🎒 The "Little Things" That Matter
Cash is King: While you can get by in most places with a credit card or charged Suica/Pasmo, you will still need physical yen for shrines/temples, city museums, street food, many family-owned restaurants, Izakayas, and small local shops.
There’s also the occasional incompatibility with credit cards issued outside Japan. That’s why it’s still important to have cash in hand.
You can take cash out of convenience store ATMs. They accept VISA and Master bank cards. 7-Eleven ATMs are probably the easiest to use. As for potential language barriers, most ATMs have multiple language settings to help your transaction run smoother.Note that, depending on your bank, you may be limited to withdrawing between ¥20,000 and ¥30,000. It would be best to confirm with your bank before leaving for Japan. In terms of ATM withdrawal limits, ATMs in Japan allow up to ¥100,000 per transaction.
If you brought cash you can exchange money at discounted tickets stores (kinken shops) since it is often much better than airports and banks. I use Access Ticket in Shinjuku and these shops are primarily located in busy areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya Station.Trash Etiquette: Public bins are nearly non-existent. Carry a Big Ziplock bag in your day pack for your trash. While convenience stores have bins, they are intended for customers only—please don't be "that" tourist who overloads them!
Shopping: Bring a reusable tote. Japanese convenience stores charge for plastic bags.
Pharmacy: Bring your own cold/flu and headache medications. Japanese over-the-counter versions are often weaker. Warning: Some Western meds (like those containing pseudoephedrine) are illegal to bring into Japan. Always double-check your ingredients before packing.
📱 The Digital Survival Kit
Japan is high-tech, but your phone’s battery will take a beating from constant navigating and translating.
Connectivity: I used the Airalo eSIM and it offered seamless coverage. Download the app and set it up before you land. You can use my discount code CUHPSU6861 for ¥450 discount. 15 days, 5GB plan is ¥1750 so you can get it for ¥1350 ($9).
Translation: Google Translate is perfectly fine for scanning food ingredients or menus. However, if you want to visit rural areas and actually communicate with locals, the paid version of ChatGPT provides much more natural translations and better context.
Navigation: Google Maps is non-negotiable for finding the right train platforms and walking routes. Don’t let the train system intimidate you, it all clicks pretty quickly. Most train stations have labeled exits and Google Maps will tell you which ones to look for to help you reach your destination.
Pro Tip: If you have dietary restrictions, just type "VEGAN" or "KOSHER" directly into the Google Maps search bar. It instantly pulls up all the nearby spots that cater to you. This works for "Gluten-free" and "Halal," too.
Note: This is a lifesaver in big cities! Just keep in mind that in smaller towns or rural areas, the results might be a bit thin since it relies on digital menus and reviews.Power: An external battery is mandatory. Between maps, photos, and translation, your phone won’t last until lunch—especially during the summer when temperatures can hit 40∘C (104∘F), causing batteries to drain even faster.
Pro Tip: Always take screenshots of your booking QR codes in case your signal drops.
🚆 Getting Around
The train system looks like a bowl of neon spaghetti, but it becomes incredibly logical once you’re on the move.
The Golden Rule: Install a digital Suica or Pasmo in your Apple Pay/Google Pay before you leave home. It makes tapping through ticket gates effortless, and basically all the train systems except for the Shinkansen use it.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Use the Smart EX app for the best prices. Unlike Klook, Smart EX allows for last-minute changes up until departure. You can often snag a seat the moment someone else cancels.
Crucial: During peak seasons (May Golden Week, Obon Summer holidays, and New Year’s holiday week), you MUST book a reserved seat. You won't be allowed to board without one during these times.
If you’re traveling with large bags, you’ll need to book specific seats with extra luggage capacity on the most popular Shinkansen routes.
Taxis & Uber: Taxis are pricey. However, if you are a group of 4+ or traveling with small children, Uber Premium in Tokyo is often more cost-effective and much more convenient.
🏠 Where to Stay
Avoid the "tourist trap" of staying directly in the middle of Shinjuku or Shibuya.
The Neighborhood Hack: Stay in residential areas along the Metro lines. You’ll get cheaper, larger rooms and a more authentic feel of Tokyo life. As long as you are near a Metro station, you can reach the main hubs in minutes.
Summer Tip: From July to September, prioritize staying within a 5-minute walk of a station to avoid the intense heat.
🍱 Dining Like a Local
Don't fall for the "viral" ramen traps with 2-hour lines. In Japan, it is genuinely hard to find a "bad" meal.
The "Family Restaurant" Secret: If you are traveling in a large group, with children, or with the elderly, these chains are a lifesaver. They are consistent, affordable, and surprisingly high quality. Aim to arrive by 11:30 AM for lunch or 5:30 PM for dinner to beat the rush.
All-Rounders
Denny’s (much better than the US version!), Royal Host, Jonathan’s, Skylark
Japanese Comfort
Otoya, Yayoiken, Fuji Soba (very cheap, ~400 yen)
Beef/Yakiniku
Gyukaku, Anrakutei, Jojoen (Pricey, so go for the 4,000 yen lunch deal!)
Sushi
Sushiro, Kura Zushi, Hama Zushi, Kappa Zushi
Western/Misc
Saizeriya (Italian), Bikkuri Donkey (Hamburg), Jolly Pasta, Katsuya (Pork Cutlet)
Quick Food Hacks
Convenience Store Coffee and Smoothies: Cheap and actually good. Pay at the cashier first, then use the machine to brew your own.
Drug Stores: Buy your bottled drinks and ice cream here. They are cheaper than konbini, though the selection is slightly smaller.
Depachika: The department store food halls have the best high-quality food souvenirs. It’s where locals shop for premium gifts, so you’ll find beautifully packaged, top-tier items that you won’t see in regular tourist shops like best seaweed and best matcha.
Visit department store basements (food halls) 30–60 minutes before closing for deep discounts on high-end bento boxes. Department stores often have rooftop gardens, making them great spots for a picnic lunch during the spring and fall.Teishoku: Local "set meals" are often cheaper, fresher, and healthier than convenience store food.
📍 Specific Spots to Hit
TeamLab
Choose teamLab Planets if:You want to "feel" the art: It’s famous for the sensory experience—walking through water, squishy floors, and a room with over 13,000 real orchids.
You get lost easily: Because it’s a guided path, you won't miss anything and can get through it more efficiently.
You’re already at Toyosu: It’s literally a 1-minute walk from the market area.
FOMO: Since it’s slated to close in late 2027, this might be your last chance to see it.
Choose teamLab Borderless if:
Want to stay in central Tokyo
You want go shopping afterwards: It’s located in the stunning new Azabudai Hills complex. There are many high end shops and restaurants.
You hate walking through public water: Borderless is a "shoes-on" experience (though flats are recommended for mirror floors).
You love discovery: There is no map, and artworks move from room to room. You might find a hidden door that leads to a secret installation.
You want the En Tea House: Borderless has a famous tea house where flowers "bloom" inside your matcha cup as you drink. Buy tickets online in advance as they sell out.
Shinjuku Gyoen: The perfect spot for a picnic. Grab an onigiri bento box from a nearby shop and enjoy the park’s stunning greenery.
Toyosu Market: I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Toyosu Market since it lacks the iconic vibe of the old Tsukiji. However, if you do go, head to Sushi Dai -it remains a personal favorite.