Traveling to Japan has always been a dream of mine, and in 2024, I finally made it a reality. Stepping into Tokyo, one of the most advanced cities in the world, was an exhilarating experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. This futuristic metropolis offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, and in this blog, I will guide you through various aspects of traveling to Tokyo, including must-see attractions, unique experiences, and my impressions as a first-time visitor. This comprehensive Tokyo Travel guide will surely help you plan your trip effectively. So, let’s dive into the wonders of Tokyo! which was my first stop in Japan.
How To Reach Tokyo
Tokyo is served by two major international airports, making it easily accessible from various parts of the globe. I booked a flight from Thailand, which was slightly more affordable. For my return, I opted for Vietjet, a budget-friendly airline. You can find flights that suit your needs through various travel booking platforms. For visa related article you can refer this link Japan Visa For Indias.
Things To Do In Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that truly embodies the future while maintaining a sense of calm. It is one of the most popular destinations worldwide, and even a stay of four to five days may not be enough to explore all it has to offer.
Shinjuku
This vibrant district captures the essence of Tokyo's urban landscape, with its towering skyscrapers and lively nightlife. Shinjuku is a blend of modernity and tradition, featuring narrow streets filled with small establishments where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.Asakusa
For a glimpse into Tokyo's historical roots, visit Asakusa, centered around the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in the city. The vibrant Nakamise Street leading to the temple is lined with traditional shops offering snacks and souvenirs, immersing visitors in Japan's rich cultural heritage.Tokyo Skytree
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. The adjacent Solamachi shopping complex is perfect for dining and shopping.Ginza
Tokyo's upscale shopping district, Ginza, is known for its luxury boutiques, department stores, and fine dining. The area combines modern architecture with traditional kabuki theaters, creating a unique shopping experience.Shibuya
Known for its bustling atmosphere, Shibuya is home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of pedestrians navigate the intersection simultaneously. The Hachiko statue, a tribute to loyalty, is a must-see, and the surrounding area is filled with trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife options.The Imperial Palace
The primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats. While access to the palace buildings is limited, guided tours of the grounds provide fascinating insights into Japan's imperial history.Mount Fuji
On clear days, the iconic peak of Mount Fuji is visible from various points in Tokyo. This majestic mountain is not only a symbol of Japan but also a popular hiking destination for adventurers and nature lovers.Golden Gai
Located in Shinjuku, this unique nightlife district features narrow alleys and tiny bars, each with its own distinct theme. It's an atmospheric area perfect for mingling with locals and fellow travelers over drinks.Takeshina Street
A hidden gem, Takeshina Street offers a charming blend of traditional and modern Tokyo. Lined with quaint shops and cafes, it provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling tourist spots.
Is Tokyo Safe for First-Time Travelers?
Tokyo is exceptionally safe for solo travelers. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city is known for its low crime rate. Even at night, the streets feel secure, with many people waiting for the first subway.
First Impressions of Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that everyone should experience. It is advanced, disciplined, and incredibly welcoming. The level of automation in the city is impressive, starting from the airport. My first encounter with a vending machine was surprisingly delightful.Traveling from the airport to Tokyo Station took about 1.5 hours by bus, and the subway system is the best way to navigate the city. Although the subway map can seem complex, with a little awareness, you can travel without hassle. Be prepared to walk a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must!
Shinjuku and Shibuya are two of the busiest areas in Tokyo, and finding the correct exit can be challenging. Using Google Maps is essential to avoid unnecessary wandering. One fascinating aspect of the subway is the discipline of the commuters; people stand on one side of the escalators to allow others to pass.While many locals may not speak English, having a translator app or learning a few key phrases can enhance your experience. Convenience stores, known as Family Marts, are ubiquitous and offer a wide variety of affordable food and drinks, making them a great option for quick meals.
Tokyo loves its anime & game & there are many places where you can scratch that itch. There are slot machines that are packed with people playing games. Also, one can find any sort of electronics here. A dream place for nerdy people who are introverts. People are trained to be polite & helpful which is lacking in rest of the places.
Shinjuku and Shibuya are two of the busiest areas in Tokyo, and finding the correct exit can be challenging. Using Google Maps is essential to avoid unnecessary wandering. One fascinating aspect of the subway is the discipline of the commuters; people stand on one side of the escalators to allow others to pass.While many locals may not speak English, having a translator app or learning a few key phrases can enhance your experience. Convenience stores, known as Family Marts, are ubiquitous and offer a wide variety of affordable food and drinks, making them a great option for quick meals.
Tokyo loves its anime & game & there are many places where you can scratch that itch. There are slot machines that are packed with people playing games. Also, one can find any sort of electronics here. A dream place for nerdy people who are introverts. People are trained to be polite & helpful which is lacking in rest of the places.
How To Do Tokyo On Budget
There is no way to do Tokyo in Budget. The place is costly in many ways. However, with a few tips you can marginally save some money.
Many attractions are free but some will charge entrance fee. So feel free to check which part you can cover for free & which you can't. There is always an alternative to the paid view.
Subways:
These are connected very well with major districts in Tokyo. One can buy a 1 to 3 day of pass for the subway which will give you unlimited access to subways. However, these tickets can not be used at JR rail.JR railway charge separate fee & have different routes but everyone place is well connected. JR railway pass will allow you to board Shenkesan (bullet train). JR Rail pass can be bought from outside the country only.Family marts & vending machines:
These are the best places to have your food, ice creams, and drinks. The prices are reasonable & one can find a lot of variants here some are unique to Japan only.Hostels:
Hostels are clean however many of the dorms are capsule size so don't be surprised with the size of the bed. There are many options though, finding the same near the touristic places will cost you extra compared to places at some distances. I stayed at Nui Hostel & Imano Hostel. Nui was bit far from the main city thus was chepaer compared to Imano. On the other Imano was near the center & was okayish.Shopping:
You can find the best uniqlo & shoe collection in Japan. The shoe variety are fantastic & is cheaper compared to India especially.Many attractions are free but some will charge entrance fee. So feel free to check which part you can cover for free & which you can't. There is always an alternative to the paid view.
Handy Resources:
Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.Amazon: I am a member of Amazon affiliate programme. Amazon is probably the biggest market place there is. Buy your trip essential from this link
Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.
Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.
Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.
Couchsurfing: Best place to find free accommodation. It is as easy as filtering people & messaging. If you will get lucky you will find free accommodation in local resident house.
Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.