Time in Tokyo: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

Traveling to Japan can be one of a lifetime’s most unique and memorable experiences. With countless sights and sounds to take in, plus fantastic food to eat, a trip to Japan guarantees months and months of activities to dive into. If this is your first time in Tokyo, here are some things to prepare beforehand!

What is a JR Pass?

Japan’s rail system is a masterclass in execution and efficiency. Most of the country travels via train, especially within Tokyo. What’s important to remember is that Tokyo operates two major railways: the national Japan Rail system and the local Tokyo lines.

A JR Pass is imperative for a visit to Japan, even if you plan only to spend time in Tokyo. A JR Pass can be very expensive, but if constant travel is in your itinerary and you know you’ll get your money out of it, absolutely buy a JR Pass for your trip.

When’s the best season to visit Tokyo?

Tokyo has many activities throughout the year, and many change to suit each season. Choosing which season to visit Tokyo depends on what you plan on doing during your visit, but it’s essential to remember how often you’ll be outside.

Tokyo can also become extremely hot in the summer and early fall, so if outdoor activities are your thing, plan accordingly. If you want to experience some of Japan’s best retail sales, visiting during the winter around New Year’s is ideal.

Plan your itinerary for your time in Tokyo!

Planning an itinerary for a vacation might seem obvious, but it is integral to do so for a visit to Tokyo. Most places in Japan, whether museums, tourist attractions, or theme cafes, require reservations. Deciding to show up to places the day of might not always guarantee entrance.

Also, knowing exactly where you need to be each day in advance will help you navigate Tokyo’s subways and train stations more efficiently (which is 100% more challenging than you’d think it is for a first-time visit.)

Which airport should I fly to?

Narita International Airport may be one of Japan’s largest and most prominent airports, but it is also very far from Tokyo. New visitors may be tempted to catch a cab from Narita to get into Tokyo, but that can quickly become a $400+ fare.

Even riding the train from Narita can take a few hours as it’s all the way in Chiba. On the other hand, Haneda is in southern Tokyo. Of course, it all depends on where you plan to travel and stay, but check which airport would be the best place to land.

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Download the Google Translate Japanese Pack to your phone!

Unless you are fluent in reading and writing in Japanese, having a reliable translator with you is essential to your visit. While many places in Tokyo cater to non-Japanese speakers, having the ability to translate text on the fly and communicate with Japanese speakers is a lifesaver. Many different apps translate on the fly, with Google Translate being a fantastic option. Whichever you choose, make sure you have it on hand at a moment’s notice.

Wear comfortable walking shoes!

You would think the time you’ll spend riding trains would mean you won’t walk much, but that is far from the truth. Walking to and from train stations, walking to and from your destinations, and standing on the trains will take a significant toll on your feet.

Nothing takes the fun and excitement of exploring Tokyo faster than having sore feet. Regardless of the kind of shoes you wear, make sure they’re comfortable for you. Buy cushions and inserts if necessary, and be ready to be on your feet for a significant portion of your time in Tokyo.

Where can I get my cash?

Until very recently, Japan was strictly cash-only. It’s only been within the past few years that many establishments have begun to incorporate card transactions. This being said, having an adequate amount of physical Yen on hand is extremely important.

Most train stations have safe and reliable currency exchange machines if you need cash. These machines offer English language options for easy cash retrieval and exchanges. Train stations are easy to find across Tokyo, so having ample cash on hand should not be a problem.

Planning a trip to Tokyo is more than figuring out where you want to eat and which attractions to visit. It involves knowing how to use the railways and how you’ll be able to pay for your transit fare. It involves planning accordingly for traveling in and out of the city and how you’ll travel when you get there.

A trip to Tokyo can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t plan for communication and reliable lodging. But if planned appropriately, a trip to Tokyo can be a stellar experience. Have you been to Tokyo before? If so, what is your most important advice for new visitors? What are the major dos and don’ts? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear your thoughts on traveling to Tokyo!