51 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Tokyo, Japan
✅ Here’s the exact list I share with friends visiting Tokyo (my free guide): https://bit.ly/Tokyo-Guide-Camden
These 51 tips to know before visiting Tokyo are what I wish I knew before my trip to Tokyo, Japan. Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when visiting Tokyo and traveling through Japan!
🔥 The eSIM I used to keep my phone connected in Japan — https://airalo.pxf.io/CamdenDavid — You can get 15% off by using code: CAMDEN15
Please note — This video includes a paid promotion with Airalo. I’ve decided to partner with them after trying most eSIMs on the market. I think these guys have the most user friendly platform, and it’s the service I choose to use over 300 days every year 🙂
DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different. Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I’m part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.
38 Comments
Hey friends — if you want all my Tokyo recs, here’s the free guide I made for you: https://bit.ly/Tokyo-Guide-Camden
When I went there was a shortage of Suica cards. And the digital version didn't like Visa or Mastercard.
amazing video! thank you for creating these videos. very helpful
I agree, Shibuya scramble is completely overrated.
Heya, cool video thanks for sharing. When were you in Tokyo. It's just that as far as I know the Todoroki Ravine is closed. Did you visit while it was closed (I think some parts still accessible) or was it before the park was closed for maintenance?
Great information! Going in a couple of months. I have no interest in the Shuibya crossing. I actually wanted to stay in Nippori, but couldn’t find anyplace I wanted to stay. We are also going to hang in the Gifu prefecture in Gero. I can hardly find any videos on it. I think that might be a good sign of not overrun with tourists. We are staying in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo for a week.
Where can I find Kyoto video? I don't see it up.
Really think this is a great informational video. The only things I'd add is that the Suica card is not functional for (re)loading money and scanning on the Google Wallet. It can only be used to see your balance, but unless your Android phone came from Japan, it doesn't work and there's no known date of when that function will be available as it requires a specific chip that isn't used outside of Japan in Androids.
As for Ginza, I'd say that the flagship Uniqlo and specialty Muji are located there and worth the visit, if that's an interest. Also, the Betty Smith jean making experience and the Kabuki Theater are there and is said to be quite great experiences.
This guy should compose his thoughts and write it out BEFORE he starts recording. It could make him briefer, concise and interesting.
You'll need an Android phone made for the Japan market to add digital transit cards like Suica/Pasmo to Google Wallet, because Androind phones sold in other regions do not have the required NFC standard called FeliCa. iPhone 8 and later all have FeliCa built in, so iPhones users will have an easier time using Suica/Pasmo on their phone.
appreciate your thoughts on whats overrated. ill still probably go to most of these places but they are heavily upsold by influencers nowadays. also if i want a shimokitazawa alterantive any suggestions?
It’s not a train cart. It’s a train car. 🚞
1:44 Digital IC cards don't work on Android phones made outside of Japan. People with android will need to get the physical card. But the app can still be used to load money into it.
Where's your Kyoto vid, I don't see a link?
Also, do we all need an individual Suica card? We have 3 kids so we'd need to swipe 5 Suica cards on every leg of every journey?
I also highly recommend people go to Odaiba too. Great views of the Tokyo bay and lots of great places to walk, shop, eat, and visit museums.
For cash, you can typically get by in Tokyo without much, but it is absolutely essential if you’re planning on venturing out of a major city. Also, many transit companies don’t allow credit card payments! (You may encounter this on the way to Haneda or Narita.) So always at least carry enough to cover your fare…I’ve made that mistake more than once!
Amazing work Sir… when they in Québec:''The guy's got it..''
Well you got it Cam. Thank you for helping us.
Japan has been very cashless recent years. The rise of transit cards helped everything to transition to “Tap. Tap . Tap” payment systems. Wife and I have a smartwatch that contains our transit cards (SUICA , PASMO) and credit cards (Apple Wallet, ID). We just tap our arms on the train ticket gates, vending machines, shops, restaurants, buses, everywhere.
Well done!
One small correction … Suica is pronounced Swee-Ka with equal emphasis on each syllable (as is true for Japanese in general)
And for places to stay … you might like to consider places like Akasaka Mitsuke and Azabu Juban. Both are good locations, quieter, and with many many food options.
If you’re on a tight budget you could also consider APA hotels. Often you can book the one in Roppongi for less than $100/night.
FYI suica doesn't work on any android phones at this time only iPhone
Quick question, do they have trash cans in the restrooms?
It's not train CART. It's car.
I thought suica wasn't available for android. Did that finally change?
Love the nighttime walk tip so much!!!! I’m only like 5mins in and I already absolutely love this video!
May I know if you plan on visiting another Japan city someday?
This video is top tier from start to finish. Definitely will rewatch a couple of times, and more when i plan my next trip to Japan!!!! Awesome tips!!!! You’re so good at this!
I am Japanese. I would like to recommend a very famous tourist destination in Japan, Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region. Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan and is a wonderful place. I think it is perhaps not so well known to foreigners, If you have a chance, please visit there. It takes about 30 minutes by train from Sendai City, the center of the Tohoku region.
The Kabuki-za Theater is located in Higashi-ginza, Tokyo. Kabuki is a classic Japanese performing art, and it is very worth seeing. There is an English earphone guide available, so I recommend using it. Tickets to see only one act are also available.
Kabukiza Theatre Information|Theatres|KABUKI WEB
The best advice in this video is "Don't try to do too much". IMO if you have less than 7 days, Tokyo is more than enough. I have been 3 times, spending a total of 10 days there, and it never gets old; there is just so much meat on that bone.
OK a few comments about the video:
1. Digital Sucia (IC cards) only work for Iphone, you must use a physical card if you have an android phone. Also, if you have a physical suica you can ONLY reload with cash those machines do not take cards!
2. Cash will typically get you better prices in many places because of CC fees. If you go outside any tourist hotspot you need cash. The aforementioned IC card is why most people recommend a decent amount of cash, or at least more than you would get going to say Europe or the US because it has to be topped up with cash.
3. Please pay attention to the markings on the ground when waiting for the train. The lanes for which car you are entering are very clearly marked. It tells you exactly which car and if there are any restrictions like reservation-only cars on the shinkan-san for example. This is also very useful if you are taking a train from a platform with two different lines; they are color coded, sound coded (the trains make different sounds on arrival to help the blind), and they make it very obvious. The public transit system is a dream for OCD people who love orderliness.
4. Always carrying a plastic bag is great advice for people when going out and about anywhere in Japan since you will need it for trash. Someone in these comments asked about bathrooms, it is not appropriate to throw out trash in bathrooms, and most do not have cans because you are expected to carry a towel to dry your hands, so there is no reason to have them outside women's rooms for feminine hygiene products (very tiny ones)
5. Valid about Sensoji Temple, it is worth going but don't make a long day of it; there are better shrines out there if you want a more shrine vibe
6. 100% Shibuya Sky is expensive and I agree overrated, there are other places around to get amazing views.
7. The scramble is only busy during rush hours, the videos all make it seem like it is busy all the time but that is not at all true, it can be completely dead sometimes. If you want to people watch, I recommend going to the Starbucks second floor in the crossing square, watch for 15 minutes drinking a beverage and then leave (funny story I ended up there at 6 am, didn't realize where I was until I got to the corner on the other side of the sidewalk because I was basically alone. Then by 8 am place was a zoo.)
8. Ginza is really only for people who want to shop high-end on the cheap if they're from a country with a great exchange rate
Senso-Ji – go at night, no vendors but much more quiet and very scenic
Ueno Park – do not make a day out of it but just stop by for a couple hours during an Akihabara trip, it will give you a moment of respite amongst the craziness of Akiba strip!
Shibuya Sky – go at night!
Omoide Yokocho – better than Golden Gai… felt like it was more of a local feel at Omoide. Look for a place that has outdoor tables and enjoy the atmosphere!
I’m going in September, and I’m a little worried to try random food places because of the language barrier – did you ever find that to be an issue? Or am I overthinking things
Appreciate the advice. I'm going there for the first time in about a month and a half, and anything really helps ease my anxiety
4:58 The main reason for the lack of trash cans was due to a cult using them to launch a Sarin nerve gas attack back in the 1990's. Japan was already a clean place beforehand. You can always offload your trash at a convenience store.
5:23 Yep, very important. Just remember if you visit Osaka, they do it the other way round there.
9:40 Your night walking tip fits in really well with Senso-ji. Go at night. No crowds, really different feel.
15:50 Yoyogi Park is delightful. Great suggestion. It makes for an interesting contrast to Meiji Shrine next door. A massive Shinto shrine and parkland area. Very different vibes. And all close to JR Harajuku station.
17:43 Your point about access rather than where you're actually based is so important. I find anywhere on the JR Yamanote Line works. Areas around smaller stations can give you a more local experience, with cheaper hotels and great little restaurants.
I am staying in Ginza because it is centrally located in Tokyo and easy to get to other places but I won't be exploring Ginza much.
I missed what is the name of that nighlife street Piss valley?
please come back again for a longer period of time!
What was your experience with construction at Todoroki ravine park? I see mixed things online about parts of it being closed.
I really enjoyed your video, thanks. The link to your recommendations is dead.
Excellent video. Nicely detailed of the pros and cons of certain things to consider when visiting, especially the tips on where to sit for the scenery. Two single guys visiting Tokyo in late November for a 5 day stopover on our way to Macau. Not too fond of all the trains along with hauling luggage. Any hotel suggestions that offer direct transfer from Narita along with a breakfast. We were thinking something in between Shinjuku and Shibuya, particularly for the nightlife.