Updated 2025
Tokyo is one of those cities that completely overwhelms you, in the best way possible. It's futuristic yet rooted in deep tradition. Chaotic yet efficient. Massive in scale, yet intimate in so many of the day-to-day moments. We spent an entire month here, and even that wasn’t enough to see and do everything. But it gave us time to slow down, explore deeply, eat well, and experience Tokyo beyond the tourist checklist.
Whether you're coming for a quick visit or planning a long-term stay like we did, this post is your go-to guide for exploring Tokyo. From where to stay and what to eat, to getting around and must-see places, I’ve packed it with real experiences, helpful tips, and things you won’t find in most tourist brochures.
First Impressions of Tokyo
Tokyo isn’t just a city-it’s a universe. It feels like stepping into the future and then suddenly walking back in time as you turn a corner into a quiet shrine or traditional tea house. Every neighborhood has its own identity, rhythm, and vibe.
It’s the kind of city where you can wake up in a modern high-rise, grab sushi off a conveyor belt, walk through a digital art museum barefoot, and end the day with a peaceful garden stroll-without ever leaving the city limits.
Even though Tokyo is huge and densely populated, it's one of the cleanest, safest, and most organized cities we’ve ever visited. The people are kind and respectful, the streets are spotless, and the train system? A dream.
One of the very first things I noticed walking around Japan was how incredibly clean it is. I mean, spotless. Especially after spending the last seven months in Southeast Asia, the difference was immediate. Everything is perfectly manicured—workers are out sweeping fallen leaves along the pedestrian walking streets, not a single piece of trash in sight.
And the funny part is, there aren’t even that many garbage cans around. Still, the cleanliness holds. It speaks to a culture that really values shared public spaces and personal accountability.
We genuinely enjoyed just walking around and taking it all in. Tokyo is the kind of place where simply being outside, watching the movement of the city, and exploring without a set plan is its own kind of sightseeing. So much to do, so little time.
Where We Stayed in Tokyo
For our month-long stay, we booked a short-term rental apartment through SAKURA HOUSE CO., LTD. It was compact, efficient, and gave us just the right amount of space to live comfortably while getting a feel for real Tokyo life.
Living in Japan, even temporarily, gives you a new appreciation for tiny-space living. Our kitchen and bathroom were minuscule by Western standards, but they worked. It actually made me more excited about the idea of tiny house living one day. Everything had its place, and it was perfect for us.
Getting Around Tokyo (and Why It’s So Easy)
One of the best things about Tokyo is the public transportation. We took the train everywhere and had zero issues. It’s reliable, clean, efficient, and relatively affordable.
The train system is vast, but once you get the hang of it, it’s super convenient and low hassle. If you're staying for more than a few days, grab a Suica or Pasmo IC card. You can load it up with money and just tap in and out at train stations, buses, and even vending machines and convenience stores.
For more detailed tips on how to get around Tokyo-including how to use the train system, which apps help, and how to avoid rush hour—be sure to check out the post I previously published just on that topic.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for First-Time or Long-Term Visitors
There’s no single “best” area in Tokyo-it really depends on your style and what you want to be close to. Here are some neighborhoods to consider:
Shibuya: High-energy, central, and iconic. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of it all. We spent lots of time in Shibuya, and of course, we made our stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing (more on that below).
Shinjuku: Bustling, modern, and packed with food, shops, nightlife, and major train connections. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is here too, with amazing free views of the city.
Asakusa: One of my favorite areas, especially around Sensō-ji Temple. It feels traditional and slower-paced, with beautiful old streets and easy access to Tokyo Skytree.
Ginza & Tokyo Station: Upscale shopping, wide boulevards, and proximity to the Imperial Palace and museums.
Roppongi: Great for art lovers and nightlife. There are tons of museums, galleries, and international restaurants.
Shimokitazawa, Nakano, Kichijōji: These lesser-known neighborhoods are amazing if you want a chill vibe, cool cafes, vintage stores, and a break from the tourist crowds.
What to Do in Tokyo: Our Favorite Experiences & Must-Sees
Shibuya Crossing + Hachikō Statue
Of course, if you’re in Tokyo, you HAVE to go to the famous Shibuya Crossing. It’s kind of ridiculous how every list tells you to go, but there’s a reason. To me, it’s the most iconic landmark in Tokyo. Forget Skytree or Tokyo Tower, it’s the energy of Shibuya Crossing that captures the city best.
Standing there as hundreds of people move in every direction, under giant flashing screens and lights, it’s like watching a perfectly choreographed dance. It’s been in movies like Lost in Translation and Tokyo Drift, and it really is something you need to experience yourself.
Right nearby is the Hachikō Statue, the dog who waited at the station for his owner every single day—even after the man died. For over nine years, he came back daily. If you’ve never heard the story, look it up before you go. It hits different once you’re standing there.
teamLab Planets
If you do nothing else in Tokyo, go to teamLab Planets. It was one of the most powerful art experiences I’ve ever had. You literally walk through water barefoot, immerse your body in interactive art installations, and become part of the work. One of the most magical moments was standing in the Infinite Crystal Universe-this giant mirrored space with twinkling LED lights that made us feel like we were floating in space.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
We went at night and the view was breathtaking. The observation decks are on the 45th floor of each tower, and on a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji. The best part? It’s totally free. You access it through the basement level elevators.
Sensō-ji & the Hatsumōde Experience
We attempted to visit a shrine twice while in Tokyo. The first time? The line must’ve been a thousand people deep. It was at the start of the new year, and we quickly learned about Hatsumōde-the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple to give thanks and pray for a good year ahead.
We gave it a week and tried again. Sensō-ji was still busy, but absolutely worth the visit. The temple, the gate, the nearby shopping street-it all felt like stepping back in time.
Hamarikyu Gardens
Right in the middle of the chaos of Tokyo, we stumbled into Hamarikyu Gardens, and it was like stepping into a completely different world. Quiet paths, peaceful water features, old tea houses-it felt like an oasis lost in time.
Ginza Kagari – Soba Worth the Hype
If you're in Tokyo and looking for a meal that feels a little elevated but still comforting, Ginza Kagari is the spot. It's tucked into the Ginza district, known for its high-end shopping and polished streets, but don’t let that intimidate you. This little soba shop is casual, welcoming, and absolutely unforgettable.
We tried two different soba bowls, both of which are top sellers. Each one is prepared by a different brother with their own take on flavor and presentation. You can taste the pride and precision in every bite. One was creamy and rich with a silky chicken broth that felt like a hug. The other had a more traditional clear broth, deeply layered and flavorful.
It’s not the cheapest bowl of noodles you’ll find in Tokyo-it was about 2,000 yen per bowl, which came out to around $13.53 USD with the current exchange rate. But honestly, so worth it. Between the quality of the ingredients, the care in presentation, and the calm of the little dining space tucked away from the Ginza crowds, this meal easily made our Tokyo highlights list.
If you're doing Tokyo on a budget but want to splurge just a little on something memorable, this is one of those perfect spots. Get there early if you can, because the lines do form. But once you're inside, you’ll understand why it's earned the reputation it has.
McDonald's and Trying Local Fast Food
We HAVE to try McDonald’s in every country we visit, and Tokyo was no exception. The kids LOVED their chicken and cheese sandwich, and the spicy burger I had? The sauce was fire. We still laugh about getting macarons from McDonald’s in Paris, so naturally Tokyo had to join the list.
If you’ve never had fast food outside the U.S., you’re missing out. The flavors, the presentation-everything is leveled up.
Christmas in Tokyo (Yes, We Cooked Dinner in Our Tiny Apartment)
We spent Christmas 2022 in Tokyo and made the full spread-well, as close as possible given the size of the kitchen. It was tight, but I managed to pull together a full meal. And let me tell you, Japan wants you drinking because the price of alcohol here is unreal. I’m talking good bottles for next to nothing. I’ll be posting a video soon from the store run we did.
A fun tradition here: KFC for Christmas. It’s a thing in Japan. Decades ago, KFC ran a marketing campaign encouraging people to celebrate Christmas with a bucket of fried chicken-and it stuck. Now people order their Christmas KFC meals weeks in advance.
Yakiniku: Japanese BBQ in Tiny Restaurants
One of our favorite meals was our first Yakiniku experience-Japanese-style Korean BBQ. The restaurant had maybe 15 seats total. Most were single seats with partitions, and just a few small tables. It was packed, with a wait (which is typical in Tokyo), but so worth it.
We sat side by side at single seats and ordered one of the set menus. The sauces alone were enough to make me want to go back. So good.
Conveyor Belt Sushi
We also experienced our first conveyor belt sushi lunch in Tokyo, and it was WILD. We checked in at a machine, got a number, found our table, ordered from an iPad, and the food came directly to our booth on the belt.
When we were done, we dropped our plates into a little cubby, hit "finish" on the screen, and paid at a separate machine on the way out. We never spoke to a single staff member (though there was a button to call for help). It was the future of dining.
We’ve gone back to conveyor belt sushi several times since-some cheaper, some pricier, but always fun. Kal-El is my little food explorer and tried all kinds of sushi we’d never heard of.
More Fun Experiences
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IKEA: Yep, we visited IKEA. It was interesting to see the smaller-sized furniture and how everything is optimized for compact living.
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Takeshita Street in Harajuku: We stopped at Santa Monica (サンタモニカ), one of the most popular dessert spots on the strip. The line was crazy but totally worth it. Lots of trendy food and fashion to explore here.
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Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: Of course, we did both. Worth every yen.
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Trying New Snacks: We’ve been having a blast trying all the unique snacks and drinks in Japan. We don’t eat pork, so we’re careful about labels, but overall the food here has been a win.
Tokyo is alive, beautiful, and unforgettable. It doesn’t matter where you go in this city-every district has something amazing to offer. From high-tech innovation to timeless tradition, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay like we did, I hope this post gives you a true feel for what Tokyo has to offer. If you’ve got questions or want tips on specific neighborhoods, drop a comment-I’m happy to share more from our month in this incredible city.
UPDATE: Our Tokyo Revisit in Summer 2025
We came back to Tokyo in July 2025, and the vibe this time around was completely different. The city hits differently in the summer. It’s hot, yes, but there’s a vibrant energy in the air that made the heat feel worth it.
One of the biggest changes this time? The yen is even weaker against the dollar, so everything felt noticeably more affordable-from food to transportation to entertainment.
We stayed in a new part of the city this time, over by the Tokyo Bay Area in Kasai, and it gave us a completely different pace. It's quieter, more residential, and still super connected to the rest of the city via the train.
One of the first things I checked was my Suica card from our 2022 trip-and it still worked. It scanned instantly and even had 670 yen still on it. Japan’s transit system stays undefeated in its consistency and efficiency.
We revisited some of the places we loved the first time around, including Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. It was great to experience the parks again in a different season. The summer crowds were definitely there, but we still had an amazing time.
We also added some new spots to our Tokyo list this time. A standout was the National Museum of Nature and Sciencein Ueno Park. This place is so underrated. Jor-El and I had a blast exploring all the interactive exhibits—from Japanese wildlife and space exploration to deep-sea creatures and even an earthquake simulator. It’s a fantastic museum that really balances fun and education well. Definitely plan at least 2 to 3 hours if you go.
Another highlight was visiting the Tokyo Sea Life Park, which is also in the Bay Area. Admission was super affordable-only 700 yen for adults and 250 yen for kids-and it was absolutely worth it. Jor-El loved watching the massive tuna swim in circles in the giant tank, and the exhibits on jellyfish, penguins, and marine life from around the world were beautifully done. Plus, the location right on the water made for a nice relaxing stroll after we finished inside.
We also returned to Meiji Shrine, and this visit was extra special. We were lucky enough to witness two traditional Japanese weddings taking place while we were there. It was beautiful, peaceful, and emotional to witness. The shrine itself is already one of my favorite places in Tokyo-tucked into its own forest right in the city-but seeing the ceremonies added something unforgettable to the experience.
We of course had more conveyor belt sushi adventures, explored Ueno a bit more, and spent time just enjoying the everyday moments of Tokyo life. This city never stops surprising me, no matter how many times we visit.
If you’re thinking about coming back to Tokyo or visiting for the first time, now is a great time to do it. With the exchange rate in our favor and so many budget-friendly experiences available, you can do and see a lot without breaking the bank.
