Tokyo Travel Tips – Important Tourist Information for First-Time Travelers

Planning a trip to Tokyo is an exciting process, and some important Tokyo travel tips can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Once you know the basics of traveling in Japan, including how to tip, how to get around by train, and how consumption tax works, you can get started on creating a travel itinerary full of landmarks and attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, and Ghibli Museum.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Japan’s visa policy

Japan has a travel visa exemption arrangement with over 60 other nations, including the United States, Canada, many Latin American countries, many European countries, and many surrounding Asian countries. Travelers to Tokyo holding a passport from one of those countries do not need a visa to enter Japan if visiting for tourism, conferences, commerce, or to see friends or family. The exemption is typically up to 90 days. Visitors traveling from nations that are not part of the visa exemption arrangement must first obtain a visa from a Japanese diplomatic mission. Visas are granted for up to 90 days for tourism and business travel.

It is important to check with a Japanese diplomatic mission closest to you to make sure you are clear about the visa requirements for your country and that you obtain a visa, if necessary, before your trip. Once you’ve got that sorted out, you can continue planning the rest of your travels and book your flight to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, the two major airports serving the Tokyo area.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Population & Statistics

Tokyo has a population of approximately 13.5 million people. Over 10% of the population of Japan lives in Tokyo, despite the fact that it has less than 1% of the country’s total area. It is the most populous and also most densely populated prefecture among all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Because of the number of people who commute to Tokyo for work and school, the city’s daytime population can actually swell by another 2.5 million people. The number of foreign residents in Tokyo is just under half a million people.

The Greater Tokyo Area, which is made up of Tokyo Metropolis and the neighboring Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama prefectures, has a staggering population of over 38 million people. Home to over a quarter of the population of Japan, it is the world’s most populous metropolitan area. It is actually 1.5 times more populous than the next largest metropolitan area in the world, Seoul.

Despite Tokyo‘s large population and high population density, the city has many spots where you can find some peace and quiet. Chief among them are parks and green spaces where locals and tourists alike can go to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. Among the most well-known parks are Ueno Park, Meiji Shrine, Asukayama Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Shopping, taxes & where to save on purchases

Shopping is one of the top tourist activities in Tokyo, and it is carried out everywhere from large department stores to small, local convenience stores. There are so many fantastic shopping districts, such as Ginza and Omotesando, where you can buy unique souvenirs for people back home and ingenious Japanese lifestyle products for yourself. Of course, if you’re traveling, you’ll want to be smart with your money and be aware of any relevant tax.

In Japan, there is an 8% consumption tax levied on all consumer goods. Luckily, visitors on a tourist visa are often exempt from this tax in order to encourage shopping. To be eligible, all you need to do is show your passport. Always check with the store first to make sure you can make a tax-free purchase on the goods they offer. You typically need to spend over a certain amount in order to claim the exemption. This amount is ¥5,001 for consumables such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and medicine, and ¥10,001 for commodities such as clothing, accessories, shoes, and electronics.

The savings on everyday goods such as food, beverages, and clothing can help make traveling a little more affordable for the average tourist. Taking advantage of Japan’s tax exemption can also get you significant savings on higher-priced goods such as electronics. You’ll be able to claim the exemption either when you make the purchase or by taking your receipts to an in-store tax exemption counter. Keep in mind that you may have to declare these goods upon flying home.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: How to get around

Because it is such a large and sprawling metropolis, Tokyo may seem a little intimidating to navigate at first. However, its train and subway systems are among the best in the entire world. Rail is unequivocally the best way for tourists to get around Tokyo. While you may want to hop into a taxi while traveling in busy areas during rush hour, rail will be the far more affordable and convenient option for most of your travel needs.

The main rail terminal in the city is Tokyo Station, which receives over 3,000 trains a day. You’ll likely find yourself most often traveling on the JR Yamanote Line. Often simply called the “loop line” because of how it loops around Tokyo, the JR Yamanote Line can take you to major urban hubs such as Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and Ueno. Train and subway maps are usually in English but can be confusing for first-time travelers. Using Google Maps is a recommended way to navigate Tokyo‘s rail system.

There are a number of privately owned train and subway companies operating in Tokyo. Thankfully, you can buy rechargeable, prepaid cards that allow for easy payment at all train and subway stations, regardless of the rail company. The most common prepaid cards you’ll find at just about any convenience store are Pasmo and Suica cards. To pay with the card, simply tap it when entering a station. This saves you from having to calculate ticket costs. You won’t need a Japan Rail Pass for travel within the city, but it is a must-have for long distance travel.

TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS: Tipping Etiquette

Unlike many other parts of the world, tipping is not a common practice in Tokyo or anywhere in Japan. Good service is considered to be the standard, and service workers are not motivated by the possibility of an extra tip. It doesn’t matter if you are buying food from a local street food vendor or dining at a high-end restaurant in Tokyo such as Kozue in Shinjuku, you do not need to tip your server. The same holds true for taxi drivers, hotel staff, bartenders, hair stylists, and spa staff, all of whom will likely provide excellent service.

This culture of exceptional and attentive customer service is known as omotenashi, and it is deeply ingrained in the Japanese service industry. So much so, in fact, that if you do try to tip service workers, you will likely be politely refused. The only exception to the no tipping rule is tour guides, interpreters, and other travel service providers. Staff at Tokyo tourist companies are often accustomed to receiving tips from tourists and will likely graciously accept.

If you do decide to tip a tourism industry worker, then the most important piece of Tokyo travel advice is to place the bills inside of an envelope and offer it with both hands, instead of taking the bills directly out of your pocket or wallet and offering them loose. Rather than a monetary tip, it is also polite to treat your guide or interpreter to refreshments or local food specialties during your tour or to offer them a small gift from your home country.

Additional TOKYO TRAVEL TIPS

There are many unique aspects of Japanese culture that may surprise you during your trip to Tokyo. While new and exciting experiences are what traveling is all about, knowing a bit about the culture before you go will help you be a mindful and respectful tourist. Here are some important tips for Tokyo travel.

• Keep cash on-hand: Japan is still very much a cash-based society, so make sure you keep some cash on you at all times. You can find ATMs at 7-Eleven stores.
• Save money with soba noodles: Locals love traditional soba noodles because they are both tasty and inexpensive. One of the best places to go for delicious soba noodles is Honmura An in Roppongi.
• Be mindful of your trash: Public garbage bins are uncommon in Tokyo, so be prepared to take all and any trash with you until you have the chance to dispose of it properly.
• Use a bilingual map: Locals in Tokyo are usually friendly and eager to help, and they will have an easier time helping you if you show them a map that also has Japanese on it.
• Follow proper walking etiquette: A strict adherence to walking etiquette keeps even the most crowded areas in Tokyo orderly, such as the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Just as they drive, Japanese people walk on the left side of the sidewalk. On escalators, it is customary to stand on the left side and allow people to pass on the right.
• Rent mobile Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is not common throughout Tokyo, so it is better to carry around your own pocket Wi-Fi router if you want to stay connected.