Tokyo Travel Guide: Tips for First-Time Visitors
Tokyo quickly became one of our favorite cities — it’s an exciting, energetic blend of tradition and modernity, packed with everything you could possibly want from a destination. After spending five unforgettable days exploring the city, we fell in love with its vibrant neighborhoods, incredible food, and efficient public transport. That said, planning our first trip to Tokyo was a bit overwhelming — and that’s coming from New Yorkers used to a fast-paced city!
With a population of nearly 14 million, Tokyo is massive and complex. Even its world-renowned transit system had us scratching our heads at first. But don’t worry — this guide will walk you through everything we learned to help make your first trip as smooth and memorable as ours.
Key Tips for First-Time Travelers to Tokyo:
1. Get a Transit Card (Suica or PASMO)
If you’re using the metro — and you will be — you’ll want a transit card. We used the Suica card, which you can now add digitally to your iPhone. Just open your Apple Wallet, tap the + icon, choose Transit Card, and search for Suica. We initially loaded 5,000 yen (about $30 USD) and topped up as needed. You’ll use it to tap in and out of metro stations across Tokyo and many other cities, and it also works on some regional trains and even at certain convenience stores and vending machines.
2. Uber Is Available (But Limited)
Uber works in Tokyo and can be especially helpful when traveling to or from the airport or major train stations with heavy luggage. That said, taxis and public transport are often more practical for short distances.
3. Use Google Translate – Especially the Camera Feature
While many signs and menus include English, not all do. Google Translate’s photo function can be a lifesaver — just point your camera at a menu or sign and get an instant translation. It’s incredibly helpful in restaurants and stations.
4. Book Bullet Trains in Advance
We chose not to get the JR Rail Pass, as it didn’t seem cost-effective for our itinerary. Instead, we booked our Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets individually through the official website in advance. This gave us more flexibility and better seat options.
5. Reserve Seats for Luggage
If you’re traveling with large suitcases, be sure to reserve seats in the last row of a train car — these have space behind them for storing oversized luggage. Some cars also have dedicated luggage racks, but availability varies. Booking properly will save you hassle.
6. Trains Run Exactly on Time
Punctuality is serious in Japan. Trains depart exactly on schedule — we missed one by less than a minute and had to purchase new tickets. Always arrive early, especially for long-distance routes.
7. Follow Local Etiquette and Signage
Japan places a strong emphasis on order and respect in public spaces. When using trains, wait for passengers to exit before boarding, and stand in the designated areas marked on station platforms. These simple practices help keep everything running smoothly.
8. Be Aware of Women-Only Train Cars
During certain times of day, especially morning rush hour, some trains have women-only cars. These are clearly marked in both Japanese and English — be sure to pay attention and respect the rules.
Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities we’ve visited, and with a bit of preparation, your trip can be just as magical. Use these tips to navigate like a pro — and get ready to fall in love with Japan.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in Tokyo can feel overwhelming — the city is massive, and each district offers something unique. For our trip, we wanted a location that was central, walkable, close to public transit, and budget-friendly. After a lot of research, we decided on Shinjuku, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
We stayed at Hotel Amanek Shinjuku, and it was exactly what we needed. While the room was small (a common theme in Tokyo), the hotel was clean, affordable, and perfectly located. We were just a short walk from train stations, tons of restaurants, nightlife, and shopping — everything you’d want at your doorstep in a big city.
If you’re interested in staying in Shinjuku but want to explore other hotel options, you can browse Shinjuku hotels on Expedia. If you’re considering other neighborhoods in Tokyo, we also recommend checking out a full list of Tokyo hotel options here.
Best Things to Do in Tokyo
Tokyo is bursting with unique neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, quirky experiences, and endless shopping and food options. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, here are some of our favorite must-do activities:
1. Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
Start your Tokyo adventure with a visit to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest and most iconic temple. It’s popular with tourists for good reason. Don’t miss the lively Nakamise Street leading up to the temple, where you’ll find traditional snacks, souvenirs, and even omikuji (Japanese fortunes).
2. Cross the Iconic Shibuya Crossing
Experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. It’s surreal to walk through the crowds, and it’s a perfect spot for people-watching. Be sure to explore the surrounding Shibuya neighborhood, which is packed with shops, cafes, and entertainment.
3. Wander Through Harajuku
One of our favorite areas! Harajuku, especially Takeshita Street, is full of colorful fashion, quirky shops, cute cafes, and fun photo booths. It’s the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture and creativity.
4. Explore the Energy of Shinjuku
Shinjuku is vibrant, fast-paced, and full of character. From Omoide Yokocho (a narrow alley of tiny food stalls) to buzzing arcades, nightlife, and shopping, there’s something for everyone. It’s also home to great restaurants and bars.
5. Visit an Animal Cafe
Animal cafes are a uniquely Japanese experience. We visited two cat cafes:
- Capyneko: a cat and capybara cafe
- Temari no Ouchi: a whimsical, Ghibli-style cat cafe
Both were adorable and required reservations, which we made in advance through their websites.
6. Dive Into Akihabara – The Anime Capital
Anime fans can’t miss Akihabara, Tokyo’s go-to district for manga, anime, figurines, and retro electronics. It’s also a great place for arcades, claw machines, and themed cafes. Even if you’re not into anime, the neighborhood is a fun, electric place to explore.
7. Try Japanese Nail Art
Japan is famous for its intricate and detailed nail art. We visited Top Coat Tokyo, an English-speaking salon, and absolutely loved the experience. It was easy to book online in advance, and we were obsessed with how our nails turned out!
8. Discover Ginza’s Luxe Side
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. You’ll find all the luxury brands, designer boutiques, and flagship stores — including the famous 12-story Uniqlo! Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a stroll to admire the sleek architecture and high-end vibe.
9. Visit Gotokuji Temple – Home of the Lucky Cat
A little off the beaten path, Gotokuji Temple is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko (lucky cat). It’s peaceful, photogenic, and ideal for cat lovers. It takes about 30–40 minutes by metro, but it’s well worth the visit for a quieter, spiritual experience.
Where to Eat in Tokyo (Vegan-Friendly)
We heard mixed reviews before our trip — many people said eating vegan in Tokyo would be tough. Thankfully, they were wrong. While it does take a little research, Tokyo has an amazing vegan scene filled with both traditional and modern options.
From ramen to sushi to plant-based takes on Japanese classics, we were constantly impressed with the quality and creativity. Don’t let the myths fool you — Tokyo is totally doable (and delicious) for vegan travelers.
List of food menu:
T’s Tantan (multiple locations) – Tokyo’s most famous and popular vegan restaurant, known for its authentic vegan ramen.
Izakaya Masaka (Shibuya) – A vegan izakaya offering traditional Japanese-style small plates and drinks.
Vegan Bistro Jangara (Harajuku) – Specializes in entirely vegan Japanese cuisine with creative and delicious dishes.
Asakusa Hatoya (Asakusa) – Offers a unique vegan fruit sandwich, perfect for a sweet and refreshing snack.
Afuri (Shinjuku) – Popular ramen spot with a tasty vegan ramen option on the menu.
Gonpachi Sushi (Shibuya) – Known for its vegan sushi selections alongside traditional offerings.
Plant More (Shinjuku) – A cozy vegan cafe serving plant-based meals and desserts.
Ippudo Lumine (Shinjuku) – Famous ramen chain with vegan ramen and vegan gyoza options.
Blue Bottle Coffee (multiple locations) – Great for high-quality coffee with non-dairy milk alternatives.
The Matcha Tokyo (several locations) – Authentic matcha drinks made with non-dairy milk, perfect for tea lovers.
The LGBTQ+ Scene in Tokyo
Tokyo has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and as a lesbian couple, we felt completely safe and free to be ourselves throughout our visit. Japanese culture tends to be very respectful and discreet, so locals generally don’t comment on someone’s sexuality either way. We also noticed many queer couples openly enjoying the city.
Most LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are concentrated in the Ni-Chome district of Shinjuku. During our trip, we checked out several lesbian-friendly spots like Goldfinger and Queen Tokyo. In Tokyo—and Japan more broadly—many queer bars are thoughtfully gender-segregated for cultural and safety reasons. For example, some lesbian bars are women-only or have women-only nights, while some gay bars are men-only or host men-only events. That said, many venues are also making efforts to be inclusive of transgender people, with visible trans pride flags in several places.
While same-sex marriage is not yet legal in Japan, there is a growing movement among locals pushing for change and greater equality.
