Month: April 2020

If you want to experience real, traditional Japan, then we recommend that you take a visit to Kagurazaka. Located just outside of the Imperial Palace, Kagurazaka used to be the geisha district in the Taisho Period in the early 20th century. While maintaining the traditional Japanese vibes, Kagurazaka has also developed a French community, with various French restaurants and supermarkets as well. Unlike most parts of Tokyo, Kagurazaka still maintains its traditional appearance, similar to that of places like Kyoto.

Where is Kagurazaka?

Kagurazaka is located in the central area of Tokyo, near Tokyo Dome and stretches out between Iidabashi Station and Kagurazaka station.

To get to Kagurazaka from Shinjuku Station, you can take the Chuo line down to Iidabashi Station. From Tokyo Station, you can walk to Otemachi Station and take the Tozai line to Kagurazaka Station. 

Things to do

Spend the Whole Day at Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome is a venue for many huge sporting events and right outside of the stadium is Tokyo Dome City. Here, there’s all kinds of things from an amusement park to hotels, many restaurants, a space museum, a hot spring, and so much more. You can easily spend a whole day within Tokyo Dome City and it’s kid-friendly as well!

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-5800-9999

Take a Stroll Through Kagurazaka Street

The main street of Kagurazaka runs from Iidabashi Station all the way down to Kagurazaka Station. We recommend starting from Kagurazaka station and walking all the way down to Iidabashi Station and take a look at all the shops in between. You can also take a detour around the narrow, stone-paved back alleys where you’ll find shops and restaurants in surprisingly narrow spaces. 

Address: 神楽坂 Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825 Japan

Morning Walk in Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Koishikawa Korauen Garden was built in the 17th century and it’s one of the best gardens to visit in Tokyo. Located right behind Tokyo Dome, this garden feels like the hidden nature getaway in the middle of a busy city.

This garden is also one of the best places to go for sakura or fall foliage season so make sure to add that to your bucket list!

Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan

Cost: 300 yen

Phone Number: +81 3-3811-3015

Akagi Shrine

When you exit Kagurazaka Station, you may notice a bright red shrine gate when you come up exit 1. Akagi shrine is small compared to other famous shrines like Meiji, but it’s one of the cleanest, most modern shrines around. The whole shrine was redesigned in 2010 with a modern look and the whole place gives off an upscale atmosphere, which is quite uncommon for a shrine!

Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Address: 1-10 Akagi Motomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0817, Japan

Cost: Free

Phone Number: +81 3-3260-5071

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

If you come to Kagurazaka, it’s worth visiting one of Tokyo’s 5 major shrines. The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is close to the main Kagurazaka street and many people come to this shrine because it’s the shrine for marriage, love, and relationships (which is a big part of many people’s lives!).

Hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm

Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan

Cost: Free

Phone Number: +81 3-3262-3566

Zenkokuji Temple

When walking through Kagurazaka street, it’s hard to notice the big building with the red gate. Zenkokuji Temple is one of the most popular temples in the area and was built to worship one of the 7 lucky gods. There are two tiger statues guarding the front and it’s also a good place to bring your kids and pray to the luck gods!

Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Address: Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 5 Chome−３６

Cost: Free

Phone Number: +81 3-3269-0641

Yayoi Kusama Museum

Yayoi Kusama is a world famous Japanese artist. Yayoi had a rough childhood and had hallucinations since she was little, which became the inspiration for her work. Her museum showcases some of her best work, including the famous polka dot designs. There’s no same day admission and you’re required to buy the tickets ahead of time. Here’s a link to the museum’s website.

Hours: 11:00am – 5:30pm

Address: 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0851, Japan

Cost: 1100 yen

Phone Number: 

Museum of Science at Tokyo University of Science

If you’re looking for something free, you can check out the Science Museum at Tokyo University of Science. There’s various exhibitions that displays a lot of the technologies used during Japan’s industrial age. It’s a good place for a rainy travel day or somewhere to take your kids!

Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Closed Sundays, Mondays

Address: Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, １丁目3

Cost: Free

The Hidden Alleyways of Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka is known for its stone paved back alleys from the Edo Period. While walking on the main street, turn into one of the back alleys and you’ll find lots of hidden restaurants and izakaya rooted in these areas. In the daytime, these back alleys make for a great photo shoot location as well!

Bring Home Some Traditional Japanese Souvenirs

If you want traditional, authentic Japanese souvenirs, then Kagurazaka is the best place to buy it. Here are some great places to shop at in Kagurazaka.

Gallery & Cafe Mikado

Local ceramics shop.

Hours: 11:30am – 6:00pm

Address: 2F 6 Chome-34, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-3235-3222

La Kagu

Hipster household goods shop.

Hours: 11:00am – 8:30pm

Address: 67 Yaraicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0805, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-5946-8241

Noren Kagurazaka

Traditional Japanese items store.

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 1 Chome, 12番地

Phone Number: +81 3-5579-2975

Ramla Shopping Mall

Shopping mall for everything else.

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: Japan, 〒162-0823 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 新宿区Kaguragashi, 1−1 セントラルプラザ

Phone Number: +81 3-3235-0181

Geisha Performance Dinner

Kagurazaka is one of the few places left in Tokyo where you can meet an actual geisha. You can make reservations for a dinner geisha performance where a top level geisha performs on stage. This is an awesome way to experience the luxury lifestyle of Edo Japan.

Male Geisha Taikomochi Show

Many people are aware of female geisha, but did you know that there are male geisha as well? They’re called Taikomochi and they’re similar to a joker during the Medieval Times (not the one in batman). Similar to their female counterpart, the Taikomochi also sings and dances on stage, but with a more energetic twist.

Relax at Atami-Yu

Atamiyu is quite different from other hot springs in Tokyo in many ways. When it first opened in 1954, it used to be a bathing ground for geisha and still uses its firewood boiler. Inside, there’s a huge mural of Mt Fuji which definitely creates a relaxing experience!

Hours: 3:00pm – 1:00am, closed Saturdays

Address: 3 Chome-6 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Cost: 470 yen

Phone Number: +81 3-3260-1053

Kagurazaka Events

Kagurazaka Summer Festival

There are not too many events in Kagurazaka, but the Kagurazaka Summer Festival has always been the biggest.

The festival is to celebrate Obon, a Japanese holiday, and lasts for about a week in late July. During the summer festival, decorations are put up on the main Kagurazaka street and there are parades of various traditional Japanese dances. There are also lots of food stalls selling festival foods near the Zenkokuji Temple area. Best of all, it’s absolutely free, so we recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!

Places to Eat

Canal Cafe

Italian food an desserts right in the middle of the river. 

Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm

Address: 1-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-3260-8068

Kagurazaka Sushi Academy

Sushi buffet run and managed by a sushi chef training school. 

Hours: Weekdays 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm, 

            Weekends 11:30am – 10:00pm,

             closed Wednesdays

Address: 3 Chome-6-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Phone Number: +81 50-5266-0379

Oreryu Shio Ramen Kagurazaka

Small chain ramen shop

Hours: 10:00am – 6:00am

Address: 2 Chome-11 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-3266-1050

Kagurazaka Saryo Honten

Japanese set menu and desserts

Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm

Address: 5 Chome-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-3266-0880

Kyourakutei

Soba shop

Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 8:30pm, closed Monday, Sunday

Address: Japan, 〒162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 3 Chome−6 神楽坂館１階

Phone Number: +81 3-3269-3233

Kagurazaka Kado

Very traditional Japanese restaurant. 

Hours: Weekdays 4:00pm – 10:30pm,

             Weekends 2:00pm – 10:30pm,

             Closed Mondays

Address: 1-32 Akagi Motomachi, 新宿区 Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0817, Japan

Phone Number: +81 3-3268-2410

Where to Stay Near Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka is a great place to stay in Tokyo and there are lots of affordable options near Iidabashi station. It’s also very convenient being positioned in the middle and having transportation options to many popular places in Tokyo. If you plan on exploring Tokyo from Kagurazaka station, we highly recommend getting a Metro Pass since many of these lines operate here. 

Budget Option:

• APA Hotel Iidabashi Ekimae – Affordable hotel near the station.
• FlexStay Inn Iidabashi – Apartment-like rooms with kitchen and coin laundry system.

Mid-Range Option:

• Tokyo Dome Hotel – Affordable hotel with pool and conveniently located above Tokyo Dome City.
• Hotel Metropolitan Edmont – Casual comfortable rooms with buffet dining and bar space.

The Times Square of Japan. 

Home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, countless skyscrapers, and a vibrant night life, Shibuya is one of the busiest places in Tokyo and the city that never sleeps. It’s known as the center of pop culture in Japan and there’s an endless selection of entertainment, restaurant, and izakaya. During the day, there’s also lots to see including unique shops and cultural sites. We hope that this guide can show you the best that Shibuya has to offer. 

Things to do

Experience the Shibuya Crossing

Locals tend to try to avoid the Shibuya Crossing, but to everybody else, it’s quite a sight. On a busy night, up to 2,500 people cross the intersection at once and it’s considered one of the busiest crossings in the world. 

After you experience it first-hand, take a step back and watch the crossing from a distance to see it’s real magic. These are some recommended places to get a good view of the crossing:

• Starbucks in the Tsutaya building
• L’occitane cafe
• Mag’s Park in Magnet
• Roof of Shibuya Scramble Square

Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Take a Picture with Hachiko

The Hachiko statue was built in memory of a truly loyal dog named Hachiko. 

Hachiko was a dog who had a special bond with it’s owner. The dog was very loyal and always showed up to Shibuya station in the afternoon to greet his owner after work. Unfortunately, it’s owner died while at work in 1925, but the dog continued to come back to Shibuya station at the same time, every single day. Hachiko kept this up for 10 years past his owner’s death, and only stopped because Hachiko had passed away as well. In honor of the dog’s loyalty, its body was cremated and was placed next to his owner’s ashes.

Address: 1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Konno Hachimangu Shrine

Rs1421 / CC BY-SA

If you’re curious about the history of the Shibuya area, then you should definitely check out Konno Hachimangu Shrine. This 900 year old shrine is the site of the Shibuya family, the family from which Shibuya was named after. Despite being in one of the busiest places in Japan, it’s one of the less popular shrines in Tokyo, so it may be a quieter experience than shrines like Asakusa. 

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 3 Chome-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Cost: Free

Phone Number: 03-3407-1811

Check out Tower Records

Another interesting thing to do in Shibuya is to check out the flagship store of the famous Tower Records in Shibuya. Out of all the 85+ stores they have across Japan, the one in Shibuya is the biggest, and there are 8 stories filled with various genres of music from the latest hits to old school classics. This is also one of the few places in Tokyo where they still sell CDs and vinyls which may interest some collectors. There’s also a cafe inside with a nice atmosphere where you can grab a light snack!

Hours: 10:00am – 11:00pm

Address: 1 Chome-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan

Phone Number: 03-3496-3661

Shop at 6 Floors of Muji Store

Over the last few years, Muji has gotten popular outside of Japan, and if you’re a fan as well, then you need to check out the 6 story Muji store in Shibuya! Muji is known for its simple yet high quality products and this Muji store has all kinds of selections and even a cafe!

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 21−1 モヴィーダ館Ｂ1～5Ｆ Parking Building, Ｂ1Ｆ 渋谷西武

Phone Number: 03-3770-1636

Visit the Very First Tokyu Hands Store

DeepSkyBlue / CC BY-SA

Tokyu Hands is a department store in Japan and it’s also one of the best place to go to for DIY materials. The store in Shibuya is the first Tokyu Hands store ever and may be worth checking out to get a unique Japanese souvenir!

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Phone Number: 03-5489-5111

Splurge at Mega Don Quijote

The biggest Don Quijote in Japan is located in Shibuya and it is HUGE. The Mega Don Quijote is a massive 7 story building that’s open for 24 hours and has everything from souvenirs to imports and shampoos to today’s lunch. Best of all, it’s tax free for tourists so take advantage while you’re here!

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 154-0042, Japan

Phone Number: 03-5428-4086

Take in Some Art at the Parco Building

Towards the end of 2019, the new Parco Building opened up in Shibuya and this place is almost like an art museum. There are various manga inspired figures and artwork displayed throughout the building. There’s also a Pokemon store, free rooftop garden access, and is home to Japan’s first official Nintendo store.

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8377, Japan

Phone Number: 03-3464-5111

Shibuya Scramble Square

Kakidai / CC BY-SA

The Shibuya Scramble Square opened towards the end of 2019 and became the tallest skyscraper in Shibuya. This 47 story skyscraper has to offer various traditional and western restaurants, office buildings, shopping malls, and the tallest view of Shibuya with the rooftop observation deck.

Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Address: 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Phone Number: 03-4221-4280

Shibuya Stream

Once you’re done exploring rooftops, you can come to the southern end of Shibuya and take a stroll through Shibuya Stream. On the inside, there’s office buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants, similar to the Shibuya Scramble Square building. On the outside, there’s an LED lit stairs and a river bank with aesthetic illuminations running along it which is the perfect spot to take your date after a nice dinner!

Hours: Weekdays 11:00am – 1:00am, 

             Saturdays 11:00am – 10:00pm,

              Sundays 11:00am – 9:00pm

Address: 3 Chome-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Phone Number: +81 570-050-428

The Shibuya Night Life

Nonbei Yokocho

Nonbei Yokocho is Shibuya’s version of Golden Gai. Right next to the Shibuya crossing, there’s two alleyways with old architecture houses that are packed with bars and izakaya that can seat up to 5-6 people at a time.

Address: 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Center Gai

Right across the Shibuya crossing is the entrance to Center Gai. During the day, this area is filled with tourists looking through various shops. At night, this place becomes the gathering place for Tokyo’s youth. From Center Gai, you can have easy access to bars, clubs, or any other way to spend the night.

Hours: 24 hours

Address: 12-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Phone Number: 03-3461-3314

Party at the Club Central of Tokyo

If you’re into clubbing then Shibuya is your place. With over 15 different clubs, ranging from EDM to Hip Hop, Shibuya is the center hub for all kinds of night life. Here are some clubs and their websites for more info. 

• Sound Museum Vision
• Atom Tokyo
• Club Camelot
• Harlem

Stay Out ALL Night

If you miss the last train, no worries because you’re in Shibuya! There’s lots of places that run 24 hours or at least until the morning train. There’s 24 hour karaoke, ping pong, bowling, billiards, and so much more. If you’re feeling a bit exhausted, you can go relax at a manga/internet cafe nearby and if you’re feeling hungry, McDonalds, Ichiran, and many other chains are open 24 hours as well. 

Activities

• Karaoke
• Ping pong
• Bowling
• Billiard
• Darts

Place to Rest

• Internet/Manga cafe
• Cheap Love Hotels

Food

• McDonalds
• Ichiran
• Matsuya

Restaurants to Try

There are millions of restaurants in Shibuya and with the construction of new buildings, the numbers are only increasing. While we think that there are no bad choices in any restaurant in Shibuya, here are some unique places we’ve discovered that we recommend trying out. 

• Sushi Uobei/Genki Sushi: Bullet train sushi restaurant
• Wired Cafe: Awesome cafe in a book store
• Streamer: Japanese coffee chain.
• Sincere Shibuya: Michelin star French restaurant
• Kobe Beef Teppanyaki: Luxury wagyu beef restaurant
• Afuri ramen: Healthy ramen with yuzu
• Pizza Slice: Authentic NY Pizza

Accommodations

Shibuya is one of the best places to stay in Japan when it comes to convenience. Not only is everything open til late at night, Shibuya also connects to various places with 10 different lines running through this one station. Here’s are some places that you can easily access from Shibuya:

• Shimokitazawa
• Yokohama
• Kichijoji
• Kawasaki
• Kawagoe

Hostel

• Turn Table Hostel – Nice clean hostel with a balcony and restaurant
• Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya – Hostel with private room options and shared kitchen.

Budget 

• Sakura Hotel Hatagaya – Small but satisfactory hotel with 24 hour restaurant.

Mid-Range

• The Millennials Shibuya – Capsule Hotel with contemporary design.
• Shibuya hotel EN – Unique hotel with interesting designs. 

Luxury

• Shibuya Stream Excel – Luxury style hotel at a moderate price
• Hotel Koe – Minimal yet luxury hotel with a restaurant, store, and occasional events. 
• Trunk Hotel – Hotel with stylish interior and modern architecture.

Tokyo is a city like no other. 

It’s incredibly massive and there’s so much to explore from cultural experiences to endless night life. The city has a unique balance between modern technology, city-vibes, and cultural traditions. It’s no wonder why Tokyo is one of the most popular destinations in the world!

If it’s going to be your first time in Tokyo, we want to help.

We’ve been living in this urban metropolis for over 3 years and while there’s still a lot we don’t know, we are excited to be able to guide you and show you what this city has to offer!

Best Time to go

The “best” time for planning a trip to Tokyo may depend on what you’re looking for. 

The most popular season to travel to Tokyo is during the sakura and fall foliage season in March, April, October, and November. Big national holidays like New Years, Golden Week(early May), and Obon(mid August) are also popular travel times. During the popular season, air ticket prices peak out and Tokyo can get insanely crowded. 

Any months and dates besides the ones mentioned above are considered to be the off-season and aren’t as busy in comparison (but Tokyo is always crowded). For those that would rather go for the lower cost plane tickets and don’t mind missing out on the nicer seasons, the off-season would be the best time to plan your trip. 

How Long Should I Spend in Tokyo?

Most people say that 5 is the recommended number of days to spend in Tokyo, but there’s no specific number that we can recommend to everyone. 

If you’re planning on traveling around the whole country with the Japan Rail Pass, then we recommend staying anywhere around 2-4 days in Tokyo, which gives you enough time to see most of the major spots of Tokyo and go off to explore the rest of Japan. 

If you’re planning on seeing only the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, then 5-7 days can be enough to see and enjoy more of Tokyo.

However, Tokyo is massive and if you really want to get to know the city well, it takes much longer than a week. If you find that Tokyo was a great experience after your trip, we recommend coming back and trying different stuff and more local experiences!

How to Get to Tokyo

There are two main airports in Tokyo: Narita and Haneda. 

You can fly into either one to get to Tokyo, but Haneda is slightly closer to the city so unless there’s a big incentive to fly into Narita, we recommend aiming for Haneda. 

To get to Tokyo from Narita, you can take the Skyliner Express or if you have the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on the Narita Express without paying extra. From Haneda, you can get to Tokyo by taking either the Keihin Tohoku Line or the Tokyo Monorail.

Another popular way of traveling Japan is to fly into Osaka and then make your way to Tokyo. To get to Tokyo from Osaka, you can either take the Shinkansen or the highway bus. 

Transportation in Tokyo

Trains and subways are the main form of transportation in Tokyo. 

Riding the train can often get confusing since there are different companies operating different lines and each require a different train ticket. what?

To make your Tokyo travels much simpler, we highly recommend downloading Google Maps and getting a Suica Card. 

Google Maps is extremely useful in Japan and can easily help you find the best route to take. In our opinion, it’s even better than the local app, Navitime.

The Suica Card is the universal transportation card of Japan and can save you a lot of time and confusion. When buying individual tickets for every line, you have to know your destination beforehand and operate a ticket dispenser every time you use a different line. With the Suica Card, you just charge a certain amount and can use the automatic ticket gate to quickly make it in time for the next train. 

Tip for iPhone users: If you own an iPhone, connecting the Suica with Apple Pay can be extremely useful. By doing so, you can charge your Suica Card straight from your bank account instead of exchanging money and using cash. The Suica isn’t limited to trains and can also be used for payment in lots of restaurants and convenience stores. 

PRE-ORDER YOUR SUICA CARD HERE

Quick Facts About Trains in Tokyo

• First train starts around 4:00am – 5:00am
• Last train leaves around 12:00am – 1:00am
• Peak train hours are 8:00am – 10:00am in the morning and 6:00pm-8:00pm after work. 
• Trains are crowded going into the city in the morning and out of the city at night. (Most people live outside of Tokyo and work in Tokyo).

Recommended: Get a Metro Pass

Public Domain, Link

If you’re exploring Tokyo for a couple days, we highly recommend getting the Metro Pass.

The Metro Pass allows unlimited transportation with the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, which make up most of the transportation in the central parts of Tokyo.

Even if you have decided to purchase the Japan Rail Pass, the Metro Pass can be a great add-on and a much more cost-effective deal within Tokyo. 

If you’re thinking of getting the Japan Rail Pass, we have a guide about that in this post.

BUY YOUR METRO PASS HERE

Best Area to Stay in Tokyo

For 90% of people traveling to Tokyo, we would recommend accommodation near Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is a very convenient location and by basing yourself here, you can have an extremely easy time getting around. 

We say this because there’s so many benefits of staying in Shinjuku compared to staying in other parts of Tokyo.

• Shinjuku has 12 different lines and over 200 exits from the station. Shinjuku is a HUGE transportation hub and you can easily get to any other part of Tokyo from here.
• If you plan on making day trips from Tokyo, then staying in Shinjuku is a must. There’s direct trains to famous spots like Hakone and Yokohama, direct trains to neighboring prefectures, and is home to Tokyo’s biggest bus terminal that provide bus transportation to just about anywhere such as Kusatsu, Fuji 5 Lakes, and much more. 
• Lastly, Shinjuku is an area that can be enjoyed by anyone. They have various shopping centers, late night izakaya, and restaurants with just about anything. 

For the other 10% of travelers that plan on using the Shinkansen to travel around Japan, we recommend staying near Tokyo Station. By staying close to this station, it lets you take the early Shinkansen and you can have more time to explore other cities.

If you have the Japan Rail Pass, it can be even more beneficial to stay in Tokyo Station and use the Shinkansen to make day trips out to further places. Here are some potential day trip destinations with the JR Pass.

• Osaka
• Kanazawa
• Sendai
• Nagano
• Nagoya

One of the main reasons why we recommend Shinjuku before Tokyo is because of the neighborhood. Tokyo Station tends to cater more for the upscale tourists and businessmen while Shinjuku is more universal and has something for everyone. If you want to enjoy more of the nicer atmosphere, we recommend staying at Tokyo Station!

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Where to Stay Near Shinjuku Station

Budget Hostels

• Imano Tokyo Hostel – Affordable hostel with wifi, cafe/bar, and both dorm and private room choices. 
• Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku – Library themed hostel with capsule-like beds hidden in the bookshelves with a cafe and library. 

Budget Hotels

• E Hotel Higashi Shinjuku – Convenience option. Hotel has wifi, 24 hour convenience store, and located less than a minute from Higashi Shinjuku Station.
• APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae – Standard western style Hotel with a restaurant and a hot spring. 

Mid Range Hotels

• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Western style hotel located in the heart of Kabukicho, behind the famous Godzilla Statue.
• Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – Hotel with clean interior design and a rooftop bar. Located a couple minutes from Seibu Shinjuku Station. 

Luxury Hotels

• Keio Plaza Hotel – 4 star hotel with various amenities such as an outdoor pool, shopping arcade, and a gym. Located next to the famous Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. 
• Park Hyatt Hotel – 5 star hotel with a clear view of Mt Fuji and an indoor pool. Famous for being the film location for the movie Lost in Translation.

Capsule Hotels

• Anshin Oyado Capsule Hotel – Capsule Hotel with wifi and hot spring, located in the heart of Shinjuku. 
• Nine Hours Shinjuku North – Slightly cheaper Capsule Hotel with wifi, individual showers, and great location.

Ryokans

• Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku – Budget/Mid Range ryokan located in the middle of Shinjuku. Great for couples. 

Where to Stay Near Tokyo Station

Capsule Hotels

• Nihonbashi Muromachi Bay Hotel – Simple capsule hotel that has all the essentials.
• an/other TOKYO – a more luxurious capsule hotel experience. Each capsule has more room and has a nice cafe as well. 

Hostels 

•  Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo – Budget hostel with a bar. Great place for meeting people

Budget Hotels

• Belken Hotel Tokyo – Basic, clean budget hotel in a convenient location. 
• Horidome Villa Hotel – Simple hotel with a restaurant and wifi. Located a bit further from Tokyo Station. 

Mid-Range Hotels

• The Square Hotel Ginza – Clean, aesthetic, and compact 3-star hotel. 
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi – Nice 3-star hotel in a very nice location. Comes with all the necessary amenities and a great restaurant.

Luxury Hotels

• Marunouchi Hotel – 4 star hotel by the Marunouchi group, located less than a minute from Tokyo Station. Offers a gym, bar, and restaurant with various dining options.
• The Tokyo Station Hotel – The station itself is also a hotel. It’s a 5-star hotel that comes with upscale rooms, spa, cafe, and restaurant.

Ryokans

• Hoshinoya Tokyo – Luxurious Ryokan experience, one of the few in the area. Modern design mixed with Traditional Japanese style rooms. 

What to Pack

Seasonal Clothes

Tokyo has 4 seasons and it’s appropriate to bring the right clothes. 

As commonly known, you’d need warm clothes in the winter and thin clothes in the summer. Spring tends to be colder than autumn so you may want to bring a warm jacket in spring and a light jacket in autumn. 

Here’s a rough table of how the seasons are each month. 

Month	Season	Month	Season
January	Winter	July	Summer
February	Winter	August	Summer
March	Winter/Spring	September	Summer/Fall
April	Spring	October	Fall
May	Spring/Summer	November	Fall
June	Summer	December	Winter

Small Compact Umbrella

Tokyo tends to have random but light rainfalls and having a small umbrella around can help. If you happen to be coming during the summer during a typhoon, you may want to invest in a bigger and stronger umbrella, but for all other cases, a small portable one can get you through during your travels. 

Google Translate and Google Maps

Two of the most essential apps that we recommend you have on your phone are Google Translate and Google Maps. These are apps that I still use today, even after living in Japan for several years. 

Google Translate has many functions that can help you through various situations. First, it can help translate your English expressions into Japanese. Next, it has the speech recognition which can help translate you understand what the locals are saying. The most useful function would be the  image recognition where you can take a picture of Japanese text and it can translate for you. This can be really great for reading the menu at restaurants, where the kanji tends to be difficult. 

Google Maps is another extremely useful app in Japan. If you input your destination, it shows you the best routes, a number of other options, and a timetable for when the trains come. The only thing Google Maps is not great at is finding your exact location and which direction you’re facing, especially when using it inside a building. 

Wifi

There is wifi usually in cafes, hotels, and convenience stores, but it may be a good idea to have your own data plan if possible. Although it’s free, most wifi hotspots in Tokyo require you to sign up and going through this process just to use the wifi every time can get a bit tedious. Plus, having your own data can allow you to navigate with Google Maps and look up places on the go. 

If your data plan doesn’t offer international data, you can purchase a pocket wifi or SIM card that you can pick up at the airport.

Buy Pocket Wifi here. 

Buy SIM card here. 

Cash

Tokyo has made progression with cashless payment, but there are lots of places where you will still need cash. For example, most mom and pop stores and restaurants with the ticket dispenser require cash. Lots of other traditional places require cash as well. 

If you forgot to bring cash, there are lots of places to withdraw cash. Cash can be withdrawn at any Japan Post ATM and Seven Eleven ATMs, which can be found almost anywhere in Tokyo. 

Deodorant

If you’re traveling to Tokyo during the summer, it’s probably a good idea to bring your own deodorant. Japanese deodorant is made for Japanese people and may not work at all for some people.

Electric Adapter

Japanese outlets have the same shape as the ones in the US. If you’re coming from the US, you won’t be able to connect your three-prong outlets. If you’re coming from outside of the US, you may need to bring an electrical adapter.

Popular Things to do

Tokyo is a huge city and there are endless amounts of things to do here. Here are some places that you can check out grouped into different categories. 

Cultural

• Sensoji Temple
• Meiji Shrine
• Oedo Onsen
• Tokyo Imperial Palace
• Tsukiji Fish Market
• Akihabara 

Nature

• Ueno Park
• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Yoyogi Park

Exhibitions and Amusement Parks

• Tokyo Disney
• TeamLab Borderless
• Ghibli Museum
• Yayoi Kusama Museum

Awesome Views

• Shinjuku Metropolitan Building
• Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo Tower

Food to Try

Tokyo doesn’t have its own regional specialty, but its a place where you can find lots of great restaurants and specialties from all over Japan. Here are some foods to try when visiting Tokyo.

Ramen

Ramen is a classic when you come to Japan and you can find ramen literally everywhere in Tokyo. There’s all kinds of shops from famous chains like Ichiran or Ippudo to local mom and pop restaurants in each block. There’s also lots of affordable Michelin Star ramen restaurants in areas like Shinjuku and Otsuka and worth trying out!

Beef Bowl

Beef bowls are the popular cheap and fast food of Tokyo. There’s popular chains like Sukiya, Yoshinoya, and Matsuya and you often see these places fill up with businessmen during lunch or students after an event. If you don’t have any huge dinner plans, we recommend filling some of your meals with a beef bowl!

Stamina Bowl

A stamina bowl is an upgraded version of a beef bowl and its one of my personal favorites in Japan.. Stamina bowls are essentially pork fried with garlic and soy sauce, over a bowl of rice with a raw egg on top. It’s one of the more filling dishes that you can eat in Japan at an affordable price. 

Convenience Store Food

If you’re from outside of Asia, the convenience store foods might be something new. Convenience stores in Japan don’t limit to just chips and drinks like they do in America. They have a huge selection of full meals, school supplies, household goods, printing machines, and so much more. Shopping at a convenience store is fun and we recommend stopping by a nearby convenience store and eating in for a night!

Sushi

If it’s your first time in Japan, you have to try sushi. If you mention sushi in America, people often think of rolls with lots of sauce and decoration on top, but in Japan, it’s simply raw fish on top of sushi rice. You can try the high-end omakase sushi bars, but even the cheap, conveyor belt (kaiten) sushi in Japan has decent quality.

Wagyu Steak

If you want to try some of the finer foods of Tokyo, we recommend trying the Wagyu steak. Wagyu is the high end Japanese beef which is made from cows that have an even balance of fat and muscle. When you eat wagyu, the meat is extremely soft and just melts in your mouth. 

Tokyo’s Different Districts

One of the best features of Tokyo is the different atmosphere of each neighborhood. Every area in Tokyo has a different vibe and there’s sure to be an area that matches yours. 

• Shinjuku
• Shibuya
• Tokyo Station
• Akihabara
• Ikebukuro
• Ebisu/Daikanyama
• Kichijoji
• Shimokitazawa

Day Trips from Tokyo

When traveling to Tokyo, day trips are half the experience. There are lots of stunning destinations close to Tokyo that are definitely worth visiting. We highly recommend adding a day trip or two into your travel itinerary as it can add a good balance to the urban settings of Tokyo!

Kamakura

Kamakura is one of the most simple day trips you can take from Tokyo. Kamakura is located in Kanazawa prefecture and it only takes an hour to get there by the Yokosuka line from Tokyo station. The area is famous for lots of small temples and shrines. It’s most easily recognizable by big buddha statue and is also a popular beach destination as well. 

Hakone

If you want to have a proper ryokan and onsen experience in Tokyo, come out to Hakone. Japan is known to have small villages that have some of the best onsen and Hakone is one of the closest ones to Tokyo. While a day trip out to Hakone is still awesome, we recommend staying for one night at a ryokan, if possible, to get the full value out of this onsen village.

Get the Hakone and Mt Fuji Day Tour here. 

Yokohama

Yokohama feels like the suburbs with less hustle and bustle, but still keeping a lively atmosphere. Head over to Minato Mirai, where you can enjoy a nice stroll on the harbor front with a gorgeous view. Yokohama is also home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, Motomachi Chukagai. Here, you can enjoy some of the best Chinese food you can find in Japan, like steamed buns and dim sum. 

Fuji Five Lakes

Even without climbing Mt. Fuji, you can still appreciate the heart of Japan by coming up close and personal. More than just a viewpoint for Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Five Lake area makes for a perfect day trip from Tokyo, having an amusement park, stunning nature, and the nice peaceful atmosphere that exists only in the Japanese countryside. 

Purchase Mt Fuji Day Tour here. 

Conclusion

We hope that this guide was helpful to you and that you have an awesome time in Tokyo. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo and if you’re planning a trip to Japan, Tokyo is definitely one of the places to visit.