A Quick Guide to Tokyo

Tokyo is an amazing city with so much history. Japan is known for having both traditional and extremely modern architecture. There is so much to see and do here, so check out this quick guide to the city.

Population: 36,000,000
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
​Official Language(s): Japanese

​Arrival/Getting Around

Tokyo actually has two major airports; Narita International and Haneda International Airport. Haneda is a lot closer to Tokyo's city center but they are both easy to navigate.

Narita to Tokyo's city centre is about 77km. There are may different ways to get to the city centre ranging from limousine bus to taxi. Obviously the most expensive way is by taxi. However, taxis will set you back a few hundred dollars unfortunately. The best economical way to get to Tokyo would be the Keisei Line, which is the regular subway. This journey will cost you around 1,200 yen and take about 58 mins. Although, it only takes you to Nippori or Ueno Station then you would need to switch onto another train. Another option is the Sky Access Express and Skyliner. Both take you to Nippori or Ueno in under 41 mins. They both are similar in price, with Sky Access being 1,290yen and Skyliner being 1,235yen. There is also the Narita Express which gets you to Tokyo Station in 53 minutes but also costs around 4,000yen.

The journey from Haneda to Tokyo city centre is about 22km. The best way to get to the city centre is the Keikyu Line. This train will take you to Shinagawa Station in 13 mins, for only 410yen, where you may need to transfer to the JY line depending on where you are going it might cost you another 400yen. There is also a limousine bus which drops you off at the Hyatt Regency at Keio Plaza near Shinjuku Station. This trip takes about 50 mins and costs 1,230yen. Another option is to take the Monorail. The monorail costs 490yen and takes you to Hamamatsucho Station in 15mins. From there you need to transfer to the Oedo Line which bring you to Tochomae Staton in the Shinjuku area.

Once in the city there are buses and different trains available to get around. The JR line is a very fast and efficient way to get around. Make sure to take a map because with all the different lines in the city it can be extremely confusing.

​What to See

There are so many things to do in Tokyo. Tokyo is the most popular and populated city in the country and draws over 6 million people a year! If you are a first timer here are some attractions I suggest. 

A must see attraction here is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, which is a large park with moats and was home to the Edo Castle. It is a free attraction as well, so there is no excuse not to go. A few stops away is Hie Jinja. This shrine is very peaceful despite being in a busy city. They also have those famous red tori gates everyone loves to take pictures with in Kyoto, but in a smaller scale. Senso-ji is an amazing ancient Buddhist Temple. It is the oldest and one of the most important temples of Japan, which is also free! The Tokyo Skytree is magical at night. The tower is 634 m tall and has a 360 degree view of the city. There is also a glass floor if you are brave enough to step on it. A must see is Shibuya Crossing Pedestrian Scramble. I've never been so captivated by people going about their day to day activities, let alone seen so many people crossing the street.

​What to Eat & Drink

Sushi and sashimi in Tokyo are so popular that restaurants usually have lines outside of people waiting to get in. Conveyor belt sushi is really popular but can get quite expensive. However, it's always fun to sit and choose what sushi you want to eat. There are so many hole in the wall restaurant in this city with amazing food. If you are into trying new or weird food then you must  check out Piss Alley in Shinjuku. Piss Alley is an alleyway filled with bars and restaurants. This area is very popular because of it's history and the foods that they serve.

​Foods to try in Piss Alley:

• ​Yakitori
• ​Nikomi
• Grilled salamander

​Where to Stay

Tokyo has a range of accommodations for people of every budget. However  if you are visiting Tokyo, you need to stay in a capsule hotel. Capsule hotels are extremely popular in this city and many people travel here just to stay in one. Capsule hotels are like hostels but instead of bunkbeds you have your own private sleeping pods. They range from modest to luxury. You can find capsules with TVs, your own temperature control and more! 

​Places Nearby

Mount Fuji-- About 2.5 hours west of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is one of the most famous mountains in the world. Most people visit Fuji for the sunrise views which are beautiful.