Tokyo Travel Tips for First-Timers: 20 Things You Must Know Before Visiting (2026)

Get an IC Card Immediately

The absolute easiest option is to add a digital Suica or Pasmo card directly to your smartphone's Apple or Google Wallet before you land. Alternatively, physical cards have returned to stable supply; you can buy a physical card at JR East Travel Service Centers, pick up a 'Welcome Suica' at the airport, or opt for the new Tourist Pasmo card. Use these to tap onto all trains, subways, buses, and even to pay at vending machines.

Rely Heavily on Google Maps

The app is exceptionally accurate for Tokyo transit, showing you exactly which train car to board, the platform numbers, and the correct exit door to use at massive hubs.

Avoid Morning Rush Hour

Skip the trains between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM unless you want to experience being packed like sardines into commuter trains.

Forward Your Heavy Luggage

Do not drag giant bags through busy subway stations. Use a luggage delivery service (like Yamato Transport, known as the 'Black Cat') to ship your suitcases directly from the airport to your hotel for a very reasonable fee.

Cash is Still King

Despite a massive post-pandemic shift toward cashless payments, many small ramen shops, temple ticket booths, and festival stalls only accept cash. Additionally, physical transit IC cards can only be topped up with cash at station machines.

Carry a Dedicated Coin Purse

Japan uses 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-yen coins regularly. You will accumulate a large amount of loose change quickly, so having a coin pouch will save you from fumbling at registers.

Withdraw Cash at 7-Eleven

If you need to withdraw Yen, the ATMs inside 7-Eleven (7-Bank) convenience stores are universally reliable, offer great exchange rates, and accept most foreign debit cards.

Keep Your Passport on You for Tax-Free Shopping

Many department stores and mega-retailers like Don Quijote offer an immediate consumption tax refund (10%) to tourists. You must present your physical passport at the register to claim it.

Embrace Convenience Stores (Konbini)

Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart serve incredibly high-quality food. Their egg salad sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, and fried chicken are cheap, fresh, and delicious.

Look Up and Down for Restaurants

Tokyo maximizes space vertically. Many of the city's best restaurants and hidden bars are located on the 3rd, 5th, or even basement floors of nondescript buildings. Always check building directory signs at street level.

Solo Dining is Standard

Don't feel self-conscious about eating alone. Many ramen and sushi spots feature individual counter seating designed exactly for solo patrons.

Book Bucket-List Meals Ahead

Popular or themed restaurants require weeks or months of advance planning. Use platforms like TableCheck or Tabelog to lock down reservations before you leave home.

Do Not Tip

Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture and can be viewed as confusing or insulting. Exceptional service is already included in your bill.

Keep Your Trash with You

There are virtually no public garbage cans on Tokyo streets. Carry a small plastic bag in your daypack to hold your trash until you return to your hotel room, or look for recycling bins strictly next to vending machines (intended only for bottles and cans).

Do Not Eat While Walking

Walking while consuming food or drinks is considered bad manners (aruki-gui). Consume your snacks right outside the convenience store where you bought them or while seated at a park.

Stay Quiet on Public Transit

Set your phone to silent mode ('manner mode') on trains. Avoid taking phone calls or speaking loudly with your travel companions.

Stand on the Left Side of Escalators

In Tokyo, commuters stand on the left side of the escalator and leave the right side open for people walking up or down.

Complete 'Visit Japan Web' in Advance

Before boarding your flight, fill out your mandatory immigration and customs forms on the official Visit Japan Web portal. It generates a QR code that lets you breeze through airport arrivals.

Buy an eSIM

Don't rely on spotty public Wi-Fi. Pre-ordering a digital data eSIM gives you instant, high-speed internet access the moment you land.

Wear Slip-On Shoes with Nice Socks

You will step out of your shoes frequently when entering temples, traditional restaurants, fitting rooms, and certain historic buildings. Choose comfortable walking shoes that easily slip off, and make sure your socks are clean and free of holes.