TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Tokyo + What NOT to Do!

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Tokyo + What NOT to Do!

If you are visiting Tokyo for the first time, be 
sure to watch this video because in it, I’m going to share everything you need to know to have the 
best trip ever in the world’s largest metropolis. Now, in case you’re new here, hi, I’m Christina 
from HappyToWander.com and this channel is all about practical travel advice from someone who’s 
been there, done that. After visiting Tokyo for the first time last month as part of Airalo’s first 
ever brand trip, I have so many tips to share, plus all sorts of things I really wish I knew 
before going. So, I hope you find this helpful. Now, this video is going to focus specifically on 
Tokyo, but I did publish a general Japan travel tips video last week, so be sure to check that 
out for tips on things like etiquette, food, and other general things. Now, let’s start with 
some general Tokyo travel planning tips. First, in terms of flying into the city, Tokyo actually 
has two international airports, being Narita and Haneda, which is much closer to the city center. 
This is why Haneda is largely considered to be the better choice for most travelers. It also 
has some really cool amenities like a rooftop onsen that looks really, really cool. This would 
be my personal choice if all factors were equal, especially if you wanted to take one of Tokyo’s 
notoriously expensive taxis because the distance is so much closer than Narita. That said, Narita 
is the bigger airport and does actually service more flights and airlines, so it is possible 
you might get a better deal flying in and out of there. So, definitely compare the options. Another 
important tip is if you’re doing a multi-city trip, do consider leaving Tokyo until the end 
because if you plan to shop, hands down, the most options you’ll find are definitely in 
Tokyo. So, if you have flexibility, it may work in your favor to save Tokyo until the end so that 
you’re not hauling all your shopping around. Now, in terms of where to stay, Tokyo is massive, 
so even if you stay somewhere super central geographically, that still does mean you’ll be 
doing a lot of travel on public transport to see different popular sights. This is why I think 
it’s very important to pick an area that’s close to public transport that suits your desired vibe 
rather than trying to pick something that is just geographically very central. To help you get your 
bearings, do note that the greater metropolitan area of Tokyo is officially divided into 23 
special wards plus some more cities, towns, and villages. So, in other words, it is absolutely 
massive. What can be confusing for first- timers though is that these divisions in terms of 
governance and also what you see in addresses are actually different from the names of neighborhoods 
that you see in most travel guides. For instance, neighborhoods like Ueno and Asakusa are both 
actually part of the Taitō city special ward. So, just know that while Tokyo as a metropolis is 
divided up into special wards and other divisions officially, more often what we talk about are the 
distinctive neighborhoods known for their specific character instead. Often, these districts don’t 
have super official division lines, but more or less refer to the area around the train station 
of that name. Now, how can you decide which neighborhood makes the most sense for you? For 
the most part, people consider “central Tokyo” to be the part that’s contained within the circular 
Yamanote line. Stay near one of these stations and you’ll never be too far away from the sites. 
I personally think the main deciding factor should just be the vibe that you’re going for. So, if you 
want to be in the middle of the action, let’s say, close to the night life and all the entertainment, 
Shibuya and Shinjjuku are definitely top picks. Though options here definitely tend to be pricier. 
We stayed at the gorgeous hotel Indigo Shibuya for half of our trip and the views were amazing, we 
were close to tons of iconic sites and shopping, but it was also very, very busy and congested with 
tourists especially. For the second half of our trip, we actually booked a hotel in a quieter part 
of Ueno, and it was perfect. Lots to see nearby, but still quiet and peaceful on our walk back to 
the hotel, plus easy walkability to Asakusa and Akihabara, so I can definitely recommend staying 
in Ueno. Plus, their mascot is a panda. Now, other notable neighborhoods include Ginza or Marunochi if 
you want upscale vibes with luxury shopping. But I’m going to be so honest with you, Tokyo has so 
many great places to eat and shop that you could probably find amazing gems wherever you choose 
to stay. So, keep that in mind. Don’t stress too much and let the prices and hotel niceness guide 
you. That said, if you have a longer trip planned, I could definitely recommend splitting your 
stay into two or more accommodation areas so that you can more easily explore different 
parts of the city. Generally speaking though, do definitely beware that hotels in Tokyo can 
be smaller than what you’re used to. Even nice and expensive ones can be lacking a bit in space, 
so that’s just something to beware of. If this is a dealbreaker for you, do make sure you read 
the room specs really carefully because honestly, photos, especially wide-angle lens photos, can 
be very deceiving. Now, in terms of what to prep beforehand, you should also set up an eSIM so 
you have data access right away as soon as you land in Tokyo. I personally needed data straight 
away because not only did I need to message our hotel reception to let them know that we arrived 
late, but I also needed it to fill out the digital customs form to save time. And I was only able to 
do this all from the plane because I had an eSIM installed already on my phone. So on that note, 
this week’s video is brought to you by Airalo, do make sure you get a Suica card or other IC card 
to make your life much easier on public transport. Back in the day, this had to be in the form of 
a physical card that you’d pre-load with money, then tap as you needed at fare-gates or on buses. 
These days, luckily, many digital options exist. If you’re an iPhone user, the easiest option by 
far is getting a Suica card downloaded onto your Apple wallet. All you need to do is open your wallet and 
go to the plus sign, then do transit card. You can then select Suica card from this list, and that is 
usually the most popular option in Tokyo. But if for some reason that’s not working, then PASMO 
and ICOCA should both work as well. From a tourist perspective, I’ve heard, really, the only difference 
is that they have different mascots, so don’t stress too much about the decision. In any case, 
being able to top up on the go with Apple Wallet is such a game changer. As a bonus, you can also 
use these IC cards to pay for other things like vending machines and even claw machines. Next, 
I can definitely recommend using Google Maps for navigation because it’s going to tell you not 
only which exit to take, but also which cars are better for transfers and lots of important info 
like that. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived my trip without Google Maps. There are 
tons of great features on there that really were so helpful. For instance, you can turn on the 
wheelchair accessible filter to find transport with elevators so that you can easily transport 
your suitcases. They’ll even give you detailed directions for exits to help you get where you 
need to go. So, when you’re navigating with public transport, definitely keep an eye out for that 
key piece of information and follow signs that match the exit that they give you. In some larger 
stations like Shinjjuku, where there’s literally over 200 exits, there are even colored lines on 
the floor that you can follow, so clearly, this is an issue that lots of people deal with. All 
that said, you will definitely be walking a lot in Tokyo, so be sure to wear comfy and breathable 
shoes. Ideally, tried and tested items and shoes that you’ve broken in because you will be walking 
so much. Because I visited in rainy season, I basically lived in my Vessis, which kept my 
feet completely dry even through puddles, and they were still comfy to walk in for hours. So, 
if you’re looking for a good waterproof sneaker, can definitely recommend them. Now, when you’re 
walking around Tokyo, do beware that businesses are quite often actually stacked on top of each 
other on multiple floors. And for first- timers, this can be very disorienting because you are 
trying to find a place that Google Maps is taking you, but it is nowhere to be found. So, when 
this happens – I guarantee it’ll happen at least once – always make sure you check the address and 
see if there’s any number followed by the letter F. This is usually going to tell you which floor 
the business is on, so that at least helps you narrow down your search a little bit. In terms of 
taxis, do know that taxis in Tokyo can be very, very expensive and expressways do actually cost 
extra, so keep that in mind. We took a taxi once when we switched hotels and the journey cost 
about 7,500 yen, which was honestly really pricey, at least compared to all the public transport 
we’d been taking. Granted, it was worth it because we didn’t have to lug our bags across the city, 
but I definitely wouldn’t do it for every single journey. And as I said before, do note that all 
the expressways in Tokyo are actually toll roads, so they cost extra. This is why some taxi drivers 
will actually ask you if it’s okay for them to take the expressway because that’s essentially 
them asking for permission to take the pricier route. And this fee will get added onto your final 
metered bill. Next, do know that there are lots of coin operated lockers at train stations and 
sometimes even at attractions. This is handy to know if you need to drop your bags off before 
or after checking out of your accommodation or if you just want to explore a place en route 
to your accommodation, maybe at a train station kind of at a midway stop. And so, if you want a 
way to do that without worrying about your bags, this is a great option. Now, another thing, if 
you’re taking public transport in Tokyo, you should definitely aim to avoid rush hour on public 
transport, 7 to 9 am and then 5 to 7 pm would definitely be key times that you’ll see 
thicker crowds, but honestly, it really struck me that the stations were pretty much never empty 
and even at 10 pm, there would be pretty busy trains that were packed with people, which is not 
something that I’ve witnessed in other cities, so definitely prepare for that. And don’t forget to 
brush up on your public transport etiquette to make sure that you’re always being respectful 
to others. Trust me, there are many unspoken rules when it comes to the public transport in 
Tokyo. The biggest one is that you should line up to board. The single file lines I witnessed were 
incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it, so definitely never try to cut in line and just 
take your spot single file. Also, be sure to keep your volume down on public transport. It’s not 
completely silent, but you should never listen to videos out loud, for instance, or have a very loud 
full volume conversation. People tend to be very respectful of each other on board, so you should 
definitely act accordingly. Now, next up, we have the incredibly important Tokyo food and drink 
tips. First off, definitely know which specific Tokyo specialties you should be trying when you’re 
in town. Tokyo is, of course, full of great eats from all over the world, but I always like to 
try things that are specific to the city, so in addition to the usual Japanese must-tries, here 
are some Tokyo specialties to sample: Tsukemen, also known as dipping noodles, is usually where 
chilled noodles are served separate to the broth and dipped in before slurping them up. Soba 
noodles are also very popular. These noodles are made of buckwheat and are very satisfying 
to slurp. Monjayaki, also known as monja, is composed of a thin batter made out of flour 
and broth, then tossed with different fillings like cabbage and seafood, and cooked on a griddle 
until it’s slightly crispy on the bottom. Then you scoop it up straight from the griddle with 
a little metal spatula spoon and it’s really, really fun. You can kind of think of it as a 
thinner and gooier version of okonomiyaki, which is the Japanese omelette/pancake dish that is super 
beloved around the world. There’s also Fukagawa-meshi, which is clam rice that’s cooked with clams 
and broth. Now, apart from fun local specialties, do know that there are many fun themed restaurants 
and cafés in Tokyo, but they do have their pros and cons. Whether you’re a fan of Pokémon, Sanrio, 
or ninjas, there is a theme restaurant or café that will cater to you. But the downside is most 
of them aren’t particularly well-known for their actual food or drink. But yes, just keep that in 
mind and make sure to read reviews beforehand to get a realistic idea of what to expect. After 
lots of research, the cheesy themed experience I settled on was the Ninja Restaurant, which based 
on reviews sounded like it actually had good food, and I was not disappointed. We also went to the 
Sanrio Character Garden Café by Ueno Park, which was honestly kind of weird. Cute plushies, but the 
coffee was straight-up from one of those serve yourself machines. And other big ones include the 
Pokémon Café in Nihonbashi and Corn Barley, which serves Ghibli-themed food. But there’s loads more, 
so make sure you look into it well in advance. On that note, you should also make sure you book 
in advance for popular restaurants and cafés. The Pokémon Cafe I just mentioned, for instance, 
is actually super hard to get tickets to. They release tickets 31 days in advance at 6 pm 
Tokyo time, and slots tend to go actually immediately. Don’t worry, though, I did find that 
last0minute bookings can and do pop up often, especially around 10 pm the day before because 
this is the deadline for cancelling bookings. So, definitely keep an eye on their website and 
you might find some last-minute slots. I did notice as well that there was a special lineup in 
person at the cafe for walk-ins who are waiting for cancellations, so if you’re really dedicated, 
you could also try that as well. But also, do take advantage of Tokyo’s many super unique cafés or 
bars for a fun experience. You can honestly find lots of fun cafés near you, just by typing in “café” 
onto Google Maps. Now, this is how I found Kojo, which is this little retro cafe that really felt 
like a step back in time, open smoking included, as well as Aruyama Cafe in Harajuku, where a fluffy 
bear serves you your coffee through a hole in the wall. There are also some other places in Tokyo 
known for their crazy latte art, like Café Reissue, where they do 3D portraits of your pets or 
any photo that you show them. All to say, there are loads of great unique cafés in Tokyo, 
so definitely take advantage. The same advice can apply to bars. I literally just typed in “bar” 
one night on Google Maps and looked around, and that’s how I found this amazing hidden gem 
model railway bar, tucked away on the third floor of a building, where an entire model train track 
was set up with a mini Tokyo in the middle, which was so cool. That said, you should know that 
Tokyo has a lot of smaller bars and restaurants. If you’re solo or in a pair, this means you’ll 
have very little trouble slotting in somewhere because there are just so many options. But if 
you’re traveling in a big group, finding a place that can spontaneously accommodate, let’s say, 
six people, might be challenging. So definitely consider booking ahead, especially if you want 
to go somewhere that’s very popular. One very popular type of tiny establishment is a tachinomya, 
or a standing bar, which is true to its name, a tiny pub where you literally drink and 
eat while standing. These can be very budget friendly and quick as well, so definitely worth 
considering. Finally, speaking of tiny, definitely don’t miss the Shinjjuku Golden Gai for a unique, 
quintessentially Tokyo nightlife experience. This super small area is made up of about six narrow 
streets and is crammed with over 200 tiny bars, each with their own vibe and usually seats for 
no more than 10 people. I’ll be real with you, this is definitely a magnet for tourists these 
days, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You can definitely meet lots of fellow travelers 
while bar-hopping here and it’s just a very unique place, so definitely worth checking out. Just
beware that many places do charge a cover fee and there’s really huge variances in the number that 
this cover fee is, so definitely pay attention. Also be careful not to take too many photos with 
a big camera because I’ve heard some really wild stories about people actually getting into trouble 
for this. Finally, I have to say, don’t just limit yourself to Japanese food because Tokyo has lots 
of amazing international options. Let’s be real, even locals aren’t eating Japanese food every 
single day, so there really is no shame in taking advantage of Tokyo’s vibrant international 
food scene. I have to admit, I didn’t get tired of eating Japanese food at all during my time 
there, but I’ve anecdotally heard that Japan does actually super amazing French and Italian food, 
and just about every other major cuisine you can imagine, you can probably find somewhere in Tokyo, 
so don’t be afraid to branch out a little. Now, it’s time to chat about Tokyo attraction tips. 
First, very important, I think you really have to be realistic about your itinerary and not try 
to cram in too many activities because Tokyo is so full of things to do. Honestly speaking, there 
is so much to do in this city that you probably couldn’t even cover it all in a lifetime, but 
the good news is, there really is something for everyone. So, what I would recommend is maybe 
planning or booking one experience a day and then building your itinerary around that so that 
you can take your time to explore the neighborhood around the thing that you’ve booked. This way, 
you’re bound to find more hidden gems and unique activities rather than following the exact same 
itinerary as everyone else if you’re just hopping from sight to sight. On that note, definitely make 
sure you’re grouping sites that are close together and doing them at the same time to avoid any 
backtracking just because Tokyo is massive, so at all costs, you want to avoid going back to the 
same areas. So, what I would recommend is saving all the spots that you’re interested in on Google 
Maps, and maybe marking it with a star or an emoji, and then that way when you look at your map, 
you can actually see the different clusters of activities that you want to do and kind of plan 
your day around that. Seeing no more than two neighborhoods a day is probably your best bet in 
terms of keeping things manageable, but honestly, if you have time, one neighborhood a day would be 
ideal. That said, you should also seek to balance out your itinerary by breaking up the busy, high 
energy stops with more green and relaxing ones. I usually hate this term, but Tokyo is truly a city 
of contrasts, so I would advise trying to balance out your itinerary as much as possible each day. 
If you’re doing something intense like a walking tour, make sure you’re also doing something chill 
later on, like a spa visit or something like that or just chilling in a park, because otherwise 
you’re going to get burnt out really quickly. When you are planning though, do make sure you 
are double-checking opening times and days for the different things that you’re interested in, 
particularly your must-dos and non-negotiables, because actually, many museums are closed on 
specific days, often Monday or Tuesday, and this is something that I personally learned the hard 
way, so definitely don’t make the same mistake as me. Next, definitely pay attention to the 
ticket release dates for very popular attractions and make sure you are booking them ahead. 
Unfortunately, booking ahead is really essential if you want to see certain attractions. Generally, 
you should expect to start booking the ultra-hot attractions one or two months in advance. Here are 
some popular ones and when they tend to open up: Shibuya Sky opens up tickets 2 weeks in advance, 
but it’s usually only the sunset slots that sell out. Though, as a tip, you can actually stay as 
long as you want once you’re in there, so you can always book a time-slot before sunset and hang out 
until the sunset comes. Imperial Palace tours open up at 5 am on the first day of the month, 
preceding the tour date. Though, they do leave a few hundred slots for walk-ins on the day of 
as well. And tickets for the Ghibli Museum become available for purchase at 10 am JST on 
the 10th of each month for the subsequent month. The Tuna Auction at Toyosu Market is on a lottery 
system and that opens up a month before. And some other ones like TeamLabs Borderless and Planets 
open up two months ahead. But generally speaking, you can buy these ones just a few days 
in advance unless there’s a big holiday or something and there will still usually be some 
left. I know that’s a long list and to be honest, I would only pick one or two of these attractions 
to book ahead, because if your whole vacation is just scrambling from one booking to the next, you 
probably won’t have any fun. Plus, some of these viewpoints, for instance, are weather-dependent 
and might even be closed when the weather is bad, which is really impossible to plan for so far in 
advance, so I actually booked nothing in advance during my trip and just went with the flow and 
still had an amazing time, so really, don’t stress yourself out too much with all these dates. On 
that note, something I always say is definitely go see the touristy musts because they’re famous 
for a reason, but try to explore beyond them as much as you’re able to. Tokyo is such an amazing 
city with so much to offer beyond just the main guidebook or social media viral sites. The Shibuya 
Scramble, for instance, is cool, but it is, at the end of the day, just a huge crosswalk, so don’t 
have these crazy built-up expectations in your head. For me personally, I would use these ultra 
famous spots as a starting point for sightseeing, but usually you can find lots of cool, more 
hidden spots super close to it that you’ve never heard of. Near Shibuya Scramble, for instance, 
there’s a ton of cool shopping, including PARCO, which is this amazing department store where 
you’ll also find the Shibuya Pokémon Center, and there’s also Miyashita Park, which is this really cool 
rooftop oasis in the middle of the city where there’s green space and outdoor activities like 
beach volleyball, plus some cool pop-up bars. So, definitely leave room in your itinerary to explore 
different neighborhoods as you go, don’t just stop at those famous sites. On a similar note, if 
you want to avoid crowds, do definitely consider visiting more popular spots at night for a more 
peaceful experience. I’ve heard Senso Ji Temple, for instance, is gorgeous at night with its 
illuminations. So, if that works with your schedule, definitely consider it. We went to 
Zojo Ji after sunset and it was wonderful to experience it without crowds and with the Tokyo 
Tower lit up in the distance, which is really, really cool. Also, just know that there are tons 
of amazing alternative views in the city beyond just the top ones that you have to pay a lot of 
money for. Listen, I love a good viewpoint, but in a metropolis like Tokyo, there are so many that 
you don’t necessarily need to spend lots of time, money, and prep in order to secure a good view. 
Don’t get me wrong, viewing platforms like Shibuyu Sky, MORI Tower, and Tokyo Skytree (which is 
actually the highest one in all of Japan), they all look really cool and have things that they offer, 
but I do think the magic of a good viewpoint can be somewhat diminished when you can’t properly 
enjoy it due to crowds or long lineups. So, just know that there are many alternatives. I 
personally always like when the view is bundled with an experience of some kind, so rooftop bars 
are definitely a fun one and there are loads in Tokyo. I really loved the one at our hotel which 
was the hotel Indigo Shibuya, and also the tiny Asahi Sky Room was also really cool since it’s in the 
Asahi headquarters, but it might be a battle to get a window seat because this space is actually super, 
super small. In any case, a quick search will show you way more rooftop bars, so definitely 
broaden your horizons. There are also some free options like the one at the Tokyo Metropolitan 
Government Building, or on a smaller scale, the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 
also has a pretty cool rooftop. Again, remember, in a place with as many tall buildings as Tokyo, 
there are really great views everywhere, so you don’t necessarily need to stress about seeing 
the exact one that everyone else is seeing. I also think when in Tokyo, you should make sure you’re 
enjoying a classic Japanese arcade and also taking advantage of all the fun gacha machines. 
Seriously, I consider this a cultural experience that everyone needs to have at least once during 
their Japan trip. And it, of course, helps that they’re everywhere. We went to a multi-story 
arcade in Akihabara and loved it. Honestly, it’s super fun to see locals being so into their 
different games. Plus, these Gachapon capsule toy machines are everywhere as well and really fun, 
so be sure to grab some silly souvenirs from them, the things that they have are honestly 
so silly sometimes, but they can be really addictive. Pro tip though, if you see one you 
really like, definitely get it there, there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually be able to find 
it again. Though, FYI, Tokyo is actually home to the largest gachapon store in the world with over 
3,000 machines, so definitely worth checking out if you’re into it. Finally, definitely consider 
adding a few non-touristy activities to your itinerary to mix things up. Something I’m really 
sad we didn’t have time for is a baseball game, for instance. And apparently, that’s a super fun 
time that locals really love getting involved in. During some of his free time one day, Sean also 
went to some batting cages and chummed it up with some locals and he loved that. So, do kind of 
think outside the box. Yes, obviously you’re a tourist in Tokyo, there are many touristy things 
to do, but there’s also loads of fun things that locals do in Tokyo too, so don’t be afraid to 
try something that isn’t conventionally touristy, so long as it aligns well with your interests. 
Now, finally, here are some Tokyo tips for once you arrive. First, I do mention this in my general 
Japan tips video, but do make sure you bring cash as some smaller places in Tokyo don’t actually 
accept card payments. I would say having about 10,000 yen as a base will be more than good to 
cover you in case you need cash. Most places in Tokyo are quite card friendly though, especially 
if you have an IC card like a Suica. I would also pack your day bag assuming that there’s going to be changes 
in weather and temperature because honestly, you’re going to be out sightseeing, so the 
likelihood of you being able to go back to the hotel on a whim to grab something is honestly 
not super high. So, I would pack your day bag with some emergency options like a warmer layer, 
maybe a rain jacket or fold-out umbrella depending on the season, maybe a fan in the summertime, 
etc. I wouldn’t worry too much though, Tokyo is definitely a city of convenience, so if it does 
suddenly rain like crazy, you can usually grab a cheap umbrella from a convenience store for 
like 500 yen, or just make use of an umbrella rental program, which I actually spotted at a few 
different train stations. Now, other things to bring in your day bag include a bag for trash and 
some hand sanitizer as well, just in case you run into one of those notorious public bathrooms that 
don’t have soap, which unfortunately does happen, but luckily isn’t too common. I’d also strongly 
recommend for you to bring a portable charger. This way you have a way of keeping your phone 
charged and as we’ve already covered, you’re going to be using your phone an insane amount. 
Next, in terms of shopping, do know that Don Quijote is great for variety, but you can usually find better 
prices at other shops and at pharmacies. This massive Japanese chain is everywhere, and tourists love 
going because it’s just this crazy overstimulating wonderland of stuff you didn’t realize you needed. 
But honestly, a lot of people think it’s like the cheapest place to shop, it really isn’t. The 
main perk of Don Quijiote is that everything is in one place, but in Tokyo, there’s honestly so 
many great places to shop that you have way more options and usually, you’ll be able to find better 
deals elsewhere. Kitchenware stuff, for instance, can be much more affordable if you go to the 
Kappabashi Kitchen Street, snack items tend to be cheaper from supermarkets, and I’ve heard that 
Ginza Karen is much more affordable for luggage. For a similar mega shop kind of experience though, 
both Yobadashi Camera and Bic Camera can also be really fun, as well as different 100 yen shops like 
Daiso. Now, in terms of safety, I will say Tokyo is generally very safe, but do look out for touts 
in popular nightlife areas. Now, the only place I saw them was in Shinjuku and Harajuku, but I’ve 
heard some crazy stories about how these touts can actually lure you into bars that charge 
you really scammy prices on the pretense that you’re going to get a good deal, so definitely 
be careful. Finally, this is so important to me, don’t miss the special eki stamps that you can 
get for free at many places. Again, I mentioned this in my general Japan tips video, but Japan has 
tons of places that offer a free stamp for you to collect. So, definitely in advance of your trip or 
during your trip, get a notebook or a stamp book to collect them as you go. Tokyo has tons of them 
in pretty much every train station, every tourist information center, so it really doesn’t hurt 
to ask. Just a hot tip, the Ueno Tourist Center, in particular, has tons of stamps featuring 
pandas, so now you know. Alright, thanks so much for watching, be sure to like and subscribe 
for more travel videos just like this one. And let me know in the comments if you have any more 
Tokyo tips to add. I’ll see you next time, bye!

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Don’t visit Tokyo without watching this first! Here are all THE tips and must-knows for first time Tokyo visitors to save money, eliminate overwhelm, and have the most magical Tokyo vacation.

WATCH NEXT:

Read the full guide for more tips: https://happytowander.com/tokyo-travel-tips/

0:00 INTRODUCTION
0:45 TOKYO TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS
6:47 TOKYO TIPS FOR TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
11:31 TOKYO FOOD & DRINK TIPS
16:52 TOKYO ATTRACTION TIPS
24:25 TOKYO TIPS FOR ONCE YOU ARRIVE
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HOTELS WE STAYED AT
Note – many of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info on what this means, check out my website privacy policy and disclosure: https://happytowander.com/privacy/

Hotel Indigo Shibuya w/ epic view: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/indigo-tokyo-shibuya-an-ihg.html?aid=1180711

Cute small hotel in Ueno with a great location and decent price: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/open-sale-ueno-lang-201-5-minutes-to-sta-dong-jing-du.html?aid=1180711

HELPFUL PRE-BOOKING LINKS

Shibuya Sky (Tix go on sale 2 weeks in advance): https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/sky/ticket/

Imperial Palace tours (Open at 5am the first day of the month preceding the tour date): https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/about/koukyo.html

Ghibli Museum (Tix on sale 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the subsequent month): https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/

Tuna Auction at Toyosu Market is on a lottery system, opened up a month before https://toyosu.jcdlotterysite.jp/?lng=2

Pokemon Cafe: https://reserve.pokemon-cafe.jp/

Ninja Restaurant: https://ninja-tokyo.jp/en/

OTHER TOKYO BOOKING LINKS

TeamLabs Planets: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-l193/tokyo-teamlab-planets-tokyo-digital-art-museum-entry-ticket-t260407?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

Skytree: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-skytree-l4086/tokyo-skytree-admission-ticket-t215997?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

Tokyo Tower: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-tower-l4084/tokyo-tower-admission-ticket-t290925?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

Roppongi Hills Observation Tower: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-l193/tokyo-roppongi-hills-observatory-ticket-t458139?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

Chopstick workshop: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-l193/chopstick-making-workshop-in-ginza-t1026517?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

Calligraphy workshop: https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-l193/tokyo-create-your-own-calligraphy-masterpiece-t1042196?partner_id=8J15F09&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=TokyoYT

CHRISTINA’S TRAVEL GEAR
➡️ Vessi waterproof sneakers: https://sovrn.co/1m8a7xd
Here’s a referral code for $$ off: https://ca.vessi.com/pages/friend-signup?ref=1ed3c9d36e
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OTHER TRAVEL RESOURCES

➡️ My favourite travel credit card – Wise: {Referral Link} https://happytowander.com/Wise
➡️ My go-to eSIM {Affiliate Link} – Use the code CHRIST99027 for $3 off: https://happytowander.com/Airalo
➡️ Where I search hotels {Paid Link}: https://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=1180711
➡️ Where I search flights: https://www.google.com/travel/flights
➡️ My go-to travel insurance {Paid Link}: https://happytowander.com/WorldNomads
➡️ Where I book activities/tours {Paid Link}: https://happytowander.com/GetYourGuide
➡️ Where I find rental cars {Paid Link}: https://happytowander.com/DiscoverCars

Wondering what not to do in Tokyo? This Tokyo travel tips video summarizes all the important must-knows before visiting Tokyo for the first time, from how to avoid crowds and secure tickets and reservations to helpful Tokyo transport tips and etiquette.