/week

Hakodate HKD Japan

Spring Airlines Japan

4/week

Madrid MAD Spain

Iberia

4/week

San Diego SAN United States

JAL

4/week

Taichung City RMQ Taiwan

Starlux Airlines

4/week

Taipa MFM Macau

Air Macau

4/week

Bangalore BLR India

JAL

3/week

Brussels BRU Belgium

ANA

3/week

Kathmandu KTM Nepal

N Nepal Airlines

3/week

Perth PER Australia

ANA

3/week

Koror ROR Palau

United Airlines

2/week

Cairo CAI Egypt

E EgyptAir

2/week

Hiroshima HIJ Japan

Spring Airlines Japan

2/week

Jebel Ali DWC United Arab Emirates

Emirates

2/week

Nadi NAN Fiji

F Fiji Airways

2/week

Baku GYD Azerbaijan

S Silk Way West

1/week

Tashkent TAS Uzbekistan

U Uzbekistan Airways

1/week
Within China 21

Shanghai PVG

Air China ANA China Eastern Airlines

C China Postal Airlines China Southern Airlines Jetstar Japan Juneyao Airlines Spring Airlines Spring Airlines Japan

15/day

Shenzhen SZX

S SF Airlines Shenzhen Airlines

1-2/day

Beijing PEK

ANA Hainan Airlines JAL

Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Dalian DLC

ANA China Southern Airlines

1-2/day

Fuzhou FOC

Cambodia Angkor Air Xiamen Airlines

1-2/day

Harbin HRB

China Southern Airlines Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Tianjin TSN

Spring Airlines Japan

~1/day

Xiamen XMN

Xiamen Airlines

~1/day

Hangzhou HGH

Air China ANA

~1/day

Chengdu TFU

S Sichuan Airlines

~1/day

Guangzhou CAN

ANA China Southern Airlines

~1/day

Shenyang SHE

China Southern Airlines

5/week

Yantai YNT

C China Central Airlines

5/week

Chongqing CKG

Air China

4/week

Changchun CGQ

China Southern Airlines

3/week

Nantong NTG

S Sichuan Airlines

3/week

Ningbo NGB

C China Central Longhao

3/week

Qingdao TAO

ANA

3/week

Weihai WEH

Shandong Airlines

3/week

Jinan TNA

C China Postal Airlines

2/week

Haikou HAK

Hainan Airlines

1/week
Nonstop routes only. Flights per day are an average, each way. Data: AeroDataBox, updated July 2026.
Visa rules apply at the country level. See visa advice for Japan.
Haneda Airport HND

15-40 min into most central Tokyo districts.

Haneda is dramatically easier than Narita for most travellers because it sits much closer to the city. The Keikyu Line works best for Shinagawa and southern Tokyo, while the Tokyo Monorail connects quickly into the JR network at Hamamatsucho. Taxis are manageable late at night after the trains stop, unlike Narita where fares become painful fast.
- Keikyu Line: 14-21 min, ¥330 ($2 USD)
- Tokyo Monorail: 13-18 min, ¥500-¥520 ($3-4 USD)
- Airport Limousine Bus: 40-70 min, ¥1000-¥1400 ($7-9 USD)
- Taxi to central Tokyo: 20-40 min, ¥8000-¥12000 ($53-80 USD)
Direct flights from Haneda

Serves 108 direct destinations, 60 international and 48 domestic, about 737 flights a day.
International 60

Seoul GMP South Korea

ANA Asiana Airlines JAL

Korean Air

14/day

Los Angeles LAX United States

American Airlines ANA D Delta Air Lines

JAL United Airlines

10/day

Beijing PEK China

Air China ANA JAL

9/day

Hong Kong HKG Hong Kong

ANA Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Express

JAL V VistaJet

9/day

Taipei City TSA Taiwan

ANA China Airlines EVA Air

JAL

9/day

Singapore SIN Singapore

ANA JAL Scoot

Singapore Airlines

9/day

Bangkok BKK Thailand

ANA JAL Thai Airways International

8/day

Honolulu HNL United States

A Alaska Airlines ANA D Delta Air Lines

JAL

7/day

London LHR United Kingdom

ANA B British Airways JAL

6/day

New York JFK United States

American Airlines ANA JAL

6/day

Sydney SYD Australia

ANA JAL Qantas

6/day

Paris CDG France

A Air France ANA JAL

5/day

Guangzhou CAN China

ANA China Southern Airlines JAL

5/day

Shanghai PVG China

China Eastern Airlines Juneyao Airlines Peach Aviation

Spring Airlines

4/day

Manila MNL Philippines

ANA JAL Philippine Airlines

4/day

Chicago ORD United States

ANA JAL United Airlines

3/day

Frankfurt FRA Germany

ANA Lufthansa

3/day

Jakarta CGK Indonesia

ANA Garuda Indonesia

3/day

New Delhi DEL India

Air India ANA JAL

3/day

San Francisco SFO United States

ANA JAL United Airlines

3/day

Seoul ICN South Korea

Asiana Airlines Korean Air Peach Aviation

3/day

Shanghai SHA China

ANA JAL S Shanghai Airlines

3/day

Ho Chi Minh City SGN Vietnam

ANA JAL VietJetAir

3/day

Dallas DFW United States

American Airlines JAL

3/day

Kuala Lumpur KUL Malaysia

AirAsia X ANA

1-2/day

Munich MUC Germany

ANA Lufthansa

1-2/day

Seattle SEA United States

ANA D Delta Air Lines

1-2/day

Taipei TPE Taiwan

Peach Aviation Tigerair Taiwan

1-2/day

Washington IAD United States

ANA United Airlines

1-2/day

Helsinki HEL Finland

F Finnair JAL

1-2/day

Beijing PKX China

China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines

1-2/day

Istanbul IST Türkiye

ANA Turkish Airlines

1-2/day

Atlanta ATL United States

D Delta Air Lines

~1/day

Dalian DLC China

JAL

~1/day

Detroit DTW United States

D Delta Air Lines

~1/day

Dubai DXB United Arab Emirates

Emirates

~1/day

Hanoi HAN Vietnam

Vietnam Airlines

~1/day

Houston IAH United States

ANA

~1/day

Minneapolis MSP United States

D Delta Air Lines

~1/day

Qingdao TAO China

ANA

~1/day

Rome FCO Italy

I ITA Airways

~1/day

Shenzhen SZX China

ANA

~1/day

Toronto YYZ Canada

Air Canada

~1/day

Vancouver YVR Canada

ANA

~1/day

Copenhagen CPH Denmark

SAS

~1/day

Guam GUM Guam

United Airlines

~1/day

Newark EWR United States

United Airlines

~1/day

Mumbai BOM India

Air India

4/week

Stockholm ARN Sweden

ANA

4/week

Milan MXP Italy

ANA

3/week

Vienna VIE Austria

ANA

3/week

Tianjin TSN China

T Tianjin Airlines

2/week

Xiamen XMN China

ANA

2/week

Geneva GVA Switzerland

V VistaJet

1/week

Hamilton YHM Canada

H HTT

1/week

Oshkosh OSH United States

JAL

1/week

Saint Louis SUS United States

R RDN

1/week

Seattle BFI United States

H Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter

1/week

Vero Beach VRB United States

JAL

1/week

Weihai WEH China

ANA

1/week
Within Japan 48

Sapporo CTS

Air Do ANA JAL

Skymark Airlines Spring Airlines Japan

66/day

Fukuoka FUK

ANA JAL Skymark Airlines

S StarFlyer

64/day

Naha OKA

ANA JAL Skymark Airlines

S Solaseed Air

41/day

Osaka ITM

ANA JAL

34/day

Kagoshima KOJ

ANA JAL Skymark Airlines

S Solaseed Air

25/day

Kumamoto KMJ

ANA JAL S Solaseed Air

21/day

Miyazaki KMI

ANA JAL S Solaseed Air

19/day

Hiroshima HIJ

ANA JAL

17/day

Nagasaki NGS

ANA JAL S Solaseed Air

17/day

Kitakyūshū KKJ

ANA JAL Spring Airlines Japan

S StarFlyer

16/day

Ōita OIT

ANA JAL S Solaseed Air

16/day

Takamatsu TAK

ANA JAL

15/day

Matsuyama MYJ

ANA JAL

14/day

Nankoku KCZ

ANA JAL

11/day

Okayama City OKJ

ANA JAL

11/day

Ube UBJ

ANA JAL S StarFlyer

11/day

Akita AXT

ANA JAL

10/day

Hakodate HKD

Air Do ANA JAL

10/day

Tokushima TKS

ANA JAL

10/day

Kanazawa KMQ

ANA JAL

9/day

Kobe UKB

ANA Skymark Airlines

9/day

Asahikawa AKJ

Air Do ANA JAL

8/day

Obihiro OBO

Air Do ANA JAL

8/day

Aomori AOJ

JAL

7/day

Kushiro KUH

Air Do ANA JAL

7/day

Yonago YGJ

ANA

7/day

Izumo IZO

JAL

6/day

Ōzora MMB

Air Do ANA JAL

6/day

Saga HSG

ANA

6/day

Tottori TTJ

ANA

6/day

Ishigaki ISG

ANA JAL

5/day

Misawa MSJ

JAL

5/day

Shonai SYO

ANA

5/day

Hachijojima HAC

ANA

3/day

Miyako City MMY

ANA JAL

3/day

Ōdate ONJ

ANA

3/day

Shirahama SHM

JAL

3/day

Tokoname NGO

ANA JAL

3/day

Toyama TOY

ANA

3/day

Osaka KIX

ANA Wings S StarFlyer

3/day

Masuda IWJ

ANA

1-2/day

Wajima NTQ

ANA

1-2/day

Wakkanai WKJ

ANA

1-2/day

Yamagata GAJ

JAL

1-2/day

Amami ASJ

JAL

~1/day

Monbetsu MBE

ANA

~1/day

Nakashibetsu SHB

ANA

~1/day

Shimojishima SHI

Skymark Airlines

~1/day
Nonstop routes only. Flights per day are an average, each way. Data: AeroDataBox, updated July 2026.
Shinkansen From Tokyo Station

Fast rail links across Japan, Osaka in about 2.5h.

Tokyo Station is the country's main shinkansen hub and easier to navigate than Shinjuku once you understand the platform zones. The Tokaido Shinkansen handles Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, while northern routes leave from the east side platforms. Holiday periods like Golden Week and New Year sell out fast, especially oversized luggage seats.
- Tokaido Shinkansen
- Tohoku Shinkansen
- JR Pass
- SmartEX booking
Overnight Buses Across Japan

Cheap overnight routes to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Sendai.

Night buses cost far less than the shinkansen and save a hotel night, though sleep quality varies wildly. Most depart from Shinjuku Bus Terminal, known locally as Busta Shinjuku. Women-only rows and higher-end sleeper seats exist on some routes and are worth paying for on longer journeys.
- Willer Express
- JR Bus
- Busta Shinjuku
- Highwaybus.com

83/100

Very safe

Tokyo is considered one of the safest cities globally, with very low crime rates. However, petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, so remain aware of your surroundings. Natural disasters like earthquakes are a concern, but the city is well-prepared for them.

🛵Road safetyTokyo83

Tokyo roads are orderly compared with most major cities, but cyclists, narrow side streets and left side driving still catch visitors out. Rainy evenings around Shibuya crossings and taxi heavy station exits create the biggest pedestrian friction. Motorcycle tourism is limited and serious scooter crashes involving visitors are uncommon compared with Bangkok or Bali. Use trains whenever possible and avoid cycling after drinking because police enforcement is strict.

WHO Global Status Report ↗

US State Department Japan Advisory ↗

Australia DFAT Japan ↗

Japan Times Road Safety

Last checked on: May 2026

👩Solo female safetyTokyo90

Tokyo ranks among the safer major cities for solo women, especially around transit hubs with constant foot traffic and convenience stores open all night. The recurring problems are groping on packed commuter trains, aggressive nightlife touts in Kabukicho and occasional drink spiking complaints in Roppongi bars. Women only train cars operate during peak hours on several lines because the issue remains persistent. Stay near station exits after midnight and avoid following street touts into upstairs bars.

Georgetown WPS Index ↗

OSAC Japan Report

UK FCDO Japan Advice ↗

Reuters Tokyo Rail Report

Last checked on: May 2026

🛡️CrimeTokyo88

Violent crime against travellers in Tokyo is rare and petty theft levels remain low compared with European or North American capitals. The highest concentration of problems sits around Kabukicho, Roppongi and parts of Ikebukuro where bar touts, inflated tabs and drink tampering complaints recur. Lost wallets and phones are often returned intact through police boxes called koban. Avoid nightlife venues pushed by street promoters and use card readers directly yourself.

OSAC Japan Crime Report

US State Department Japan Advisory ↗

Tokyo Metropolitan Police

BBC Tokyo Nightlife Report

Last checked on: May 2026

⚠️Tourist scam prevalenceTokyo79

Tokyo avoids the aggressive tourist scam culture seen in many large cities, but nightlife overcharging remains a real problem. Foreign visitors in Kabukicho and Roppongi regularly report being led into bars by touts before receiving inflated bills or card charges. Taxi scams and ATM skimming are uncommon because payment infrastructure is tightly regulated. Ignore street promoters completely and leave immediately if menus or cover charges stay vague.

UK FCDO Japan Advice ↗

OSAC Japan Report

Japan Times Kabukicho Coverage

Last checked on: May 2026

🏳️‍🌈LGBTQ safetyTokyo78

Tokyo is one of the easier Asian cities for openly LGBTQ travellers, especially around Shinjuku Ni chome where queer nightlife is deeply established. Public harassment levels are low, though Japan still lacks nationwide same sex marriage recognition and social attitudes remain quieter than in parts of Europe. Trans travellers occasionally report friction with hotel documentation or bathhouse rules. Couples holding hands rarely attract attention in central districts.

ILGA World Japan ↗

Equaldex Japan ↗

Human Rights Watch Japan ↗

Spartacus Gay Travel Index ↗

Last checked on: May 2026

🌋Disaster riskTokyo58

Tokyo is extremely prepared for disasters but still sits inside one of the world's most active earthquake regions. Strong tremors, typhoon related flooding and train shutdowns happen regularly enough that visitors should expect at least minor disruption over longer stays. Buildings and public warning systems are engineered well, which lowers casualty risk compared with less prepared countries. Install the Japan Official Travel App and follow hotel evacuation guidance during typhoon season.

Japan Meteorological Agency ↗

INFORM Risk Index Japan ↗

ThinkHazard Tokyo ↗

US State Department Japan Advisory ↗

Last checked on: May 2026

Government travel advisories are issued at country level. See full advisories on the Japan page.

Hostess Bar Hidden Charges
HIGH RISK

Trigger:A tout promises cheap drinks near Kabukicho or Roppongi

Once inside, the bill suddenly includes seating fees, hostess charges, overpriced drinks, or fake bottle orders that can reach tens of thousands of yen. Refusing to pay sometimes leads to intimidation or being blocked from leaving.

How to avoid: Ignore street touts completely, especially around Kabukicho and Roppongi after dark. Stick to bars with visible menus, online reviews, and no street recruiters outside.
Spiked Roppongi Drinks
HIGH RISK

Trigger:Your drink tastes odd or hits unusually fast

Some bars in Roppongi target foreign tourists with spiked drinks that leave victims disoriented while cards are charged repeatedly. People often wake up with massive transactions and little memory of the night.

How to avoid: Do not leave drinks unattended and avoid bars pushed aggressively by touts. Use a credit card with instant transaction alerts or pay cash in nightlife districts.
Unlicensed Airport Taxis
MEDIUM RISK

Trigger:A driver approaches you inside the arrivals hall

Unlicensed drivers around Narita and Haneda quote inflated flat rates and sometimes claim trains are finished for the night when they are not. Vehicles without commercial registration are also uninsured for passenger transport.

How to avoid: Use the official taxi ranks, airport buses, or train lines instead. Licensed taxis in Japan use green-number commercial plates, not standard white private plates.
Fake Monk Donation Requests
LOW RISK

Trigger:Someone in monk clothing offers a charm or bracelet

The person pressures tourists into handing over cash donations near temples, stations, and busy pedestrian areas. Real monks in Japan do not approach tourists demanding money like this.

How to avoid: Refuse politely and keep walking without accepting anything. Donate directly at temples if you want to contribute.

Missing The Last Train
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE

Tokyo's rail network mostly stops around midnight, and late-night taxis across the city are expensive enough to wreck a budget fast. People regularly end up paying JPY10000 to JPY20000 ($70 to $140) after a missed connection.

Fix: Check your final train before drinking or changing districts at night. If you plan to stay out late, book accommodation near your nightlife area.
Littering
MINOR CONSEQUENCE

Public trash bins are scarce, especially outside convenience stores and stations, so travellers often end up carrying rubbish all day. Dropping trash can still draw fines depending on the ward.

Fix: Carry a small bag for wrappers and bottles until you find a bin or return to your hotel. Convenience stores sometimes have sorting bins near the entrance.
Ignoring Public Drinking Rules
MINOR CONSEQUENCE

Public drinking is legal in most of Tokyo, but parts of Shibuya restrict street drinking during busy nightlife periods and large events. Police usually move people along first, but repeated problems can still lead to fines.

Fix: Drink inside bars, restaurants, or designated areas around major nightlife zones. Follow temporary event restrictions around Shibuya Station and Halloween periods.
Loud Public Conversations
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCE

Talking loudly on trains or taking calls in packed carriages stands out immediately in Tokyo. Locals usually stay quiet during commutes, especially during rush hour.

Fix: Keep conversations short and use messaging instead of calls on trains. Set your phone to silent mode before boarding.
Tipping For Service
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCE

Leaving tips in restaurants, taxis, or hotels creates awkward confusion more than gratitude. Staff sometimes chase tourists down to return the money.

Fix: Pay the listed price and thank staff directly instead. Exceptional service is already built into the bill.
Eating While Walking
SOCIAL CONSEQUENCE

Walking through crowded streets while eating or vaping annoys people faster in Tokyo than in many other major cities. Some districts also ban smoking outside designated areas.

Fix: Eat near the shop where you bought the food or stop at a side street. Use marked smoking zones for cigarettes and vapes.

Carry some yen for smaller shops and temples, use cards elsewhere, and always pay in yen not your home currency.

Cash Still Matters

Tokyo takes cards far more than the rest of Japan, but cash still matters in older ramen shops, small bars, temple areas, ticket machines, and local restaurants. Carry a mix of ¥1000, ¥5000, and ¥10000 notes plus ¥100 and ¥500 coins for lockers, vending machines, and laundry machines.
Cards Work Most Places

Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere tourists regularly go, including department stores, hotels, chain restaurants, and convenience stores. Contactless payments are common on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and in places like 7-Eleven, though smaller family-run businesses still sometimes refuse foreign cards.
Use Convenience Store ATMs

7-Eleven and Japan Post Bank ATMs remain the safest bet for foreign cards, especially outside major shopping districts. Most support English menus and international networks like Cirrus and Plus. Many local bank ATMs still reject overseas cards late at night or entirely.

Compare cards for ATM withdrawals in Japan
Always Pay In Yen

If a payment terminal offers your home currency instead of Japanese yen, refuse it. Dynamic currency conversion uses bad exchange rates designed to extract extra money from tourists, especially in hotels and airport areas.
Suica Beats Cash

Mobile Suica and Pasmo are more useful in Tokyo than most tourists realise. They work on trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, lockers, and many chain cafes, which means fewer coins and fewer card problems.
Recharge Transit Cards

Physical Suica and Pasmo cards still require cash top-ups at many station machines. Tourists expecting every recharge to work by card get caught out quickly.
Departure Tax Included

Japan charges an international departure tax on flights leaving the country. It is normally bundled into your airline ticket already, so you will not pay separately at Narita or Haneda.
International Transfers

To send money to a bank account in Japan, for things like rent or day-to-day expenses, services like Wise or Remitly usually offer better rates than traditional banks and faster delivery.

You'll typically need the recipient's full name, account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. Some banks may also require a local address.

Compare providers for transfers to Japan

58/100

Expensive

Tokyo is a city where rent is a significant expense, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around ¥172,672 per month. While a Big Mac is relatively affordable at ¥3.15, the influx of foreign investment and a weak yen have driven up property prices and rents in prime locations.

📊Monthly cost (mid-range)Tokyo$2,718

A ballpark for a solo, mid-range nomad month: a 1-bed apartment with coworking, one meal out a day and cooking the rest, plus the occasional transient night. Only shown for destinations set up for a long stay (rent, coworking, gym, and short-stay options all known). Excludes flights, visas, insurance, and one-off setup. Real spend will vary.

🏨Hotel 3-star (per night)Tokyo$108

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

JPY 18500 / night

Mitsui Garden Ueno

JPY 16800 / night

Tokyu Stay Ginza

JPY 22000 / night

Average (inc. tax & service)$108

Tokyo business hotels stay clean and efficient but rooms remain small even at higher rates.

Last checked on: May 2026

🏡Airbnb 1-bed (per night)Tokyo$118

Modern Apartment Shibuya

JPY 18500 / night

Loft Near Asakusa

JPY 14200 / night

Shinjuku Designer Flat

JPY 22000 / night

Average (inc. tax & service)$118

Mid range one bedroom Airbnbs in Shibuya and Shinjuku often include tourist markup versus local leases.

Last checked on: May 2026

🛏️Hostel dorm (per night)Tokyo$31.50

Nui Hostel Asakusa

JPY 4800 / night

CITAN Hostel Nihonbashi

JPY 5200 / night

UNPLAN Shinjuku

JPY 6900 / night

Average (inc. tax & service)$31.50

Dorm prices spike sharply on weekends and during cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods.

Last checked on: May 2026

🍜Local restaurant mealTokyo$8.95

Ichiran Shibuya

JPY 1280 / meal

Maisen Aoyama

JPY 1750 / meal

Nakau Shinjuku

JPY 890 / meal

Average (inc. tax & service)$8.95

Lunch sets and standard dinner mains at ordinary Tokyo restaurants remain fairly priced outside tourist heavy zones.

Last checked on: May 2026

☕CappuccinoTokyo$4.85

Fuglen Shibuya

JPY 750 / cappuccino

Blue Bottle Kiyosumi

JPY 720 / cappuccino

Streamer Coffee Harajuku

JPY 680 / cappuccino

Average (inc. tax & service)$4.85

Independent cafes in Shibuya and Kiyosumi Shirakawa charge noticeably more than chains like Doutor.

Last checked on: May 2026

🍺Beer local (at a bar)Tokyo$5.80

Hub Shinjuku

JPY 890 / draft beer

Torikizoku Ueno

JPY 370 / draft beer

Beer Boy Shibuya

JPY 1200 / draft beer

Average (inc. tax & service)$5.80

Domestic draft beer in standing bars and izakayas usually sits between JPY 700 and 1100.

Last checked on: May 2026

🚕Taxi / ride-share (5km)Tokyo$12.40

GO Taxi Tokyo

JPY 1900 / 5km ride

Nihon Kotsu

JPY 2100 / 5km ride

S.RIDE Tokyo

JPY 1800 / 5km ride

Average (inc. tax & service)$12.40

Tokyo taxis are clean and reliable but expensive after midnight because surcharges start late at night.

Last checked on: May 2026

🏠Rent 1-bed (monthly)Tokyo$1,420

SUUMO Shinjuku

JPY 235000 / month

SUUMO Nakano

JPY 198000 / month

Able Meguro

JPY 225000 / month

Average (inc. tax & service)$1,420

Central one bedroom rentals in Shinjuku, Nakano and Meguro usually land between JPY 190000 and 240000 monthly before utilities.

Last checked on: May 2026

💪Gym membership (monthly)Tokyo$72

Anytime Fitness Shibuya

JPY 8580 / month

Joyfit Shinjuku

JPY 8778 / month

Golds Gym Harajuku

JPY 14300 / month

Average (inc. tax & service)$72

Normal gyms in central Tokyo often require joining fees on top of the monthly rate.

Last checked on: May 2026

📱SIM card tourist (7-day)Tokyo$24.00

Mobal Japan

JPY 3490 / 7 day SIM

Sakura Mobile

JPY 4500 / 7 day SIM

Japan Wireless Narita

JPY 3980 / 7 day SIM

Average (inc. tax & service)$24.00

Tourist SIM plans at Narita and Haneda remain data focused with limited voice support.

Last checked on: May 2026

💆1-hour massageTokyo$43.50

Raffine Shinjuku

JPY 7250 / 1hr massage

Goo-it Shibuya

JPY 5680 / 1hr massage

Queensway Ginza

JPY 8800 / 1hr massage

Average (inc. tax & service)$43.50

Standard oil and body massages in Tokyo cost far more than Southeast Asia and often exclude extras.

Last checked on: May 2026

💻Co-working space (monthly)Tokyo$215

WeWork Shibuya

JPY 33000 / month

Impact Hub Meguro

JPY 27500 / month

Basis Point Shimbashi

JPY 38500 / month

Average (inc. tax & service)$215

Coworking passes in Tokyo are reliable but desk space gets crowded around Shibuya and Marunouchi weekdays.

Last checked on: May 2026

🦷Dentist checkupTokyo$62

Trust Dental Clinic Roppongi

JPY 11000 / checkup and cleaning

Tokyo Dental Office Hiroo

JPY 8800 / checkup and cleaning

UC Dental Shinjuku

JPY 9500 / checkup and cleaning

Average (inc. tax & service)$62

Foreign friendly dental clinics in Minato and Shinjuku usually offer English support with advance booking.

Last checked on: May 2026

🩺Doctor / GP checkupTokyo$78

Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic

JPY 12000 / GP visit

Navitas Clinic Shinjuku

JPY 8500 / GP visit

Hiroo Garden Hills Clinic

JPY 16000 / GP visit

Average (inc. tax & service)$78

Private English speaking clinics charge more than local clinics but move far faster for travellers.

Last checked on: May 2026

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Best option for most travellers: an eSIM you set up before you arrive. You'll be online the moment you land, with no airport queue and no tourist pricing.

Travel eSIMs Connect the second you land. Zero hassle. Skip the airport queue and paperwork. Activate before you fly and land connected. Find the best eSIM →

Prefer a local SIM?

Tokyo's major tourist areas, including central districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, and even popular spots further afield, generally have excellent 4G coverage with expanding 5G availability. Speeds are consistently reliable for essential travel needs like maps, ride-hail apps, messaging, and even video streaming.

shinjuku area in tokyo, evening small alley — Shinjuku. Photo by Jezael Melgoza

Tokyo stops being impressive once you get over the neon and realise the real achievement is that thirty million people somehow manage not to scream at each other all day. Morning trains pull into Shinjuku packed tight enough to fog the windows, yet most passengers stand in silence staring at their phones or sleeping upright. Convenience stores run like surgical theatres. Tiny bars under train tracks serve six people at a time without anyone rushing you out. The city is less chaotic than first-time visitors expect and far more structured. That structure is the whole point.

Walk ten minutes in almost any direction and Tokyo changes personality completely. Shimokitazawa smells like coffee grinders and old denim shops, Ginza feels like office workers pretending department stores are museums, and Asakusa still has old men smoking outside tiny noodle counters while tourists queue for temple photos nearby. Most visitors make the mistake of treating the city like one giant entertainment district connected by trains. It works better when you narrow your focus and let one neighbourhood take over your day properly. Tokyo punishes checklist travel.

Food here is not about luxury unless you force it to be. Some of the best meals happen in places where the chef barely speaks, the menu lives on a vending machine, and somebody's jacket is hanging three inches from your bowl of ramen. Tourists often obsess over famous sushi counters and reservation drama while ignoring the quieter skill everywhere else: basement curry shops in Kanda, yakitori smoke drifting through Omoide Yokocho, office workers lining up outside standing soba joints for lunch. Tokyo respects specialisation almost to the point of absurdity. One shop will spend its entire existence perfecting fried pork cutlets.

Nightlife in Tokyo is far less wild than the internet wants people to believe. Most residents miss the last train on purpose maybe once or twice a year, not every weekend, and entire business districts empty out after midnight with surprising speed. The exceptions stand out harder because the city around them stays controlled. Kabukicho pushes drunken chaos onto narrow streets full of touts and giant screens, while Golden Gai survives as a maze of bars small enough that strangers end up speaking simply because there is nowhere else to look. Tokyo after dark works best when you stop chasing the cinematic version of it.

People who need constant spontaneity or social warmth can bounce off Tokyo hard. The city does not perform hospitality in the same way Bangkok or Osaka does, and daily interactions often stay polite, efficient, and emotionally distant. Restaurants still turn people away quietly over language barriers or booking systems they do not understand. Long walks through residential neighbourhoods can feel repetitive if you are expecting every street to look like Akihabara. Yet that restraint is exactly why many travellers end up returning. Tokyo grows slowly, then all at once.

tokyo disneyland entrance with crowds — Photo by Colton Jones

Tokyo Disney is less a theme park day and more a lesson in organised obsession. By 8am, families are already sitting on picnic mats outside Maihama Station with matching headbands, portable stools, and military-grade plans for ride priority systems. People do not casually wander into Tokyo Disney and figure it out later. The park rewards preparation so aggressively that unprepared visitors spend half the day staring at queue times while locals glide past with timed entries already stacked on their phones. If your idea of fun is spontaneous wandering, this place can feel exhausting fast. If you enjoy systems, optimisation, and hyper-polite chaos, it becomes weirdly addictive.

The smartest move is choosing between Disneyland and DisneySea instead of trying to force both into one rushed day. DisneySea is the stronger park for most adults, especially first-time visitors without children. Themed areas like Mysterious Island and the waterfront around Mediterranean Harbor feel unusually detailed even by Disney standards, while Disneyland leans harder into nostalgia and parade culture. Weekends are rough, school holidays are worse, and rainy weekdays often end up being the sweet spot despite the weather. A cloudy Tuesday with light drizzle usually beats a sunny Saturday where every major ride sits above two hours before lunch.

Getting there is easy enough that people underestimate the energy drain. From central Tokyo, the train ride to Maihama looks short on paper, but adding rope-drop timing, endless walking, standing in queues, and the return commute turns the day into a full physical workout. The park also quietly destroys the fantasy that Japan is always calm and restrained. Inside the gates, people sprint for ride reservations, flood popcorn stands with hour-long lines, and photograph every seasonal snack from five angles before eating it. The discipline is still there, just redirected into Disney efficiency.

Premier Access passes change the day completely and are one of the few upgrades in Tokyo that genuinely feel worth paying for. Without them, you end up making brutal choices between waiting ninety minutes for one attraction or sacrificing half the park to stay flexible. The mistake is trying to maximise everything. Tokyo Disney works better when you commit to a slower strategy, pick a handful of rides, and spend the gaps people-watching instead of chasing every queue. The parks are at their best after dark anyway, when the crowds thin slightly, the music softens, and exhausted families start disappearing back toward the station.

Shinjuku
Nightlife, rail access, skyscrapers
Shinjuku runs on rail lines, flashing signs, and people trying to catch the last train home. West Shinjuku is broad roads, office towers, and large hotels, while the east side folds into Kabukicho alleys, yakitori smoke, standing bars, and ramen counters open deep into the night. The station remains disorienting even after several days, but the connections make the rest of Tokyo easier once you learn your exits. Sleep close to the station if you expect late nights.
Good for: Nightlife, first Tokyo visits, rail access across the city.
Skip if: You want calm streets, light traffic, or early nights.
Shibuya
Nightlife, shopping, youth culture
Shibuya feels louder and more performative than most of Tokyo, especially around Center Gai and the scramble crossing after dark. Giant screens, chain bars, clubs, and fashion stores swallow entire blocks, but the mood shifts quickly once you walk uphill toward Oku-Shibuya or the quieter streets behind Cat Street. Hotels here work best if you plan to stay out late rather than retreat early. The station redesign helped, but navigation still gets messy underground.
Good for: Late nights, shopping, live music, younger travellers.
Skip if: You hate crowds, flashing advertisements, or noise outside your hotel.
Roppongi
Nightlife, art, expat scene
Roppongi pulls in embassy staff, expats, wealthy locals, and tourists looking for late nights without language barriers. The district swings between polished art spaces like Mori Art Museum and aggressively commercial nightlife filled with touts trying to drag people upstairs into bad bars. Some visitors love the energy, others bounce after one night. It rarely gets quiet.
Good for: Late nights, international dining, art museums, expat-heavy bars.
Skip if: You want traditional streets or peaceful evenings near your hotel.
Ginza
Luxury, shopping, quieter evenings
Ginza trades Tokyo chaos for polished department stores, basement food halls, and quiet side streets lined with discreet cocktail bars. The area feels cleaner and slower once the office workers disappear at night, especially away from the main shopping avenues. Hotels here are comfortable but the district can feel emotionally flat if you want street energy or spontaneous nights out. Some restaurants still prefer reservations over wandering walk-ins.
Good for: High-end dining, shopping, polished hotels, calmer evenings.
Skip if: You want cheap eats, scruffy bars, or messy street life.
Tokyo Station Area
Transport, business, day trips
Tokyo Station Area is built around movement rather than neighbourhood personality. Shinkansen platforms, airport buses, underground malls, and office towers all collide here, which makes arrival days and regional day trips extremely easy. Marunouchi goes strangely quiet after office hours, while Yaesu stays more practical with chain restaurants and shopping floors. You stay here for efficiency, not atmosphere.
Good for: Day trips, business travel, short stays, airport transfers.
Skip if: You want independent cafes, nightlife, or a neighbourhood feel.
Akihabara
Anime, gaming, electronics
Akihabara leans completely into niche obsession, from retro game arcades to multi-floor trading card shops and themed cafes with queues before lunch. The district feels less like old electronics Tokyo now and more like a concentrated fandom zone aimed at collectors and dedicated hobbyists. Staying here only makes sense if you genuinely plan to spend time in that world. Most travellers are satisfied after a long afternoon.
Good for: Anime culture, gaming, electronics shopping, niche subcultures.
Skip if: You want greenery, quieter streets, or varied nightlife.
Ueno
Museums, park, local atmosphere
Ueno feels more grounded and less self-conscious than Tokyo's glossy western districts. The park pulls together museums, families, office workers eating lunch under trees, and heavy cherry blossom crowds in spring, while Ameyoko below the tracks stays noisy, rough around the edges, and packed with cheap market stalls. Parts near the station look worn down in a good way. Transport links are excellent without the sensory overload of Shinjuku.
Good for: Museums, families, rail access, more local daily life.
Skip if: You want polished nightlife districts or luxury shopping streets.
Asakusa
Temples, old Tokyo, slower pace
Asakusa still holds onto parts of low-rise Tokyo that disappeared elsewhere long ago. Senso-ji is peaceful early in the morning, then turns into a slow tourist conveyor belt once the kimono rentals and snack queues appear around Nakamise. The streets west of the temple are quieter and much better for actually staying in. Nights here wind down earlier than western Tokyo.
Good for: Traditional streets, temple visits, slower pacing, river walks.
Skip if: You want club nights, luxury shopping, or fast-moving city energy.

Planning & moving around

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

Four to six days is the sweet spot. Less than that turns the city into a checklist of stations and observation decks. A week gives you time to drift through places like Koenji, Kiyosumi Shirakawa, or Nakameguro instead of sprinting between tourist stops. Tokyo gets better once you stop treating it like a speedrun.
What are the best day trips from Tokyo?

Kamakura is the easiest win because the temples, hiking trails, and coast all fit into one day without spending half the trip on trains. Nikko feels more dramatic and forested, especially around the shrine complex. Hakone works if you want ryokan baths and mountain views, though the transport loops get crowded fast on weekends. Kawaguchiko is mostly about Mount Fuji views rather than the town itself.
Is public transport better than renting a scooter in Tokyo?

Tokyo's rail network is one of the few systems where owning a vehicle actively makes life harder. Parking is expensive, traffic is dense, and roads stack over each other in ways that confuse even locals. Trains run everywhere you actually want to go and Google Maps handles transfers surprisingly well. Renting a scooter here makes far less sense than in Bangkok or Bali.
What travel apps should I download for Tokyo?

Google Maps does most of the heavy lifting, especially for train platforms, exits, and transfer timing. Google Translate helps once you leave tourist-heavy areas. Suica or Pasmo mobile apps matter more than most travel apps because they turn your phone into a train ticket, convenience store wallet, and vending machine card.
Can foreigners get Japan's digital nomad visa?

Yes, but the requirements are stricter than many people expect. Applicants need high income thresholds, private health insurance, and remote work tied to companies outside Japan. The visa lasts up to six months and does not convert into long-term residency. Tokyo works well for remote work once you are legally there, but the visa itself is not casual.

Read our travel insurance guide
Do Tokyo trains stop running at night?

Yes. Most trains stop around midnight and restart around 5am. Visitors underestimate this constantly and end up paying painful taxi fares after missing the last train. Late nights in Shibuya or Shinjuku work better if you stay nearby.
Should I use luggage forwarding in Tokyo?

Yes if you are moving between hotels or travelling with oversized suitcases. Tokyo stations get exhausting once you add stairs, crowds, and rush hour into the mix. Yamato Transport and hotel front desks handle luggage forwarding smoothly. Many locals use it instead of dragging bags through the subway.

Safety & medical

Is Tokyo safe to walk alone at night?

Yes, far safer than most major cities this size. Women regularly ride trains late at night alone and convenience stores stay open everywhere. The main problems for visitors are scam bars and aggressive touts in Kabukicho or parts of Roppongi, not street violence. Ignore anyone trying to pull you upstairs into a bar.
What should I do if I get sick in Tokyo?

Pharmacies handle basic issues well and staff in central areas often know enough English to help. Large international hospitals in Minato and Shinjuku are easier for foreign visitors than smaller clinics. Bring your passport and insurance details. Without insurance, medical costs climb fast.

Read our travel insurance guide
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?

Yes. Tokyo is safe, but hospital treatment is not cheap and English-speaking clinics are limited. Insurance also matters because weather disruptions and train cancellations can snowball into expensive rebooking costs. People skip insurance because Japan feels orderly. That logic falls apart once something actually goes wrong.

Read our travel insurance guide
Can you drink tap water in Tokyo?

Yes. Tokyo tap water is safe and heavily regulated. Many locals drink it directly from the tap without filters. Convenience stores still sell endless bottled water because people buy drinks constantly while commuting.

Laws & local norms

What are Japan's drug laws for foreigners?

Japan treats drug possession harshly, including marijuana. People arrive assuming legal weed back home changes anything here and end up arrested. Even small amounts can mean detention, deportation, and a ruined trip. Prescription medication rules are strict too, especially for stimulants and ADHD medication.
What etiquette rules matter most in Tokyo?

Keep your voice down on trains, queue properly, and do not block narrow sidewalks with luggage or group photos. People rarely eat while walking outside festival areas. Shoes come off more often than visitors expect, including some restaurants and fitting rooms. Tokyo runs on quiet cooperation more than visible rules.
Are there vaping and smoking restrictions in Tokyo?

Yes. Smoking while walking is banned in many districts and people actually follow the rules. You smoke inside marked outdoor areas or dedicated smoking rooms, not wherever you feel like it. Vaping falls into the same social category and blowing clouds on the street gets dirty looks fast.
Is it rude to photograph people in Tokyo?

Street photography happens constantly in Tokyo, but pointing a camera directly into someone's face still crosses a line. Many restaurants, temples, themed cafes, and small bars ban photos entirely. Staff usually tell you clearly if cameras are not welcome. Respect the sign and move on.
What should I wear at Tokyo temples and shrines?

You do not need formal clothing, but beachwear and nightclub outfits look disrespectful. Quiet behaviour matters more than fashion. At major places like Meiji Jingu or Sensoji, visitors often treat the grounds like a photo backdrop and forget people still come there to pray. Follow the crowd and keep the volume down.

Money & costs

Is Tokyo mostly cash or card based?

Cards work in department stores, chain restaurants, hotels, and most train stations, but cash still matters more than many visitors expect. Small ramen shops, older izakayas, temple stalls, and ticket machines still reject foreign cards regularly. Carry yen at all times. Suica and Pasmo on your phone solve a lot of small daily payments.
Is tipping customary in Tokyo restaurants?

No. Leaving cash on the table often creates confusion because staff assume you forgot your change. Good service is already built into the culture, especially in restaurants and hotels. The rare exception is private guides working with foreign clients.
Is Tokyo expensive for tourists?

Tokyo can be expensive if you chase luxury hotels, omakase sushi, and taxis everywhere, but daily life is often cheaper than people expect. Cheap ramen, convenience store meals, and reliable public transport keep costs manageable. The real money drain is accommodation, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn weekends.
Can foreigners use Suica or Pasmo on iPhone?

Usually yes, especially on iPhone with Apple Wallet. Android support depends heavily on the phone model and country version. Mobile Suica or Pasmo makes Tokyo far easier because you can tap into trains, convenience stores, lockers, and vending machines without handling cash constantly.

Culture & etiquette

Is Tokyo LGBTQ plus friendly for travellers?

Tokyo is one of the easier places in Asia for LGBTQ plus travellers to move through comfortably, especially around Shinjuku Ni chome. Public attitudes stay fairly reserved, so you see less open affection than in cities like Berlin or Madrid. Harassment is uncommon. The bigger issue is social conservatism rather than personal safety.
What is dating like in Tokyo for foreigners?

Tokyo has huge social circles, but language and social expectations shape dating more than visitors expect. Apps are common, especially in international areas like Shibuya and Roppongi. Foreigners arriving with anime stereotypes usually crash into reality quickly. The city feels socially reserved at first, especially outside nightlife settings.

Food & drink

Where do locals eat in Tokyo?

Office workers pack into tiny lunch counters around Shinbashi, Kanda, and Akabane rather than the restaurants filling TikTok lists. Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai look famous online but many locals treat them as nostalgia zones or places for one late drink. Some of the best meals happen in anonymous basement restaurants with plastic food models outside. Judge places by the queue of salarymen, not the decor.
What dishes should I actually try in Tokyo?

Edomae sushi and monjayaki are the most Tokyo-specific choices. Ramen matters too, but the city has thousands of styles and half the fun is wandering into random counters near stations. Yakitori in places like Yurakucho or Omoide Yokocho works better as a late-night drinking meal than a formal dinner. Convenience store food is also far better than most visitors expect.
Is Tokyo good for vegetarians or vegans?

Better than it used to be, but still frustrating outside tourist-heavy areas. Broth, fish stock, and hidden meat ingredients appear in dishes that look vegetarian at first glance. Areas like Shimokitazawa and Shibuya have strong vegan cafe scenes. Translation cards help a lot in smaller restaurants.

Families & kids

What are the best things to do in Tokyo with kids?

Tokyo DisneySea is the standout because it works surprisingly well for adults too. Ueno Zoo, teamLab Planets, railway museums, and arcades in Odaiba work well on rainy days. Parks like Yoyogi and Shinjuku Gyoen give children actual space to move around after long train rides. Avoid trying to cram too many districts into one day with young kids.
Is Tokyo stroller friendly for families?

Better than most Asian megacities, but not effortless. Major stations have lifts, yet many older exits still involve stairs and long underground walks. Rush hour trains with a stroller are miserable. A compact stroller works far better than oversized travel systems.

Staying longer

Which Tokyo neighborhood should I stay in first time?

Shinjuku and Shibuya work best for most first visits because the train access is ridiculous and you can still eat late after missing the last train home. Shinjuku feels rougher around Kabukicho but gives you more range, from business hotels to tiny bars and ramen counters. Shibuya skews younger and louder, especially near Center Gai. Asakusa suits people who want quieter nights and easier hotel prices.

After dark

What are Tokyo's main nightlife areas?

Shinjuku covers everything from grimy standing bars to host clubs and late-night ramen counters. Shibuya leans younger, louder, and more club-focused around Center Gai and Dogenzaka. Roppongi attracts more tourists and expats, along with the city's worst bar touts. Koenji and Shimokitazawa suit people who prefer live music and smaller bars over giant clubs.
Does Tokyo have a red light district?

Yes. Kabukicho in Shinjuku is the most famous, though it works more like an entertainment district packed with host clubs, love hotels, bars, and adult businesses than a single red light street. Most visitors pass through without problems, but tout scams targeting foreigners are common. Never follow strangers into upstairs bars promising cheap drinks or free entry.

Other

Do I need a VPN while visiting Japan?

Not really. Japan has an open internet and most travellers never think about VPNs while there. A VPN mainly matters if you need home-country streaming services or extra privacy on public WiFi. Hotel and cafe internet is usually stable enough without one.

See our recommended VPNs

Tokyo.

Is Tokyo right for you?

Tokyo Right Now

Golden Week crushes central Tokyo

Tokyo summer drains walking trips

Tokyo neighborhoods and day trips

Tokyo with young kids

Tokyo beyond the Yamanote

Narita International Airport NRT

Haneda Airport HND

Shinkansen From Tokyo Station

Overnight Buses Across Japan

Hostess Bar Hidden Charges

Spiked Roppongi Drinks

Unlicensed Airport Taxis

Fake Monk Donation Requests

Missing The Last Train

Littering

Ignoring Public Drinking Rules

Loud Public Conversations

Tipping For Service

Eating While Walking

Prefer a local SIM?

Shinjuku

Shibuya

Roppongi

Ginza

Tokyo Station Area

Akihabara

Ueno

Asakusa

Planning & moving around

Safety & medical

Laws & local norms

Money & costs

Culture & etiquette

Food & drink

Families & kids

Staying longer

After dark

Other

Tokyo