Tokyo Travel Guide
Tokyo can be challenging for dietary-restricted travelers since dashi fish stock hides in many dishes — but solutions exist. Buddhist shojin ryori restaurants, vegan ramen shops in Shinjuku, and halal wagyu outlets near Tokyo Station are all covered here. This guide also explains the Suica card, the JR Yamanote loop, and Japan's emergency number system. A few Tokyo-specific practicalities worth knowing before you land at Narita or Haneda: cash still rules at smaller restaurants and shrines, so withdraw yen from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM (most foreign cards are rejected at bank ATMs); the IC card you get (Suica or Pasmo) doubles as a payment method at konbini and most vending machines; and the JR Yamanote loop completes a full circle in about 60 minutes — useful as both transit and an accidental sightseeing tour. Trash bins are famously rare on Tokyo streets, so carry a small bag for wrappers, and tipping is not just unnecessary but actively confusing for staff.
What Surprises Travelers in Tokyo
Tokyo runs on quiet efficiency, and the biggest adjustment for most visitors is volume — phone calls on trains and loud conversation in restaurants stand out immediately. Stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya are cities in themselves, so allow ten extra minutes just to find the correct exit number, which is usually printed in directions locals give you. Escalator etiquette flips between Tokyo (stand left) and Osaka (stand right). Convenience stores are genuinely good for meals, ATMs, and printing, and are often the best option late at night when smaller kitchens have closed.
What Locals Know About Tokyo
- Tap water is potable everywhere in Tokyo — Japanese restaurants serve it free and cold by default, no need to ask or buy bottled.
- Welcome Suica at Haneda and Narita is a 28-day tourist IC card with no deposit — easier than the standard Suica if you're only here for a trip.
- Most Tokyo restaurants under ¥3,000 a head are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Amex 24/7 with no fee from the bank side.
- If you're vegetarian, the word is 'bejitarian' but always ask specifically 'dashi nashi de' (without fish stock) — most miso soup and ramen broth contain it by default.
Recommended Reading for Tokyo
Golden Hour Today in Tokyo
Thursday, September 17 — local time
What is golden hour? The roughly one-hour window just after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun sits low in the sky. Light turns warm, shadows soften, and buildings and skin tones photograph beautifully — a favorite of photographers, but also simply the loveliest time to wander a city on foot.
Tokyo
Japan • Asia
Japan's neon-lit capital seamlessly blends ancient temples with cutting-edge technology. Explore serene gardens, vibrant anime districts, and Michelin-starred ramen shops all within a remarkably efficient transit system. Tokyo's energy, precision, and endless discoveries make it one of the world's most fascinating cities.
Tokyo Map
Frequently Asked Questions — Tokyo
Can vegetarians eat well in Tokyo?▼
How do I navigate Tokyo's train system?▼
Is halal food available in Tokyo?▼
Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Tokyo?▼
Why do station exits matter so much in Tokyo?▼
🧓 Senior Travel Guide
Discounts, accessibility tips, and city-specific advice for older travelers — including Tokyo.