1. Don’t over-plan where you’re going to eat before you go. Sure, you should have an idea of which neighborhoods you’d like to explore, but there are so many hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering the most delicious Japanese food – sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, yakitori, tempura, wagyu beef… the list goes on.
2. Generally, people don’t speak English. Even though many Japanese people know a little English, it’s not as freely spoken as in other major Asian cities. Be ready with your translation app. It helps immensely.
3. Tipping is not customary. Show politeness and gratitude. That’s what’s expected.
4. Japan’s social code is all about politeness and respect. Expect people to line up for subways, take care of their own garbage, bow, and just generally show care and kindness toward one another.
5. The best way to get around Tokyo is the subway. Take the cleanest and most timely subway you will ever experience. Cabs are also a good option.

Tokyo is BIG! This article will help ground you, but we’re here if you need help planning any portion of your trip – basic flow, recommendations, or a full itinerary. Reach out to learn more.

A lot is happening in Shibuya. It has one of the busiest train stations in the world and THE busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with up to 3,000 people crossing at once. It feels like organized chaos. It’s home to Tokyo’s youth-fashion district and even has one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo for all of the nature-lovers out there.

What are the highlights?

Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Directly outside of Shibuya Station is the aforementioned busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Feel the buzz and adrenaline as you take your turn crossing it.

Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu: Yoyogi Park is a beautiful oasis in the center of the chaos. Its trees are tall and overpowering, making you feel like you’ve been transported to an ancient forest. Check out one of Tokyo’s most popular Shinto shrines, Meiji Jingu, while there.

Takeshita Street in Harajuku: Harajuku is Tokyo’s youth-fashion district and its main street, Takeshita Street, is a shopping area featuring the latest fashion and culture trends. It’s also the birthplace of kawaii (cute) culture in Japan. It can get busy, but make sure to try some of Japan’s famous crepes and other street food snacks while there.

Owl Village Cafe Harajuku: There are many animal cafes in Tokyo (owls, cats, capybaras?!), but we opted to visit the owl cafe in Harajuku. I was skeptical because I’m a huge animal lover. I generally don’t like seeing wild animals in captivity, but these owls are extremely well-cared for and so gentle.

NIGHTLIFE: We happened to be visiting around Halloween, so we dressed up with our new friends from our hostel and hit the town for a night out in Shibuya. My favorite spot was WOMB due to its multi-level underground layout. It felt like you were descending further and further into the mesmerizing party haze.

Shinjuku City is directly north of Shibuya City and one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. It’s a culinary and nightlife mecca, housing some of Tokyo’s famous tiny, crammed food and drink alleyways and its red light district. It must be experienced at nighttime!

We opted to stay at Yuen Shinjuku for our first few nights. It’s a great stay combining more traditional Japanese elements like smaller rooms, beds that are close to the ground, and a rooftop onsen (!) with Western comforts like TV and WiFi.

Not sure what an onsen is? They are hot spring baths, believed to provide many health and healing benefits. There’s something special about indulging in this Japanese tradition while taking in Tokyo’s expanse from the rooftop of your hotel.

Where should you explore in Shinjuku?

Gyoen National Garden: Before heading to this beautiful public garden, stop at Isetan Shinjuku, a high fashion department store. Don’t go for the fashion. Go for the food. Head to its depachika (a heavenly basement food market!), grab a snack, and have a picnic on Gyoen National Garden’s pristine lawn. Don’t miss the park’s impressive greenhouse.

New York Bar in Park Hyatt: This rooftop bar is closed for renovations until Oct 2025, but it’s a must if your plans take you to Tokyo once it reopens. It’s the famous bar featured in the movie Lost in Translation and has stunning views of the never-ending city.

Shinjuku’s famous food and drink alleyways: Formerly known as Piss Alley due to its dirty reputation after WWII, Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) has since been cleaned up. It has tiny (and I mean tiny) izakayas lining its crammed and windy streets. Izakayas are Japanese pubs that generally serve snacks like yakitori, which is grilled meat on skewers. Golden Gai consists of 6 narrow alleyways with 200 small bars, often with eclectic themes.

Kabukicho: Kabukicho is Tokyo’s red-light district, known for its adult entertainment but also offering other activities… check out the giant Godzilla head!

Taito City is more traditional, with a less modern and electric feel. It’s home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, one of its most famous parks (especially for viewing cherry blossoms), and plenty of other sites.

After spending a few nights in Shinjuku, we decided to channel our inner 20-year-old selves and stay in a communal bunk room at Hostel Bedgasm in Taito City. This hostel is awesome. It’s clean and cute, has a rooftop terrace, and hosts events every night so you can get to know other visitors (if you’d like). We made friends from all over the world and enjoyed bunking up like we were back in college. They also have very reasonably priced private rooms if you book far enough in advance.

Where should you explore in Taito City?

Ueno Park: One of Tokyo’s most famous parks that is buzzing with street performers, vendors, and cherry blossoms… if you time it right! Tokyo National Museum is right in the park and featured an amazing samurai sword exhibit when we visited.

Senso-Ji Temple: It can get crowded, but this is a stunning temple and Tokyo’s oldest. Make sure to get your fortune while there!

Asakusa Hanayashiki: Want to get a little off the beaten path? Supposedly, this is Tokyo’s oldest amusement park! It only takes up 1 block and you can explore its entirety in about an hour.

Sumida River: Stroll along the Sumida River and grab a beer at Asahi Sky Room, right next to Asahi Headquarters, with panoramic views of the city. Check out the “golden flame” on the top of Asahi Headquarters which some say looks a lot like a “golden poop.” 🙂

Sansada: Indulge in tempura at Japan’s oldest tempura restaurant.

Although Shibuya City, Shinjuku City, and Taito City alone could keep any first-timer busy while in Tokyo, here are some other special suggestions to consider adding to your itinerary.

Tsukiji Outer Market (Chuo City): A wonderful conglomeration of shops and restaurants offering fresh seafood and other yummy bites, Tsukiji Outer Market originally housed an inner wholesale market which was known for its early morning tuna auctions. In 2018, the inner market moved to Toyosu. While you can still see the famous tuna auctions there, viewing has become more restrictive.

Akihabara (Chiyoda City): Akihabara Electric Town is Japan’s center for electronics, technology, anime, and manga. Stop at one of the many arcades to get your video game fix or duck into one of the maid cafes for a quintessential Japanese experience.

Shimokitazawa (Setagaya City): A bohemian, artsy neighborhood with mural-lined streets, vintage shops, and cute cafes

Don Quijote: Pop into any Don Quijote, Japan’s biggest discount store that sells everything you can imagine and many things you probably never knew existed.

Convenience stores: Take a page out of Bourdain’s book and try one of his favorite snacks in Japan, an egg salad sandwich from a Lawson.