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The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide. Let’s explore the vibrant heart of Japan’s capital. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll share with you essential insights and recommendations to make your Tokyo adventure truly unforgettable. We will help you prepare to navigate this densely populated city, find the perfect accommodation to suit your preferences, and unveil the city’s top attractions, which range from ancient temples to futuristic wonders. You can’t visit Japan without exploring the world of Tokyo’s culinary delights with our handpicked restaurant recommendations, and let our travel itineraries guide you through the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Tokyo’s culture and innovation are irresistible. Let’s explore Tokyo together!
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
The best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Spring (March to May) is ideal for cherry blossoms and comfortable outdoor activities, while Fall (September to November) offers cooler weather and vibrant foliage. Summer (June to August) features festivals and fireworks but can be hot and humid, while Winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports and hot springs.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Tokyo? Before you set foot in Tokyo, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
When traveling to Tokyo we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Tokyo trip we purchased a reliable SIM card.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In Tokyo
The best place to purchase a SIM card in Tokyo depends on your preference. You can get them in airport vending machines, electronic stores, or vendors in popular tourist hubs. However, we recommend an E-SIM for Japan it provided us with a lot of convenience and time in advance of our trip, and even better you don’t have to pickup any physical SIM Card, it’s all virtual. Pre-book 24 hours in advance, as instructions will be emailed to you on setting it up on your phone so you have it the moment you land.
Entry Requirements
For Japan, tourists typically receive up to 90-day visa-free entry upon arrival, and proof of vaccination or test results are not required for entry. However, it’s advisable to check if your country is on the visa-exempt list for confirmation.
Travel Vaccines
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
In Japan, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. Type A has two flat pins, while type B has two flat pins and a grounding pin. You can also opt for a universal adapter which offers many types of power plug variations for international travel.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Welcome to our ultimate guide on where to stay in Tokyo! We’ll navigate you through Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods, highlighting the best areas to stay while providing a variety of hotel accommodations to cater to every budget and preference. Whether you’re in search of luxury in the city center or something more budget-friendly, Tokyo is a massive city with many unique places to stay. Let’s find your ideal Tokyo hotel!
Shinjuku is a dynamic central district offering a mix of entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and proximity to major attractions like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city by day or enjoying its lively evenings, Shinjuku has something for everyone.
Budget: Anshin Oyado Premier Shinjuku For budget-conscious travelers seeking a unique experience, the Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier is an excellent choice. It offers compact yet comfortable capsule-style rooms, providing you with the essentials for a restful stay.
Mid-Tier: Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingu-Gaien Tokyo Premier Located in Tokyo’s vibrant Jingu-Gaien district, Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo Premier provides a very comfortable stay with modern amenities, good dining, and easy access to attractions.
Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Located right in the centre of Shinjuku, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a pure luxury offering stunning views of the city skyline and top-quality service. With spacious rooms, a beautiful spa, and world-class dining options, this 5-star hotel provides a magnificent experience.
Shibuya is an iconic Tokyo neighborhood famous for its energetic atmosphere, fashionable boutiques, and the world-renowned Shibuya Crossing. It’s a hub of youth culture, making it an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Tokyo’s vibrant street life and trendy dining options.
Budget: Commun SHIBUYA
This budget-friendly hotel offers good capsule rooms and is located within walking distance of Shibuya Crossing and other popular Shibuya attractions. It’s a great choice for travelers on a budget looking to explore the vibrant neighborhood.Mid-tier: Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyo
This hotel has modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location right near Shibuya Station and about a 10-minute walk to Shibuya crossing. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for quality accommodations in the heart of Shibuya.Luxury: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
We found this to be the nicest hotel located specifically in Shibuya, with elegant rooms, stunning views, and exceptional dining options, including a panoramic Sky Lounge. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
For travelers seeking a more upscale experience, Ginza is Tokyo’s premier luxury shopping and dining district. By day, explore high-end boutiques, department stores, and art galleries. By night, indulge in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and experience the city’s sophisticated nightlife.
Budget: Ginza Capital Hotel Moegi
A fantastic budget-friendly hotel offers rare spacious rooms at this price. The rooms are comfortable and close to the subway station right in the heart of Ginza, making it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.Mid-tier: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome
This hotel is very well-regarded in Ginza. It features modern amenities, well-kept rooms, and a location that’s ideal for exploring Ginza’s upscale shopping and dining, and tourist attractions. Underground subway is nearby.Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious stay in Ginza, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo is a top choice. The feeling of luxury exists at every inch of the hotel from the spa, fitness center, or bar, to the classy rooms and massive bathrooms! This is definitely one of the nicest hotels you can stay at in Tokyo.
Getting Around Tokyo
In this section, we delve into the intricacies of navigating Tokyo’s sophisticated transportation network, revealing the finest avenues to immerse yourself in the pulse of this dynamic metropolis.
As you begin your Tokyo adventure, landing at Narita International Airport (NRT) is just the start, this is where we landed. From Narita, consider the efficient Narita Express (N’EX) train. We recommend pre-booking tickets for the (NEX) which will take you directly to your destination areas in Tokyo, like Shinjinku or Shibuya. The routes take ~1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on your destination.
You can take all your luggage on these trains and is a much cheaper option than a Taxi which can cost hundreds of dollars, which is similar price to the private car charter, for those who may desire the door-to-door service.
If you’re staying in Taito City (Ueno Station), Nishinporri (Nippori Station) or don’t mind getting dropped off here, you can take the Skyliner Narita Airport Express which is the fastest and cheapest option to get into Tokyo from the airport. You can pre-book your tickets in advance for convenience and savings.
Navigating Tokyo is a breeze thanks to its extensive public transport system, one of the best in the world. JR and Tokyo Metro networks, along with IC cards like Suica, make travel seamless.
Tokyo Metro’s color-coded lines simplify subway rides, while JR lines connect the city to nearby areas. Just beware of rush hours, we found ourselves in quite the squish fest from time to time!
You can purchase the Suica IC card in advance with 1,500¥ pre-loaded which is approximately $10 USD for the ultimate convenience.
Taxis are readily available but pricier. Reserve them for short, convenient trips. The only time we used taxis was to transport luggage to the train stations going back to the airport from our accommodations.
Car rentals can be an option if you plan to venture beyond Tokyo, but traffic and parking can be challenging.
Travel Itineraries for Japan
We diligently crafted travel itineraries to save you time, and so you can focus on making the most of your time in Tokyo, hassle-free. We will share the top things to do in Tokyo, including in popular districts, and reveal incredible dining spots within the popular districts. Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, hidden treasures, and culinary delights are spread out across the city.
Let’s start with one of our favorite areas in Tokyo, where we go into detail about the 5 Things To Do and Eat in Shinjuku. This can all be done as a one day itinerary.
Top Attractions in Tokyo
Explore Tokyo’s must-visit attractions where tradition meets modernity. From the beauty of cherry blossoms that fill the parks and streets of Tokyo, witness the iconic energy of Shibuya Crossing, and step into the rich history of the Sensoji Temple. These are just a taste of Tokyo’s wonders. Tokyo is massive and we’ll dive into 12 Best Things To Do In Tokyo exploring the top attractions and embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan’s vibrant capital.
Best Restaurant & Eats in Tokyo
Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other as we dive into the diverse and delectable world of Tokyo’s dining scene. From the artistry of sushi to enjoying the flavors of a local street food favorite, takoyaki. Tokyo offers a gastronomic journey that transforms how you think of Japanese food. We’ll share the city’s culinary gems, including the top areas to eat incredible Japanese street food, and eating at the Largest Sushi Conveyor Belt In The World.
Our Thoughts on Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is such an incredible city, we feel like those who love to travel must come here at least once in their lifetime. We never could have imagined how big the city actually is, and the abundance of fun things to do. We had no idea how many different styles of restaurants there were in Japan, over 30! Wow, you can literally order a meal from a vending machine, it’s so cool. There are so many fun cultural attractions and innovative fun things to do in the city.
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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