Tokyo

Tokyo's sheer scale is immediately apparent. It feels less like a city and more like a collection of cities stitched together by the world's most efficient rail system. The vibe is a fascinating contradiction: it's electric and hyper-modern on the surface, but deeply rooted in tradition and respect underneath. It’s a place where you can be in a sensory-overload Pachinko parlor one minute and a silent, ancient shrine the next.

There are three compelling reasons to visit Tokyo. First, the food scene is on another level; it’s not just about Michelin stars (though there are plenty), but the unbelievable quality you'll find in a tiny ramen joint under a train station. Second, the seamless blend of old and new is truly unique. You can explore the Imperial Palace grounds and then, ten minutes later, be in Akihabara, the neon-drenched heart of anime and gaming culture. Finally, it's the sheer experience of functional harmony. A city of nearly 14 million people that runs with quiet, clean, and respectful efficiency is something travelers truly appreciate.

People in Tokyo are incredibly polite and respectful, though often reserved. Don't mistake their quietness for unfriendliness; there's a strong culture of not wanting to bother others. However, this reserved nature can sometimes make it challenging to get detailed assistance or deep engagement if there's a significant language barrier. While many people in the service industry (hotels, major stations, tourist spots) speak some English, it's not widely spoken on the street. Learning a few basic phrases like "Sumimasen" (Excuse me/Sorry) and "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you) will go a long way. The city is a melting pot, but the overwhelming demographic is, of course, Japanese, which shapes the cultural norms of public behavior, cleanliness, and order.

The food is a universe unto itself. You can have a life-changing meal for $10 or $500. Must-try dishes include a perfect bowl of ramen (the styles are endlessly regional), fresh-off-the-boat sushi (even the cheap conveyor belt places are great), and tempura that is so light and crispy it defies physics. A meal at a casual spot like a ramen shop or curry house can be around $7-15 USD (¥1,000-¥2,000) . A mid-range dinner might be $20-40 USD (¥3,000-¥6,000) . For a unique experience, dive into a depachika (the basement food hall of a department store) for an incredible array of gourmet foods, or visit the Tsukiji Outer Market for amazing street food snacks.

The infrastructure is, in a word, superb. The public transport, especially the train and subway system, is exceptional—it's always on time, to the second. Internet is fast and widely available, though getting a pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM for constant connectivity is highly recommended. Power is stable, and modern amenities like air conditioning are standard. One thing to be aware of is that Japan is in a seismically active zone. The buildings are incredibly well-engineered to withstand earthquakes, and there are clear procedures in place, which is an important consideration for visitors.

Most visitors fly into either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is much closer to the city center and generally preferred for its convenience. From Haneda, you can take the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line right into the city in about 30 minutes for around ¥400-¥500 . From Narita, the two best options are the Narita Express (N'EX) or the Keisei Skyliner. The N'EX is great if you have a Japan Rail Pass and are heading to major hubs like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya. Without a JR Pass, a one-way N'EX ticket to major Tokyo stations costs around ¥3,020-¥3,250 (approx. $20-22 USD) . The Keisei Skyliner is faster to Ueno/Nippori, costing around ¥2,310-¥2,580 (approx. $15-17 USD) . A taxi from Narita is prohibitively expensive (often $200+ USD / ¥30,000 or more, plus tolls), while from Haneda it's still expensive (around $35-70 USD / ¥5,000-¥10,000), so public transport is almost always recommended .

Public transport is king here. The system is a dense web of subway lines (run by Tokyo Metro and Toei) and JR (Japan Railways) lines that loop around and through the city. It looks intimidating, but it's color-coded and everything is in English. Get a Suica or PASMO card immediately; these are rechargeable IC cards you tap to pay for trains, buses, and even at convenience stores and vending machines. While the initial sale of regular cards was suspended, you can get a tourist-only Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport, available at major airports and some JR stations, usually costing ¥1,500 with the ¥500 issuing fee waived . You can also add a digital version to your phone's wallet if compatible. Most central neighborhoods are very walkable, but you will rely on trains to get between them.

Tokyo is one of the safest large cities in the world. Walking around late at night alone generally feels completely at ease. However, there are a few things to be mindful of. In nightlife districts like Roppongi and Shinjuku's Kabukicho, be wary of touts trying to pull you into bars with exorbitant cover charges. Drink spiking can occur, though it's rare. The biggest "danger" for a tourist is knowing what to do during an earthquake. Familiarize yourself with the basic procedure: drop, cover, and hold on. Most buildings are incredibly safe. The general advice of watching your belongings in crowded areas applies, but the level of vigilance needed is much lower than in most other major cities.