Everything you always wanted to know about Tokyo, but were afraid to ask
June 24, 2009
Gotta love Tokyo... Hope this would help to first-time travelers:
Best time to visit:
April when cherry blossoms or sakura bloom
Visa:
No visa required for most of the western countries. A landing permission is issued upon arrival (90 days to 180 days depending on your county of origin). At the immigration, your picture and finger prints will be taken.
Get in:
If you are coming from overseas, you will probably land in Narita Airport (NRT) which is located 70 km northeast of Tokyo. From here, you have couple of options to get in to Tokyo...
1. Taxi: just don't do it.... This will cost you a fortune and is not the fastest way...
2. Limousine bus: if you are really afraid of getting lost or if this is your first trip to Tokyo and you are holding a reservation or if you are transferring to Haneda Airport , you might consider to take a limousine bus.
3. Train: 2 train lines. JR (expensive but faster) and Keisei (cheaper). They both connect with Tokyo Metro.
Where to stay:
Tokyo is a huge city that offers an incredible number of accommodation... should be easy to find one that fits your budget.
1. Sunshine City Prince Hotel: On my first trip to Tokyo, i've stayed here. It is a huge hotel, located inside a shopping mall in Ikebukuro district. It's a 4 star hotel, and might be a little bit on the expensive side. The rooms were huge and extremely clean.
2. Sakura Hotel: Although they have hotels and hostels all over Tokyo, I've only stayed at the one located in Ikebukuro. Budget accommodation, english speaking great and helpful staff. Definitely would recommend this place.
Transportation:
If you are planning to travel in Japan, you might consider getting a JR Pass before leaving your country. If you are just visiting Tokyo for a couple of days, I think you would be fine with a metro card (around 700yen per day, unlimited travel).
Where to go:
Tokyo has a lot to offer. This is just a basic itinerary. Try to meet locals and have fun!
1. Sensoji: Tokyo's biggest Buddhist temple. Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, exit19.
2. Meiji Shrine: Tokyo Metro green line, exit C2.
3. Tsukiji Fish Market: Get up early and go for a sushi breakfast. Tokyo Metro Exit H10.
4. Akihabara: Buy electronics. Tokyo Metro, Exit H15.
5. Omote-sandÅ: just people watching and fashionista spotting.
6. Harajuku: Nice street with a lot of shopping. Have some crepe.
7. Roppongi Hills: check out the bars full of westerners.
8. Tokyo Tower: Overpriced but nice viewing point.
9. Shinjuku: neon lights and nightlife.
10. Odaiba: Take Yurikamome and check out Venus Port.
Enjoy!
Best time to visit:
April when cherry blossoms or sakura bloom
Visa:
No visa required for most of the western countries. A landing permission is issued upon arrival (90 days to 180 days depending on your county of origin). At the immigration, your picture and finger prints will be taken.
Get in:
If you are coming from overseas, you will probably land in Narita Airport (NRT) which is located 70 km northeast of Tokyo. From here, you have couple of options to get in to Tokyo...
1. Taxi: just don't do it.... This will cost you a fortune and is not the fastest way...
2. Limousine bus: if you are really afraid of getting lost or if this is your first trip to Tokyo and you are holding a reservation or if you are transferring to Haneda Airport , you might consider to take a limousine bus.
3. Train: 2 train lines. JR (expensive but faster) and Keisei (cheaper). They both connect with Tokyo Metro.
Where to stay:
Tokyo is a huge city that offers an incredible number of accommodation... should be easy to find one that fits your budget.
1. Sunshine City Prince Hotel: On my first trip to Tokyo, i've stayed here. It is a huge hotel, located inside a shopping mall in Ikebukuro district. It's a 4 star hotel, and might be a little bit on the expensive side. The rooms were huge and extremely clean.
2. Sakura Hotel: Although they have hotels and hostels all over Tokyo, I've only stayed at the one located in Ikebukuro. Budget accommodation, english speaking great and helpful staff. Definitely would recommend this place.
Transportation:
If you are planning to travel in Japan, you might consider getting a JR Pass before leaving your country. If you are just visiting Tokyo for a couple of days, I think you would be fine with a metro card (around 700yen per day, unlimited travel).
Where to go:
Tokyo has a lot to offer. This is just a basic itinerary. Try to meet locals and have fun!
1. Sensoji: Tokyo's biggest Buddhist temple. Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, exit19.
2. Meiji Shrine: Tokyo Metro green line, exit C2.
3. Tsukiji Fish Market: Get up early and go for a sushi breakfast. Tokyo Metro Exit H10.
4. Akihabara: Buy electronics. Tokyo Metro, Exit H15.
5. Omote-sandÅ: just people watching and fashionista spotting.
6. Harajuku: Nice street with a lot of shopping. Have some crepe.
7. Roppongi Hills: check out the bars full of westerners.
8. Tokyo Tower: Overpriced but nice viewing point.
9. Shinjuku: neon lights and nightlife.
10. Odaiba: Take Yurikamome and check out Venus Port.
Enjoy!
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
Create a free TravBuddy account or login to leave comments, meet travelers, and share experiences with the TravBuddy travel community.








