- WELCOME TO TOKYO -

QUICK JAPAN PRE TRAVEL TIPS

The most important thing is to PLEASE check and make sure to check your passport’s expiration date! Fill out the disembarkation and customs card online before your arrival! Screenshot the digital copy so it will be a breeze going through customs especially if you can’t connect to wifi for some reason. It’s okay if you forget, you will need to fill a physical disembarkation/customs card upon arrival but keep in mind a lot of people will be doing this as well.

AIRPORTS WILL HAVE FREE WIFI. Try and use Google Fi for cellular service or purchase an ESIM/SIM card at the airport! ESIM/SIM cards shouldn’t be more than $40 USD for the month with unlimited data! There are cheaper options as well such as 14 day ESIM/SIM Cards.

If you decide to use Google Fi, you must set up service before you arrive to Japan. The great thing about Google Fi is you can either 1) pause service the months you aren’t using it and 2) use it as your main carrier in the US. The benefit about having them as your main carrier is you will not have to buy anymore ESIM/SIM cards whenever you travel to Japan or anywhere else in the world. Google Fi covers most countries around the world!

WHICH AIRPORT TO FLY TO

I definitely recommend flying into HANEDA AIRPORT (HND). It’s a lot closer to the city unlike NARITA AIRPORT (NRT). Though I understand some airports may not fly directly into HND but NRT, so I can understand if you choose NRT. Either way, you’ve reached Tokyo and that’s really all that matters!

There are plenty of options to get from the airport to the city. I’ve compiled a list on different ways to get into the city which I’ve taken myself. Personally I prefer the train since it’s about $6 USD and usually requires no transfer until you get to the main station in town. You can also take a charter bus which is about $12 USD but I am unfamiliar with how that system works! Below is a chart that displays what it may cost you to get from NRT or HND to the city. Below is a chart of different ways to get into the city.

take it easy

Lounge access may not be the biggest priority but it is nice to have access to it. Several credit cards include lounge access however if you are flying first class, you will be allowed in as well. Some lounges have an entrance fee if you truly want to access the lounge. The fees are generally about $50 USD per person so that depends on you if you really want to have access to a lounge.

Perks of lounges are it is a quieter atmosphere for the most part. Food including and can vary on the time of day you go whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some lounges have a showers you can utilize plus small rooms that are meant for talking loudly such as a video/phone call. Check the website for lounge information since not all terminals will have lounges. CLICK THE LINKED PHOTOS FOR LOUNGE WEBSITE INFO.

JUST A FEW POINTERS FOR HOTELS

LOCATION

AKASAKA MITSUKE/AKASAKA is my best recommendation! It’s quieter, not as packed, has restaurants within walking distance and is a short train ride to hot spots with trains taking about 10-15 minutes to get to Shibuya/Shinjuku

SHIBUYA and SHINJUKU is the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Jam packed, lively and full of energy! I personally would avoid these areas as it is filled with tourists. It’s been quite dirty lately since a lot of tourists don’t really care to pick up after themselves. This would be equivalent to staying in Santa Monica/Venice, Times Square NYC or even Central London near Piccadilly.

ROPPONGI is a great area if you desire something more ritzy but tourist friendly. Great for first time visitors as a lot of English speaking establishments. I would pick this area over Shinjuku or Shibuya. Just make sure you are near a train station as the stations aren’t that accessible for some reason.