image creditAll the tips and info you need before your trip
Overview
Tokyo is massive but incredibly organized—once you understand trains + neighborhoods, the city becomes easy (and addictive) to explore.
Plan your days around clusters (e.g., Shibuya/Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa/Ueno, Ginza/Tokyo Station, Nakameguro/Daikanyama, Shimokitazawa, etc.), and expect to do a lot of walking even when you're taking the subway.
Visas: US citizens don't need a visa — you can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport just needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Japan doesn't require the 6-month validity rule that many other countries do.
Best Areas to Stay
FIRST TIME: Shibuya/Ebisu (energetic, central, great food + nightlife) or Shinjuku (transport hub, late-night options).
CLASSIC + CALMER: Ginza/Tokyo Station (polished, walkable, quiet nights) or Ueno (great value, museums).
CHARMING + LOCAL: Nakameguro/Daikanyama (boutiques, cafés, riverside) or Shimokitazawa (vintage, small bars).
Money & Tipping
NO TIPPING—can be confusing, refused, and sometimes offensive. Cards increasingly accepted but keep cash for smaller shops/markets.
GET AN IC CARD (Suica/PASMO)—use for trains, convenience stores, vending machines.
Tax-free shopping available with passport.
ATM—7-Eleven stores in Japan have ATMs that offer 24/7 cash withdrawals at 28,000+ locations. These ATMs support 12 languages, accept major international cards, and provide competitive rates.
Tokyo is massive but incredibly organized—once you understand trains + neighborhoods, the city becomes easy (and addictive) to explore.
Plan your days around clusters (e.g., Shibuya/Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa/Ueno, Ginza/Tokyo Station, Nakameguro/Daikanyama, Shimokitazawa, etc.), and expect to do a lot of walking even when you're taking the subway.
Visas: US citizens don't need a visa — you can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport just needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Japan doesn't require the 6-month validity rule that many other countries do.
FIRST TIME: Shibuya/Ebisu (energetic, central, great food + nightlife) or Shinjuku (transport hub, late-night options).
CLASSIC + CALMER: Ginza/Tokyo Station (polished, walkable, quiet nights) or Ueno (great value, museums).
CHARMING + LOCAL: Nakameguro/Daikanyama (boutiques, cafés, riverside) or Shimokitazawa (vintage, small bars).
NO TIPPING—can be confusing, refused, and sometimes offensive. Cards increasingly accepted but keep cash for smaller shops/markets.
GET AN IC CARD (Suica/PASMO)—use for trains, convenience stores, vending machines.
Tax-free shopping available with passport.
ATM—7-Eleven stores in Japan have ATMs that offer 24/7 cash withdrawals at 28,000+ locations. These ATMs support 12 languages, accept major international cards, and provide competitive rates.