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, wait your turn in line, 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 line 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 behavior 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 travelers?

Tokyo is one of the easier places in Asia for LGBTQ plus travelers 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.

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 traveling 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 12 SEPTEMBER

Weather today

25°/21°

Hot and humid

September is the tail end of typhoon season, bringing heavy rain and high humidity. Temperatures remain warm, but the intense summer heat begins to subside. Expect frequent rain, especially in the mornings.

Late Summer

Air quality73US AQI · Moderate

UV index6.7HighLimit sun exposure around midday.

Daylight12h 31mSunrise 05:22 · Sunset 17:54

SeasonLate Summer

Heads up

Heavy rain is affecting eastern Japan, including Tokyo, causing some train service reductions.

Check for delays and cancellations on major train lines before you travel.

Transport

Upcoming

The 31st Shibuya Afternoon Concert · Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya

The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performs with conductor Masahiko Enkoji and cellist Nobuko Yamazaki, featuring works by Suppé, Tchaikovsky, and Dvořák.

Sep 13Festival

Respect for the Aged Day

This national holiday honors elderly citizens, and many people visit their older relatives or participate in community events.

Sep 21Public holiday

SUPER BEAVER 'Urban Camel DOME TOUR 2026' · Tokyo Dome, Bunkyo

Japanese rock band SUPER BEAVER brings their 'Urban Camel DOME TOUR 2026' to Tokyo Dome.

Sep 22Festival

Citizen's Holiday (Silver Week)

This is an extra public holiday that creates a five-day 'Silver Week' when it falls between two other national holidays, leading to significant domestic travel.

Sep 22Public holiday

Popularity

Growing

Interest in travel to Tokyo rose 11% from a year ago, suggesting demand is growing.

Google Trends travel searches · last 24 months

+11%vs last year

59/100

Not the best time to visitTyphoon season

Score for September

September in Tokyo sees frequent rain, but crowds are noticeably lighter than during peak times. Pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes for your visit.

Weather59

Air Quality86

Crowd Level61

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 levelHumidityAQI

Visitor data: Japan Tourism Agency Accommodation Survey, total guest nights (2024-2025 average)

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 neighborhoods 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 sidewalks 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 center 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 travelers, especially around Shibuya, Omotesando, and Ginza, while Anytime Fitness covers residential neighborhoods deeper into the city. Public sports centers 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
Dialing 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 waiting in line 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

12–21 Sep

Rock in Japan Festival 2026

Soga Sports Park, Chiba City

FestivalNational

13 Sep

The 31st Shibuya Afternoon Concert

Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya

MusicLocal

13–27 Sep

September Grand Sumo Tournament (Aki Basho)

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Sumida City

SportingNational

14 Sep

Epica

Liquid Room, Ebisu

MusicInternational

16 Sep

INI 5th Anniversary Dome Tour 'CITY OF LIGHTS'

Tokyo Dome, Bunkyo City

MusicNational

17–21 Sep

Tokyo Game Show 2026

Makuhari Messe, Chiba

EntertainmentInternational

19 Sep

Hiromitsu Kitayama Live Tour 2026 'ULTRActi:on'

Ariake Arena, Koto

MusicNational

19–20 Sep

Ultra Japan 2026

Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park, Odaiba

FestivalInternational

20 Sep

Sukima Switch

SGC HALL ARIAKE, Ariake

MusicNational

22–23 Sep

ONEW CONCERT [ONEW THE LIVE: Q] IN JAPAN

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Shibuya

MusicInternational

22 Sep

Rokuman Festival ~Spitz Masamune Kusano's Rock Continent Wandering Festival~

Ariake Arena, Koto

MusicNational

22 Sep

SUPER BEAVER 'Urban Camel DOME TOUR 2026'

Tokyo Dome, Bunkyo

MusicNational

24 Sep

Belle and Sebastian

SGC HALL ARIAKE, Ariake

MusicInternational

30 Sep

Avenged Sevenfold - Tour 2026

SGC HALL ARIAKE, Ariake

MusicInternational

5 Oct

Thy Art Is Murder - Tour 2026

Tokyo, Japan

MusicInternational

7 Oct

Zara Larsson

Ebisu Garden Hall, Ebisu

MusicInternational

On the horizon

OCT24

Anri Concert

Japanese singer Anri performs a concert featuring her popular city pop and R&B hits.

NOV30

Two Door Cinema Club Concert

Irish indie rock band Two Door Cinema Club performs a live concert in Tokyo.

DEC1

Evanescence Concert

American rock band Evanescence performs a live concert in Tokyo.

Public holidays & observances, next 12 months

SEP

Respect for the Aged Day

This national holiday honors elderly citizens, and many people visit their older relatives or participate in community events.

Public holidayMedium impact

SEP

Citizen's Holiday (Silver Week)

This is an extra public holiday that creates a five-day 'Silver Week' when it falls between two other national holidays, leading to significant domestic travel.

Public holidayHigh impact

SEP

Autumnal Equinox Day

This day is a time to honor ancestors and remember the deceased, with many people visiting family graves.

Public holidayMedium impact

OCT

Tokyo Citizen's Day

This local observance in Tokyo celebrates the city's heritage, though it does not result in widespread closures.

Observance onlyLow impact

OCT

Sports Day

This holiday commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and promotes sports and a healthy lifestyle.

Public holidayMedium impact

NOV

Culture Day

This day promotes culture and the arts, with many museums and galleries offering special events or free admission.

Public holidayLow impact Worth timing around

NOV

Labor Thanksgiving Day

This holiday celebrates labor and production, and it often coincides with peak autumn foliage, making popular viewing spots busy.

Public holidayMedium impact

JAN

New Year's Day

The country largely shuts down from December 29 to January 3, with many businesses and attractions closed, and shrines are very busy.

Public holidayHigh impact

JAN

Coming of Age Day

Young people who have turned 20 in the past year are formally recognized as adults, often seen in traditional attire around city halls.

Public holidayLow impact Worth timing around

FEB

National Foundation Day

This holiday commemorates the mythical founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu, with some flag-raising ceremonies but generally quiet for visitors.

Public holidayLow impact

FEB

Emperor's Birthday

The inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo open to the public on this day, with members of the Imperial Family making appearances.

Public holidayMedium impact Worth timing around

MAR

Vernal Equinox Day

This day marks the transition from winter to spring and is traditionally a time for visiting ancestral graves.

Public holidayMedium impact

MAR

Vernal Equinox Day (Substitute Holiday)

Because Vernal Equinox Day falls on a Sunday in 2027, the following Monday becomes a substitute public holiday, creating a three-day weekend.

Public holidayMedium impact

APR

Showa Day

This holiday honors the birthday of the former Emperor Showa and marks the beginning of Golden Week, a very busy travel period.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Constitution Memorial Day

This day commemorates the 1947 constitution taking effect and falls during Golden Week, meaning crowded transportation and attractions.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Greenery Day

This holiday celebrates nature, and some botanical gardens may offer free entry, though they will be very crowded as it is part of Golden Week.

Public holidayHigh impact

MAY

Children's Day

This day focuses on the health and well-being of children, with carp streamers displayed nationwide, and it closes Golden Week.

Public holidayHigh impact Worth timing around

JUL

Marine Day

This holiday celebrates the importance of the sea in Japanese life, and coastal areas and beaches will be busy.

Public holidayMedium impact

AUG

Mountain Day

This relatively new holiday encourages people to appreciate mountains, and it often falls just before Obon, making it a busy travel period.

Public holidayMedium impact

AUG

Obon

While not an official public holiday, many people take leave to return to their hometowns to honor ancestors, causing significant domestic travel and crowded transport.

Observance onlyHigh 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 is 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, 93 international and 20 domestic, about 343 flights a day.
International 93

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

Shanghai PVG China

Air China ANA China Eastern Airlines

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

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

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

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

Guam GUM Guam

JAL United Airlines

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

Seattle SEA United States

A Alaska Airlines JAL

1-2/day

Newark EWR United States

United Airlines

1-2/day

Shenzhen SZX China

S SF Airlines Shenzhen Airlines

1-2/day

Istanbul IST Türkiye

Turkish Airlines

1-2/day

Melbourne MEL Australia

JAL Qantas

1-2/day

Beijing PEK China

ANA Hainan Airlines JAL

Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Dalian DLC China

ANA China Southern Airlines

1-2/day

Fuzhou FOC China

Cambodia Angkor Air Xiamen Airlines

1-2/day

Da Nang DAD Vietnam

Vietnam Airlines

1-2/day

Harbin HRB China

China Southern Airlines Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Bangkok DMK Thailand

Thai AirAsia X

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

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

Montreal YUL Canada

Air Canada

~1/day

Mumbai BOM India

ANA

~1/day

New Delhi DEL India

JAL

~1/day

Toronto YYZ Canada

Air Canada

~1/day

Vienna VIE Austria

A Austrian

~1/day

Tianjin TSN China

Spring Airlines Japan

~1/day

Xiamen XMN China

Xiamen Airlines

~1/day

San Jose SJC United States

ZIPAIR Tokyo

~1/day

Hangzhou HGH China

Air China ANA

~1/day

Zurich ZRH Switzerland

S SWISS

~1/day

Chengdu TFU China

S Sichuan Airlines

~1/day

Guangzhou CAN China

ANA China Southern Airlines

~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

Shenyang SHE China

China Southern Airlines

5/week

Yantai YNT China

C China Central Airlines

5/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

Chongqing CKG China

Air China

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

Changchun CGQ China

China Southern Airlines

3/week

Nantong NTG China

S Sichuan Airlines

3/week

Ningbo NGB China

C China Central Longhao

3/week

Qingdao TAO China

ANA

3/week

Weihai WEH China

Shandong Airlines

3/week

Koror ROR Palau

United Airlines

2/week

Cairo CAI Egypt

E EgyptAir

2/week

Jebel Ali DWC United Arab Emirates

Emirates

2/week

Nadi NAN Fiji

F Fiji Airways

2/week

Jinan TNA China

C China Postal Airlines

2/week

Baku GYD Azerbaijan

S Silk Way West

1/week

Tashkent TAS Uzbekistan

U Uzbekistan Airways

1/week

Haikou HAK China

Hainan Airlines

1/week
Within Japan 20

Sapporo CTS

ANA Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

Spring Airlines Japan

21/day

Fukuoka FUK

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

15/day

Naha OKA

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation Spring Airlines Japan

8/day

Osaka KIX

Jetstar Japan Peach Aviation

6/day

Tokoname NGO

ANA JAL

3/day

Matsuyama MYJ

Jetstar Japan

3/day

Ishigaki ISG

Peach Aviation

1-2/day

Kumamoto KMJ

Jetstar Japan

1-2/day

Osaka ITM

ANA JAL

1-2/day

Takamatsu TAK

Jetstar Japan

1-2/day

Kitakyūshū KKJ

Spring Airlines Japan

1-2/day

Asahikawa AKJ

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Kagoshima KOJ

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Miyazaki KMI

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Nagasaki NGS

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Nankoku KCZ

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Ōita OIT

Jetstar Japan

~1/day

Amami ASJ

Peach Aviation

~1/day

Hakodate HKD

Spring Airlines Japan

4/week

Hiroshima HIJ

Spring Airlines Japan

2/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 the full Japan visa guide, with every visa and its official do-it-yourself cost.
Haneda Airport HND

15-40 min into most central Tokyo districts.

Haneda is dramatically easier than Narita for most travelers because it is 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

85/100

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 trip visitors up. 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 travelers in Tokyo is rare and petty theft levels remain low compared with European or North American capitals. The highest concentration of problems is 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 travelers, 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 travelers 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 is still 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

How this score is built ↗

Government travel advisories are issued at country level. See full advisories in the Japan safety guide.

M7.9

Strongest nearby earthquake

2011 · 139 km · Ōarai

~400

Magnitude 5+ earthquakes

Within 200 km over the last 20 years

Tokyo sits in a seismically active region. Most days you'll never notice it, but strong earthquakes do occur from time to time. It's worth knowing your accommodation's emergency exits and following local instructions if an earthquake occurs.

See the 5 strongest nearby earthquakes

M7.92011 · 139 km · Ōarai
M6.92008 · 168 km · Hasaki
M6.32011 · 177 km · Iwaki
M6.22011 · 194 km · Arai
M6.22009 · 171 km · Sagara

Source: U.S. Geological Survey · Updated August 2026

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 travelers 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 realize. 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, a coworking desk and a gym, one meal out a day and cooking the rest, plus the occasional transient night. Built from the rent, the food and what a short stay costs. 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

Hotel 5-star luxury (per night)Tokyo$1,273

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

JPY 202,600 / night

Average (inc. tax & service)$1,273

Lead-in nightly rate for a Deluxe room at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, in a normal non-peak period. Peak dates are higher.

Last checked on: August 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

See the full cost of living for Tokyo →

Price IndexJapan29

How local prices compare with a global baseline, based on the World Bank's Price Level Index. It captures what a typical basket of goods and services costs against the world average. The pricier a country is to live in, the lower it scores on the affordability bar here.

GDP per capita (monthly)Japan$2,830

A country's economic output per person, shown per month in US dollars, from IMF, World Bank and UN data. We use it as a rough proxy for local incomes. Where people earn more, rent, wages and services tend to cost more too, so a higher figure usually points to a pricier place to live.

Big MacJapan$3.19

What a Big Mac costs at a local McDonald's, converted to US dollars. The same burger is cheap in some countries and expensive in others, so it's a quick, familiar read on local prices. We collect these figures ourselves.

Groceries and fuel

Chicken breast (500g)$3.51

A reduced consumption tax rate of 8% applies to most food items. Chicken breast is often cheaper in Japan compared to other meats.

SuperMart.japan (Japan)

JPY 515 → 556 post-tax

Asiamart (Japan)

JPY 515 → 556 post-tax

Average (inc. tax)$3.51

Last checked on: May 2026

Dozen eggs$2.29

A reduced consumption tax rate of 8% applies to most food items. Eggs are typically sold refrigerated in Japan.

Rakuten Seiyu (Japan)

JPY 330 (for 10) → 356 (for 10) → 427 (for 12) post-tax

Average (inc. tax)$2.29

Last checked on: May 2026

Milk (1L)$2.11

A one litre carton of Meiji milk works out to about ¥334 after tax at AEON's online supermarket.

AEON Net Super (Meiji Oishii Gyunyu 900ml)

JPY 300 / 900ml → ¥334 / liter

Average (inc. tax)$2.11

Last checked on: August 2026

Yogurt (plain, 500g)$1.15

A 400g tub of plain Meiji Bulgaria yogurt is about ¥181 after tax.

AEON Net Super (Meiji Bulgaria Plain 400g)

JPY 181 / 400g tub

Average (inc. tax)$1.15

Last checked on: August 2026

White rice (1kg)$3.93

Domestic white rice is about ¥622 per kilo from a 5kg bag; rice prices are high by regional standards.

AEON Net Super (Topvalu domestic white rice 5kg)

JPY 3,110 / 5kg → ¥622 / kg

Average (inc. tax)$3.93

Last checked on: August 2026

Bananas (1kg)$1.55

Philippine bananas are about ¥246 per kilo from a typical bag.

AEON Net Super (Topvalu Philippine bananas)

JPY 160 / ~650g bag → ¥246 / kg

Average (inc. tax)$1.55

Last checked on: August 2026

Bottled water (1.5L)$0.35

Own-brand still water is about ¥56 per 1.5 liters, bought by the case.

AEON Net Super (Topvalu natural water 2L × 6)

JPY 448 / 12L case → ¥56 / 1.5L

Average (inc. tax)$0.35

Last checked on: August 2026

Beer (supermarket, 330ml)$1.77

The standard consumption tax rate of 10% applies to alcoholic beverages. Liquor tax rates on beer are subject to revisions, with further changes expected in October 2026.

7-Eleven (Japan)

JPY 280 → 308 post-tax

Supermarket (Japan)

JPY 200 → 220 post-tax

Supermarket (Japan)

JPY 250 → 275 post-tax

Average (inc. tax)$1.77

Last checked on: May 2026

Pack of cigarettes$4.08

Cigarettes are subject to a 10% consumption tax in addition to tobacco taxes, which comprise about 65% of the price and are increasing. Vending machine purchases require a special IC card unavailable to tourists.

Convenience Store (Japan)

JPY 550 → 605 post-tax

Convenience Store (Japan)

JPY 650 → 715 post-tax

Average (inc. tax)$4.08

Last checked on: May 2026

Wine (mid-range bottle)$8.52

Mid-range 750ml red from a Japanese supermarket, tax included, which is how Japanese shelf prices are quoted. Mean of the median red at two retailers, weighted equally: an upmarket grocer and a discount importer. Japan taxes wine far more lightly than Southeast Asia, and with a weak yen a decent bottle costs less here than almost anywhere else we cover.

Seijo Ishii

median JPY 1,914 across 26 single 750ml reds listed between JPY 1,000 and JPY 6,000, tax included

KALDI Coffee Farm

Redwood Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml JPY 767 and Forestville Pinot Noir 750ml JPY 844, tax included

Average (inc. tax)$8.52

Last checked on: August 2026

Gasoline (1 litre)$1.06

National average pump price for regular gasoline, cash price with consumption tax included, from the weekly government survey. Cars are cheap to buy in Japan and expensive to keep: shaken roadworthiness inspection, compulsory parking proof in the cities and the toll roads add up, and most people in Tokyo and Osaka do not own one.

Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, petroleum product retail survey

Regular JPY 169.9/litre national average, survey week of 24 August 2026; high-octane 180.7, diesel 159.3

Average (inc. tax)$1.06

Last checked on: August 2026

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

Travel eSIMs Connect the second you land. Zero hassle. Skip the airport line 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 realize 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 theaters. 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 line up 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhoods can feel repetitive if you are expecting every street to look like Akihabara. Yet that restraint is exactly why many travelers 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 organized 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 punishes anyone who turns up unprepared, and you spend half the day staring at wait 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 is 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 line, 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 ride. 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 travelers.
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.
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. Many of the better counters take reservations only, and some will not seat a walk-in at all.
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 neighborhood 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.
Good for: Day trips, business travel, short stays, airport transfers.
Skip if: You want independent cafes, nightlife, or a neighborhood 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 lines 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 visitors 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 lines appear around Nakamise. The streets west of the temple are quieter and much better for actually staying in. Nights wind down early here, so plan late meals around Ueno or a train ride west.
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.

See our Bali travel guide
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 traveling 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, wait your turn in line, 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 behavior 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 travelers?

Tokyo is one of the easier places in Asia for LGBTQ plus travelers 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 line 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.

Tokyo.

Is Tokyo right for you?

Tokyo Right Now

Golden Week crushes central Tokyo

Tokyo summer drains walking trips

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

Tokyo