Tokyo

Tokyo looks overwhelming at first. Then you notice: it’s quiet, orderly, astonishingly efficient. Shibuya’s giant screens, Yanaka’s 400-year-old temple, Shinjuku’s rooftop bar, Golden Gai’s tiny pub — all within 30 minutes on one metro ticket.

Best time to visit

Late March–early April is cherry blossom (sakura) — stunning but exact dates depend on the annual Hanami forecast (usually March 25–April 5). October–November is fall colors + mild weather (15–20°C). May is cool and floral. July–August is 33°C with 80% humidity + tsuyu rain — brutal. Golden Week (April 29–May 5) shuts most things or triples prices — plan carefully or avoid.

How many days?

5–7 days is ideal. 4 days Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Asakusa, Akihabara), Kyoto for 2–3 as a day trip or overnight, Hakone or Nikko for 1. Full Japan route with Osaka + Hiroshima: 12–14 days — JR Pass pays off then (1 week, $355). Tokyo only: 5 busy days.

What to see

Must-do: Shibuya Scramble + Hachiko statue + Scramble Square rooftop, Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa), Meiji Shrine + Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Shinjuku Gyoen gardens + Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alley) + Golden Gai at night, Tsukiji outer market + sushi breakfast, teamLab Borderless/Planets (digital art — book ahead), Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Tower/Skytree. Day trips: Hakone (Fuji + onsen), Nikko (temples + waterfalls).

Food & drink

Sushi: Tsukiji outer market (fresh morning) or kaiten (conveyor) from ¥100/plate. Ramen styles: shoyu (Tokyo), shio, miso, tonkotsu (Hakata). Ichiran and Ippudo are tourist-friendly; locals go to small shops. Yakitori in Omoide Yokocho. Tonkatsu, gyoza, takoyaki (Osaka heritage), okonomiyaki. Sweets: matcha ice cream, taiyaki (fish-shaped cake). Convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) food is genuinely good in Japan — onigiri, karaage, sandwiches.

Getting around

JR + metro network is world-class. Get a Suica or PASMO IC card (¥800 deposit + balance), works on everything. Single rides are ¥170–310. Shinkansen (bullet trains) are insanely fast and punctual. JR Pass 7-day is $355 — worth it only if you leave Tokyo (Kyoto/Osaka). Taxis are pricey (¥500 flag-fall), doors open automatically. No Uber to speak of; Japan Taxi app is solid.

Things to watch out for

Rush hour (7:30–9:30, 17:30–19:30) is crushing — avoid if possible. Don’t block turnstiles — tap cleanly. Social rules are firm: no eating while walking, no loud phone talk, ask before photographing people in kimono. Tap water is safe to drink. Cash is still required many places; some cheap spots don’t take cards. Don’t tip in restaurants — it’s awkward. Some onsens ban tattoos.

Budget estimate

Economy: $70–100/day (capsule/hostel, ramen + konbini, JR). Mid: $150–220/day (3★ hotel, izakaya + restaurants, tickets). Luxury: $400+/day (4–5★, omakase, private guide). A balanced 6-day Tokyo trip: $1,000–1,500. Flights from Europe: €600–900 (usually with layover). IC card is essential. For yen, withdraw at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — most foreign-card-friendly.