Top Tips When Visiting Tokyo

Based on our 10-day visit in July 2025.

Below are a few tips that I hope help any future visitors. If you would like to see more of what I got up to, you can watch the full blog (insert video link).

Tip 1: Get a Suica/ Pasmo Card

Suica’s or Pasmo’s are travel cards used in Tokyo by most citizens for transport, at vending machines, restaurants, shops etc. Not all places will take them so it’s still good to take an alternative payment method with you. You can purchase one at the airport and use Yen to top them up at any station.

There are two types of Sucia cards; standard ones are green and grey and have a little penguin on them. Citizens use these and if you purchase one of these there is a small fee to pay which is non-refundable, however any Yen left on the card at the end of your stay can be refunded when you leave. I however would get the visitor Suica, which is red with Sakura patterns. This has no purchase fee (just the cost of the Yen to top the card up) and you get to keep it at the end of your travels as a souvenir. Just make sure to spend all your balance before you leave!

You can check the balance of your travel card at any station or if you are an IPhone user, there is an app where you can add your travel card to your wallet from which you can view the balance, to-up and scan through gates. For android users, we do not have that convenience however we did find an app called Japan Train Card and Balance Check that allows you to view the balance by scanning the card to the back of your phone. You will still need to top up at the station.

Please note the travel cards are only for use in Tokyo and will not work outside of here. Not all forms of transport take these cards, such as the Bullet Train so be sure to check before making any plans.

Tip 2: Bring a bag for Rubbish

Tokyo does not have many rubbish bins around. You may occasionally find one next to a vending machine or when walking around a big shopping complex, but apart from that they are hard to find.

Despite this, the streets are spotless as people are expected to take their rubbish with them when they leave, which is where the bag comes in.

It is considered impolite to eat/drink whilst walking so most people have drinks/food inside or nearby the establishment they purchased they from to dispose of the rubbish at the bins provided by the restaurant. If you are walking about, just find a spot off to the side to have a bit of your drink.

In saying that we did see locals walking and eating, however when visiting I believe it’s always best to respect a countries culture and customs as best you can.

Tip 3: Smoking

Smoking and/or the use of E-Cigarettes is not allowed on the streets in Tokyo You will need to find designated smoking shelters. Do not be surprised if you find them inside buildings or cafe’s as there were many we found in such places. There is an app called smoking area share map that has an orange icon with a white cigarette that you can use to map the location of all the smoking shelters nearby you.

I do not smoke, but my partner found it easy to use and the smoking shelters where at the places stated.

Tip 4: Travel

Transport around Tokyo is easy. All the signs are in English alongside Japanese, and the trains also make announcements in English as well. Some of the stations/trains also make announcements in Korean.

If you are familiar with the London Underground, the Tokyo trains are similar as each line has a corresponding colour and line name. Each station has its own number, for example the closest station to our hotel, Ottori is on the Keikyu line, which is light blue, and the number is KK13.

The trains are always in time and run regularly so there is no need to rush around, especially if like us, you are visiting at a hotter time of the year.

Google maps will be your best friend for train times and even tells you what carriage to get on for the fastest exit times if you are making connections.

Tip 5: Booking Direct

There are a lot of websites that offer the facility to book trips, day tours etc. However, I would recommend booking direct if you can.

We only had three activities we pre- booked before we flew to Tokyo: Disney, the Tokyo Sky Tree and Team Labs.

Booking direct decreases, the risk of you getting scammed by anyone, can often be cheaper and gives you a bit more flexibility if you feel you are ready to leave, rather than being stuck to a set time.

Now, if going around with a guide is your thing, just be sure to do your research before hand to ensure you are booking with a reputable company. We did see plenty of tour guides around so you won’t be alone if you choose to do so.

One of the highlights of our trip was going to Mt Fuji and there are multiple ways to get here. We knew we wanted to go but did not end up booking the transport to go until the night before.

I would recommend booking in advance especially if you would like to take the train as they get booked up quick. Otherwise, the bus offers a great alternative. I did have to book this online via Kosokubus.com but it was easy to do and not too expensive.

The bus picks up from multiple points around Tokyo and is a 2-hour trip, if traffic is bad it may take a bit longer however the bus is fully air-conditioned and very comfortable with ample leg room.

If you are looking to climb mount fuji than I would 100% do some extensive research to ensure you can be safe and if you are booking a guide, it is with a reputable company.

Tip 6 – Take your time.

This one may seem out of place; however, it is important to simply enjoy the moment and slow down a little whilst you are there.

It is so easy to over plan your stay especially if you are only in Japan for a few days, but it’s important to give yourself time to soak it all in and experience being in the now. If you are rushing around from place to place, you won’t get that same feeling.

Most places in Tokyo are open until at least midnight and even beyond that, with a lot of shops closing late into the night as well. This gives you plenty of time to experience all Tokyo has to offer.

We found Tokyo was far busier at night than in the day, so do keep that in mind if you are going out, but I would recommend a nighttime exploration as Tokyo is beautiful in the moonlight.

In saying this, planning out where you would like to go in Tokyo and the main things you would like to see can be helpful, especially if you are only there for a few days and need to book certain activities. Be sure not to pack your schedule too full!

Tip 7 – Visit Japan.

You will need to fill out declaration forms upon arrival into Japan. They are handed out on the plane, but you can pre-do this at home before you travel on a website called Visit Japan.

Once you have completed all the necessary information, it will generate a QR code you can scan at the airport. We got through security quickly when we arrived, however if you are travelling in peak season it could help to reduce wait times.

In summary, Tokyo is bustling city with so much history, culture and exploration to be had. It offers something for everyone, and I have no doubt you will enjoy every moment once you’re there.