The Best First-Timer’s Guide to Tokyo: Discover 11 Must-Visit Spots in Asia

Tokyo–whoa. How do I even begin? It is a city, in the most positive sense of the word, which overwhelms your senses. Neon signs abound, there are little streets, weird shops, the smell of new sushi mixed with street food, and people move exactly but smoothly everywhere. In my defense, I would have been able to spend a month and not see everything within the week that I was exploring.

The Reasons Tokyo Will Win Your Heart.

Take yourself to Shibuya Crossing in case you have not been there before. People go by hundreds in every direction, yet no one runs over. It’s beautiful but chaotic. In half an hour you can be in a serene garden in Meiji Shrine, with its trees of great height, and the silence of service. It is Tokyo, the city of contrasts.

I do mean it when I say that Tokyo has something to offer everybody. Foodies will be crazy with the street snacks, ramen and sushi. Culture vultures have the ability to roam through galleries, museums, and shrines. What if you’re a tech geek? Akihabara can be home to say the least.

Getting There (and Feeling Like a Pro)

Upon my arrival in Narita via an airplane, I was on the Narita Express (N’EX). Something like ninety minutes later I was in Shinjuku, looking through the train window into the developing city. When newcomers, it is important to remember that trains are your best friend. They are so efficient once you get used to them, and make Tokyo appear smaller than it is.

Haneda is another best option that can be used to transfer to the city faster. You can start immediately without necessarily taking the long ride since it is nearer to major places such as Shibuya and Ginza.

Getting Around

My professional tip is to obtain a Pasmo or a Suica card as soon as possible. There is no need to fuss with single tickets; all you need to do is tap in and out. Taxis are surprisingly convenient when you have something to carry, or when you are late at night, although I used trains and subways.

Buses? They are slower, to be fair, but they offer a very pleasant experience of sightseeing Tokyo on the street. I just took a few to have a glimpse at the landscape; it is another perspective altogether.

When to Visit

When I came in late in March, the cherry blossoms were only starting to bloom. It was a pink dream city, and the parks were full of people picnicking under the trees and petals of pink everywhere. The autumnal colors in Tokyo are also stunning provided that you are a fall person. I soon found out that the first thing in the morning is your silent artillery since the crowds at the peak might be mean.

Money & Essentials
Tokyo is extremely contemporary, yet money reigns. I carried yen to temples, street food and small shops. The Seven-Eleven ATMs that are spread everywhere and take most foreign cards were priceless.

Places to Stay
The place I have stayed, Shibuya, is an energy bomb. People, lights, music and food are everywhere. Yoyogi and Shimokitazawa, however, are gems in case you are in need of a more more relaxed environment; they have boutique shops, small cafes, and a calming down pace as well and they are all within easy reach by train.

Favorites of mine:

JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya- https://www.hotelmets.jp/en/shibuya/
Granbellhotel – https://www.granbellhotel.jp/en/shibuya/
The Mustard Hotel – https://mustardshibuya.hotelsoftokyo.com/en.
Shibuya Granbell
The JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya.
The Mustard Hotel
Tokyo for Food Lovers
The following are the basics in case you are visiting Tokyo because of the food and because it is worth doing so:

Tsukiji Outer Market – https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english.

Street Snacks: Street cotton candy in Harajuku is preposterous, yet in a good way. What about Hara Donuts? Cute, quirky and too easy to read in one sitting.

Izakayas: Tokyo literally comes alive at night in small bars such as FUKU Yakitori. I enjoyed the family-like ambiance and mixing with natives and savoring a multiplicity of skewers.

Must-See Spots
Shibuya Crossing: You have heard it, but you have to do it. The energy is addictive.
Meiji Shrine: An urban getaway. Passing through the torii gates was like going back in time.
Golden Gai and Piss Alley: I was used to spend my best evenings here, small bars, weird decor, and stories without an end.
Golden Gai & Piss Alley
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya Crossing
Little-known Corners and Cool Neighborhoods.
Harajuku: Mad fashion, color streets, and crepes which are actually masterpieces.
Shimokitazawa: Hipster nirvana, vintage stores, independent music and coffee shops where one might fritter away hours.
Ginza: Glossy streets, upscale shops and an entirely new Tokyo atmosphere.
Coffee & Chill
Onibus Nakameguro is the place where perfect coffee and minimalism live. Shozo Cafe is the perfect combination of Japanese style and the coziness, whereas Cafe Kitsune is a wonderful location to make a photo (and get a shot of caffeine boost). Trust me, coffee lovers, you are going to have a place.