Tokyo is the world’s most sophisticated machine. It is a sprawl of 37 million people that functions with clockwork precision. The silence is the first thing that shocks you; on a packed train during rush hour, you can hear a pin drop because nobody speaks. The sensory experience is a constant toggle: the deafening pachinko parlors and the blinding neon of Shinjuku versus the zen-like quiet of the Meiji Shrine, where the gravel crunches loudly under your feet.
It is a city of layers. You might find a Michelin-starred noodle shop in a basement, a shrine on a rooftop, and a cat café on the 5th floor. The air smells of grilling yakitori smoke near train stations and sterile cleanliness in the department stores. The visual clutter is immense—signs on top of signs—but the streets are spotless. No trash cans, yet no trash.
Tokyo feels like the future as imagined in the 1980s—still reliant on fax machines and cash, yet with toilets that play music. The hospitality (Omotenashi) is almost overwhelming; shop assistants bow until you are out of sight. To travel here is to constantly feel like a clumsy giant in a delicate shop.
Don't try to see it all. Pick a neighborhood (Shimokitazawa for vintage, Akihabara for geeks, Ginza for luxury) and dive deep. The best food is often ordered from a vending machine ticket, and the best night out involves drinking highballs in a box-sized bar (Izakaya) with a salaryman who speaks no English.
The perfect plan for Tokyo:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Neon & Noise
- Morning: Meiji Shrine. Enter through the massive Torii gate. It is a forest in the city. Write a wish on an Ema (wooden plaque).
- Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing. Hack: Skip Starbucks. Go to Mag's Park rooftop (Magnet by Shibuya 109) for a small fee. You are right above the crossing looking down. Then explore Harajuku (Takeshita St is a zoo, go to the backstreets/Cat Street).
- Evening: Shinjuku. See the 3D Cat billboard. Dinner at Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley). It’s tight, smoky, and serves grilled skewers. Drink beer and eat yakitori. End the night in Golden Gai (tiny bars).
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Old Edo & Electronics
- Morning: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa). Go at 7 AM. The shops (Nakamise) are closed, but the temple is empty and spiritual. Draw an Omikuji (fortune).
- Afternoon: Akihabara. The electric town. Visit Super Potato for retro games. Go to a Maid Cafe if you dare (it’s weird but cultural). Lunch: Gyukatsu Motomura (breaded beef cutlet you grill yourself).
- Evening: Ueno Park. Visit the museums if open. Dinner at a Kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) like Kura Sushi or Sushiro. Cheap, fun, and you order on an iPad.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Art & Views
- Morning: TeamLab Planets (Toyosu). Book weeks ahead. You walk barefoot through water and digital art. It is immersive and stunning.
- Afternoon: Roppongi Hills. Visit the Mori Art Museum. The view from the Tokyo City View observation deck is better than Skytree because it includes Tokyo Tower in the skyline.
- Evening: Ginza. Window shop. Go to a high-end department store basement (Depachika) like Mitsukoshi just before closing to see the food discounts. Dinner: Ramen. Try Ginza Kagari for chicken paitan soup (creamy).
Weather
Spring (Mar-May): Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) late March. Beautiful, but insanely crowded.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, humid, and rainy. Not ideal.
Autumn (Oct-Nov): The best weather. Crisp, blue skies, red leaves (Momiji).
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold (0-10°C) but sunny and dry. Best visibility for Mt. Fuji.
Local Customs
1. Quiet on Trains: Do not talk on the phone. Do not talk loudly to friends. Texting is fine.
2. No Tipping: Tipping is an insult. You will be chased down to return your money. Service is included.
3. Trash: There are no bins. Carry your trash home with you or find a recycling bin at a convenience store (Konbini).
History & Culture
Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the center of power in 1603 under the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital") in 1868 when the Emperor moved from Kyoto. Destroyed twice in the 20th century (the 1923 earthquake and WWII firebombing), Tokyo rebuilt itself with a ravenous appetite for the new. Its history is not in ancient stone buildings (few survived) but in the layout of its streets and the resilience of its spirit.
Getting Around & Safety
Trains/Subway: The best in the world. Get a Suica or Pasmo card (on Apple Wallet mostly now). Google Maps is 99% accurate with platform numbers.
Taxi: Expensive. The doors open automatically—do not touch them.
Walking: You will walk miles. Stations are huge mazes.
Info for Nomads
Workation Vibe
Wifi is everywhere now. Cafes can be strict about time limits.
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Nakameguro): Huge, 4 floors, great for working (if you get a seat).
- Tsutaya Books (Daikanyama T-Site): Beautiful bookstore with a cafe. Very inspiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is English spoken? +
Not as much as you'd think. In major stations/hotels, yes. In local restaurants, no. Use Google Translate (Camera mode) for menus. People are helpful even if they don't speak the language.
Is it expensive? +
Accommodation and transport are pricey. However, food is surprisingly cheap. You can eat a high-quality bowl of beef, rice, and soup (Matsuya/Yoshinoya) for ¥500 ($3.50). Konbini food is cheap and delicious.
Do I need cash? +
Yes. Tokyo is still very cash-based. Many ramen shops (ticket machines) and small bars only take cash. Always carry ¥10,000-20,000.