🚨 EMERGENCY ALERT!
Planning to go to Kanazawa, Kyoto, or Osaka from Tokyo?
The “Hokuriku Arch Pass” price will INCREASE on March 14! Buy it NOW or you lose money!
🎫 Get Hokuriku Arch Pass Guide & Booking
- ⚡ Too Lazy to Read?
- 🚅 Quest 1: Logistics (Airport & Suica)
- 🏮 Day 1: East Tokyo (Old & Otaku)
- 🏨 Choose Your Save Point (3 Budgets)
- 🏙️ Day 2: Contrast Tokyo (Zen to Chaos)
- 🔮 Day 3: Future & Tradition (Art & Ocean)
- 🍜 Food & Vegan Survival Guide
- 🎒 Easy Tours (No Planning)
⚡ Too Lazy to Read?
Equip these items immediately & skip the text.
⚠️ Brutal Reality Check:
Listen carefully. Tokyo is currently experiencing “Overtourism from Hell.”
If you think, “I’ll just buy tickets at the gate,” YOU WILL FAIL.
Shibuya Sky? Sold out for weeks. TeamLab? 2-hour queue. Shinkansen? No luggage space.
This guide is not a “suggestion.” It is a survival manual. Book everything NOW, or enjoy staring at the “SOLD OUT” sign for your entire trip.
🛑 Stop! Do not go to Shibuya Crossing with your huge suitcase!
Tokyo is a “Cyberpunk Maze.” It is exciting, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming. If you come unprepared, you will be crushed by the rush hour trains and get lost in Shinjuku Station for eternity.
But don’t worry. This guide is your cheat code. From the neon lights of Akihabara to the quiet temples of Asakusa, I will show you the “Real Tokyo” that guidebooks don’t tell you.
Your Guide: “I am Hachi-Sensei. I don’t work for the tourism board. I will tell you the brutal truth about what is worth your time and what is a tourist trap!”
- 🌸 Spring (late Mar – early Apr): Cherry blossoms are magical, but everywhere is insanely crowded. Book hotels 6 months ahead.
☀ Summer (Jul – Sep): Warning! It gets over 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. It is a sauna. Honestly, you will melt…
- 🍁 Autumn (Nov): Best season. Pleasant weather and beautiful ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien.
- ❄️ Winter (Jan – Feb): Cold but sunny. Best visibility to see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo skyscrapers.
🛰️ Mission Control
One-Tap Navigation to All Quests
💰 The Real Cost (3 Days in Tokyo)
How much Yen do you actually need? Here is a realistic receipt per person.
- 🚅 Transport: ¥5,000 (Subway + Airport)
- 🎟️ Activities: ¥6,000 (Shibuya Sky/TeamLab)
- 🍱 Food: ¥15,000 (Ramen, Sushi, Cafe)
- 🔥 TOTAL: ¥26,000 (approx. $170)
*Hotel cost excluded. Bring this amount in CASH just in case!
📶 Don’t Get Lost! (Essential Item)
Free WiFi in Tokyo is unstable. You need Google Maps to survive the maze. Equip yourself before you fly!
📲 Get High-Speed eSIM (Instant Setup)
🤔 Not sure which eSIM is best?
👉 Read Full eSIM Comparison Guide 2026
🚅 Quest 1: Logistics (Airport & Suica)
1. Narita vs. Haneda
Haneda is much closer to the city (30 mins). Narita is far (60-90 mins).
From Narita, take the Keisei Skyliner (Fastest to Ueno/Asakusa) or N’EX (Direct to Shibuya/Shinjuku).
2. The IC Card Crisis (Suica/Pasmo)
Due to chip shortage, physical Suica cards are hard to find.
Solution: Use “Welcome Suica” (Red card, sold at Airport) or add “Mobile Suica” to your iPhone wallet.
🚅 Planning to go to Kyoto/Osaka?
“Do not underestimate the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). If you have large luggage, you MUST book the ‘Oversized Baggage Seat’ in advance, or you might be denied entry!”
Strict Rule: If your luggage total dimensions (L+W+H) are over 160cm, you MUST book the “Oversized Baggage Seat”.
If you bring huge luggage without this specific ticket, you will be fined ¥1,000 and might be kicked off the train.
*Standard Klook tickets might not include this seat selection. Check carefully or forward luggage via “Yamato Transport” (Black Cat) at your hotel.
🏮 Day 1: East Tokyo (Old & Otaku)
- 🕘 09:00 – Start at Asakusa (Beat the crowds!)
- 🕚 11:30 – Early Lunch (Tenpura or Sushi)
- 🕐 13:00 – Move to Akihabara by train (Ginza Line)
- 🕒 15:30 – Coffee break at a Maid Cafe?
- 🕔 17:00 – Sunset at Ueno Park
- 🕕 18:30 – Dinner at Ameyoko Street
AM: Asakusa (Old Tokyo Vibes)
The oldest temple in Tokyo. But don’t just look at the gate. Complete these unique missions.
- 🧐 Find the “Golden Poop”: Look across the river. Do you see a giant golden object on a building? Locals call it “The Golden Poo.” Take a funny selfie!
- 🚜 Ride the “Human Taxi”: Hop on a Rickshaw (Jinrikisha). A super-fit guy will pull you around town. It makes you feel like a Feudal Lord (Shogun)!
- 🔮 The ¥100 Destiny: Draw an “Omikuji” (fortune paper). If you get “Bad Luck,” tie it to the rack to leave the bad vibes behind.
🙈 Loved the Temple Vibe?
If you love history, don’t stop here. The limited express to the “Golden Shrines of Nikko” departs right here from Asakusa Station!
📷 Hachi’s Photo Cheat Sheet:
“The Kaminarimon Gate (below) is always crowded. Cross the street and go to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. The 8th-floor observation deck is FREE and offers a perfect top-down view!”
PM: Akihabara (Electric Town)
The Holy Land for Otaku. Prepare for culture shock.
🎯 Hachi’s Otaku Missions:
- 🥫 Drink “Hot Soup” from a Can: Find the legendary Vending Machine that sells “Oden”. It’s warm and… interesting.
- ☕ Maid Magic: “Moe Moe Kyun!” If you are brave, let a maid cast a magic spell on your omelet rice. It’s a rite of passage!
Night: Ameyoko (Ueno)
Don’t go back to the hotel yet! Take the train to Ueno (next to Akihabara).
Ameyoko Street is under the train tracks. It is loud, cheap, and alive. Grab a beer and Yakitori at an open-air Izakaya. This is the sound of Tokyo.
🏨 Choose Your Save Point (3 Budgets)
Day 1 is clear. Now you need to rest (HP Recovery).
Tokyo hotels are expensive, so I selected 3 strategic “Save Points” based on budget.
🦖 1. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla)
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“You sleep right under Godzilla! It is in the middle of the neon jungle. If you want the full ‘Cyberpunk Tokyo’ experience, this is the best spot. It’s pricey, but unforgettable!”
👨👩👧👦 2. MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“Tokyo rooms are usually separated, but here everyone stays together! Best for families. You can cook Wagyu beef from the supermarket in your room. It feels like a home!”
🪙 3. APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi
🐾 Hachi’s Pro-Tip:
“The room is tight (you can’t open a big bag), but the Top Floor Onsen is a lifesaver! Leave your hairdryer at home, they have everything. Save money here, spend it on Sushi!”
🏙️ Day 2: Contrast Tokyo (Zen to Chaos)
Today is a stamina battle. You will go from a silent forest to the loudest neon city. Do not wear high heels.
- 🕘 09:00 – Meiji Jingu Shrine (Forest Bathing)
- 🕚 11:00 – Harajuku (Choose your Route!)
- 🕐 13:00 – Shibuya (The Crossing & Sky)
- 🕔 17:00 – Shinjuku (Neon Nightlife)
AM: Meiji Jingu & Harajuku
Start your morning with a shock. Meiji Jingu is a silent forest right next to the train station. It is the most visited shrine in Japan.
⚔️ 11:00 AM – Choose Your Route
Harajuku has two faces. Which one are you?
Go to: Takeshita Street
It is crowded, loud, and smells like sugar. Eat a crepe, buy colorful socks, and take Purikura photos.
Best for: Teens, Families, Pop Culture fans.
Go to: Cat Street / Omotesando
Escape the crowd. Walk the backstreets (Ura-Hara) to find vintage clothes, cool coffee stands, and luxury brands.
Best for: Adults, Fashion lovers, Coffee addicts.
PM: Shibuya (The Scramble)
Both routes lead to Shibuya. Walk 15 minutes to save train fare and see the city.
Required: Shibuya Sky
I will say this 100 times. Book Shibuya Sky in advance. It is the best view in Tokyo. You stand on the roof of a skyscraper with nothing between you and the wind.
Sunset times (16:00 – 18:00) sell out 30 days in advance. It is a war zone.
Strategy: If Klook is sold out, do not cry. Go to “Mag’s Park” (rooftop of Magnet by Shibuya 109). It’s cheaper, has less crowd, and the view of the Crossing is actually closer.
Night: Shinjuku (The Beast)
Shinjuku is a dungeon. Use the “East Exit” to find Kabukicho (Godzilla).
For dinner, go to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane). It looks dirty (in a cool way), smells like Yakitori smoke, and is absolutely authentic.
🍺 Scared of “Tourist Traps”?
Shinjuku has many “rip-off bars” (Tout trying to pull you in). Never follow a guy on the street.
If you want to explore the deep local bars safely, book a local guide. They know which doors to open.
🔮 Day 3: Future & Tradition (Art & Ocean)
Your feet hurt? Good. That means you are doing it right. Today is about the best food and the most famous digital art museum.
- 🕗 08:30 – Tsukiji Outer Market (Sushi Breakfast)
- 🕚 11:00 – TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)
- 🕑 14:00 – Odaiba OR Ginza (Choose your Route!)
- 🕕 18:00 – Last Dinner in Tokyo
AM: Tsukiji Outer Market
The inner market moved, but the Outer Market is alive and kicking. This is breakfast heaven.
Eat This: Tamagoyaki (Sweet Egg on a stick), Wagyu Skewer, and fresh Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl).
Want to find the BEST Sushi?
The market is confusing. If you want a pro to show you the hidden gems and history, join a walking tour.
Mid-Day: TeamLab Planets (Toyosu)
You have seen this on Instagram. You walk through water and crystal lights. It is not just a museum; it is a full-body experience.
Important: This is “Planets” in Toyosu (Planets = Water). Do not go to “Borderless” in Azabudai today.
👗 Clothing Alert (Don’t be embarrassed):
1. Do NOT wear tights/pantyhose. You will walk in knee-deep water. There is no place to change properly.
2. Wear shorts under your skirt. The floor is a MIRROR. Everyone below can see… everything. (They rent free shorts, but they are ugly. Bring your own!)
*Must book 2-3 weeks ahead.
⚔️ 14:00 PM – Choose Your Route
Do you want Robots or Luxury?
Go for: Unicorn Gundam & Views
Take the Monorail across Rainbow Bridge. See the giant robot, Statue of Liberty, and shop at weird malls.
Best for: Anime fans, Kids, Photographers.
Go for: Shopping & Food
The “Fifth Avenue” of Tokyo. Visit the basement of huge Department Stores (Depachika) to find amazing food souvenirs.
Best for: Shoppers, Foodies, Sophisticated vibe.
🍜 Food & Vegan Survival Guide
Tokyo food is amazing. Here is what you must eat.
🌱 For Vegans & Vegetarians
Tokyo is getting better, but be careful. Many “Vegetable Ramen” soups contain Fish Stock (Dashi) or Pork extract.
🏆 Best Safe Options:- T’s Tantan (Tokyo Station): 100% Vegan Ramen. Located INSIDE the station (Keiyo Street). It’s delicious!
- Coco Ichibanya (Curry): Look for the “Vegetarian Curry” on the menu.
- Soba Noodles: Cold Soba is often vegan (check the dipping sauce for Dashi).
🐕 Hachi’s Tip:
“If you are strict vegan, show this Japanese text to the staff:
‘Watashi wa Vegan desu. Dashi (Katsuo/Niboshi) wa haitte imasen ka?’ (I am Vegan. Is there fish stock in this?)”
🎒 Easy Tours (No Planning)
If you don’t want to worry about trains and maps, book a tour. I selected the best ones for each style.
👑 Private VIP Tour (All-Inclusive)
Pros: Private car, hotel pickup, customizable. Zero stress.
Cons: Expensive.
Best for: Families with seniors/kids who hate walking.
🚌 Tokyo Highlights Bus Tour
Pros: Efficiently visits Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, & Imperial Palace.
Cons: Fixed schedule. Not private.
Best for: First-timers who want to see everything quickly.
🚜 Asakusa Rickshaw (Short)
Pros: Unique cultural experience. Great photos.
Cons: Short duration (30-60 mins). Only Asakusa.
Best for: Creating a special memory.
⚠️ Tokyo Survival Guide: 8 Iron Rules
Listen up! Tokyo is safe, but it has RULES. Follow them, or you will be “That Annoying Tourist.”
1. 📶 Connectivity (Life or Death)
Tokyo is a maze. Free WiFi is unstable. Without Google Maps, you WILL get lost.
Get an eSIM before landing
2. 🚶 Walk on the LEFT
On escalators in Tokyo, stand on the LEFT side.
3. 💴 Cash is Still Queen
Ticket machines and best Ramen shops often accept Cash Only. Carry 10,000 JPY.
4. 🗑️ The “Trash Can” Mystery
There are NO trash cans on the streets. Carry your trash back to your hotel.
5. 🚃 The “Last Train” Rule
Trains stop around 0:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Taxi fares are brutal ($50+). Watch the time!
6. 🚫 No Tipping
Great service is standard. Tipping causes confusion. Just say “Arigato”.
7. 👟 Shoe Discipline
You will walk 15,000+ steps/day. Wear comfortable sneakers.
8. 🤐 Silence on Trains
Talking on the phone on the train is rude. Keep it quiet.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions
📅 How many days do I need for Tokyo?
At least 3 days to see the highlights. 5 days if you want to visit Disney or Mt. Fuji.
🚄 Is the JR Pass worth it for Tokyo only?
NO. The subway is cheaper and faster. Buy the “Tokyo Subway Ticket” (24/48/72 hours) instead.
🚀 Select Your Next Level
Tokyo is cleared. Where will your adventure continue?
🐕 Hachi’s Final Verdict
Tokyo is not a city you “wing it.” It is a complex machine.
If you hesitate, the price goes up and the tickets sell out.
Don’t overthink.
Secure your eSIM so you don’t get lost.
Book Shibuya Sky so you don’t stand in the street.
Now, stop reading and start booking. I want you to enjoy Japan, not struggle in it!
🐕 Did I save your Tokyo Trip?
Let’s be real. If you didn’t read this guide, you would be:
- 💀 Crying in the 2-hour queue at Shibuya Sky (Sold Out).
- 💸 Wasting ¥3,000 on individual train tickets.
- 🔥 Sweating in a crowded train with huge luggage.
I saved you Time, Money, and Dignity.
That is worth at least one Yakitori skewer, right?
*All proceeds go to high-quality dog treats and server costs. No gambling. I promise.
Written & Verified by Shiba-san
A Japan travel expert living in Tokyo. While Hachi-sensei (my Shiba Inu) provides the “brutal honesty” and money-saving tips, all facts, prices, and routes are researched and verified by me based on real travel experiences in 2026.
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