Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city of extraordinary contradictions — ancient shrines stand alongside neon-lit skyscrapers, Michelin-starred restaurants share alleys with $8 ramen shops, and ultra-modern tech districts border tranquil imperial gardens. Japan's capital is endlessly fascinating and surprisingly accessible once you understand the basics. This guide gives US travelers everything they need.

Top Highlights

• Shinjuku & Shibuya crossing
• Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
• teamLab digital art museums
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Harajuku & Takeshita Street
• Akihabara Electric Town

Getting to Tokyo

Tokyo has two main airports: Narita (NRT), the main international hub 60km from central Tokyo, and Haneda (HND), closer to the city center. Direct flights from the US are widely available — 12-14 hours from the West Coast, 14-16 hours from the East Coast.

• JAL and ANA offer premium direct service from most major US cities
• United and American Airlines fly direct from select hubs
• Narita Express (N'EX) takes 60 min to Shinjuku (~$30)
• Haneda Airport is 30-40 min by monorail or train (~$5)
• West Coast flights (LAX, SFO, SEA) have the shortest travel times

Visa Requirements

Japan offers visa-free entry to US citizens for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. No advance application needed — just show up with your passport and proof of onward travel.

• No visa required for US citizens for stays up to 90 days
• Fill out an arrival card and customs declaration on the plane
• Passport must be valid for your entire stay
• Fingerprints and photo taken at immigration (standard procedure)
• Onward/return ticket may be requested

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo has the world's most efficient and extensive metro system. The IC card system (Suica or Pasmo) makes travel seamless.

• Get a Suica card at Narita/Haneda — load it and tap on/off everywhere
• JR Pass is worth buying if you plan trips to Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima
• Taxis are expensive and rarely the best option in the city
• Tokyo Metro Day Pass (~$6) for unlimited metro rides is great value
• Google Maps works perfectly for Tokyo transit directions

Tokyo Neighborhoods

Tokyo is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality.

• Shinjuku: Entertainment, nightlife, Golden Gai bar alley
• Shibuya: Youth culture, famous crossing, shopping
• Asakusa: Traditional, Senso-ji, old Tokyo atmosphere
• Akihabara: Electronics, anime, gaming culture
• Harajuku: Fashion, quirky street food, Meiji Shrine
• Ginza: Luxury shopping, fine dining, upscale

Practical Tips

Japan has some unique customs and practicalities that are worth knowing before you arrive.

• Cash is still king — carry yen at all times (7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards)
• IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) can pay for convenience stores, taxis, and vending machines
• Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can be considered rude
• Most restaurants have plastic food models or photo menus — just point!
• Pocket WiFi or SIM card rental at the airport is essential
• Quiet train etiquette: no phone calls, keep voices low