Top 10 Tokyo Travel Tips: Mastering the City of Silence and Speed

10locaAsia

Dec 11

“If you can’t get lost in Tokyo, you are not trying hard enough.”

— Jake Adelstein

Tokyo is a hyper-modern marvel, but this efficient city operates by a specific set of unwritten rules. Misunderstand them, and you’ll feel lost; master them, and you’ll feel like a local ninja.

I've tackled the challenge of Tokyo to bring you the essential survival guide. Forget the expensive tourist packages; here is exactly how to navigate the massive subway, avoid cultural blunders, and enjoy the real, complex beauty of this incredible city.

1.

Your Wallet's Best Friend: The Suica or Pasmo Card

Tokyo's subway system is vast and complex, and buying individual paper tickets for every ride is inefficient and slow. The Hack: Immediately purchase a rechargeable IC card like Suica or Pasmo. These work across all subway, train, and bus lines (and even some vending machines and convenience stores). Just tap and go. It’s the single best time-saver you can get.

2.

The Golden Rule of Public Spaces: Silence is Sacred

Tokyo is loud in color and light, but quiet in sound. Talking loudly on your phone or having boisterous conversations on the subway or bus is considered incredibly rude and disruptive. The Rule: Set your phone to silent mode, refrain from taking calls, and keep conversations low. Respecting this silence is key to blending in.

3.

Stand on the Correct Side (It Changes!)

Unlike London (where you stand right), the rule for standing on escalators in Tokyo is not universal. In Tokyo and the Kanto region, stand on the left. However, if you travel to Osaka, it flips to the right! Pay attention to the signs and follow the locals—nothing says "tourist" faster than blocking the flow of the morning commute.

4.

Convenience Stores Are Your Best Budget Friend

Forget looking for expensive sit-down lunches every day. Japan's Konbini (convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart) are engineering masterpieces.

The Hack: They sell high-quality, delicious, and incredibly cheap food: fresh onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, pre-made noodle dishes, and fantastic hot coffee. This is where locals grab breakfast and lunch on the run.

5.

Always Carry Cash (Despite Being Tech-Savvy)

Japan is technologically advanced, but it remains a heavily cash-based society, especially outside of major department stores. Many traditional restaurants, small shops, shrines, and even some subway lockers only accept cash. The Tip: Always carry several thousand yen, and use the 7-Eleven ATMs (which accept most foreign cards) for withdrawals.

6.

Embrace the Art of Queueing (Line Up!)

Japanese culture emphasizes order and respect for others, and this is nowhere more evident than in queues. Whether you are waiting for a train, a popular ramen shop, or a museum, you must queue neatly and patiently. The Hack: Look for designated markers on the ground. Never cut the line, and wait your turn quietly—it's part of the experience.

7.

Find Free Views: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Why pay ¥3,000 to go up the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower? The Hack: Head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. It has two separate observation decks that are completely free to the public. You get sweeping 360-degree views of the entire city, often including Mount Fuji on a clear day, saving you money for more ramen.

8.

Don't Tip (It’s Considered Rude)

The Japanese pride themselves on providing exceptional service as a standard of their work. Attempting to leave a monetary tip is often confusing for the waiter and can even be considered slightly insulting, as it implies their standard salary isn't sufficient. The Rule: Just accept the excellent service, politely pay the exact amount, and express a sincere "Arigatou gozaimasu."

9.

Use the Yamanote Line as Your Tour Guide

The Yamanote Line is a massive loop train that circles the central districts of Tokyo. It connects all the major hubs: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno, and Akihabara. The Hack: Use this line as your primary travel method. You can easily jump on and off to explore a new neighborhood without having to decipher the confusing web of other metro lines.

10.

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for Peace

Tokyo is an assault on the senses—in the best way. But when you need a moment of tranquility away from the neon glow and hustle, seek out a traditional garden. The Hack: The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a stunning, meticulously maintained oasis near Shinjuku Station. It’s perfect for a cheap, quiet break, offering English, French, and traditional Japanese garden styles.