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Visiting Tokyo: A Japan-Lover's Secrets to Make Your Dream Come True
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Tokyo?
Honestly, it had never crossed my mind before - I mainly wanted to get lost in bamboo forests far from the cities, see Buddhist temples by the water... But then Tokyo changed everything!
From the moment I arrived, the Yamanote line took me to discover the must-see neighborhoods: electric Akihabara, cultural Ueno, authentic Asakusa district. My itinerary was enriched with gastronomic experiences, delicious street food, and impromptu festivals.
Between crowded metros and bike rentals, crazy shopping and contemplation at Yoyogi Park, I realized that you can explore this metropolis following your desires.
Planning Your Tokyo Trip: Practical Tips and Inspiration
If there's one thing I learned while organizing my own trip to Tokyo (and trust me, I struggled before agreeing with myself), it's that everything comes down to the small details.
Preparing your stay means accepting to leave room for the unexpected while keeping two or three must-see places according to you handy. And for more details, check out this guide to prepare your solo trip to Japan!
Affordable Accommodations in Tokyo
I'll admit, I panicked a bit when I saw the cost of accommodations in Tokyo. But by searching carefully, you can find gems, like this small hotel with a cozy rooftop terrace where I had all my breakfasts.
The price varies depending on the neighborhoods and type. You can lean toward capsule hotels around Tokyo Station, for example, and if you prefer conviviality, head to youth hostels in Ueno or Asakusa.
For stress-free accommodation, guesthouses in Shibuya or Harajuku are perfect. A tip: if you're traveling alone, use NomadSister to be hosted for free by supportive women, who guarantee you both safety and beautiful encounters.
When to Visit Tokyo? Choosing the Best Time
Tokyo's calendar is a festival of contrasts between seasons.
🌸 From late March, cherry blossom season covers the city in pink spring vibes: dream atmosphere, certainly, but also massive influx of travelers from around the world.
🍁 If you want to prioritize tranquility and a less stifling climate, aim for autumn, when maple leaves catch fire and the cost of living drops a bit.
☀️ Summer offers exotic festivals and humidity that makes your head spin, but be careful: accommodation prices can climb quickly!
❄️ Winter, calmer, holds unknown surprises provided you dress warmly.
How Long to Stay in Tokyo?
I hesitated for a long time before booking my tickets (team indecisive, always).
A weekend? Guaranteed frustration: you just scratch the surface with the big tourist spots.
Four days is the right balance to wander between must-sees and let yourself be carried by your instinct through downtown streets.
Add two days: you'll be able to glimpse Mount Fuji, surrounding prefectures, and you'll come back with the feeling of having evolved like a Pokémon!
Budget for Visiting Tokyo: How Much to Plan?
I would have loved to return home with a full wallet... but the good news is that there's really a solution for every budget.
Count 8,000 yen per day in minimalist mode (hostel, street food, transport card in pocket). To treat yourself, aim for 15,000 yen/day: you alternate between izakaya and Tokyo National Museum, maybe treat yourself to a guided tour or gastronomic experience. And if you want comfort at every level: from 25,000 yen/day, everything is possible!
And if your goal is to leave with a light mind and wallet, I explain in detail how to travel cheaply in Japan right here.
Visiting Tokyo's Must-See Neighborhoods
Can you believe there are 23 districts in Tokyo? Personally, it was by trying to explore as many as possible that I realized it's impossible to get bored or see the same thing twice.
Source: the tokyo files website: maps
Akihabara: Geek Culture Paradise
If you have a heart that beats for video games or manga, head to Akihabara. There, you can dive into kawaii universe, between colorful cosplay, collector figurines, and unusual experiences, if you feel ready to be surprised by Japanese pop culture.
Electric Town is a neighborhood that welcomes you in a whirlwind of flashing neon lights, fascinating multi-story shops, and quirky cafés with surprising concepts.
Every street corner tells a geek story, where technological modernity and otaku passion blend with contagious energy that instantly carries you away.
Shinjuku: Between Skyscrapers and Electric Nights
In the heart of Shinjuku district, you'll quickly be struck by the contrast between the skyscrapers that form the skyline and the small bars that welcome you at nightfall.
A little secret: climb up to the metropolitan government building. The free view on the 45th floor gives you the impression of flying over New York's rooftops.
Mandatory detour through Shinjuku Gyoen: it's the secret garden of all Tokyoites tired of the tumult. To end the evening beautifully, dare the Golden Gai, a maze of tiny and atypical bars where, for one evening, you feel like you're taking flight.
Harajuku: Kawaii and Alternative Fashion
Here, every walk takes on the appearance of a fashion show!
Between Takeshita Street and its pastel shops, or cafés filled with cats and robots, it's hard to resist the urge to photograph everything. Yet, as soon as you take the next alley, you come across traditional architecture.
Do like everyone else: picnic on the grass of Yoyogi Park with friends and some onigiris.
Ginza: Chic Shopping and Gourmet Pleasures
I once had a dream where I was wandering through a XXL shopping center, and that's what Ginza will make you feel, where you'll want to whip out your camera (or credit card).
This luxury districtis full of refined pastries and sophistication that makes even the most novice female travelers feel at ease. Definitely visit the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, then let yourself be caught by an ephemeral gallery around a shop window.
Tsukiji: An Ode to Gourmandise
Impossible to mention Tokyo without talking about Tsukiji.
It's the only place where you can wake up to the smell of steaming tea and the queue in front of the sashimi stand. Here, culinary art is always a show for tourists: watch the sushi master's gestures, taste a colorful bento, and close your eyes to savor.
The clientele, often Tokyoites, will share their little secrets about the best specialty.
My Own Journey Through the Iconic Neighborhoods
I would be unable to describe Tokyo other than as "delusions of grandeur." I meticulously planned my four-day stay, which wasn't enough to see everything, but which gave me an unforgettable glimpse of what this city has in its belly.
Sumida: Celestial Panorama and Traditions on the Banks
🌊 I had nothing planned, and I stumbled upon a sign indicating the Hokusai Museum. The bilingual interactive exhibitions and its small size make the experience magical. If you only know his works through the great wave, you'll be impressed to discover all facets of his creativity!
✨ I then wandered along the Sumida River, far from the hustle and bustle. Then, arriving on my hotel's rooftop, I enjoyed my cup noodles with a stunning view of the illuminated Tokyo Skytree.
Shibuya: Eternal Youth and Urban Frenzy
🌳 In the cool morning of May, I went to Meiji-jingu Shrine in a peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by locals who come to pray. I also visited the gardens, which are sublime even when the irises aren't blooming yet.
🚦 Then, back to the effervescence of downtown. I took a crowd bath on the world-famous Shibuya crossing, and then sipped a matcha-strawberry frappé from the elevated Starbucks, hypnotized by the population's movements.
🐕 On the way back, I spotted the famous Hachiko dog statue, before walking to Rainbow Bridge, which lights up when night falls.
Ueno: Museums and Gardens in the Heart of the City
🏯 I literally sweated during my visit to Edo Castle (it was very hot, even at 9 AM). At first, I was somewhat disappointed by the group size for the guided tour, but the guide's energy and story transported me to a truly fascinating universe!
📷 Then, time for a big walk. Departure from the all-red Tokyo Station, then window shopping all along Nihombashi Bridge street with luxury shops in huge buildings, up to Tosho-gu Shrine dressed in gold. I even stopped on the way to take a selfie with the Confucius statue (it was my goal)!
What else to do? The Tokyo National Museum, the Western Art Museum, the Metropolitan Art Museum... don't hesitate if you have time. I'll admit: I preferred buying my geek goodies here rather than in Akihabara, it was much cheaper.
Asakusa: The Charm of Old Tokyo
The Asakusa district is really the must-see to dive into traditional atmosphere that makes any Japan fan dream.
🏮 I went there in the evening. I walked up Senso-ji shops and visited the small garden condensed with harmonious plants, before observing merchants gradually closing their stalls. I felt like I was watching a ballet show, where each character played their own chapter.
💴 For the most daring: Don Quijote stores are inevitable for a big shopping session and filling your suitcase with souvenirs of all kinds! I really thought I'd never find the exit, with all those floors...
Tokyo Activities: What to Do to Spice Up Your Stay?
Here, you think you've seen everything, then you discover events around the corner or gastronomic experiences that blur all your references.
Cultural Experiences Not to Miss
🍵 I was lucky to attend a tea ceremony in a secret garden: it was a suspended moment, far from stereotypes, and which left a sweet taste on my tongue.
👹 If you can, treat yourself to a theater evening at Kabuki-za or dare the Tokyo Dome on a wild concert night. The samurai demonstrations seen in a museum left me speechless at the precision of their movements. I often tell my friends: open yourself to the diversity of shows, you'll always find your gem.
🖌️ You can also try calligraphy workshops, and learn to write your name in Japanese and impress your little cousins!
🌟 You'll remember your first teamLab Borderless in Odaiba for your whole life: there, digital art plunges you into immersive experiences, and even non-initiates quickly fall under the charm of this futuristic atmosphere.
Tokyo for Foodies: Where to Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank
Can we talk for five minutes about street food? Burning takoyaki, crispy taiyaki, yakitori to nibble on the go... Here, you can spend 1,000 yen and eat like an empress.
I love the small ramen shops: between 800 and 1,200 yen for a bite of happiness. Conveyor belt sushi mixes fun and delights, izakayas bring together female travelers from all horizons and locals coming home from work around a bowl of noodles.
Without hesitation, the best ramen of my life!
Don't hesitate to try night markets to find real treasures, far from industrial chains!
Religious Festivals and Living Traditions
Sanja Matsuri plunged me into the heart of the crowd: a million visitors, laughter, sweat, and memories for life.
Some evenings, you'll stumble upon a lantern parade, and suddenly, everything takes on a Ghibli air. In summer, fireworks make Tokyo Bay shores vibrate, sanctuaries and temples come alive with bright colors.
If you're thirsty for the unexpected, let yourself be guided toward these local festivals hidden in residential neighborhoods. Safety is total, conviviality sincere: that's everything I love about Japan.
How to Get to Tokyo and Move Around Easily
I'll admit, I was afraid of getting lost in the subway. And actually, I did get lost. But don't worry, you quickly learn to find your way around.
Getting Around Tokyo: Metro, Passes, and Useful Apps
I downloaded Hyperdia before even taking off, and I highly recommend it! The JR network and subway, that's 285 interlocking stations with formidable efficiency. Google Maps will save you for connections.
What touched me most? The politeness of Tokyoites who kindly explain how not to make the same mistake again, the impeccable cleanliness of the subway, and the ease of spotting signs even in the biggest shopping centers.
For more accessible neighborhoods and eco-responsibility, rent a bike (1,000 yen/day) and discover the city or countryside at your own pace, it's magical.
Access from Airports and Mobile Internet
The Haneda to downtown Tokyo journey is barely 30 minutes: a blessing when you've just landed after twelve hours of flight. It's at this precise moment that I said to myself "That's it, the journey begins."
Narita Airport is more out of the way (60 minutes), but will drop you right in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
To stay connected, invest in a prepaid SIM card or pocket WiFi to share with your travel partners. But be careful, even though free WiFi is everywhere, it's not always reliable, especially during tourist periods.
Japan Rail Pass, Suica, or Pasmo?
Between us, I wondered for a long time what to choose... Finally, everything depends on duration and your destinations.
The JR Pass (29,650 yen/7 days) is great for exploring Mount Fuji, Chiba Prefecture, or even making a detour to Kyoto. To stay focused on the city, the Suica card (rechargeable) or Pasmo opens all doors: you pay, you advance, you explore.
And if you're traveling with several people: why not rent a bike or share the family Suica? Everyone will find what suits them.
What to See Around Tokyo to Complete Your Stay
You might get tired of the tumult and have a sudden desire for fresh air? Here are three escapes that will change your vision of Japan.
Mount Fuji and Surroundings
🗻 Just talking about it makes my heart flutter. Escaping to the sacred mountain (3,776 meters nonetheless) allows you to chain hiking, meditation near Lakes Kawaguchi and Ashi, some dips in natural onsen.
Did you know that 300,000 travelers attempt its ascent every year? I loved strolling in the old quarter, watching kites fly away, and ending the day with a mountain view at sunset.
Nikko: Temples and Nature
⛩️ Nikko is a condensed mix of spirituality and nature, classified as world heritage.
Upon arrival, you come across Shogun Tokugawa's mausoleum (5,000 sculptures all stranger and more captivating than the last). Between Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines hidden in lush vegetation, each step tells a page of ancestral Japan.
Don't miss Kegon Falls, 100 meters high: the contrast with the city's agitation is striking.
Kamakura and Its Great Buddhas
🪷 Direction the coast, in a seaside town with zen atmosphere.
Here, the Great Bronze Buddha has been meditating for centuries under the sky, feet buried in daisies. The peaceful temples are ideal for making some prayers and writing your wish on an ema.
I loved following the wooded paths, breathing the scent of pines, admiring the female surfers at Shonan before going to lie on the sand, lulled by the sea. Kamakura is the perfect place to end your Tokyo stay, with a free spirit, ready to welcome the next adventure.
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
