5 Must-Know Tips for Traveling to Tokyo Japan

Tokyo Japan

Are you trying to figure out what to do when you’re traveling to Japan? Read this article to learn what you need to know before traveling.

Are you hoping to travel to Tokyo, Japan in the near future?

Tokyo is definitely one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s no wonder that close to 14 million tourists travel to this city each year.

But, as amazing as Tokyo is, it’s also an incredibly large and populated city that can feel overwhelming to the first time visitor. Therefore, before you pack your bags, there are some things you should know about this city.

Check out this guide to discover the top tips for traveling to Tokyo, Japan.

Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

Although Tokyo is an international city, don’t assume that everyone there knows how to speak English.

While estimates vary, one study found that only 20 to 30% of Japanese people reported being able to speak some level of English. Therefore, before you head to Japan, it’s useful to learn some basic phrases to get by. Here are a few phrases worth memorizing:

Oishi (pronounced oh-ee-see): Delicious
Sumimasen (pronounced sue-me-mah-sen): Sorry/excuse me
Arigatou (pronounced a-ri-ga-to): Thank you
Konichiwa (pronounced kohn-ee-chee-wah): Hello

We also suggest writing down your hotel name and address in Japanese so that your driver can easily find it.

Always Wear Socks

While it’s not the case in all restaurants, in many restaurants, it’s customary to ask patrons to remove their shoes.

Sometimes, you’ll be asked to put your shoes in a cubby near the hostess stand, and other times you’ll be asked to tuck your shoes underneath your booth. Either way, it’s a good idea either always wear socks or bring a pair with you so you’re not walking around a restaurant in bare feet.

It’s Extremely Safe

Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.

If you’re a solo female traveler, this is a great destination to consider. While this doesn’t mean that you should throw all caution to the wind, you’ll be pleased to know that foreigners generally feel very safe here.

The Metro Doesn’t Run 24/7

Japan is a country that’s built on convenience, which is why it’s surprising to many that the metro in Tokyo doesn’t run 24/7.

If you’re planning to go out at night, definitely make sure you check the metro schedule beforehand. Depending on where you are, you may need to catch a final train anywhere between 11:30 pm and 1:00 am.

While taxis are easily available around the clock, they’re incredibly expensive compared to the metro.

Buy a Rail Pass

In some places, it can be difficult to decide whether buying a rail pass is worth your money. In Tokyo and the rest of Japan, the answer is almost always yes, especially if you’re planning to travel to different parts of the country.

Whether you’ve got Fuji Q Highland tickets or are taking a trip to the coast, the rail pass can get you to where you need to go for a fraction of the price. You can buy a rail pass for one week, two weeks, or three weeks, but keep in mind that you can only buy these passes from certain stations.