Tokyo

Tokyo doesn’t have scams. It has rules. Break the rules and you’re the rude tourist on TikTok – the one eating while walking on Ginza, talking on the train, or leaving a tip on the counter. This guide skips the cherry-blossom poetry and tells you exactly what you need to survive Tokyo without becoming that person. Here’s what we cover: scams (or the lack thereof), neighborhood safety, last-train logistics, 24-hour services, money and cash tricks, arrival setup (IC cards, eSIMs), and insider secrets the blogs never tell you. Read it before you land, or while you’re standing confused at a ticket machine.

The One Card That Unlocks Everything

Your first purchase after clearing customs should be an IC card – either Suica or Pasmo. These are tap-and-go transit cards that work on every train, metro, bus, and even some taxis in the Tokyo area. Buy one at any JR station vending machine: you pay a ¥500 deposit plus whatever you want to load. Use it at konbini, vending machines, and coin lockers. Cash is dying in Japan, but this card is the electronic key you can’t live without. Get one at Narita or Haneda station before you even exit the airport. (For detailed setup including physical vs mobile Suica, check our arrival setup guide.)

Physical vs. Mobile Suica: Which One Should You Get?

If you have an iPhone (model 8 or later, Japan region or not), you can add a mobile Suica directly to your Apple Wallet — no deposit, instant top-up via Apple Pay, and you can recharge from your phone without visiting a machine. This is the easiest option. Android users outside Japan cannot use mobile Suica (Google Pay blocks it for non-Japanese cards), so you’ll need a physical card from a vending machine. Physical Suica and Pasmo cards can be refunded at JR East ticket offices when you leave (the ¥500 deposit is returned, minus a ¥220 fee if you want your remaining balance back). Keep the card if you plan to return — it’s valid for 10 years from last use. At Narita Airport, buy at the JR East ticket office in the basement of Terminal 1 or 2. At Haneda, buy at the Keikyu or JR ticket counters near the arrival lobby. Do not skip this purchase. Without an IC card, you’ll be buying paper tickets for every journey, which is slow, annoying, and wastes your vacation time.

How to Check Your Balance and Recharge

Every JR station has machines with an English-language option. Tap your card on the reader, insert cash or a credit card, and the charge screen appears. You can recharge in increments of ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000. The maximum balance on a physical Suica is ¥20,000. If you use mobile Suica, the limit is higher (¥20,000 as well, but you can recharge anytime). Always keep at least ¥3,000 on the card for emergencies — unplanned taxi rides, buying drinks at a vending machine when you’re stranded, or paying for a friend’s meal at a konbini.

Midnight = Train Blackout

The entire Tokyo train network stops around midnight. The last train – shuden – is sacred. If you’re out past 12:30am in Shinjuku and your line’s last departure was 00:18, you’re walking, grabbing a ¥12,000 taxi, or staying out until the first train at 5am. Plan your night out accordingly. Our night transport guide has exact last-train times by line, taxi price estimates, and where to crash cheap if you miss it.

Specific Last-Train Times You’ll Need

The Yamanote Line (loop line around central Tokyo) has its last departures between 00:15 and 00:45 depending on direction and station. The Ginza Line (Asakusa to Shibuya) ends around 00:20 from Asakusa and 00:35 from Shibuya. The Chuo Line (Tokyo to Shinjuku then west) ends around 00:30 from Tokyo Station. If you’re in Shibuya heading to Shinjuku, the Yamanote’s last train is around 00:32. If you’re in Roppongi heading to Akihabara, the Hibiya Line’s last train from Roppongi is about 00:20. Write your line’s last departure time on your phone before going out. And if you’re in Shinjuku at 00:10 and need the Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa, that last train is around 00:25 — you have 15 minutes to get from the bar to the platform. Miss it, and you’re stuck.

What to Do If You Miss the Last Train

Three options. First, walk — central Tokyo is surprisingly walkable at night. Shinjuku to Shibuya is about 40 minutes on foot, and it’s safe. Second, taxi — a 15-minute ride costs around ¥3,000–¥5,000. From Shinjuku to Asakusa, expect ¥8,000–¥10,000. Uber works but is usually more expensive than hailing one on the street (look for the green light on the dashboard). Third, stay out until 5am — izakayas in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho often stay open until dawn, and there are late-night karaoke places that charge per hour. Capsule hotels like Nine Hours in Shinjuku or First Cabin in Akihabara have walk-in rates around ¥4,000–¥6,000 for a night. Book online if you can, but walk-ins are common.

Konbini: Your 24-Hour Life Support

Japan’s convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart – are not like the gas-station afterthoughts back home. They are bright, clean, open 24/7, and stock everything: decent onigiri, hot fried chicken, sandwiches, salads, beer, sake, snacks, and surprisingly good coffee. They also have ATMs that accept foreign cards (more on that below), print tickets, send packages, and even sell stamps. If you need anything between 11pm and 7am, konbini is your answer. For a full breakdown of 24-hour pharmacy rotation, late-night services, and which chain has the best egg sandwich, read our 24-hour services page.

Which Konbini Has What (Ranked Pragmatically)

7-Eleven has the best onigiri selection (try the tuna-mayo or salmon), the most consistent coffee (¥110 hot or iced), and the most reliable ATM for foreign cards. Their egg sandwich is legendary — two layers of egg salad on pillowy milk bread, ¥200. Lawson wins on fried chicken (the Karaage-kun in a little paper cup, ¥216) and has a decent bakery section (try the melon pan). FamilyMart (often called “Famima”) leads on desserts — their pudding (purin) and limited-edition ice cream bars are excellent. All three sell basic toiletries, underwear, socks, phone chargers, and even small suitcases. If you forgot your toothbrush, you can buy one at any konbini for ¥150.

Konbini ATMs: Your Cash Lifeline

Only 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, and Cirrus cards with reasonable fees (around ¥110–¥220 per withdrawal, depending on your bank). Japan Post ATMs (located in post offices, not konbini) also work but are only accessible during post office hours (9am–5pm weekdays, until noon Saturday). FamilyMart and Lawson ATMs (run by E-net) often reject foreign cards. Always carry two cards — have a backup in case your primary card is declined. If you land on a Sunday at 11pm, the only ATMs that will definitely work are at 7-Eleven. There’s a 7-Eleven in almost every neighborhood — check Google Maps for the nearest one. For more details, see our money guide.

Cash Is Still King – Here’s How It Works

Despite Japan’s tech reputation, many small restaurants, temples, and market stalls are cash-only. Pull out ¥20,000–¥30,000 from a 7-Eleven ATM as soon as you arrive. The ATM at 7-Eleven supports foreign cards with low fees. Japan Post ATMs also work. Do not bother with most bank ATMs – they reject foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted at major chains, hotels, and department stores, but don’t assume your local ramen-ya takes plastic. Check our money guide for exact ATM locations, fee breakdowns, and the one scenario where you absolutely need coins.

The Coin Problem: Why You’ll Need ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500

Tokyo runs on coins. You’ll need them for: ticket machines (some only take coins and ¥1,000 notes), vending machines that don’t accept IC cards (rare but they exist), shrine offerings (¥5 is considered lucky — toss it in the offering box), coin lockers (¥300–¥700, coin-only), and public toilets that require a ¥100 coin for entry (rare but present in old parks). Get a small coin purse on day one — Daiso sells them for ¥100. Without one, you’ll be fishing through your pockets at the ticket gate while the person behind you sighs.

Currency Exchange: Where (Not) to Go

The best exchange rate is at any 7-Eleven ATM using your foreign card — you get the interbank rate plus a small fee. If you must exchange cash, avoid the exchange counters at Narita and Haneda airports — rates are about 3–5% worse than the ATM rate. In the city, Daikokuya (branches in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno) offers decent rates but is still slightly worse than the ATM. Never exchange at hotels or tourist information centers — their rates are the worst. If your card gets declined at a 7-Eleven ATM, try a Japan Post Bank ATM (look for the red and white logo) during business hours. If that also fails, you have a card issue — call your bank.

Tap Water: The Best Free Drink

Tokyo’s tap water is safe, clean, and tastes great. Skip buying plastic bottles – fill your reusable at your hotel sink or any public restroom. It’s that good. The city has an obsession with water quality; you’ll even see vending machines selling fancy bottles of tap water. Save your yen and the environment. You’ll find public drinking fountains in parks and temples — look for the small stone basins with bamboo ladles. In summer, they’re a lifesaver.

Tipping? Forget It

You do not tip in Japan. Ever. Anywhere. Leave a tip on the table and the waiter will chase you down, thinking you forgot your change. The service charge is included. The staff are paid a living wage. If you want to show gratitude, say “gochisousama deshita” at the end of a meal. That’s it. Even at ryokan (traditional inns) where staff go above and beyond, tipping is not expected. If you insist on leaving a gift, it should be small and given discreetly in an envelope — but honestly, don’t. Just say thank you and bow slightly. The only exception: tour guides on private tours sometimes receive tips from foreign tourists, but even then it’s awkward. Best to just not start.

No Eating or Drinking While Walking (Mostly)

Japanese consider it rude to eat while walking – you look messy and risk bumping into someone. Stand at the konbini’s designated eating area (usually a small counter inside) or sit on a bench. The main exception is festivals, street food stalls, or a quick drink from a vending machine. But don’t walk down Takeshita Street chomping on a crepe. Sit down and enjoy it. The rule is not a law — you won’t be arrested — but you’ll get stares and possibly a polite “sumimasen” from an elderly woman. On outdoor festival grounds (like Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri in May), eating while walking is fine because the entire event is built around street food. Also acceptable: drinking from a vending machine can or bottle immediately after purchase, as long as you stand near the machine and don’t walk through a crowd. Ice cream is a gray area — locals do it, but discreetly.

Silence Is Golden – Especially on Trains

Trains are silent zones. Your phone goes on manner-mode (mute, no vibration if possible). Do not take calls. Do not talk loudly with your group. If you must chat, whisper. You’ll see locals scrolling phones, reading, or sleeping. Foreigners who ignore this earn dirty looks – and sometimes passive-aggressive sighs. No one will say anything, but everyone will judge.

Which Train Lines Are Strictest

The Ginza Line and Marunouchi Line (older, more local) tend to be quieter — you’ll feel the silence. The Yamanote Line (busy commuter loop) is slightly more tolerant of quiet conversation but still no calls. The Chuo Line during rush hour is pure silence — people are exhausted and don’t want noise. On the Shinkansen (bullet train), phone calls are strictly forbidden in the cars; you must go to the vestibule between cars. On local trains, even texting with sound on (typing clicks, notification pings) is frowned upon. Put your phone on silent. If you need to make a call, get off at the next station and use the platform.

Slipper Culture Will Trip You Up

Take off your shoes when entering a home, a traditional restaurant (look for a step up and a slipper rack), or a temple tatami room. You’ll be given house slippers. But watch out: there are separate toilet slippers inside the bathroom – usually plastic and marked. Don’t wear them out of the toilet. This is the #1 rule tourists break and locals cringe at. In traditional ryokan, you’ll also encounter zori (straw sandals) for the garden — don’t wear them inside.

Where You’ll Encounter Slipper Culture

At temples and shrines, the main hall often requires removing shoes. Look for a shoe rack or a designated area. At traditional restaurants (like Kichisen in Kyoto or Takazawa in Akasaka), you’ll be given slippers at the entrance. At museums and galleries, some tatami rooms require removal — look for signs. At people’s homes, always remove shoes at the entrance. Don’t step on the tatami with outdoor shoes. If you have a hole in your sock, avoid traditional restaurants. If you forget, just bow and apologize — most people will forgive a foreigner, but you’ll be remembered as the tourist with the sock hole.

Onsen and Sento – Naked, Quiet, and Tattoo-Complex

Public baths (onsen at hot springs, sento in cities) are gender-separated and clothing-free. You soap and rinse before entering the bath. Tattoos are often banned because of their historical association with the Yakuza. Many places have relaxed the rule for small tattoos, but bigger ones may need covering (use a skin-coloured bandage or tattoo sticker). Always check the onsen’s policy online before going. And yes – you can’t swim in the bath; it’s for soaking only.

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Tokyo

Some onsen and sento in Tokyo now welcome tattoos. Ōedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba (closed indefinitely but check) used to allow small tattoos with stickers. Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku (near Kabukicho) allows tattoos — it’s a 24-hour onsen with a rooftop bath. Inari-yu in Asakusa allows small tattoos. Kōenji Station area has several sento that are tattoo-friendly. Always check Google Maps reviews — recent reviews will mention “tattoo ok” or “no tattoos.” If you have large tattoos, buy a skin-coloured bandage roll at a konbini (¥400) and cover them. The staff may still deny entry, but most places are relaxing the rule as tourism grows. In Kyoto and Osaka, the rules are stricter. In Hakone and Izu (outside Tokyo), many onsen still ban tattoos entirely.

How to Use an Onsen or Sento Properly

Enter the gender-separated changing room (datsuijo). Remove all clothes and put them in a basket or locker. Take a small towel (provided or bring your own) into the bath area. Sit on a small stool at the washing stations (karasu) — soap, shampoo, and rinse thoroughly before entering the main bath. Do not let your towel touch the water — it’s for drying, not washing. The small towel can be placed on your head while soaking. Exit the bath, dry off with the big towel (provided) in the changing room, and don’t walk through the public areas naked. Drip-dry is not a thing here. If you have long hair, tie it up — hair in the water is considered unhygienic. Our 24-hour services guide has sento opening hours — most open from 3pm to midnight, some open earlier.

Trash Bins? Good Luck

Public trash bins are virtually nonexistent in Tokyo – a legacy of the 1995 sarin gas attacks. You are expected to carry your trash home or to your hotel. Konbini have bins inside, but they are intended for konbini purchases; don’t dump your unrelated trash there (though many tourists do). Keep a small bag in your pocket for wrappers and receipts. On the Shinkansen, each car has a small trash bin near the door — use it. At train stations, bins are located near ticket gates and on platforms — but only for station-related trash. If you’re walking down Takeshita Street in Harajuku and buy a crepe, you’ll notice there’s nowhere to throw the wrapper. Either carry it back to your hotel, or eat it standing at the shop. Recycling is strict — plastic bottles (PET) go in separate bins, cans in another. Look for the labels on bins. If you toss a can in the general trash, a local might pull it out and correct it.

Subway Etiquette: Escalator Side, Platform Lines, and Push

On escalators in Tokyo, stand on the left, walk on the right (reverse in Osaka). Form orderly queues at the platform markings showing where doors will open. During rush hour, you may need to push to board – locals use a gentle shoulder or arm to wedge in. It’s not rude; it’s necessary. Don’t be the person blocking the door while checking your phone.

Rush Hour Survival: When to Avoid and How to Cope

Tokyo’s rush hour (7:30am–9:00am and 5:30pm–7:30pm) is intense. The worst lines are the Yamanote Line (especially between Shinjuku and Shibuya), the Chuo Line (rapid service from Tokyo to Shinjuku), and the Keihin-Tohoku Line. If you must travel during rush hour, avoid the priority seating areas (near the doors) — those are for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers. Women might want to use the women-only cars on peak-hour trains on the Yamanote, Chuo, and Keihin-Tohoku lines — look for pink signs on the platform. If you have a large suitcase, avoid rush hour entirely — you’ll be in everyone’s way. Use a luggage forwarding service (like Yamato Transport) at your hotel to send bags to your next destination — costs around ¥2,000 per bag and is worth every yen.

Platform Etiquette: The Lines Are Real

At every station, you’ll see colored marks on the platform showing where the doors will stop. Stand behind the yellow line and form two lines on either side of the door mark. When the train arrives, let passengers exit first, then board in an orderly fashion. Don’t push past people exiting — wait your turn. If you’re late and the train is crowded, you may need to wait for the next one. The doors close quickly — sensors usually stop them, but if you block them too long, the driver will make an announcement. Don’t be the person who holds the door for a friend running late — the train won’t wait.

Shopping for the Weird and Cheap

Don Quijote (Donki) is a multi-floor discount store open late – sometimes 24 hours – crammed with everything from electronics and cosmetics to novelty snacks and cheap luggage. It’s chaotic, fluorescent, and unforgettable. For everyday household goods, stationery, and kitchen items, go to a 100-yen shop like Daiso, Seria, or Can Do. You’ll find quality stuff for ¥100 plus tax. Don’t waste money on souvenir chopsticks at a temple when Daiso sells them for a tenth of the price.

Donki Shopping Strategy

The Shibuya Donki (near Shibuya 109) is open 24 hours and has 4 floors of chaos. The Shinjuku Donki (near Kabukicho) is also 24 hours. The Asakusa Donki is smaller but less crowded. Donki is great for: duty-free skincare (show passport at checkout, spend over ¥5,000, get refund of 10% consumption tax — but you pay the 10% upfront and get it back at the counter), weird snacks (matcha KitKats in bulk, wasabi-flavored Pocky), travel adapters, and cheap suitcases. The basement floor usually has electronics — but compare prices with Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera before buying. Donki’s prices on chargers and cables are often higher than Yodobashi’s. For cheap beer, Donki sells 6-packs for ¥1,200, cheaper than most konbini.

100-Yen Shops: Where to Find Them

Daiso has branches in Shibuya (near the scramble crossing, 5 floors), Shinjuku (near the station), and Ueno (in the Ameya-Yokocho market). Seria is in shopping malls like Ario or Lalaport. Can Do has a branch near Shinjuku station. Stock up on: chopsticks, bowls, towels, stationary, small containers for snacks, travel pouches, and souvenirs. The quality is surprisingly good — ¥100 chopsticks are as good as the ¥1,000 ones at temple shops. The only difference is the packaging.

Earthquakes: Normal, Not Dangerous

Minor tremors happen weekly – locals barely notice. If you feel a significant shake (the building sways, things rattle), drop, cover your head, and hold on under a sturdy table. Japanese buildings are built to code. Hotel rooms have evacuation cards in the door. The emergency number is 119 for fire and ambulance, and 110 for police. For non-emergency English support, call 03-5774-0992 (Tokyo English Lifeline).

What the Evacuation Card in Your Hotel Room Says

Every hotel room has a laminated card on the back of the door. It will show: the nearest fire escape (usually a stairwell — never use the elevator), an assembly point (often a nearby park or open area), and a diagram of your floor. Read it when you check in. If you’re on the 10th floor or above, the stairwell may be locked from outside (to prevent unauthorized access) — check if the fire escape door opens from your side. In a real earthquake, the elevators will stop automatically. If you’re in an elevator when it shakes, press all floor buttons and get out at the first open floor. Don’t panic — Tokyo has hundreds of small earthquakes a year and almost no casualties from building collapse. Tsunamis are a risk only in coastal areas (like Odaiba or Tsukiji) — if you’re near the bay and feel a strong earthquake, move inland or to higher ground immediately.

Earthquake and Disaster Apps to Download

Download Yurekuru (earthquake early warning, in English) or Safety Tips (official disaster app from the Japan Tourism Agency, includes alerts, evacuation info, and English guidance). Set your phone’s emergency alert system to “on” — Japan’s J-ALERT system sends push notifications to all phones in Japanese and English for major earthquakes, tsunamis, and missile alerts (rare). The alerts are loud and will scare you — but they save lives. If you get an alert, take it seriously.

Safety and Pickpockets – Almost Nonexistent

Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world. Pickpocketing is so rare that locals often leave wallets on tables to save seats. If you lose something, check the nearest koban (police box) – you’ll probably get it back. That said, keep your wits about you in crowded areas like Shibuya crossing or on a packed train; basic vigilance is enough. For a district-by-district safety breakdown (spoiler: they’re all safe), see our safe-neighborhoods guide.

Lost Property: The Koban System

If you lose your wallet, phone, or camera, go to the nearest koban (police box) — they’re the small buildings at major intersections and train stations. Tokyo’s lost-and-found system is legendary: about 80% of lost items are returned within a week. When you find a koban, explain what you lost (use Google Translate if needed — “saifu o nakushimashita” = I lost my wallet). If the item was handed in, you’ll get it back after showing ID and describing the contents. For train lost-and-found, go to the station office at the nearest JR or metro station — items found on trains are logged within an hour. At Tokyo Station, the lost-and-found office is near the Marunouchi North Gate. At Shinjuku Station, it’s near the East Exit. If you lost your passport, go to the nearest koban and also contact your embassy. The U.S. Embassy is in Akasaka (03-3224-3500). The UK Embassy is near Ichibancho (03-3271-1100). They can issue emergency travel documents, but it takes a day.

Where You Should Still Be Careful

Tokyo is safe, but some areas attract drunks, touts, and occasional petty theft. Kabukicho (Shinjuku’s red-light district) has touts trying to pull you into hostess bars or overpriced clubs — ignore them. Roppongi late at night has similar club touts and occasional drugging scams (someone offers you a drink, you wake up without your wallet) — stick to well-lit areas and go with friends. Shibuya at 3am has drunk people and occasional fights — avoid getting involved. Asakusa at night is very safe. The biggest risk is honestly just losing your stuff because you’re tired and jet-lagged, not because someone is stealing it. For more details, see our safe-neighborhoods page.

Seasonal Events: Sakura and Golden Week

Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is peak tourism. The blossoms last only about 5 days at full bloom. Parks like Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meguro River fill with hanami parties. Expect hotel prices to double and crowds everywhere. Book everything well in advance. Golden Week (late April to early May) is a string of national holidays – the entire country travels. Avoid flying domestically during that week, and expect many shops and attractions to be packed or closed. Plan around these dates if you want a less chaotic trip.

Typhoon Season: What You Need to Know

From late June to October, typhoons hit Japan. The worst months are August and September. A typhoon means heavy rain, wind, and flight cancellations. If a typhoon is forecast, check NHK World (TV or app) for English updates. Trains will run on reduced schedules or stop entirely — the Yamanote Line often runs with delays, and the Shinkansen may be suspended between Tokyo and Osaka for a few hours. If you’re stuck, stay indoors, stock up on food and water from the konbini, and wait it out. Most typhoons pass within 12–24 hours. Hotels will not offer refunds for typhoon delays — travel insurance is essential. Don’t plan outdoor activities (like hiking in Hakone or visiting the Ghibli Museum) during typhoon season without checking the forecast.

Summer Heat and Humidity: Not a Joke

From July to mid-September, Tokyo is brutally hot and humid — temperatures hit 35°C with 80% humidity. Locals walk slowly and carry umbrellas for shade. You will sweat through your clothes within 15 minutes. Carry a towel (Japanese people do — it’s called a tenugui) and a water bottle. Drink water constantly — heatstroke is common among tourists who underestimate it. Stations and trains have air conditioning, but the platforms don’t. If you feel dizzy, find an air-conditioned konbini or a department store. The cooldown rooms in major stations (like Tokyo Station’s underground mall) are free to use. Wear light, breathable clothing — linen or cotton. Women can wear shorts and tank tops without issue. Men can wear shorts in summer, but jeans are uncomfortable.

Insider Preview: Beyond the Tourist Traps

Let’s cut through the noise.

• Ramen: Avoid the flashy chains with English menus in Shibuya. Real ramen shops are small, ticket-machine-only, and often iconic. In Shinjuku, go to Fuunji (tsukemen) or Ramen Nagi in Golden Gai. In Tokyo Station, Rokurinsha is famous for tsukemen but expect a 20-minute queue. For a truly local bowl, head to Menya Musashi in Shinjuku (thick broth, choose your tare) or Ichiran if you want a solitary booth experience (it’s a chain, but the solo booth concept is unique). Ramen Jiro in Mita (near Tamachi) serves a massive, garlic-heavy bowl that’s a cult favorite — not for beginners.
• Konbini ranking: 7-Eleven has the best onigiri and egg sandwiches. Lawson has the best fried chicken (Karaage-kun). FamilyMart has the best sweets and limited-edition drinks. All are decent.
• Sushi: The Tsukiji outer market is now mostly a tourist gauntlet with inflated prices. The real action is at Kyubey (Ginza, multiple price points) or Sushi Saito (if you can get a reservation). For affordable Michelin-starred sushi at lunch, try Sushi Iwa in Shinbashi (around ¥8,000 for omakase). For a budget option, Uobei in Shibuya serves conveyor-belt sushi for ¥100–¥300 per plate — it’s decent and fun. For high-end without a reservation, try Sushi Sho in Roppongi (tables available, omakase from ¥15,000).
• Affordable Michelin lunches: Many Michelin-starred restaurants offer lunch sets at a fraction of dinner prices. Narisawa (¥12,000 lunch) and Kikunoi (¥8,500) are within reach if you book a month ahead. L’Osier in Ginza has a ¥6,000 lunch set (2 Michelin stars). Ryugin in Roppongi has a ¥12,000 lunch. Book through TableAll or Pocket Concierge — note that some restaurants charge a cancellation fee of 100% if you no-show.
• Izakaya etiquette: You’ll get a small appetizer (otoshi) that you must pay for – it’s not a gift. Don’t return it. Order drinks first, then food. Drink at your own pace; don’t refill your own glass (pour for others). At the end, say “o-aiso” (check, please) or “sumimasen, o-kanjo” to get the bill. Payment is usually done at the register, not at the table. Some izakayas charge a cover fee (sept) of ¥300–¥500 — it’s normal, don’t argue.
• Akihabara survival: Don’t fall for the “foreigner only” electronics stores on the main street – they overcharge. Go to the second-hand shops like Hard Off or Sofmap for deals. Maid cafes are a performance, not a meal – go for the show, not the food. @home cafe is the most tourist-friendly. Yodobashi Camera has 6 floors of electronics, and they do tax-free shopping (show passport, spend over ¥5,000). For anime merchandise, skip the main street and go to Radio Kaikan or Mandarake Complex for older, rarer items. Don’t photograph the cosplay girls without permission — it’s rude and they ask for money.
• Capsule hotel rules: Most are men-only. Some accept women. You check in, get a locker, change into provided pajamas, and sleep in a pod – no talking, no phones, no shoes. The best ones (like Nine Hours) are clean and quiet. Don’t bring a large suitcase; use coin lockers. First Cabin offers slightly larger pods with a desk. Millennials Shibuya is a high-end capsule with USB ports, a bar, and a co-working space — unisex and popular with remote workers. Capsule hotels are not for claustrophobic people or light sleepers (you’ll hear snoring). Earplugs are essential.
• Where to Find Actual Ramen Recommendations from Locals: Avoid blog lists. Use Ramen Database (ramendb.com) or Tabelog (tabelog.com, in Japanese but Google Translate works). Look for shops with a score of 3.5 or higher. In Shinjuku, Fuunji (score 3.8) is legendary. In Shibuya, Ramen Nagi (score 3.6) has a location in the underground mall. In Ikebukuro, Mutekiya (score 3.7) is worth the queue. In Asakusa, Ramen Yoroiya (score 3.5) is a solid choice. Avoid shops with English menus and photo displays on the street — they’re tourist traps with average ramen at inflated prices.

For more deep dives into these secrets (including where to find actual ramen recommendations from locals), go to insider secrets page.

Triage: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

If you’re on the ground and something specific pops up, here’s your quick reference:

• Missed last train? See night transport – capsule hotels, late-night buses, and taxi cost estimates.
• Need cash at 2am? 7-Eleven ATM – see money guide.
• Lost wallet/passport? Go to nearest police box (koban).
• Medical emergency? Call 119. For English interpreter, use Tokyo English Lifeline at 03-5774-0992.
• Confused about onsen rules? Check our 24-hour services for sento opening hours and etiquette.
• Suspect a scam? Unlikely, but if someone approaches you with a “free tour” or pushes you toward a specific shop, walk away. Read scams guide.
• Card declined at a restaurant? Ask if they accept credit card (“kurejitto kaado wa daijoubu desu ka?”). If not, you’ll need cash. Head to the nearest 7-Eleven ATM and return with ¥10,000. Apologize (“sumimasen, genkin o torini ikimasu” = sorry, I’ll go get cash). Restaurants are used to tourists running to ATMs.
• Suica card stops working? Go to a JR ticket office. They can check the card and issue a replacement if the chip is damaged. You’ll need proof of purchase (not always required) and will be asked where you bought it. If the card is old, the balance might be transferred to a new card (fee: ¥500).
• Earthquake while in a train? Hold the handrails. The train will stop and may be delayed. Follow staff instructions. Don’t exit unless told to. If you’re underground, wait for announcements.
• Feeling sick? Buy water and rest at a konbini seating area. If it’s serious, go to a clinic (many have English-speaking staff, like Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic in Shibuya, 03-3436-3028). For a pharmacy, Matsumoto Kiyoshi has over-the-counter meds in English — look for the “Matsukiyo” sign.

Closing: Tokyo for the Uninitiated

Tokyo isn’t a scammers’ paradise. It’s a city of unwritten rules that every local follows instinctively, and every tourist breaks by accident. But now you have the list. Don’t eat while walking. Tip zero. Carry cash. Buy an IC card on arrival. Respect the quiet. And if you miss the last train, remember you’re in good company – there’s a reason izakayas stay open until 5am. Welcome to the city that runs on precision, politeness, and the occasional earthquake tremor. Now go explore – and don’t forget to stand left on the escalator. If you have any more specific questions — about a district, a service, or a problem you’re facing — check our detailed guides linked throughout this page. Tokyo isn’t complicated once you know the rules. You now know all of them. Safe travels, and don’t be the tourist on TikTok.

Neighborhood Snapshot

Arrival Setup — The Money-Savers

The first hour after you land sets the tone for the trip. Two moves that pay for themselves:

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