Quick answer: First time in Tokyo? Get a transit IC card, stay near a JR Yamanote station, and balance the neon districts with quiet temples.
Tokyo is vast but astonishingly easy. Here’s how to start.
When to go
Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn are loveliest; summer is hot and humid.
Getting around
The train and metro network is world-class — get a Suica/Pasmo IC card and stay near the JR Yamanote loop.
Where to stay
Shinjuku or Shibuya for first-timers (lively, central); Asakusa for traditional charm and value.
Top things to do
Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji in Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji outer market, and a day trip to Nikko or Hakone.
One tip
Carry some cash, stand left on escalators, and don’t eat while walking — local etiquette matters.
First time in Tokyo: what to know
Tokyo is vast but astonishingly easy once you have the basics down. The essentials for a first visit:
- Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card (or add it to your phone) — tap onto every train and many shops.
- Carry cash — many places are still cash-only; 7-Eleven ATMs take foreign cards.
- Trains stop around midnight — plan your route home or budget for a taxi.
- Stay central (Shinjuku, Tokyo Station) for the easiest transit.
- Etiquette: quiet on trains, no eating while walking, no tipping.
- Convenience stores (konbini) are lifesavers for food, cash and essentials.
Book popular spots (teamLab, top sushi) ahead, and don’t try to see it all — pick 2-3 areas a day.
First Time Visitor Guide Tokyo FAQ
Is Tokyo easy for first-timers?
Yes — safe, clean and superbly connected once you have an IC card.
Do I need cash in Tokyo?
Yes — more than you’d expect; many places are cash-only (7-Eleven ATMs help).