Exploring Tokyo: Tips And Tricks

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples and tranquil gardens coexist with hedonistic nightlife and bustling shopping districts. It is a culinary powerhouse, offering everything from street food to high-end dining, and is famous for its unique fashion sense.

Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous city, with 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns, and villages to the west. The city has something for everyone, from the historic Asakusa district to the vibrant youth culture of Harajuku.

When travelling to Tokyo, it is important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. English is not widely spoken, so learning some basic phrases and brushing up on body language skills can be helpful. It is also a largely cash-based society, so carrying a thick wad of yen is essential, as many businesses do not accept credit cards.

Tokyo's transport system can be daunting, with two separate subway systems and multiple train companies operating across the city. A Pasmo or Suica card can be a lifesaver, allowing easy movement between different modes of transport.

With its mix of traditional and modern attractions, Tokyo has something for everyone and is a city that truly comes alive at night.

Download apps like Japan Travel by Navitime and Safety Tips to help you navigate and stay safe

When travelling to Tokyo, it is important to be prepared and stay safe. Downloading apps like Japan Travel by Navitime and Safety Tips can help you navigate and stay safe in the city.

Japan Travel by Navitime is a comprehensive app that can help you travel around Tokyo like a local. It provides basic guides and informative articles about travelling in Japan, written by foreign authors living in the country. The app covers a range of topics, including transportation, money, internet connection, food, art, culture, nightlife, and shopping. It also offers recommended itineraries for various areas in Japan. One of the most useful features of the app is the route search function, which allows you to navigate from your departure point to your destination using any mode of public transportation, including trains, airplanes, taxis, and ferries. The app also provides useful information such as platform numbers, station lists, and timetables. Additionally, you can search for free Wi-Fi hotspots, currency exchange spots, ATMs, and train stations offline.

Safety Tips is another essential app to have on hand when travelling in Tokyo. This free app provides emergency alerts and information on what to do in the event of a quake, typhoon, or tsunami. It also includes helpful phrases for obtaining information from those around you and links to websites with relevant disaster information. The app is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Both Japan Travel by Navitime and Safety Tips can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. By utilising these apps, you can navigate Tokyo with ease and have peace of mind during your travels.

Plan to stay at least a week to experience the city and its surroundings properly

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis, offering a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors. While a short stay of 3-4 days can give you a glimpse of the city, planning to spend at least a week in Tokyo will allow you to experience the city and its surroundings more thoroughly. Here's why:

Immerse Yourself in the City

With a week in Tokyo, you can slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture. Take time to wander through the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa, soaking in the unique blend of modern and traditional Japan. Enjoy the culinary delights of this food-lover's paradise, boasting more Michelin stars than any other city. Explore the historic temples and gardens, such as the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and discover the city's green spaces.

Day Trips from Tokyo

A week-long stay gives you the perfect opportunity to take day trips to nearby destinations. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the historic temples and shrines of Kamakura, the World Heritage sites of Nikko, or the natural trails of Mt. Takao. These excursions will provide a different perspective on Japan and offer a break from the urban environment.

Experience Local Life

By spending a week in Tokyo, you can allocate time to "live" like a local. Consider renting an apartment in neighbourhoods like Bunkyo, Ryogoku, or Shimokitazawa, and explore the city at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, interact with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and daily life. This approach will give you a more authentic and immersive travel experience.

Explore Beyond the Highlights

With a week-long trip, you won't feel rushed and can explore beyond the mainstream attractions. Delve into underrated neighbourhoods like Setagaya and Yanaka, and discover unique spots that cater to your interests. Whether you're into art, history, nature, or cuisine, Tokyo has something for everyone.

Combine with Other Destinations

If you're planning to visit other parts of Japan, such as Kyoto or Osaka, a week in Tokyo provides a good balance. You can allocate 3-4 days to explore Tokyo and then move on to other destinations, ensuring you have a well-rounded Japanese experience.

Be mindful of local customs and manners, like removing jewellery before a tea ceremony

When travelling to Tokyo, it is important to be mindful of local customs and manners. One such custom is the Japanese tea ceremony, which is steeped in history and tradition. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a tea ceremony, there are several things you should know in advance.

Firstly, the Japanese tea ceremony is about much more than just drinking tea. The ceremony embodies the ideals of tranquility, respect, purity, and reverence, and guests are expected to come away from the experience feeling refreshed and peaceful. The ceremony is usually held in a traditional tearoom with a tatami floor, and guests are expected to sit in the seiza position, with their legs folded under them. Before entering the tearoom, you should remove your shoes and any jewellery, especially rings and bracelets, as these could damage the tea equipment.

The ceremony itself involves a series of intricate rituals and procedures. Guests are served a Japanese sweet before being presented with a bowl of tea. The tea bowl is placed in front of the guest with the "front" facing them. The guest should pick up the bowl with their right hand and place it in their left palm, turning it clockwise so that the "front" is no longer facing them. After drinking the tea, guests should wipe the rim of the bowl and turn it so that the "front" is facing the host before returning it. It is customary to bow and express gratitude when receiving and finishing the tea.

In addition to the tea ceremony, there are other customs and manners that visitors to Tokyo should be aware of. For example, when visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, there are specific etiquette guidelines to follow, such as walking on the sides of the sando pathway and rinsing your hands and mouth with purifying water. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a Japanese tatami-floored room, and you will usually be provided with slippers to wear. In terms of dining etiquette, it is considered rude to wear perfume or cologne when eating sushi, as it can interfere with the subtle flavours. Additionally, it is important to use chopsticks correctly, such as not passing food directly from your chopsticks to someone else's and not sticking your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice.

Carry cash as many places, including top restaurants, don't accept cards

When travelling to Tokyo, it's important to carry cash as many places, including top restaurants, don't accept cards. This is true even of some Michelin-starred restaurants. In fact, the majority of independent restaurants are still cash only. This is largely due to the high commission charged by credit card companies, which can be as much as 10%. Some restaurant owners have also expressed a preference for cash because it avoids the risk of technical issues with card machines.

If you don't have cash, some restaurants will allow you to sign the bill and pay next time. However, it's always best to be prepared. You can exchange currency at the airport, or withdraw yen from a post office or 7-Eleven ATM using a foreign card. It's worth noting that many ATMs in Japan do not accept foreign cards, and you may need to inform your bank before travelling to ensure your card will work.

When paying, it's polite to use both hands to give and receive money.

Be prepared for the language barrier and learn some key phrases

Although Tokyo is a very accommodating city for tourists, with many signs in English and locals who are patient and willing to help, it is always a good idea to learn some key phrases in the local language. This can be helpful when navigating transportation, ordering food, or simply being polite. Here are some suggestions for how to prepare for the language barrier and what phrases to learn before your trip to Tokyo:

Transportation

Tokyo's public transportation system is extensive and efficient, and many stations have signs in English. However, learning some basic phrases can be helpful when navigating train or bus schedules, purchasing tickets, or asking for directions. Key phrases to know include:

• "Sumimasen" or "Excuse me" – This phrase is useful when you need to get someone's attention or apologise for a minor mistake.
• "Doomo arigatoo" or "Thank you" – Expressing gratitude is always appreciated and can help foster a positive interaction.
• "Chotto matte kudasai" or "Please wait" – This can be helpful when asking someone to hold on while you gather your belongings or figure out your next move.
• "Ikura desu ka?" or "How much is it?" – Knowing this phrase can assist you in understanding the cost of transportation or other purchases.

Dining Out

When dining out in Tokyo, it is beneficial to know some basic food-related phrases. Many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus or picture menus, but learning some key words can still be helpful:

• "Niku" means meat, and can be helpful to know if you want to avoid meat dishes.
• "Sakana" means fish, and "ebi" means prawns or shrimp – useful if you're a seafood lover!
• "Oishii" means delicious – a great way to compliment the chef or express your enjoyment of a meal.
• "O-ai-shoku" means breakfast, "o-hiru-gohan" means lunch, and "ban-gohan" means dinner – helpful phrases when asking for meal recommendations or making reservations.

Etiquette

Japanese culture is known for its emphasis on politeness and respect. Learning some basic etiquette phrases can go a long way in showing your appreciation and respect for the local culture:

• "Ohayo gozaimasu" means good morning, and is a polite greeting to use when meeting someone in the morning.
• "Konnichiwa" means hello, and is a standard greeting for any time of day.
• "Arigatou gozaimasu" is a more formal way of saying thank you, and demonstrates your respect for the person you're thanking.
• "Itadakimasu" means "I humbly receive" and is said before a meal to express gratitude for the food.
• "Gomen nasai" means "I'm sorry" and is an important phrase to know in case you need to apologise for any mistakes or misunderstandings.

In addition to learning these phrases, it is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with basic Japanese etiquette, such as the importance of removing your shoes before entering someone's home or a traditional restaurant, the proper way to use chopsticks, and the customs around gift-giving.

Overall, while Tokyo is a very tourist-friendly city, learning some key phrases in Japanese can greatly enhance your experience and help you navigate any language barriers you may encounter. Remember to download offline translation apps and dictionaries, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed – the locals are known for their kindness and willingness to assist visitors.

Frequently asked questions