General tips/important info about Tokyo
Airports - Tokyo has two major airports; Haneda and Narita. If you’re staying in central Tokyo try and get a flight into Haneda as it’s about 20-30 minutes into the city with a taxi or Uber. Narita is about an hour by express train to Shibuya Station is kind of a pain to get to and from.

Transit Card (Suica) - will be your MVP asset in Japan. On the “wallet” app on your iPhone click the plus + icon top right, then Transit Card, then Sucia. Top it up with about 2,000-3,000 Japanese Yen using your Apple Pay.
It’s a basic pre-paid transit card. You can tap on and off all public transport, taxis and pay cashless for items at most places such as convenience stores (konbinis as they’re known in Japan) and vending machines. Great card to save on high overseas bank charges for small purchases. FYI you will still need to book a proper ticket for Shinkansen train fares. 

Cash - Japan is a cash society. Always have cash on you. A lot of establishments, especially small, hole in the wall places will only take cash. When you’re in smaller villages - especially after dark - absolutely make sure you have enough cash. Once at a dinner with a large group of friends we didn’t have enough cash to pay for dinner and the only ATM in town was located inside the post office which was closed! 

Tip: You can always find an ATM inside a convenience store.

Tipping - isn’t common in Japan. If you want to tip, make it explicit when you pay the bill otherwise you might find a very honest restaurant worker chasing you down the street to return your change. 

E-Sim/Wifi - I recommend the E-Sim Airalo from the App Store. So much easier than getting a pocket wifi portal and cheaper than using your existing mobile overseas. 

Book in Advance - Where possible book everything in advance to avoid disappointment. Restaurants, tickets to galleries, shows, exhibitions and long train trips (don’t bother with the JR rail pass; it’s cheaper to buy individual tickets where you need to go). I’ll note in the specific recommendations if you have to book. Ask your hotel to book for you if you get stuck.

Trains - Book long haul trips in advance and make sure you get seating otherwise you’ll end up standing in the toilet section for ages with your bags which is no beuno. The ticket machines at the train station can be a bit overwhelming so I always recommend going direct to the ticket counter and booking in person; they’re used to tourists, all speak English and can help with any concerns/questions - especially helping you on where you need to find your platform. As mentioned above don’t bother with JR rail pass, cheaper to book individual trips as you go. 

Opening Hours - Most shops don’t open til 11am, quirkier more niche places even later. Annoyingly most coffee shops also don’t open til much later either. Check google maps for opening hours for everything to be safe. 

Uber - If you’re not fluent in Japanese it’s better to order Ubers as you can enter your exact address into the app and save yourself and the driver a lot of hassle when you get picked up. Most of the time a taxi will rock up anyway as they’re connected to Uber. 

Luup - Japan equivalent of Citibike, Lime Scooters etc. Download the app and you can hire an e-bike or scooter which is often faster or cheaper than the train or taxi to get places within Tokyo.  

Rubbish Bins - Are not commonplace in Japan. Being responsible for your own rubbish (and most importantly recycling) is your burden and something which is taken very seriously. You’re expected to take your waste home and take care of it yourself. Big tourist areas such as Harajuku and Shibuya will have a few bins and if you’re sneaky you can pop into a convenience store (konbini) to dispose of your items - they’re usually hidden near the straws, utensils and coffee cups.

Etiquette - Talking loudly, listening to videos or music without headphones on the train is bad manners. Same goes for eating/drinking on the train unless you’re seated on a long haul train ride with your own tray table. 
Eating outside on the street is also frowned upon. 
It’s customary to take your shoes off  when you enter someone’s home, some restaurants and all temples/shrines. In-door slippers are usually provided. Take note of separate slippers for restrooms. General rule of thumb if you don’t see signage: Tatami mats = take off your shoes, Historial wooden floors = take off your shoes, Someone’s home = take off your shoes.

What to pack (Tokyo specific)
The shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn are the best weather in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a great city to walk around in so make sure you have comfortable footwear. As mentioned above rubbish bins are scarce so a bag which you can easily carry your trash in til you get back to your hotel to dispose of is also helpful. Some establishments err on the side of dressy or have dress codes (ie no shorts, sandals or athleisure) I will note these on the Restaurant/Bar guide. 

Winter (Fuyu) December 1 - February 28
Winter in Tokyo is one of the best times of the year, the sun is usually shining and the days are crisp but not too bone chillingly cold. Every few years Tokyo might see a few days of snow if you’re lucky. Essential packing items are a warm puffer jacket & thermals (Uniqlo Heat Tech are my go-tos) if you’re unable to get any before you leave they’re in abundance when you land. I usually wear my normal clothes with thermals underneath. If you have a beanie and gloves it can’t hurt to pack as well. 

Spring (Haru) March 1 - May 31
Early spring is still pretty cold and late spring you’ll be cruising around in a t-shirt. Definitely take a warm jacket for the cooler days or evenings. Spring is famously busy in Tokyo due to the Cherry Blossom season, expect to walk around alot in search of the elusive blooms. Hanami (the custom of enjoying the flowers) means a lot of people will take to the parks with blankets to enjoy picnics. FYI shoes off when sitting on the picnic blanket!

Summer (Natsu) June 1 - August 31
The worst time of the year to be in Tokyo, most people try to escape the city if they can. Humidity is high, it rains A LOT and it’s swelteringly hot. Pack breezy, loose fitting clothing like linens and shoes which won’t get ruined if there is downpour. You will be sweating ! Umbrella’s also handy due to the heavy, frequent rain and to protect yourself from the sun. 

Autumn (Aki) September 1 - November 30
Much like spring this is another great time of the year weather wise. September can still get pretty humid so pack light weight clothing, the weather can change quite suddenly in Japan though so if you’re going for a decent stint make sure you cover your bases with some warm options as well. 

Helpful Phrases:
Never once heard a single person say sayonara in all my time in Japan.
The most helpful phrase you’ll learn is ‘daijobudesu’, pronounced ‘die joe boo des’ it’s a pretty broad term but basically means I’m all good thanks / no worries / it’s okay / don’t worry… If someone asks if you want a receipt: “daijobudesu”, would you like a plastic bag for your shopping: “daijobudesu”, sorry I bumped into you: “daijobudesu”, please wait a moment: “daijubudesu”... You get the idea..

Google translate is the best option for most situations but like most foreign countries the effort is really appreciated if you try your best with the local tongue. Who knows you might get a local say back to you ‘Nihongo jozudesu’ which means you speak Japanese well! But it’s also kind of a backhanded sarcastic dig because locals will enthusiastically say it back to you simply for saying Konichiwa 

Here are some other helpful phrases / words: 

*You can piece together some of these to help with ordering a drink for example:

‘Sumimasen, aka wine onegaishimasu’ - Excuse me, red wine please

Konichiwa - Hello

Konbanwa - Good evening

Ohayo - Good morning 

Genkidesu ka - How are you? 

Mata-ne - See you / Bye

Ja-ne - Bye

Daijobudesu - No problem / it’s fine / I’m okay / Don’t mention it / All good / Don’t worry

Arigato - Thank you 

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank you very much

Sumimasen - sorry / excuse me

Chotto matte - One moment

O kaikei kudasai - May I please pay the bill

Onegaishimasu - Please

Kippu - ticket

Toiretto - toilet

Biru - beer

Wine - wine

Aka - red

Shiro - white 

Mizu - water

Konbini - Convenience Store

Namae wa? - What is your name?

Watashi wa <insert your name>
desu - I am <name>

Izakaya - translates to ‘stay-drink-place’ usually for a traditional Japanese restaurant/bar

Yokocho - means alleyway or backstreets but mostly refers to an alleyway with many bars and restaurants

Ryokan - a traditional Japanese style inn or accommodation

Onsen - baths filled with natural hot spring water, typically located in rural, mountainous regions

Sento - baths filled with regular heated tap water not from a natural source, more common in the cities.

Showa - the period post WWII in Japan during the reign of Emperor Hirohito (1926-1989) during Japan’s insane economic growth, several places in this guide I might refer to as having a ‘Showa era’ aesthetic which is usually a charming mix of Japanese and Western elements which is uniquely distinctive to this era. 

Medical / Emergency / Medications:
Tokyo Medical Centre - The only English friendly doctor’s clinic in Tokyo. Ask for Ivor Cammack he’s British / Australian who was super helpful when we had a few emergencies.

FYI - its hard to get normal painkillers in Japan without a script so bring your paracetamol or ibuprofen from home if you think you’ll need it while you’re away. Same goes for Cold & Flu medicine, cannot recommend this enough especially if you’re heading to the snow and get sick because Japanese over the counter medicine is weak AF. On that note do NOT bring Cold & Flu medicine into Japan which has pseudoephedrine or codeine in it as they’re illegal and you can get into a lot of hot water (ie detained) if you get caught with it at the airport. 

ADHD medications are also banned substances and illegal in Japan and can get you arrested. 

Who to Follow on instagram:
Tokyo Weekender
Lisa Knight
Peter Sayn
Tokyo Dandy
Sabukaru
Sugalenin
For parties:
Sante Visioni
Al Jones
Rainbow Disco Club
Good Company Broadcast Group
Yamarchy
Kikigraphix
Mild Bunch Soundsystem
Move Tokyo

Shit List:
You can’t trust someone who says everything is amazing - so I think it’s important to call out the stuff which should be avoided. Obviously not everything in a city is perfect but loads of these places pop up on heaps of other Must-Do’s in Tokyo.

Gotemba Premium Outlet - Its an absolute pain in the ass to get to. If you have limited time in Tokyo and love shopping don’t waste a whole day coming out here. 

DonQuijote - Its a heaving tourist trap and most of the stuff is junk - if it’s specific things like beauty products or electronics you can go to a million other places where you don’t feel like you’re going to get claustrophobia.

Go Karting - The Go-Karting in costumes is perfect for people who love tourist traps and are missing any sense of self-respect. It’s lame as shit - wouldn’t be caught dead doing it.  

Gonpachi - The Kill Bill restaurant. Terrible. Massive tourist trap. They play hideous Top 40 music super loud and the food sucks. If you have any lists / Tokyo guides sent to you, and they include the Kill Bill restaurant, then you know that guide is shit and whoever sent it to you either hates themselves or doesn’t have any taste, but probably both!

GoldenGai - Around 200 little bars all crammed across 6 narrow alleyways. It’s OK for 1 drink if you’re in the area (go to Albatross, ‘Deathmatch in Hell’ - great name for a bar!,  La Jetée, or Open Book. ) But it’s extremely touristy and quite dorky - and it’s too hard to find the secret good little bars (you need passwords). Even the cool ones that you need passwords for are still kinda boring. Try a night out in Shimokitazawa instead. Or - go to Piano bar & Grandfathers in Shibuya. 

Ahiru - Who has the guts to put one of the best natural wine bars in Tokyo on the shit list? I do! There’s a line 30-40 minutes long before it opens, and then you can never get in. Have tried to go 10 times, never can get in. It’s just not worth it - so don’t plan your day around it.

Shibuya Yokocho - It’s fun to walk through it when you’re walking from Harajuku to Shibuya at night - but the food is bad and the energy is a bit off. Big tourist trap.

Animal Cafes - Sure they look cute as hell, and I’ll admit I have been guilty of going when I first came to Japan 10 years ago but I guarantee you will leave feeling sad and riddled with guilt. Obviously goes without saying that they’re not fun for the poor animals.  

ACTIVITIES IN TOKYO

Almost everything on this list you should absolutely book ahead the second you get your travel dates.
Google maps location linked in the title.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
With all galleries and museums the enjoyment is entirely personal based on your taste and what exhibitions are on so check ahead on their socials or website to see if their exhibits resonate.
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21_21 Design Sight Museum
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Taro Okamoto Museum in Aoyama
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Hermes Ginza
Gallery Common
A personal favourite, I have always loved many of the up and coming artists which are exhibiting at Gallery Common, definitely check out their instagram to see if anything tickles your fancy.
IG: @gallerycommon

Nanzuka
3 locations across Tokyo (check website here) that show some of the world's top artists; HR Geiger, Keiichi Tanaami and Hajime Sorayama to name a few. 
IG: @nanzukaunderground

Nezu Museum
Designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma this building houses one of Japan’s most culturally significant collections of Asian art from the pre-modern period. Alongside the museum is a stunning traditional garden akin to a forest with walking trails and a stream. Next to the Rick Owens flagship store (recommended in my Shopping Guide)

Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
Taro was an artist and sculptor, kind of like Japan’s Joan Miro. This museum was his residence and workshop which features some of his sculptures and original sketches of the iconic Tower of Sun (which is located in Osaka).

21_21 Design Sight
Gallery designed by Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake which showcases contemporary Japanese design as well as rotating exhibits. Perfect for lovers of graphic design and architecture.

Scai The Bathhouse
Modern art gallery in an old bathhouse located in the trendy Taito City. Check their website for their current and upcoming exhibits.

Yayoi Kusama Museum
Five floor museum devoted to the iconic Japanese artist.

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art
Japan’s first public art museum, it features permanent displays as well as ever changing international exhibits.

Tokyo National Museum 
Just across the way from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the National Museum (Japan’s oldest museum) which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Japanese art.

Mori Art Museum
Located at the top of the Roppongi Hills complex is the well loved Mori contemporary art museum, there isn’t a permanent collection rather a constantly changing roster of international and iconic Japanese artists. The view of the Tokyo skyline from this building is sensational. 

National Art Centre Tokyo
Another contemporary art museum which also doesn’t have a permanent collection;  always big name international artists showing here. The wave-like glass exterior is a sight worth seeing for architecture lovers.

Galleries in Luxury Stores

Several of the flagship luxury fashion stores in Tokyo are also home to exhibition spaces in world class buildings which have interchanging exhibits or permanent collections on display.
ESpace Louis Vuitton
Located on the 7th floor of their Omotesando boutique designed by Jun Aoki is a collection of local and international art from Foundation Louis Vuitton’s collection. More info on their current exhibits via their site.

Chanel Nexus Hall
Located on the 4th floor of their Ginza store the Chanel Nexus Hall focuses on photography exhibits and musical concerts. More info via their site.

Le Forum Hermes
You may recognise the glass brick facade of this building in Ginza from instagram or Pinterest, its truly stunning - especially at sunset. Online reservation required to view their artwork collection at Le Forum via this link.

THEME PARKS
Normally I’m a contrarian on a lot of these sorts of things but we legit had the best day going to some of these places.
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DisneySea
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TeamLab Borderless
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TeamLab Planets
DisneySea - Got there at 9am thinking we’d be over it by 2 or 3pm and ended up staying til close at 9pm. The lines are super organised and through the Disney app you could pre book rides every hour and check wait times… After some research post visit the consensus online from everyone who's been to all the Disney theme parks around the world is that DisneySea in Tokyo is regarded as the gold standard. DisneyLand which is a replica of the original in California is also meant to be amazing - I’ve had friends with kids stay overnight in the Disney hotel and smash out both parks over two days. Both parks are about 30 mins from central Tokyo. 

TeamLab

Super touristy instagrammable art but I actually like the TeamLabs. There are two in Tokyo, both are always busy AF so book ahead. Both kid friendly. 

TeamLabs Planets - Get the monorail out here for a scenic route. The space requires you to take off your shoes, one of the exhibits is knee high water so wear appropriate clothing you can easily roll up (they also have shorts you can borrow if not) and another exhibit features mirrored floors which is a hotbed for upskirt photos so wear your best undies.

TeamLabs Borderless - Newest TeamLabs which opened in 2024 in the new Mori Azabudai Hills precinct. It's different enough from Planets you could do both. Recommend doing the tea ceremony at En Tea House which you can line up for once you’re inside. 

Tickets for both locations can be booked via their website.

KidZania - Kids theme park where they can try out real world occupations (like working at a supermarket checkout or putting out a fire as a fireman)

Sanrio Puroland - Indoor theme park centered around the Sanrio universe (Hello Kitty, Pom Pom Purin etc) with rides, restaurants and shops.

TEMPLES & SHRINES
Senso-Ji Temple
Is the oldest temple in Tokyo, predating the city itself. It’s not just a landmark but a genuine place of worship. The surrounding streets are a must see for traditional shopping and eating. 

Meiji Shrine
Just outside the Harajuku Station is one of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines built in 1920 for Emperor Meiji. Tucked away in a dense forested area it feels like a galaxy away from the insanely bustling streets of Harajuku.
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Sensoji Temple
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Meiji Shrine
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Sake drums walking into Meiji Shrine
GARDENS
Happo-en
Beautiful traditional gardens which are popular for weddings and important events. The gardens feature bonsai trees and koi ponds. Equally as stunning at night with all the lights. Recommend coming here for the cherry blossoms or in autumn when the leaves are vibrant reds and yellows. 

Yoyogi Park
Originally the grounds for the Olympic Village in 1964 Yoyogi is known for being a great hangout to have picnics and people watch, especially during cherry blossom season (hanami). I love Yoyogi especially for the sheer number of cute (kawaii) dogs. If you’re lucky you may see some left of centre pets like a tortoise, pig or meerkat. At the Harajuku Station park entrance to Yoyogi you must try and catch The Strangers - a seriously cool rockabilly dance troupe who perform rain hail or shine every Sunday for the last 33 years. Check out their instagram @strangersharajuku_official 

Shinjuku National Gyoen
Edo period garden which was first constructed in the 1600s and opened to the public after WWII it features traditional Japanese gardens as well as traditional French and English landscapes overlooking the city. Unfortunately no dogs. Great place to park up with a konbini (convenience store) picnic. 
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Hanami (the act of enjoying the Cherry Blossoms) in Yoyogi Park
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Picnic at Shinjuku National Gyoen Garden
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Happo-en Garden by night
MATSURI
If there is one thing I cannot recommend highly enough when you come to Tokyo or Japan it’s getting your ass to any Matsuri event - 
Matsuri refers to the traditional Japanese festivals celebrating cultural, religious and seasonal events, bringing communities together to give thanks, honor spirits or deities and embrace the beauty of nature throughout the year. What makes each matsuri so special is that they're often tied to local traditions, you'll see colourful community processions, traditional music, dances, and almost just importantly, delicious food stalls. Every matsuri has its own vibe -  they’re a fantastic way to dive deep into Japanese heritage and culture. 
To check when / where the next matsuri is see the GoTokyo website here
I’ve been to many Matsuri but my two favourites would have to be:
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Matsuri Kanamara
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Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori Summer Festival
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Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori Summer Festival
Kanamara Matsuri in Kawasaki
Also known as "Festival of the Steel Phallus", a giant pink penis is marched through the town and everything is cock themed. Typically held on the first Sunday in April. It’s a fertility festival with deep historical roots at the Kanayama Shrine, which honors the deities of sexuality and fertility. The festival has a special place in both Japanese culture and global LGBTQI+ circles, as it’s a celebration of diversity and acceptance. It started centuries ago, with people visiting the shrine to pray for safe childbirth, sexual health and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori Summer Festival
Held every August in Shimokitazawa which is well known for its trendy, young, laid back vibe - it’s an intense all out experience of loud drumming and dancing. Locals and visitors don their yukata (light summer kimono) and join in the spirited Awa-Odori dance. 
IKEBANA
The traditional art of flower arranging - it’s more than just putting flowers in a vase, the experience is rooted in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy and is meant to be a meditative practice. 
In Tokyo you can take a course at the renowned Ikebana Sogetsu School. They have classes which run for a few hours in English for roughly $50 AUD ($40 USD) book via this site.
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Ikebana flower arrangement
SUMO WRESTLING
Is notoriously hard to get tickets to, I have been lucky enough to go only once.
It’s only held 3 times a year in Tokyo and you have to book well in advance. Ticket Oosumo is the official website to purchase tickets 4-6 weeks out from the tournaments which are typically held in January, May and September in Tokyo.
My advice if you get tickets is go later in the afternoon when the matches start to get more heated as it’s a really long day and the tickets only allow you to leave the stadium once and go back in again. You can bring your own food and drink in - but it’s worth checking out the restaurants nearby which specialise in chanko-nabe, a hearty stew which is made from meat, vegetables and tofu which the wrestlers eat to build muscle mass.
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Wearing traditional Yukata for a Sumo match
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Sumo Wrestling
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Wrestlers exiting the stadium towards their fans for photos and autographs
BEAUTY
Beauty
Probably not quite as extreme as Seoul but pretty close; Tokyo has a thriving beauty industry, there are 4 times as many hair salons than there are convenience stores in Japan which is truly mind blowing. 

The Oversea
Trendy unisex hair salon in Minami Aoyama, they also have an outpost in New York where many of their stylists have trained so most of the staff are bi-lingual. Great spot for a v edgy haircut or colourful hair dye. 
IG: @theoversea

Salon 76
Not as trendy as The Oversea but v decent (and affordable) hair salon in Jingumae for the basics; blow dry or a natural looking colour (especially for non-Japanese hair) all the staff speak English so this salon is a favourite for expats. Ask for Miyu, she did my hair for 2+ years. 

Nails Mayu
Lovely nail artist in Setagaya (speaks English) DM her instagram below to book and tell her Poppy sent you!
IG: @nails___mayu

Nail Sucre
V famous nail salon, must book well in advance via this site
IG: @nail.sucre 

Elana Jade
Affordable English speaking beauty spa who specialise in lash and eyebrow tinting, waxing, nails, facials and massage. These guys saved me when I bleached my brows on a whim and needed them taken back to my natural colour! 
They used to do spray tans but now sadly don’t (I haven’t been able to find a decent replacement since) if you want a tan BYO your own self tanning lotion from home because it’s not something you will easily find on the shelves in Japan!

Beauty Products to Try/Buy:
Japan has some seriously interesting beauty products; my top suggestions for yourself or gifts. All are affordable and can be purchased from pharmacies.
  • Baby Foot 
  • Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
  • Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
  • Hadalabo Hydrating Face Wash
  • Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash
  • &Honey Melty Moist Repair Oil (for hair)
WEIRD & WONDERFUL
Muscle Girls
A very unique fitness themed bar run by female bodybuilders in Ikebukuro. The women perform feats of strength, songs and dances and with your ‘muscle dollars’ you can buy the bodybuilders drinks (which are protein shots because they’re elite athletes!) or - and this is the thing the bar is most famous for - you can pay them to slap you in the face as hard as possible. Absolute riot of fun, we have come here several times and the girls are absolute legends. Have to book in advance via this site. 
IG: @muscle.girls666


Department H
Perfect place to really experience the subcultures of Japan - latex / fetish / BDSM cabaret that’s been running for over 20 years. On the first Saturday of every month at the Tokyo Kinema Club in Asakusa. This place is definitely not for everyone - you need to be a participant, not an observer - so you’ll need a big outfit & open minded attitude if you want to go (the door charge is cheaper the better your outfit). Don’t go if you’re going to take it as a joke. We’ve been 6-7 times and try not to miss it. Need to be over 20 to enter, it’s also BYO but there is a convenience store next door where you can buy drinks. One of the weirdest and most unique events we’ve ever been to (and we’ve been to a LOT). 11/10. 

Suigian
Located in Nihonbashi this traditional bar/restaurant is unique in that you’re treated to a classical theater performance every hour. When I came just for a drink for my birthday we experienced the most moving dance by a geisha. Meals start at around $170 AUD (approx $110 USD) per person. If that’s outside the budget you can try their elite cocktail list and stay just a drink. 
The space is filled with historically important art and antiques dating back to the 1600s which you can read about in a booklet they give you at your table. Must book in advance via this site


Baseball Cages
Dotted all over Tokyo, my husband got really into these while we lived here. His favourite was Meiji Jingu Gaien Batting Cage after trying loads. Really fun even if you’ve never tried baseball before (like me)

Karaoke 
Went to many and didn’t really rate any of them til we went to Fioria in Roppongi.