A friendly guide
Alright, so you’re going to Tokyo! I spent three of the best months in my life there. I got so many requests for tips and recommendations that I decided to write up a small guide.
There are two key things about this city.
1. You’re going to have a great time. Tokyo is amazing, Japan is beautiful.
2. Pretty much everything works differently from what you’re used to.
Essentials
PASMO / Suica
Tokyo is absolutely huge — prepare to spend a lot of time in the subway. You need a PASMO or Suica for this, which you can buy at every station. They are given out by two different companies, but it doesn’t matter which one you get. With any of them you can ride the subway in any Japanese city and even use the credit to buy things at certain stores and vending machines. More info about PASMO:
SIM card
Definitely get a prepaid data SIM. You will really need this when you’re lost, but it’s definitely going to come in handy navigating the crowded and crooked streets of Tokyo. I recommend the B-Mobile 4GB SIM card, which you can get at most major subway stations and stores. More info here:
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan
Tips
If you’re looking for a nice restaurant, a cool cafe to work for a bit or a beautiful temple, look no further. I’ve compiled all these things and more in a big Foursquare list. Just scroll around it for some inspiration.
Even though these cover a lot, I can’t help myself to highlight a few must-see spots in and around the city. Let’s go.
Ichiran ramen (http://www.ichiran.co.jp/english/)
All-around amazing ramen place. They’re everywhere. You’ll recognize it from the logo on their website. Entry-level ramen that’s completely customizable to your taste. Go here.
Daiba park (http://bit.ly/1T7sctE)
This must be my favorite park in Tokyo. Go here when the sun is just about to set. Bring a few bottles of wine and food from a konbini, and walk down to the peninsula on the above map. Best view of the Tokyo bay bar none.
Genki Sushi (http://bit.ly/1Mdp1BH)
Yeah, it’s a tourist trap — but you have to experience it. Order your sushi on an iPad and wait until it magically appears in front of you within seconds. 100% Shibuya and like living in the future (kind of).
Shimokitazawa (http://bit.ly/1SVp74Z)
You just have to see this neighborhood. It’s the Kreuzberg of Tokyo. Everything here is low-rise, small, cute and friendly. Dive into a bar, thrift shop or arcade and just have a ball.
Floresta Donuts (http://bit.ly/1DtRcJU)
These are no ordinary donuts. Handmade, healthy and with weird looking animals on them. They all taste amazing. It’s based in Koēnji which makes for a great excuse to visit this up-and-coming neighborhood and its crazy amount of thrift stores.
Studio Ghibli Museum (http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/)
If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, you have to go here. Actually, go here anyway. The museum itself is compact but beautiful and in a great part of Tokyo. Make sure to reserve your ticket through their website a few weeks before your visit.
Etc.
Don’t worry too much about etiquette — people will see you’re not Japanese so you’ll get a pass every time. However, do teach yourself to eat with chopsticks as restaurants often can’t supply forks or knives.
Never take a call in the subway. It’s considered very rude.
Don’t miss the last subway. Depending on your location, it will leave around midnight. If you do miss it, just go to a 24H karaoke place and turn up to some Céline Dion until the early morning. Taxis are expensive.
If you want to go to the Tsukiji fish market, go out during the night and then take the first subway to the market.
You won’t understand every single menu item in every single restaurant. Don’t try to — just point at something and surprise yourself or say omakase (chef’s choice) to get whatever’s good. the Google Translate app on your phone, it’s invaluable for its picture translation.
Further reading
I wrote some other short pieces about my experiences in Japan, that all make for a nice read.
Tokyo, or how to fall in love with a city
The Art of the Japanese Vending Machine
The Museum Island
Cool city, cool people
Johan Ronsse made a great, simple guide that’s perfect for learning more about Japanese culture and customs or if you’re looking for more practical tips.
Wikitravel is your friend. There are no other websites that have this much practical (travel) info in one place.
Wikitravel Tokyo
Wikitravel Japan