TokyoTravel Guide

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but it is often more affordable than major European cities for budget-conscious travellers. A bowl of ramen costs ¥700–1,000 (₹350–500). A set lunch at a mid-range restaurant is ¥900–1,300 (₹450–650). Capsule hotels cost ¥2,500–4,000/night (₹1,250–2,000). Budget travellers can manage on ₹4,000–6,000/day including accommodation. The expensive elements are accommodation in central Tokyo and high-end dining.

Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. You can leave a phone on a café table and return to find it there. However, take normal precautions: avoid leaving bags unattended, be aware of your surroundings, and use official taxis or Grab for late-night travel. The biggest risk most Tokyo visitors face is getting lost in the metro system.

Spring (late March–early April) for cherry blossom season is the most popular time — the parks transform into pink canopies and the city feels magical, though accommodation prices rise significantly. Autumn (October–November) offers vivid foliage and comfortable temperatures. Avoid August (extreme heat and humidity) and Golden Week at the start of May (everywhere is crowded and expensive). Winter is cold but uncrowded, with excellent skiing day trips from Tokyo.

The JR Pass (7-day: ¥50,000, approximately ₹25,000) only makes financial sense if you are travelling between multiple cities. A Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo shinkansen journey costs around ¥45,000–55,000 on its own, so the pass pays for itself. If you are staying mainly in Tokyo, skip the JR Pass and buy an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) instead — it covers all Tokyo metro lines and buses for standard fares.

Key etiquette rules: Do not tip (it can be considered impolite). Stay quiet on trains — phone calls are discouraged. Carry your own rubbish as public bins are very scarce. Eat and drink while walking is frowned upon except at festivals. Remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples, and most ryokan. Bow slightly when greeting — a 15-degree nod is appropriate for tourists. Queue patiently — Japanese queuing culture is very orderly.

Tokyo has one of the world's most comprehensive public transport systems. Get an IC card (Suica — add it to Apple/Google Wallet or buy at the airport) and use it on all Metro lines, JR lines, buses, and even at convenience stores. The Tokyo Metro app with offline maps is essential. Taxis are expensive and reliable. Cycling is increasingly popular — dockless bike-share services like HELLO CYCLING are available. Walking between neighbourhoods is often pleasant.