Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, the largest city in the world, and one of the most interesting, has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 400 years.
Originally a small fishing village called Edo, Tokyo went through many changes from being the key city for the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 1700s, becoming the new capital of unified Japan (and gaining the name we know it by now) in the 1800s to growing into a political, economic, and cultural powerhouse in modern times.
Today, Tokyo is a thriving metropolis that is known for its cutting-edge technology, fashion, and cuisine, while still maintaining its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Visitors to Tokyo can explore its many historic sites, experience its vibrant culture, and witness firsthand the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines this incredible city.
View my travel guide to Tokyo including important tips for how to get there, what to do and how to get around.
Flying into Tokyo: Narita vs Haneda
Depending on where you are flying from and on the airline, you are using, you will fly into either of Tokyo’s airports: Narita or Haneda.
Lots of international airlines fly into Japan and while Haneda is a lot closer to Tokyo compared to Narita (Haneda is 20 miles away from downtown Tokyo while Narita is 50 miles away), Narita is considered the more popular airport for both domestic and international flights.
Most nationalities are granted Japan tourism visas on arrival, including anyone from 65 countries, including the USA, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
How to Get to Downtown Tokyo from either Airport?
Depending on your place of origin, when it comes to leaving the airport, you might take a taxi/Uber or have a close friend or family member pick you up. If you don’t know anyone in Tokyo, the second option wouldn’t be viable.
The first option, while it is doable, would be quite pricey. Usually, the price would be about $50 USD from Haneda one-way and over $100 USD from Narita one-way due to the distance. If you don’t want to pay those amounts (which is completely understandable), that leads to the question: how do I get to downtown Tokyo?
Train
Tokyo is known for its extensive and extremely efficient train system. Using the trains from Narita, you have two options:
Narita Express (N’EX):
The Narita Express is a convenient and popular option to get from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo. Here are the steps:
a. After clearing immigration and customs, head to the Narita Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 train station. Follow the signs or ask airport staff for directions.
b. Purchase a ticket for the Narita Express. There are various options for tickets, including round-trip and one-way tickets. You can buy tickets at ticket vending machines or the ticket counter.
c. Board the Narita Express train bound for Tokyo Station. Trains are comfortable and offer reserved seating.
d. Depending on your destination in Tokyo, you might disembark at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. Check the train schedule and route map to ensure you get off at the correct station.
Keisei Skyliner
Another option is the Keisei Skyliner, which is a bit faster than the Narita Express but doesn’t go directly to Tokyo Station. Here’s how to use it:
a. Follow the signs to the Keisei Skyliner station within Narita Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
b. Purchase a ticket for the Keisei Skyliner, and board the train bound for Nippori or Ueno Stations.
c. From Nippori or Ueno, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or other Tokyo subway lines to reach your final destination in Tokyo.
From Haneda:
Tokyo Monorail: The Tokyo Monorail is a convenient and popular option for getting from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo. Here’s how to use it:
a. After arriving at Haneda Airport, follow the signs to the Tokyo Monorail station.
b. Purchase a ticket for the Tokyo Monorail, and board a train heading towards Hamamatsucho Station.
c. Hamamatsucho Station is well-connected to Tokyo’s Yamanote Line, which can take you to various destinations in the city.
Keikyu Line:
Alternatively, you can take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport to reach downtown Tokyo:
a. Head to the Keikyu Line station within Haneda Airport.
b. Purchase a ticket for the Keikyu Line and board a train bound for Shinagawa Station or other major transit hubs.
c. From Shinagawa or your chosen destination, you can transfer to other train lines to reach your specific location in Tokyo.
The Districts of Tokyo
Tokyo has different districts that are each known for their own distinctive identity. Some are more popular than others such as Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara.
Harajuku
It’s home to a subculture vastly different from other subcultures you might find, which allows youths and those young at heart to express themselves in ways they couldn’t in other places.
Parts of the culture includes “Harajuku Girl” and cosplaying (ex: dressing up as fictional characters). If you want to see the fashionable, vibrant, and colorful parts of Tokyo, Harajuku is a place that needs to be visited.
Shibuya
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Shibuya is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. Renowned for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, Shibuya is home to the world’s largest pedestrian crossing, a mesmerizing spectacle in itself.
Much like its fashionable neighbor, Harajuku, this district is a thriving center of trendsetting fashion, making it a mecca for style enthusiasts. But Shibuya is more than just fashion; it’s a microcosm of modern Japanese culture.
As day turns into night, the district transforms into a lively hub of nightlife, offering an exciting glimpse into Tokyo’s after-hours scene.
With its fusion of tradition and innovation, Shibuya encapsulates the essence of contemporary Japan, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler eager to explore the dynamic spirit of this remarkable city.
Akihabara
Akihabara, Tokyo’s renowned district, caters to technology, video game, anime, and manga enthusiasts. Within its vibrant streets, you’ll discover an array of enticing experiences. At Animate, manga enthusiasts can access the latest releases often unavailable elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Yodobashi-Akiba, the city’s largest electronics emporium, awaits tech aficionados with its treasure trove of cutting-edge gadgets. Don’t forget to explore the district’s renowned maid cafes for a quirky cultural encounter.
Akihabara beckons those with a penchant for these passions to delve into the captivating realms of Japanese pop culture.
Using Yen in Tokyo
The official and only accepted currency of Japan is called the Yen (¥).While Japan does accept credit and debit cards when it comes to paying for items and services, cash is king.
There are multiple places in Tokyo where you can exchange your local currency into Yen. Those places include airports, some hotels, post offices, certain ATMs, and banks. Make sure to pay attention to the conversion rate to make sure you get the best deal.
Tax-Free Shopping in Tokyo
For tourism purposes, Japan allows short-term visitors to buy certain items, such as consumables and general goods, tax-free.
There are some requirements (such as having your passport on hand for it to be checked and the total price being at least 5000 yen) and some exceptions (not being able to get tax-free if you don’t have a stamp in your passport).
In order to know if where you are shopping is a tax-free store, sign below:
Plan Your Trip to Tokyo
Hopefully my tips will help you to plan an amazing trip the capital of Japan. This city really is incredible with so many attractions and things to do, from temples, restaurants to shops.
You might also like to discover some interesting facts about Tokyo before departing and also learn some basic Japanese phrases.
