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How to Spend 4 Days in Tokyo- Our travel itinerary

I must confess that visiting Japan has never been a dream of mine – I’ve always wanted to visit South Korea (Seoul, specifically). I don’t know the reasons. I guess when it comes to travel, everyone has their own bucket list, right? But my husband always wanted to visit it and, when we decided to travel to Seoul, we noticed there is a wide offer of direct flights from NYC to Tokyo than NYC to Seoul. So, since it’s a long – and expensive – trip, we decided to fly to Tokyo and then buy a separate ticket to Seoul, so we could visit both cities.

Since I got back, people have been asking me what it was like, and I must say it was a unique experience. It’s a blend of modernity and tradition. In this post, I’ll dive into our 4-day journey through Tokyo, sharing my perspective on what makes the city so unique, along with practical tips for navigating it. While I won’t focus on a rigid itinerary, I’ll walk through everything we did each day with some insights and advice for anyone planning their own trip to the Japanese capital. For the record, yes, we only stayed in Tokyo – the second part of our trip was in Seoul, South Korea. We arrived there on a Saturday afternoon and we left on a Thursday morning. So we had 4 full days in the city. 

Getting to Tokyo from NYC

As I mentioned, there are a couple of options for direct flights from NYC to Tokyo – United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines are some of the airlines that offer the route. Flights have a 14-hour duration, on average. Another great option is Air Canada, with a quick stop in Toronto and then a direct flight to Tokyo, with a 16h30 journey, which is not so bad. Honestly, I think anything more than that is too long, considering that, besides the time flying, you have the commute to the airport and the waiting time at the airport, plus the arrival bureaucracy and the commute to the hotel. So, I think it’s reasonable to think about that when planning a long trip like this to consider your flight options.

We took a flight from United Airlines, that departs 11am from Newark airport and arrives in Tokyo around 2:25pm (next day). I highly recommend this flight not only because is a non-stop flight, but also because of the time it lands in Tokyo, making it easier to adjust to the time-zone – I will talk more about this.

We were able to issue a ticket with our American Express card points and we ended up paying for only one ticket – and it costed us around $1500 – which was not bad at all. We booked Economy seats and included two meals and one snack.

How to deal with jet leg when traveling to Japan

Right after booking this trip, my immediate concern was around the flight duration, and then it was around jet lag. I mean, Tokyo and Seoul are 13 hours ahead of NYC time, and I wanted to enjoy the best of my time while traveling. But how to deal with jet lag? A friend of mine mentioned this app called Timeshifter, and she told me she loved it, so I decided to try it. And let me tell you: it was a game-changer. We followed 85% of the planand we barely felt jet lag effects.

So, how does this app work?

Timeshifter combines the only elements shown to reset the circadian clock (light-dark exposure and melatonin supplements), and alleviate the symptoms (light, melatonin, caffeine, naps), and not surprisingly, the sum of their effects is greater than the individual parts. There are many scientific studies attesting to the benefits of the app’s approach, and their algorithm has been used for many years by NASA, F1 drivers, and elite athletes, and more recently by astronauts and mission controllers at Axiom Space.

All you have to do is include your flight info. Two days before the trip, the plan starts. The app sends you notifications for when you should get some light when to avoid light, when to have and avoid caffeine, and when to take melatonin (that’s not a request, but it really helps!). The plan includes your time on the flight, which goes about two or three days after your arrival. We had no issues waking up in the morning; we didn’t feel crashes in the middle of the day. Yes, the first two nights, we woke up two or three times, but we were able to get back to sleep quicker. On my second day in Tokyo, I remember getting a comment from a follower who was in Japan for 4 days, and she mentioned the jet lag was killing her. That’s when I realized: ok, I think this app works cause we are feeling great.

And that’s why I think our flight departure and arrival was perfect to fight jet leg – since we arrived in Tokyo around 2:30pm, it was 5:30pm ish when we got to our hotel. So we took a shower, went for a walk, had dinner, watched a little bit of TV and we went sleep around 9pm. It’s easier to keep yourself awake for a couple of hours than keep yourself awake for the entire day (that would be the case if we had arrived in the morning).

Requirements to enter Japan

As of recent regulations, besides a valid passport  (it should be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan), here’s what you’ll need to enter Japan:

  • Visa: Japan has visa exemptions with many countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, Brazil, and many European nations) for short-term tourism. If you’re eligible, you won’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. For other nationalities, a tourist visa application will be required. Check more details here.
  • Customs and Immigration Declaration: you can use either the form that is distributed by the airline during the flight or you can do it online and use the generated QR code (much easier). You can click here to do it – you will have to include your personal info, your hotel and flight infohighly recommend doing this in advance!

How to get to and from Narita airport to Tokyo 

There are two main airports serving Tokyo:

  1. Narita International Airport (NRT): Located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of central Tokyo, this is the primary hub for international flights. It’s a bit farther from the city but well-connected by express trains (like the Narita Express and Skyliner), buses, and taxis.
  2. Haneda Airport (HND): Closer to central Tokyo (about 14 kilometers or 9 miles south of the city center), Haneda mainly handles domestic flights but has expanded its international routes significantly.

Our flight arrived in Narita, and I did some research on the best options to get to Tokyo – highly recommend the video below, by the way – and came to the conclusion that Narita Express would be the best choice. Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles are pretty expensive. The Narita Express (N’EX) is a high-speed train service connecting Narita International Airport to major destinations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama. This train offers a comfortable and efficient journey – our trip from Narita Airport Terminal 1 to Shinjuku Station took around 75 minutes.

I was a little bit nervous about taking the train, but honestly, it was so easy! All we had to do was follow the signs to Train when we got to the arrivals area, and we found the ticket machine pretty fast. The train offers spacious seating, luggage space, and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets. We bought the Round Trip Ticket, which cost us ¥5,000 per person for a round-trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, valid for 14 days, offering approximately an 18% discount. One-way tickets start at ¥3,070.

Where to stay in Tokyo

So, I had no idea which areas were better for the first time in Tokyo. So, after doing some research on Reddit, I highly recommend using this platform for travel advice. I noticed that most people recommend Shibuya and Shinjuku. I think it’s a great start to having some neighborhoods in mind when starting to look for hotels. I also think it’s good to know what are your non-negotiable amenities and “good to have” amenities. Considering location, budget and amenities, we ended up booking  Citadines Shinjuku Hotel and we were very happy with our experience! Here’s why:

  • The room had a decent size – and included a queen bed (I read a lot of comments saying that sometimes double rooms have two separate beds) + a sofa bed. In fact, I think this would be a perfect room for a couple traveling with a kid.
  • There was a coffee maker and an electric kettle, plus a TV, a hair dryer, and a 220V outlet.
  • There was a small gym at the hotelfeaturing treadmills, bikes, a bench and some free weights. I like to keep some workout routine when traveling, so I really appreciate when the hotel has a gym. There was also a laundry room with coin machinesand this was sooooo convenientand you could borrow umbrellas for free.
  • The location: Shinjuku is a popular district for tourists, but our hotel was a little distant from the busy area, which I think was good. It was also near a subway station.
  • Finally, they also offered breakfast – paid separately.
  • Book Citadines Shinjuku here!

How to move around in Tokyo

  • Ok, so, first of all, I would say, be ready to walk a lot! For the first days, instead of taking the subway, we chose to walk a lot of times – even if it was a 50-minute walk. We figured it would be a great way to enjoy and see the city. We averaged 17-20K steps a day.
  • We also took the subway, and if you have an iPhone, don’t bother buying subway tickets. Just add the Suica card to your Apple Wallet and add some credits, and voilà. You just tap your phone when entering and leaving the station. Much important: don’t discard your ticket if you are using one – you need that when leave the station! I
  • Google Maps works pretty well most of time – including the subway. We had no issues and there are signs in English.
  • We also took some Uber here and there and had no issues as well. Must say that drivers are super polite and we didn’t find the rides super expensive.

Internet in Tokyo

My plan in the U.S. includes international roaming – and I realized I never talked about it on the blog, which is a shame, cause it’s such a convenient service. Both my husband and I use Google Fi, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) from Google, designed to provide flexible, affordable wireless service, especially attractive to international travelers.

Google Fi automatically switches between multiple networks (T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Wi-Fi hotspots) to ensure the best possible connection. They also offer flexible data plans with straightforward pricing, starting with an “Unlimited” plan and a “Flexible” plan where users only pay for the data they use. And another feature – probably my favorite one – is the international coverage: Google Fi includes international data in over 200 destinations at no extra cost (with the Unlimited Plus or Flexible plans). I don’t remember when the last time I traveled internationally was when I had to worry about buying a SIM card. All I have to do is turn on the roaming when I arrive at the destination, and voilà.

And in case you are wondering, I have an IPhone. Here’s a referral code to get a $60 credit when you join Google Fi Wireless!

But in case you’re not feeling like switching your plan and you need a SIM card for your cell phone, I recommend Airalo. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store and offers eSIMs for over 190+ countries and regions at the most affordable rates from around the world. eSIMs offer you both connectivity and freedom. You’ll no longer have to change SIM cards or carry multiple SIM cards, wherever you may go. All you have to do is buying a data package on your eSIM – the majority of new smartphones count on this technology.

Everything is done online through Airalo app, and it’s a much faster and more practical way to secure internet plans when traveling! I find this option super convenient – not to mention that plans are available for several countries. There are 3GB plans for Italy for $7!

Weather in Tokyo

So, we arrived in Tokyo on October 12th, and our trip would end on October 23rd. Technically, it was Fall – but what we found in Tokyo felt pretty much like summer weather. It was supposed to be chill – but instead, it was pretty hot during the day – the humidity is high, so be aware of that. I finally understood why people say you should avoid Japan in the summer… I’m glad I had packed one dress – and I regret not packing some shorts.

Below, you can check my outfits:

Shop the items

Our 4-day itinerary in Tokyo

Ok, so we had 4 full days in Tokyo. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and we left on a Thursday morning. Besides taking the train and checking in at the hotel, the only thing we did on Saturday was grab some dinner at a ramen spot – Honolu Halal Ramen. It was a tiny place where you buy and choose what you have through a “vending machine” at the entrance, and then you handle your voucher to the server. Ramen was delicious and it was everything we needed after so many hours traveling.

Our first dining experience in Tokyo: a restaurant with a ticket machine

Day 1

We woke up early and decided to walk to our first stop of the day: Tokyo Imperial Palace. Yeah, it was a long walk, but as I mentioned previously, we didn’t mind since we wanted to see the city. We stopped on our way to grab some coffee, but I must say we had a bad experience with coffee shops in Tokyo. Most of them open only after 11am – and the ones that are open before that don’t have a lot of good options. And you don’t need to take my word on this: the guy from the airport video has a dedicated video about breakfast and he mentions that your best bet is probably having breakfast at the hotel, lol. Honestly, you will be good by grabbing some food at a 7 Eleven – they have fruits, pastries, yogurts… we did that for two times while in Tokyo.

Back to the Imperial Palace it is a large park-like area and a historic landmark and the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, located in the heart of Tokyo. Built on the site of the old Edo Castle. Some of the highlights here are the East Gardens, which are open to the public year-round and feature beautiful Japanese gardens, stone walls, and remnants of Edo Castle, and Nijubashi Bridge, an iconic double-arched bridge that serves as a popular photo spot. The area is huge, so take your time. We walked a lot – and we got there by the side where Hanzōmon Gate is located, and we spotted beautiful views and nature.

A snap of what a Donki store looks like

After spending some time in the area and using the bathroom, we took the subway to Akihabara Electric Town – known as Tokyo’s mecca for electronics, anime, gaming, and otaku culture. Located near Akihabara Station, this district features shops that range from massive multi-floor stores to tiny niche boutiques, offering everything from the latest tech to rare collectibles. There are countless stores here – plus coffee shops and other spots. We spent some time at Don Quijote – or “Donki” as it’s commonly known. This is a Japanese discount retail chain with a lot of locations in Tokyo. The place is famous for its eclectic selection, affordable prices, and immersive shopping experience. You will find everything from cosmetics, snacks, and electronics to souvenirs, costumes, and luxury items. I took the opportunity to buy some cosmetics, and we grabbed some different snacks.

Then, we were hungry, so we decided to have lunch at   – a spot specialized in Tempura, as the name suggests. The food was really good! After lunch, we decided to grab some coffee, and we went to Vault Coffeethis place is located on the third floor of a building – like many businesses in Tokyo, so make sure to look up for signs when you feel you can’t find a place. We loved the vibes here and the coffee selection. Super cozy spot. We also grabbed a slice of cheesecake that was delicious.

Akihabara is a super crowded and busy area, and although we had a great time, it was nothing like WOW for us cause we are not into gaming and anime. But I think it was fun to walk around to see the shops – at the end of the day, everything is so different 🙂

Then, we took the subway to Ueno Park, which is one of Tokyo’s most beloved public parks. Established in 1873 on the grounds of an ancient temple, it’s very popular for cherry blossom viewing in spring (every season, over 1,000 cherry trees bloom). We took the opportunity to rent a swan boat at Shinobazu Pond, and it was a nice way to relax and enjoy the sunset light.

The only pic I have from Jyotou Curry.

We ended our day having dinner at Jyotou Curry in Akihabara. We walked from the park to the restaurant – which was a suggestion I had seen on Reddit. The place was super tiny; you buy your voucher on the machine at the entrance, and you sit at the counter. This was one of the best meals we had in Tokyo. If you are not familiar, Japanese curry, or kare, is a thick, savory, mildly spiced stew, served with rice and crispy pork. It’s a beloved comfort food – and different from Indian or Thai curries, Japanese curry has a unique flavor profile that’s sweeter, milder – more like a hearty gravy.

Day 2

This was another day we decided to take a long walk to our first stop, which was Meiji Jingu, which is one of Tokyo’s most significant Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped modernize Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Meiji Jingu is located in a forested park near Harajukuand it was such a delight to walk there, because it was pretty shaded.

At Meiji Jingu, you’ll notice rows of colorful sake barrels, known as kazaridaru, stacked decoratively near the entrance along the main path to the shrine. So cool! I recommend visiting this place early in the morning – it was already pretty packed, and I can imagine it gets more and more busy throughout the day.

Cosme

Matsumoto Kiyoshi

When we left the area, we were just in front of a store I really wanted to check: Cosme. This is a top beauty destination for anyone looking to dive into the cosmetics world. The store is curated with award-winning and trending Japanese products plus Western brands. I did like the selection of the products, but I would say I was happier at the store next door, Matsumoto Kiyoshi. While Cosme was packed and busy, this one was pretty empty. Featuring three floors, you will find a lot of Japanese skincare and makeup brands.

Once you are here, I recommend Takeshita Street – for some reason, we didn’t realize it was just around the corner, lol, and we came back another day just to then realize we had been in the area already. This narrow street is packed with unique shops, cafes, and boutiques.

We headed to our next spot – it was time for lunch and I wanted to try sushi. We went to a Sushi Zanmai location in Shibuya – this is a popular sushi chain in Japan known for its fresh, affordable, and accessible sushi. The founder, Kiyoshi Kimura, is known as the “Tuna King” for his record-breaking tuna auction bids. The menu is pretty long and has tons of options. They have a QR code you can scan to check all the options and place your order. Pretty convenient. I must say I’m not obsessed with sushi, and I prefer rolls and hand rolls over other options. I was super happy with the selection I made, and all the pieces were delicious.

After lunch, we decided to stop by the MEGA Don Quijote in Shibuya, which was close to the restaurant and then we went to check out the famous Shibuya Crossing. It is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, known as the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. There are a lot of tourists filming and taking pics.  We then checked Shibuya 109 – a mall/department store featuring a lot of apparel brands. The basement floor features some pretty interesting eateries – we took the opportunity to try a delicious waffle while there.

We walked a lot around Shibuya – but it gave me Times Square vibes, not gonna lie. We also checked a Robot restaurant / cafe – but honestly it wasn’t worth the hype.

Nigiway Stage

Our day ended at Tofu Cuisine Sorano Shibuyait was a short walk from the busy area of Shibuya. On our way, we found Nigiway Stage totally by chance – it looked like a light installation. The restaurant was a tip we got on Tokyo Foodie Map 2024: Your Ultimate Culinary Guide by Shun Tours. This map was created by Sarah, who is a renowned food enthusiast who has been captivating global audiences with her culinary adventures on YouTube since 2020. As the name suggests, this is a renowned Japanese restaurant specializing in tofu-based dishes. Sorano celebrates tofu as a versatile ingredient, transforming it into elegant, flavorful dishes. Please be aware this is not a vegan spot – although some of the available dishes are vegan. Although one of their highlights here is the homemade tofu, I didn’t love this dish. What I absolutely loved were the Tofu Skin Dumplings and a dish with rice and tofu that I can’t find the name 🙁 Also, decor is traditional Japanese, with those low tables, which was gorgeous.

Day 3

We took the subway to start our day with a special breakfast: Fluffy pancakes. Also known as soufflé pancakes, these pancakes are an incredibly light, airy, and jiggly twist on traditional pancakes. They are extra thick, soft, and pillowy, almost like a soufflé. They achieve this texture by folding whipped egg whites into the batter, which helps them rise tall and stay airy while cooking. We saw some spots in Shibuya with long lines offering these famous pancakes, and I’m glad we went to 512 Cafe & Grill, which was empty and calm when we got there. My husband absolutely loved the pancakes we got – for me, it was ok, but I must say I don’t like eggs, so that’s probably why I didn’t care enough for this dish.

After fueling ourselves, we walked to Tokyo Tower – an iconic landmark and a beloved symbol of Tokyo’s post-war rebirth and modernization. Standing at 333 meters (1,092 feet), it was modeled after the Eiffel Tower but is painted in vibrant red and white to comply with Japanese air safety regulations. The Tower has two main observation decks—the Main Deck (150 meters) and the Top Deck (250 meters). When we got there, we decided to buy tickets online to avoid the lines. Tickets are less than $10, and we didn’t spend much time there, but I don’t highly recommend this spot. It was just ok. After that, we took some pictures around the area, with the Tower as the background. There’s a famous Instagram spot nearby, but there was a line to take pics, and I wasn’t feeling that excited.

 

Then, it was time for lunch. We took an Uber to a restaurant called Gompachi Nishi-Azabu, an Izakaya place. In case you are not familiar, an Izakaya is a traditional Japanese gastropub that offers a relaxed, casual dining experience. It reminded me of the concept of Spanish tapas. The idea is around small Plates and sharing and their typical offerings include skewers (yakitori), sashimi, tempura, gyoza, grilled fish, and unique regional specialties. We loved the food and the environment here!

After lunch, we grabbed some coffee and our idea was to walk to Takeshita Streetbut if you decide to follow my itinerary, you will notice that it’s smarter to check this spot on Day 2. But no worries – over our long walk, we also had the opportunity to check Omotesando, known as the city’s luxury shopping avenue. Often referred to as “Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées,” Omotesando is lined with flagship stores from high-end brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Dior. I don’t care about that, but it was interesting for people to watch. Plus, the avenue is beautiful. And we found an amazing store by chance: Kiddyland. This famous multi-floor toy and character goods store offer a wide range of Japanese and international character merchandise, like Pokémon, Sanrio, Studio Ghibli, Rilakkuma, and Sumikko Gurashi, plus Disney, Peanuts, and others.

Omotesando – Fifth Ave vibes

Kiddyland

Then, we finally reached Takeshita Street – only to realize it was right next to the area we were the day before. In Takeshita, we explored a bit, grabbed a crepe and it was time to take the subway to go to our next adventure: teamLab Planets. This is a super famous attraction in the city – it is an immersive art museum that combines art, technology, and nature to create a fully interactive, sensory experience. There’s another teamLab in Tokyo, but after some research, I decided to choose teamLab Planets.

I will be honest: I was super skeptical about this place – I decided to include it in our itinerary because it was highly recommended in a lot of videos and blog posts. The reason why I was skeptical is because I guess I got tired of immersive and Instaworthy experiences – over the last years, NYC hosted tons of these things, and only a few were really worth it. Pictures are cool, but I also wanna have a great experience, and I think most of these immersive places lack experiences per se. But not at teamLab. I really felt everything was made with a lot of care to offer a great experience. It was definitely worth it. Please buy your tickets in advance. I bought ours one week before and A LOT of days and times were sold out. Also, make sure to plan ahead how you will get there. From Takeshita Street area, it took us almost an hour and two transfers to get there!

We were super tired, so we took an Uber to the hotel, showered, and then walked to the busy area of Shinjuku to have dinner at Shogun Burger. This is a Japanese burger chain known for blending American-style burgers with high-quality Japanese ingredients, including wagyu beef. They have that voucher machine at the entrance, where you can place your order, and the restaurant itself is super tiny. I wanted to have a Wagyu beef burger, and it was pretty tasty, except for the fact the patties have some gristle included.

Day 4

Our last full day in Tokyo! After another frustrating experience at some random coffee shop, we headed to Shibuya Sky. This is an observation deck located atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building, one of the tallest buildings in Shibuya, Tokyo. What I mostly liked about this place is the open-air rooftop deck, which gives visitors an unobstructed panoramic view of the city. Offering stunning 360-degree views, it’s an incredible spot to see the city and some iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji (that’s pretty cool!).

Can you spot Mount Fuji?

This is another place that I highly recommend booking in advance. But one thing you should know is that – from my understanding – the official website only accepts credit cards from Japan when purchasing the tickets. So I purchased our tickets on Trip.com and had no issues.

Although my husband and I are not obsessed with sushi, we wanted to have another experience – an omakase experience, to be specific. My husband did some research and we ended up going to Sushi Taichi. Located in the Ginza district, this is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant run by Chef Kazumasa Yazawa, who carefully selects and prepares each piece of sushi to highlight the natural flavors of the seafood. It has been operating its nine-seat counter in the area since 2008. We got there as soon as the place opened and we were the only customers there – so it was like having a private dining experience. The chef barely spoke English, but we were able to communicate and the omakase experience included 10 pieces, all carefully prepared in front of us. It was such a unique experience. We spent around $130 for 2 people, including 2 sparkling waters and 1 sake. I think it was a very reasonable price considering what we had!

Then, we stopped by Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store, featuring 12 floors, before heading to Tokyo Station, where we would take the subway – but I also recommend spending some time here. Opened in 1914, the station’s red-brick Marunouchi Building has become a landmark and it features a lot of shopping and dining options. I mean, if you are into sweet treats, you should definitely spend some time here. You will probably be overwhelmed by the cakes, cookies, and desserts offered.

After shopping around and having some coffee, we took a train for our last stop of the day: Nakamise-dori Street and Senso-Ji. I must say: it wasn’t a clever idea to come here at the end of the day. This is a pretty popular spot and it was PACKED. So, Nakamise-dori Street is a busy shopping street in Asakusa district, and it leads to the famous Senso-ji Temple. You will find over 80 stalls selling a variety of Japanese souvenirs and crafts. And Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple – this is the place where visitors often engage in a traditional practice involving omikuji (fortune-telling papers). At this point, I was so exhausted from not only that day’s walk – but also the previous days – so I have to confess we only checked around and that’s it… the crowds didn’t make the experience pleasant at all… before taking the subway back to the hotel, we also took some pics at Azuma Bridge, that provides a beautiful view to Tokyo Skytree.

We had our last dinner in Tokyo at Pot-au-feu Joie, a restaurant near our hotel. This is a French-inspired restaurant in Tokyo that focuses comforting dishes, with an emphasis on pot-au-feu, a classic French stew. It was cozy and had everything we needed after a long day walking around.

The next day, we took an Uber to Shinjuku station to catch the Narita Express to the airport – we had a flight to Seoul, South Korea.

Things you need to know when traveling to Tokyo

  • In Tokyo (and across Japan), you can get tax-free when shopping. Tax-free shopping is available to foreign visitors who are staying in Japan for less than six months. When you make a qualifying purchase at a tax-free shop, the 10% tax is simply removed at checkout, giving you an instant discount. You’ll need to present your passport at checkout, so make sure you have it with you. Look for Tax-Free Signs: all the stores I’ve been to, mentioned on this post, offered this service and had a display of a “Tax-Free” sign. Easy and convenient! Please note: to get tax-free, you need to make a minimum purchase of ¥5,000 (excluding tax) at a single store on the same day
  • There are no trash cans on the streets (it was kinda shocking). And some places forbid you to bring trash from other places. We usually had a little plastic bag in my purse to put our trash. And I have to highlight cleanliness of the city. The streets, the subway, the trains. Spotless
  • Not only are the roads and cars left-handed, but the sidewalks and the stairs are also left-handed. It took us a while to start walking on the left instead of the right side lol
  • The modern toilets are everywhere. And speaking of that, public toilets are easy to find, like in every shopping mall and train stations.
  • Some restaurants and cafes offer bag holders  – apparently, there’s a superstition about putting purses and other bags directly on the floor – so you would lose your money.
  • Take advantage of the 7-Eleven stores. They are literally EVERYWHERE and have so many different snacks and beverages.
  • People in Japan are really nice and polite.
  • Regarding the language, we had no issues speaking English. Even when they don’t speak fluently, they try their best.
  • All credit cards mostly worked, but Apple pay is like completely unacceptable for all kinds of payments in any kinds of establishments. 
  • Last but not least: in terms of looking for things to do and tips, we used Reddit and ChatGPT A LOT. Highly recommend!

And that’s a wrap! I hope this post can help someone planning a trip to Tokyo. Yeah, there were a lot of things we didn’t do it, but the most important thing is that we had a great time! Below you can check my map with TONS of restaurants’ recommendations. I mostly gathered this recs from people that visited Tokyo. We couldn’t check most of them, but I’m happy to share this map with you!

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