Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo works quietly and precisely. Trains run on time, signs are bilingual on major lines, and cash is still widely used in small izakayas and older shops. Coming in from Narita or Haneda is straightforward once you know which train serves which part of town.

Entry requirements

Most visitors from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive a 90 day visa waiver on arrival. Your passport must be valid for the duration of stay. From April 2023, Japan no longer requires vaccination proof or a health declaration for tourists, but a return ticket is often checked.

Transportation

From Narita, the Narita Express reaches Shinjuku in about 80 minutes. From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line gets you into central Tokyo in 30 minutes for under 700 yen. Inside the city, a Suica or Pasmo IC card works on almost every train, bus, and vending machine.

Currency

The Japanese Yen. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards reliably. Contactless payments are growing but many small restaurants remain cash only, so keep about 10,000 yen on you.

Airports

Haneda (HND) is closer to central Tokyo and better for short trips. Narita (NRT) handles most long haul traffic and offers cheaper flights.

Practical tips

Buy a Suica card at the airport before anything else. It saves ten minutes at every ticket machine.
Restaurants often close between 15:00 and 17:00. Plan lunch or an early dinner around this window.
Rubbish bins are rare in public. Carry a small bag for your trash until you find one at a station.

Common traveller mistakes

Assuming credit cards work everywhere. Many ramen shops still don't accept them.
Taking a taxi from Narita to central Tokyo - it can cost over 20,000 yen.