image creditThe Ultimate The Ultimate Tokyo Food Guide Food Guide
Your curated guide to the city's best
Preview the guideAll 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.