Tokyo - the vivacious capital city of Japan encapsulated with brimming lights, exquisite restaurants, and rich culture. Making a journey to Tokyo beholds all sorts of adventures. Its hi-tech essence intertwines beautifully with Japan’s traditional soul. It’s designed in a clean and organised structure. It’s also well-integrated through an efficient underground rail network. Amidst the chaos of locals and tourists roaming around, a glimpse of stillness remains in Tokyo.

Tokyo Guide: What First-timers Need to Know

Soak into Tokyo’s appeal for at least three to four days - five tops. But you can always cut your Tokyo escapade shorter if you plan on visiting other parts of Japan for a limited time. Foodies are to have a field day in Tokyo. From street food and unique cafes to Michelin-star restaurants, your infinite love of Japanese cuisine will get a kick to the best, authentic flavours. Retail therapy in Tokyo is also a whole world in itself. You can find amusing things based on your favourite anime, for example. Moreover, a throng of clubs, bars, and karaoke centres are distinctive depending on your preference.

Tour guides might be necessary, depending on your definition of travel. Those who can navigate foreign languages and figure out logistics on their own can smoothly sail around Tokyo. However, if you’re someone who seeks to understand a travel destination to its core, then yes, book a guide. They can also conveniently get you from one place to another and lead you to local restaurants that don’t have any English translations on the menu.

Many tourists opt to explore Tokyo during the spring and fall seasons as warm to chilly temperatures complement the sunshiny skies. Especially during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April. Yet, don’t digress summer and winter out of your consideration. Summer is between late June and September, which tends to be hot and humid; and winter starts from early December to late March, which gets colder.

Be sure to carry sufficient cash with you prior to pinpointing your itinerary. Even if you unexpectedly go over budget, the postal ATMs and ATMs at convenience stores are foreign tourist-friendly.

What can a first-timer like you do in Tokyo? Check out the following ideas to include in your Tokyo escapade.

Understand the Japanese at a Buddhist Temple or Shinto Shrine

Tokyo has a story and it’s only fitting to travel back in time to the spiritual roots of the Japanese people. Many temples and shrines date back thousands of years. Several have been rebuilt numerous times as fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and war have clouded their existence, whereas others have had no refinement since their original erection. You can find temples and shrines in every inch of the city. Tokyo is regarded as the country’s capital of temples and shrines. Senso-ji Temple (the oldest temple in Tokyo), Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Zojo-Ji Temple, Tosho-Gu Shrine, and Kanda-Myojin are a few to consider. 

Get lost in a Japanese Garden

Now that you have the basics down, revel in the serene Japanese gardens tucked away around the city. These are traditional gardens designed according to Japanese aesthetics and philosophical ideas that highlight the natural landscape and avoid artificial ornamentation. It’s a sight to be reckoned with, aside from it being tremendously serene. Hamarikyu Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Rikugien, and Kiyosumi Garden are worth to visit. A couple more of must-visit ones are Ueno Park or around Imperial Palace.

Wander around Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

For some entertainment, head to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea to uplift your inner child - and put an ear-to-ear grin on the little ones. Tokyo Disneyland, or the “happiest place on earth”, is a staggering 110-acre fun-filled park featuring staple rides and attractions similar to the Disney parks in other parts of the world. Meanwhile, Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre theme park incorporating a nautical theme offering seven theme zones or “Ports of Call”, a reminiscent of real harbours of the world. Both attractions are not exactly within Tokyo but are situated in the same area of Uruyasu, Chiba, roughly an hour away.

Embrace Japanese pop-culture

The Japanese have introduced the world to beloved characters, art, and entertainment over the years. Enthusiasts of anime, robots, video games, pop music, manga, television shows, kawaii things, and more facets of Japanese pop culture will most probably stray away in their own bubbles. That’s not bad in the slightest. In Tokyo, you can see it all come to life. The Ghibli Museum, Mandarake Complex, Pokemon-themed cafe, and even being in awe of Gundam and Godzilla will make your childhood dreams come true.