From the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossom season to the intense heat of summer and the snowy wonder of winter, Japan’s diverse climate offers a unique experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tokyo is the busiest city in the world, with over 500 train stations, It runs on an intricate and efficient public transport system. Let us delve into the heart of Tokyo, exploring what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your visit.
Let’s start with the transport.
Japan boasts an excellent public transportation system. Notably, less than 20% of Tokyo’s population owns a car. While you can purchase individual tickets, this is only practical if you plan to rent a car and leave Tokyo. However, for a holiday in Tokyo, an IC card (travel card) is highly recommended.
Each major area of Japan has its regional travel card; all of them have different names; the good news is that they can all be used interchangeably. All of the IC cards are rechargeable, allowing you to top them up at most train station’s ticket vending machines.
Two types of IC cards are used in Tokyo, the most popular one is called the SUICA card, and the other one is the PASMO card. The only difference is that they are made by two different companies.
The SUICA card comes in two types: the standard ‘SUICA Card’ and the ‘Welcome SUICA Card.’ The latter expires on a certain date, while the former is valid for 10 years. Keeping that in mind, sometimes people struggle to get the standard SUICA card at the airport due to its popularity and the recent shift to digital cards. So don’t go out of your way to look for one; the Welcome SUICA Card is a good alternative.
Lastly, as I mentioned you can get a digital SUICA card, this service is only available on iPhones at the moment (Open Wallet → Press Add → Click Transit card → Click on Suica card → add the amount of money you want to add). Digital cards for Android phones are only available for Android phones made in Japan.
Tips:
Please be aware that it is One card per person, that is a single SUICA card cannot be used for more than one individual.
Digital cards cannot be refunded; however, physical cards can be refunded at any ticket office in most train stations throughout Tokyo. However, they will take a refund fee of 200 yen.
You can use your SUICA or PASMO card to purchase items at participating stores — such as convenience stores, vending machines and so on.
There are two major airports in Tokyo. Haneda and Narita.
At the Haneda airport, you take the Keikyu line or the Tokyo Monorail.
If you are going for the western side of Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya or Asakusa) take the Keikyu line; if you are heading East and aiming for Tokyo station, Akihabara or Ueno station then go for Tokyo monorail. Use the Welcome SUICA Vending Ticket machine. To purchase a SUICA card. It has language options, so should be fairly simple.
At Narita airport, you will take the Narita Express, which will take you to the above-mentioned major train stations. For this you will need to buy a dedicated Narita express ticket from the ticket office, you can also buy this online. Unfortunately, you can’t use your IC card here.
Japan is split up into 47 Prefectures, somewhat similar to the ’50 States’ of the US of America. Tokyo is a prefecture in itself, that is further divided into 23 wards, you can consider them smaller towns/cities. For a tourist, what matters is understanding the centre of Tokyo and then mapping out the popular areas around it.
The Centre of Tokyo is the Imperial Palace. All the areas mentioned below are written with keeping the Palace as the centre.
Shibuya Crossing is the biggest road crossing in the world, you might have seen it on television, it is immediately outside Shibuya station and is kind of similar to Times Square in New York City. While in Shibuya, you can experience the old Japan by visiting Tokyo biggest Shinto Shrine, the Meiji Jingu shrine.
Experiencing the Tokyo skyline, especially at night. Despite a must-have experience on everyone’s things-to-do list, you are spoiled for choice, as Tokyo gives you several options to indulge in this.
Tokyo Tower , which looks like the Eiffel Tower, and is probably the most iconic landmark of Tokyo, you can’t deny the uncanny resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, once dawn draws over, you will find it lighting up briefly on the hour. There are 4 train stations, within a 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower.
Shibuya Sky is probably the most popular now, with exquisite glass edges and escalator in the sky experience. Shibuya Sky has now become the most popular ‘view from the top’ experience in Tokyo.
Tokyo Sky Tree is located northeast of the Imperial Castle, it is not too far from Asakusa. Tokyo Sky Tree, boast the highest viewing point out of all the options mentioned here.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government building – if you are on a budget then visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, with equally captivating views of the Tokyo skyline, which can be experienced from its terrace entrance free of cost.
Head over to Asakusa to experience Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s largest Buddhist Shrine. Its impressive entrance is sure to captivate you, and the path leading to it is lined with street vendors selling various Japanese snacks and souvenirs.
Visit Akihabara, aka Electric Town, known among locals as Akiba. Here you will discover Japanese gaming and anime culture, with shops catering to every possible fans interests, whether it be a vintage video game or the latest merchandise, Akiba has it all. If you’re into electronics, you absolutely have to check out Yodobashi Akiba! This flagship store is an electronics paradise, spread out over a massive 9 floors. You’ll find everything from the latest gadgets to classic tech, and it’s a real experience just browsing around.
Tokyo is visited by tourist throughout the year, however spring marks the busiest time, as Tokyo gears up to welcome tourist, who are specifically visiting this great city to experience the Cherry blossoms. Walk along the Meguro river, and watch the Cherry blossom leaves floating down the river (Hana-Ikada). Visit the Ueno Park, located west of Asakua, this park will not only captivate you with its Cherry blossom lined gardens, but will also fill up your day, as its right next to Ueno Zoo and Tokyo National Museum. If you are in Shibuya, pop over to Yoyogi Park, known for regular festivals and expansive lawns. you will surely have a memorable time.
You should definitely check out the Team Borderless exhibitions in Azabudai near Ropongi Hills. They’re really cool and offer a unique sensory experience. And if you’re in Tokyo, at the end of the year, consider visiting Ropongi Hills and Ebisu to experience the excellent festivity lights.
Tips: Whether an excursion or dining at a specific restaurant, consider reservation to avoid disappointment.
Despite everything written above, Forget your itinerary! embrace the unexpected. Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Shinjuku, stumble upon a hidden mom-and-pop store, and let the city surprise you. Tokyo is a playground for the curious soul. You will not be disappointed.
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