{"id":297981,"date":"2025-06-16T23:44:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T23:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/first-timers-guide-to-tokyo-the-historian-traveller\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T23:44:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T23:44:58","slug":"first-timers-guide-to-tokyo-the-historian-traveller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=297981","title":{"rendered":"First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 The Historian Traveller"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Laura<\/a><\/p>\n

This post contains affiliate links. If you click these links to buy something we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Historian Traveller!<\/pre>\n
Tokyo. It took me five years to finally step on one of your busy streets. A dream that came true and still feels almost surreal. Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world. Planning a decent itinerary, especially for newly visitors can be sometimes daunting. I know, I\u2019ve been there too. While my trip got cancelled two times in a row in the past five years, I was a Japan first timer who was trying to figure out a city that has 14 millions inhabitants. This first timer\u2019s guide to Tokyo is the result of all my research and will address all the issues that I firstly had myself as a first time visitor. A companion for your trip planning and discovery of this beautiful city.<\/p>\n
There are probably a million guides on Tokyo out there. So, what makes this guide special? I wanted to craft a guide exclusively for people who are visiting Japan, and Tokyo for the first time. People who don\u2019t want just to read the top things to do without knowing the context of the city. People who want to give a background to their trip. I am giving a different cut to this guide, similar to the one I did for my first timers guide to Prague<\/a><\/strong> but tailored for Tokyo.<\/p>\n
Planning for Tokyo. A touchdown to reality<\/h2>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Shinjuku at night<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Home to more than 14 million people, is one of the biggest cities on Earth. It\u2019s perfectly normal to feel confused, even distressed at the idea of visiting such a big place in the space of a couple of days. <\/p>\n
The planning grief stages<\/h3>\n
I think the stages of travel planning for Tokyo are similar to those of grief passing from \u201cI want to do it all\u201d to the anger stage of \u201cwhy I can\u2019t do it all?\u201d to the depression stage of \u201cI wish to have more time\u201d and finally accepting that you need to play with the cards you have and plan around those. As the Japanese themselves say: shoganai<\/em> \u3057\u3087\u3046\u304c\u306a\u3044 (you can\u2019t do much about it!).<\/p>\n
Therefore, one of the biggest suggestions I can give you, as a first time traveller to Tokyo myself, is don\u2019t go crazy about your itinerary. Don\u2019t get desperate at the idea that 3, 4, 5, 7 days are not enough to see Tokyo. Yes it\u2019s true, they are probably not enough because even people that live there for years still don\u2019t know well the city. Therefore, focus on the privilege that you have X days in Tokyo and use them the best as you can, with the things you wish to see and the memories you want to create. <\/p>\n
When you will start planning for your trip to Tokyo, you will immediately note the imbalance between the immense amount of things to do and see and the limited time you have. Here the overwhelming feeling might creep into your brain, but you must stop it and focus on what you like. Don\u2019t care about temples but crazy about manga? Good. Skip them all and plan an itinerary around this. Are you a foodie lover? Fantastic, make this the focus of your visit. The more \u201cyou\u201d is your visit, the more you will feel that even in the shortest time you could have, your visit will be wholesome. <\/p>\n
Tokyo at glance<\/h2>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Shibuya Scramble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Part of the beautiful Kant\u014d region, Tokyo is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. Made by 23 special wards, each one with its own distinctive character and history, Tokyo is is an eclectic and incredible places to visit with a unlimited number of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, dining and entertainment. Looking at the ultramodern city we visit today, its very hard to think about at Tokyo in terms of ancient historical heritage, similar to the one that is still clearly visible in Europe. <\/a><\/strong>Nevertheless, Tokyo isn\u2019t always been tall skyscrapers and densely populated areas. <\/p>\n
Indeed, even Tokyo (at the time called Edo) was once a feudal territory. Much (all?) of this is now disappeared but if you are keen to see some historical architecture head to Asakusa. Particularly to Senso-ji Temple. This is one of the oldest sites in the city (completed in 645) still existing. The Imperial Castle area, has, as well, some well-preserved medieval architecture. Nevertheless, aside from these two areas, much of contemporary Tokyo urban planning started in the late 1870s with the Meiji restoration. In 1871, the feudal domain system was replaced by a prefectural system, and Tokyo Prefecture was established out of parts of former Musashi Province. <\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Tokyo as we know it today, is a product of a post WWII modernisation and westernisation. Notable earthquake-resistent buildings were built during this period, shinkansen were introduced and new neighbourhood were created to accommodate the expanding population in the mid 1960. Today, Tokyo is a world centre for art, food and architecture. It\u2019s a place of intense contrast where tradition meets with innovation. Sometimes can be overwhelming but is 100% worth a visit.<\/p>\n
A first timer\u2019s guide to Tokyo. All you need to know<\/h2>\n
In this section you will find some basic information for your visit to Tokyo. From how to arrive from the airport to getting around and how to get yourself connected. For a first time visitor to Tokyo (particularly if coming from western countries), all off this might seem overwhelming. Nevertheless, you\u2019ll just need to have all these information in one place and cross them from your list one by one. <\/p>\n
Japan Immigration QR Code. A game changer for your trip to Japan<\/h3>\n
Something you need to do a few days before your flights to Japan (and that you will thank me later) is obtaining an immigration QR code. This a simple code linked to your passport that will save you lot of time at the immigration checks by avoiding filling never-ending papers and can be used also for tax-free shopping. Please note that you can obtain the QR code regardless your passport has a visa on arrival or need further clearance. Indeed, this is for all travellers.<\/p>\n
How to get an immigration QR code for Japan<\/h4>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Getting a QR code for taxes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
To obtain a QR code, you must create an account and register your details in the Visit Japan Website.<\/strong><\/a> The form will require many details about your visit, including your dates of stay and your first hotel\/accommodation. You must consider this form as your airport clearance so you must insert all the details as accurately as possible. Once you have completed all the steps, you can download your QR code from the app. You can display it on your phone or print a copy. <\/p>\n
How to use the immigration QR code once at the airport<\/h5>\n
Your QR code will save you a lot of time as instead of filling many paperwork (starting from the card you receive on the plane), you can head directly to the immigration boarder and show the QR code to the police officer. As you have pre-filled all the information that you\u2019ll generally need to provide at the boarder check, your passage will be very smooth. Passing the visa check took us about 5 mins each. Please note there is not a specific queue for QR code owners in HND. However, while many people have to stop to fill the paperwork, you can proceed straight to the police booths. This will save you a lot of time!<\/p>\n
How to use the QR code for tax-free purchases<\/h5>\n
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Once you have received your visa sticker, go back to the Visit Japan Website.<\/strong><\/a> Click the section \u201cpreparation for tax-free purposes\u201d here you will receive a Tax-free QR Code that you can use when purchasing tax-free items. To note that the QR is not a replacement for a passport and certain shops won\u2019t accept this alone without the passport. Therefore, I would recommend bringing a passport with you when shopping. <\/p>\n
Arriving from the airport. Haneda vs Narita, which one is better?<\/h3>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Haneda Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Tokyo has two main airports: Haneda and Narita. Your arrival airport will largely depend on the airline you choose and the part of the world you are flying from. If you are confused on which airport is better to fly to, read below! In this section, there will be a breakdown of each airport. This will help you planning your trip to Tokyo.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udeeb Haneda Airport (HND)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Haneda Airport is a modern and efficient hub with 3 terminals, one of which has been recently upgraded to International arrival\/departures. It\u2019s very close to Tokyo, about 20\u201330 minutes by train\/coach or taxi. This makes it a much more convenient airport to fly if you have a shorter stay, less time or you have a business trip. Indeed, it\u2019s very well-connected to the city and transit is quite smooth. We fled via Haneda and we loved how quick was to get into Tokyo!<\/p>\n
Heading to Tokyo from Haneda Airport<\/h5>\n
The best way to reach Tokyo from Haneda Airport is by train. Indeed, you can take both Monorail or the Keikyu Airport Line. Both connect to the Yamanote Line and take around 30\/35 mins to reach central areas such as Asakusa or Tokyo Station. The cost is usually between \u00a5500 and 600. If you have many luggage, the best way is taking the limousine bus. This usually takes 40\/60 mins depending on the traffic. Tickets are sold directly at the airport from the convenient vending machines and the cost is between \u00a5720\u2013\u00a51,200. Lastly, if you want more comfort, you can use a taxi. This can take 30\/40 mins but the cost is quite high (between \u00a55,000\u2013\u00a57,000). <\/p>\n
\ud83d\udeec Narita Airport (NRT)<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Narita Airport il located in the greater area of Tokyo. This means that is not immediately close to the city and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes transport. Nevertheless, Narita has traditionally more international flights landings and it\u2019s slightly cheaper to fly compared to Haneda. Therefore, offers a good balance for those who have longer trips or want to save some money. <\/p>\n
Heading to Tokyo from Narita Airport<\/h5>\n
The best way to reach Tokyo from Narita Airport is by train. Indeed, you can take both the Narita Express (JR) towards Tokyo Station\/Shibuya or the Keisei Skyliner towards Ueno. Trains usually take between 50 and 70 minutes. The cost is between \u00a53,070 \u2013 2,570.If you have many luggage, the best way is taking the limousine bus. This usually takes 90\u2013120 minutes depending on traffic and the cost is \u00a53,200. Same as Haneda, tickets are sold directly at the airport from the vending machines. Taxi are available at Narita too. However, be aware that the cost is quite high (usually between \u00a520,000\u2013\u00a530,000, maybe more depending where you have to go). <\/p>\n
Getting an IC card<\/h3>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Suica card example<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
One of the most important things to do when arriving in Tokyo (and in Japan in general) is getting an IC transport card. IC cards in Japan are used for public transportation and small purchases. There are various types depending on which region you are travelling (Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA). All of them are valid nationwide and can be used interchangeably (see below table for more details on their difference).<\/p>\n
What IC card is better?<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nSuica<\/strong><\/th>\nPasmo<\/strong><\/th>\nICOCA<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Region<\/strong><\/td>\nTokyo (JR East)<\/td>\nTokyo (Private rail\/subways)<\/td>\nOsaka, Kyoto, Kobe (JR West)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Issued by<\/strong><\/td>\nJR East<\/td>\nTokyo Metro & private operators<\/td>\nJR West<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Works in<\/strong><\/td>\nNationwide \ud83d\uddfe<\/td>\nNationwide \ud83d\uddfe<\/td>\nNationwide \ud83d\uddfe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mobile version<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2705 Yes (Apple\/Android)<\/td>\n\u274c No native app<\/em> (iPhone-only via Apple Wallet)<\/td>\n\u2705 Yes (Apple Wallet only)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Deposit<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a5500 (refundable)<\/td>\n\u00a5500 (refundable)<\/td>\n\u00a5500 (refundable)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tourist version<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2705 Welcome Suica<\/em> (no deposit, expires in 28 days)<\/td>\n\u2705 Pasmo Passport<\/em> (no deposit, expires in 28 days)<\/td>\n\u2705 ICOCA for Visitors<\/em> (no deposit)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Refundable?<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2705 Yes (with physical card return)<\/td>\n\u2705 Yes<\/td>\n\u2705 Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n
If you arrive in Tokyo, Suica will be your go-to IC card. You can opt for a physical Suica card (to pick up at the airport) with a \u00a5500 deposit (that can be returned). A physical Welcome Suica (only for tourists), no deposit needed and is valid only one year. Lastly, you can opt for a Mobile Suica (iPhone\/Android). We opted for this last option and was the most convenient one. Indeed, no deposit is needed, you can top up the card with your phone, you can connect your shinkansen tickets and it\u2019s immediately ready to use. Therefore, no need to get around the airport to find a Suica machine. <\/p>\n
Please note that physical Suica need to be charged in their designed machines that work only with cash (very similar to the T-money card in South Korea). <\/p>\n
Ta-q-bin. A life saving service<\/h3>\n
One of the things I discovered in Japan and that I\u2019m not sure why isn\u2019t adopted worldwide, is the Ta-q-bin \u5b85\u6025\u4fbf. Translated roughly as \u201cdoor-to-door\u201d, Ta-q-bin is a service that basically delivers things from one place to another. Japan is probably the world champion of door-to-door delivery service. Nonetheless, one of the top anime of Studio Ghibli is the famous Majo no Takky\u016bbin<\/em>, aka Kiki\u2019s delivery service<\/em> and her black cat symbol of the largest delivery company in Japan, Yamato Transport.<\/p>\n
We discovered Ta-q-bin a little out of necessity because our flight was landing at 10 am, our hotel check-in was at 3 pm and we didn\u2019t know what to do with our luggage while exploring the city from the start. <\/p>\n
Luggage Delivery Service between Tokyo Hotels and Airport<\/h4>\n
While searching online, I found this airport delivery service on Klook <\/a><\/strong>that was exactly what I was searching for! Someone carrying my luggage from the airport to my hotel without me doing the job. It was also quite cheap as we paid \u00a325 ($33) for two quite large luggage. The company is called Airporter<\/em> and all you need to to is taking your luggage to the JAL counter at Terminal 3, show your Klook confirmation, fill the paperwork for your luggage and say bye bye. When we checked our at our hotel in the night, the luggage was already there. <\/p>\n
If you want to use this service, I warmly recommend you to book this via Klook here. <\/a><\/strong>You can also have a little discount if you use my code HISTORIAN25.<\/p>\n
Luggage Delivery Service between Tokyo and other cities.<\/h4>\n
We used the Ta-q-bin service also on another occasion. This time we decided to send our luggage from our hotel in Tokyo to our hotel in Kyoto. In this case, we just headed to our hotel reception a few days before we had to leave and asked if they offered a ta-q-bin service. They said they had a Yamato desk and we needed to send the luggage at least 2 days before. All we needed to was filling out some forms and pay for the service. This time, we paid a little more (\u00a345\/$60) because the distance was, of course, more. <\/p>\n
Please note that if you need to send your luggage to another distant city, you\u2019ll need at least a two-day delivery service. There might be some companies offering a same-day but you\u2019ll need to do a deeper research. So, we had to check-in in the new hotel on the 12th April and we sent the luggage away on the 10th. Both our luggage had the airtags so we could keep a track of them, but anyway we received notifications of their movements via email too. <\/p>\n
Cashless or not?<\/h3>\n
Before my departure, I\u2019ve read many blogs suggesting not to take any cash because almost everything is cashless in Japan. However, this is not entirely true. Indeed, we found that many small shops, street food stalls and 100% of all the temples and shrines that we visited only accepted cash. Therefore, if you are heading to Japan, bring some Yen with you or withdraw some cash at the airport. <\/p>\n
Tip: I\u2019ve noted that not all the ATMs accept foreign credit cards. We run out of cash in Shibuya and tried several cash machines without success. If you have the same issue, find a 7\/11 mart and usually their ATM machines accept foreign credit cards. <\/p>\n
Getting around Tokyo<\/h3>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Catching the Keikyu Line at Haneda Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Getting around Tokyo seems a little overwhelming at the beginning (particularly to new visitors). I mean just looking at the transport map can cause an headache! However, despite a few times we took a wrong turn and exited the wrong side of the station, it wasn\u2019t that bad. I was already picturing myself lost forever in Shinjuku, but it didn\u2019t happen. Maybe living in a city like London with an extensive underground system helped a little in my navigations skills. However, I believe that if you stick to the directions, you\u2019ll be fine. In this section, you will find a breakdown on Tokyo\u2019s transportation system and a few tricks on how not to get lost.<\/p>\n
Tokyo Trains & Subway<\/h4>\n
Tokyo is served by one of the world\u2019s most extensive net of trains and metro lines. Visitors can use both JR train lines and Tokyo subway train lines interchangeably with the Suica card (or any other IC card). Tokyo subway lines include both Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei Subway (4 lines). All the subways easily connect to the JR East train lines (if not on the same station, you\u2019ll need to walk a few minutes). <\/p>\n
An essential difference by the Subway lines and the JR East train lines is that the first connects within the city, possibly extending in the Tokyo greater area, the second covers both central and suburban areas extending well far outer Tokyo. Here below you will find a schematic breakdown of each of them.<\/p>\n
Tokyo Subway \ud83d\ude87<\/h5>\n
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First timers guide to Tokyo \u2013 Tokyo subway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Key Information<\/p>\n