My best piece of advice for tourists travelling to Tokyo, the Capital of Japan is packing light. Tokyo is a great city, but it's also incredibly crowded – so having one or two lightweight bags will make your stay much easier. I would also suggest that you stretch before you arrive – walking around in this bustling metropolis can be quite taxing on your legs and feet. Try yoga or running if you don't have time to hit up a gym before taking off. Next, plan ahead when visiting attractions that require advance reservations like the popular Robot Restaurant show or Mt. Fuji day trips from Tokyo. These tickets are usually sold out quickly so buy yours as soon as possible! Finally, and perhaps most importantly - get ready for sensory overload! From bright neon signs lighting up the streets at night to robotic toilets with heated seats (yes really!) - Tokyo is unlike any other place in the world and an experience not to be missed. Enjoy!
As a second-generation Japanese American who lives in California, but because most of my family lives in Tokyo, I visit every year. My top piece of advice for tourists traveling to Tokyo is, keep the season you're visiting top of mind when planning your trip because each season has very specific scenes, experiences, and food to offer and those should be prioritized, especially if you want to experience Tokyo like a local. Must-try seasonal experiences: springtime cherry blossom viewing, summer festivals with food stalls and fireworks, admiring the foliage in the fall, and visiting an onsen (hot springs) in the winter. Must-try seasonal dishes: sakura mochi dessert in the spring, unadon (grilled eel rice bowl) in the humid summer months, anything with matsutake mushroom in the fall, and sukiyaki in the winter. While there are plenty of "evergreen" things to do and eat in Tokyo, by seeking out experiences and dishes that are seasonal, you'll have a more authentic travel experience.
CEO at CLARAfi
Answered 3 years ago
Tokyo is a megatropolis with millions of residents and far too much to see in a single short visit, or even a few weeks. The city is alive with culture, art, movies, entertainment, food and history which makes visiting an exciting and engaging opportunity for anyone traveling together or on their own. One of the best parts of Nihon Tourism is that they are fantastic at sharing how, where and what to expect with most of the national treasures and hot spots. One can not be too proactive in planning and reservations for most popular places, so if you are headed to Tokyo be sure to get online and plan your reservations now. Then, take it all in through food, connection and culture. The beauty of Tokyo and the amazing transit system makes for a fun time in discovering hidden gems, new eateries and plentiful views. If you can take a local friend as a guide and build memories without the hassle of feeling rushed or missing out. Safe travels my friends!
One of the best pieces of advice that I can give to anyone traveling to Tokyo is to be aware of common scams. Unfortunately, there are some people in Tokyo who prey on unsuspecting tourists by taking advantage of their lack of knowledge about the city or its culture. Be especially wary of people who approach suggesting “helpful” services or offering goods at unusually low prices; these may very well turn out fraudulent endeavors intended only to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. When possible, try asking locals that you trust for recommendations on good places where this type of activity isn't an issue so as to avoid being put into a precarious situation during your stay in Tokyo.
Tokyo's citizens are known for their punctuality and orderly behavior when queuing at metro stations. Visitors to the city will often observe long lines forming well before the train arrives, with people standing in an orderly and respectful manner. It's particularly evident during rush hour when trains can be extremely crowded, and the lines can be quite extensive. When the train arrives, individuals will board it efficiently, with those disembarking the train exiting first and those getting on waiting their turn. It's a stark contrast to many other cities where people tend to push and shove to get on the train first, regardless of whether someone is trying to get off.