Tokyo Tips

Gigantic and tall, yet quiet and clean. Full of people, but never crowded - Japan's capital conveys a feeling that is hard to describe. Here we have some Tokyo tips for you, so you can get a picture of this megacity.

Anyone who wants to travel through Japan cannot avoid Tokyo. This city is unique! Upon arrival, one expects a culture shock of superlatives. Yet somehow, this time, that shock didn't happen. The people are polite, the streets are full, but no one bumps into you. It's strangely quiet and calm - considering how big the city is and how many people share it with you. This place is somewhat unique and gives you a feeling that you won't find anywhere else. Our Tokyo tips are meant to give you an overview of how to best navigate this urban jungle.

Orientation | Attractions | Getting Around | Cuisine | Accommodation

First: Tokyo is huge. Gigantic. City center? It doesn't exist... Well, actually it does - but it's made up of 23 districts. This city is a universe of skyscrapers, lights, crowds, subway stations as big as small German towns, and neighborhoods that practically require a visa to explore. But don't worry, there's something to discover everywhere. If you get lost here, it's no big deal, because after all, in Tokyo, the journey is the destination. Residents? A staggering 9 million in the Tokyo Prefecture. The entire metropolitan area has more than 37 million inhabitants. It's easy to see how crowded it can become. What's strange, however, is that you never feel cramped here. No matter how many times you cross the famous Shibuya Crossing, you're hardly touched - think of Christmas in a German department store... This charm, the Japanese atmosphere, makes this city something very special. Moreover, the modernity of a global city mixes with historical religious sites. Picture speaking toilet seats combined with reverent memorials to Buddha.

Giving Tokyo tips is difficult: the city itself is a tip in its own right. Nevertheless, there are a few hotspots that you shouldn't miss on a city trip. The easiest way is to divide the various sights by districts:

Alright - now take a deep breath: it's time to ride the subway. What initially appears to be a science of its own with Japanese characters, trains, maps, and a tangle of colored lines that seem to give the impression of never getting you to your destination, is actually not that bad. Well, maybe by day three. Before that, you'll probably get lost. Or not even find the exit. Or get on the wrong train. But that's the Tokyo adventure. So don't be afraid, nothing is more exciting than studying the city's subway system and that moment of success when you actually make it to where you wanted to go.

First: There's Tokyo Metro and commuter trains; depending on where you are, you need to buy the appropriate ticket. If you have the wrong one, the gates won't open, and the nice gentleman at the side, who probably doesn't speak English, will gladly help you by selling you the right ticket. Otherwise, there's a counter at every station - so make sure to write down your stops and the trains (plus direction) on a small note, which you can then show. Also, be careful about the 'Rapid' sign on some trains - they don't stop everywhere, so check beforehand where you need to get off.

The price is based on the distance you travel and starts at $1.20. A day pass costs $5.40. The official Tokyo Metro website is very user-friendly and provides a good overview.

Oh, and by the way: The metro is extremely clean, punctual, and modern. And don't be surprised if sleeping heads rest on your shoulders or if Japanese people sleep standing up in front of you - they won't fall over. That's completely normal there. Just like staring at your smartphone, because there are only two options: phone or rest.

A taxi ride in Tokyo is relatively expensive, but if you're with several people, it's quite manageable. Also, always have a note with the address handy, since you probably can't pronounce your destination.

What you'll often encounter in Tokyo are food replicas made of plastic - in other vacation countries, one might avoid such 'tourist restaurants' as much as possible - here in Tokyo, these imitated dishes are perfectly normal. So you can confidently choose your meal from the display window and at least know what to expect on your plate. However, that doesn't mean you'll recognize the ingredients - just close your eyes and dive in. Japanese food is just as surprising as the country itself.

And yes - you must eat sushi. There's no getting around this national dish. It is rumored that you cannot leave the country without trying sushi first. Okay, maybe that's a travel guru myth, but one thing should be said - even if you don't like seaweed, raw fish, and the like - Japanese sushi is not what rolls past us on European conveyor belts. So, take the plunge and embark on this culinary journey.

If you want to be a bit more budget-conscious, you'll find plenty of beautiful supermarkets offering huge displays of take-away food - so you won't starve financially. Otherwise, there are all sorts of small street stands or markets where you can eat cheaply.

If you're looking for unique places to sleep, you've come to the right place. But there are also 'normal' hotels in plenty, and when it comes to pricing, there's no upper limit. If you prefer to live frugally, you have three options: try one of the famous capsule hotels, rent a private accommodation, or find a Minshuku - a Japanese family-run guesthouse, so to speak, 'Bed & Breakfast'. We particularly recommend this last option, as it is affordable and allows you to interact with locals.

So, who has been convinced by our Tokyo tips and is daring to conquer this mega metropolis? Tokyo is an urban adventure, full of surprises, that despite the gigantic buildings gives you a sense of safety. Even when crowds push close to you, you'll never feel cramped; instead, you'll dive into a society that likely doesn't exist anywhere else.