Tokyo Travel Guide
Stay in Tokyo
Best Tokyo Hotels for First Time Visitors from Mid-Range to Boutique and Luxury
The best Tokyo hotels for first time visitors are lodgings…
Our Home Away from Home in Tokyo is a Studio Apartment in Akasaka
Our home away from home in Tokyo is a smart…
Accomodation
Insurance
Eat in Tokyo
Best Restaurants in Asia for 2023 According to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List
The best restaurants in Asia for 2023 according to voters…
Japanese Food in Tokyo – Motsuyaki, Yakitori and Yakiniku are What You Need to Eat
Japanese food in Tokyo for most culinary travellers means sushi,…
Drink in Tokyo
Time Travelling in the Gritty Alleys of the Golden Gai in Shinjuku Tokyo
I’m not going to name names, so don’t ask. But…
Sake 101 – Tokyo Sake Tasting at Hasegawa and a Sake Brief with Local Sake Expert
We’ve always loved sake – since we used to hit…
Explore Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo – A Food Lover’s Idea of Food Shopping Paradise
Tsukiji Outer Market is a must after visiting the Tsukiji…
Best Tokyo Neighbourhoods for Going Local from Akasaka to Asakusa
The best Tokyo neighbourhoods are the laidback and local areas…
Experience Tokyo
Things to do in Japan in Winter from Savouring Hot Pot to Soaking in Hot Springs
The best things to do in Japan in winter include…
Tsukiji Fish Market Closes Today – Tokyo’s Legendary Fish Market Moves to Toyosu
Tsukiji Fish Market closes today, marking the end of an…
Book Tokyo Tours
Absorb Tokyo
Best Food Museums and Exhibitions in the World for Food Lovers
The best food museums and exhibitions in the world for…
Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku – A Mouthwatering Walk Down Memory Lane
Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is also…
Shop Tokyo
Aloha Yanaka! Vintage Tokyo Atelier in One of the City’s Oldest Edo Period Quarters
Strolling the leafy lanes of the atmospheric quarter of Yanaka…
Tokyo Take-Homes: Kitsch Keepsakes for Kids (and Big Kids)
My, how the souvenirs for kids sold in Tokyo have…
Tokyo Resources
When it’s Okay to Blow Your Travel Budget
Writing our Gold Coast on a Budget post got me thinking…
Tokyo Reflections and Tokyo Travel Tips from Going Local to Using Guidebooks
Our two-week stay in Tokyo, Japan’s capital, was so different…
Tokyo Essentials
WHEN TO GO
Mar-May & Oct-Nov Best time for good weather to be out sightseeing and spring is cherry blossom season.
Jun-Aug Rainy season starts in June and is hot and humid, but starts to improve in August for late summer festivals.
Dec-Feb Cool and dry weather with blue skies but really cold overnight temperatures.
HEALTH
Note that while you cannot be refused treatment at a hopital or clinic, you will be charged and get reimbursed from your insurance. If you need treatment, do call your insurer. Local clinics callednaika is for general medical problems where they will send you to a specialisy for further treatment.Recommended Vaccinations
VISAS
Japan has Visa Exemption Arrangements with 68 countries and regions which allwos you a 90 day stay with no special requirements for activities such as commerce and conferences. While proof of onward travel (or financial means of onward travel are required, it’s rarely asked for.Visit the Exemption of Visa page for a complete list of visa regulations.
CURRENCY
CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES
$1.00 USD = 156.45 Yen
$1.00 AUD = 101.64 Yen
€1.00 EUR = 181.04 Yen
£1.00 GBP = 206.10 Yen
The Japanese currency is the Japanese Yen ¥ (JPY).Using ATM machines in Japan is complicated, but significantly easier in large cities such as Tokyo. The reason is that many Japanese banks only accept Japanese ATM cards. Look for banks that have ‘international ATM’ signs in their windows or go to a 7-Eleven convenience store where they have Seven Bank ATMs that accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express etc.
LANGUAGE
JAPANESE IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF JAPAN.
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICITY IN TOKYO IS 100 VOLTS. 50 CYCLES/SEC.
WEATHER
CURRENT TOKYO WEATHER
TRANSPORTATION
AIR/LAND/SEA
Tokyo’s main airport,Narita International Airport (NRT) is about one hour from Tokyo city by express train with departures every 30 to 60 minutes. To get to other Japanese destinations, it’s advisable to compare flights to shinkansen (bullet trains). Once in Tokyo,the Tokyo Metro system is brilliant, consisting of line letters (‘G’) for Ginza, circled with a colour and each station has a number. Choices of tickets depends on whether you’re doing an airport run to a several day stay,see the ticket information on this site.
Tokyo Daily Costs
BUDGET
Daily Budget Up To:
US$75
- Guesthouse dorm bed: US$28+
- Bowl of ramen joint noodles: US$8+
- 24-hour subway pass: US$5:50
MID RANGE
Daily Budget From:
US$76–220
- Air-con hotel room: US$150
- Museum Entry Fee: US$6
- Isakaya (pub/eatery) meal for 2: US$60
LUXURY
Daily Budget From:
US$220+
- Four/five star hotel room: US$320+
- Private coctail bar custom coctail: US$30+
- Jiro Omakase Tasting Menu: US$275+
