Tokyo Travel Tips for First-Timers

Getting from the Airport

Narita: Narita Express (N’EX) to Shinjuku — ¥3,070, 53 min. Or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno — ¥2,570, 41 min.
Haneda: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho — ¥500, 14 min. Or Keikyu Line to Shinagawa — ¥300, 13 min. Haneda is far more convenient.

Getting Around

Get a Suica card at any JR station. Tap in/out of every train and bus. Google Maps transit mode is flawless for Tokyo navigation.

Best Areas to Stay

Shinjuku: Best transport hub, great nightlife
Asakusa: Most traditional feel, temple, old Tokyo atmosphere
Shibuya: Young, energetic, famous crossing nearby

What Not to Miss

• Shibuya Crossing at rush hour
• Senso-ji Temple at dawn (6am) before crowds
• teamLab Planets or Borderless — book weeks ahead
• Shinjuku at night — Golden Gai’s tiny bars
• Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast

Food Tips

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any city on Earth. Best cheap meals: ramen at a specialist shop (¥800–1,200), conveyor belt sushi (¥110/plate), convenience store breakfast (¥300–400).