PACKING FOR TOKYO, JAPAN

Japan seems to be on everyone’s radar these days, and for good reason. Because the US Dollar is so strong, it’s time to make a plan. This isn’t a time for carry-on, so dust off that large checked bag. We’ve provided you with the best advice on what to pack in preparation for your trip to Tokyo.

Pack your Suitcase:

Seriously, leave your suitcase half empty. Japanese fashion is popular, you’ll have your choice of local designers and big labels. Don’t pack too much. Most hotel rooms have shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, and combs. Tokyo is a great place to buy skincare products. Don’t forget your charging cables (USB & USB C), and a portable battery. Bring a Japan plug converter. You’ll be too tired to spend much time on a laptop.

Before You Go to Japan:

The most favorable exchange rates for the Yen are usually at the airport. Bring a change purse, and fill it with small denomination coins, a necessity for visiting temples. Download the Suica Card App, good for transportation, including trains, taxis, and some cafes. Best of all, you can load more money on the go.

Another great App is Get Your Guide, which has affordable activities all over the globe. Think about getting an International Drivers License, so you can sign up for the Go Cart Through Tokyo Tour. You have to get your license in your country of origin before your flight. Sign up for a Food Tour right away. Your local guide will give you the lay of the land and lots of useful advice. TeamLab offers fun immersive art experiences. Buy tickets in advance.

Learn some basic Japanese, like “excuse me”, “thank you”, “good morning”, and “how much”. Surprisingly, very few people in Japan speak English. Google Translate is your friend. Apple AirPods is adding live translation with the iOS 19 update. People are super friendly and always willing to help.

Transportation:

Arriving at Narita there’s plenty of options getting to Tokyo. Absolutely, do not take a $200 taxi. The shuttle buses are around $12, departing every 20 minutes, all seats assigned. There’s a ticket counter just before the exit. Another way into Tokyo is the train. Definitely, buy advance tickets for the Shinkansen, (high-speed bullet train). It’s the fastest way to visit Kyoto and beyond. Book a seat on the right side so you can see Mt. Fuji from the window. Forgot to get a ticket? Who me? I found open seats in business class, which has food service. I suggest buying a bento box at the train station. Planning on staying a while? Many hotels will ship your luggage ahead for you, takes a day to arrive.

Want a taxi? No problem unless it’s raining. You need to arrange in advance with your hotel. Of course I didn’t do that. Uber to the rescue. Pure luck.

When it’s time to return to the airport you will regret not arranging transportation in advance. I speak from experience. Apparently seats sell out quickly, as I learned the hard way. After much hand wringing the concierge managed to find me a seat on a hotel shuttle. (The Ginza Marriott). You don’t need to be a guest. In desperation, you can get to the airport by hauling your luggage to the Shinjuku or Tokyo train station. (So many stairs, ugh). At the Shinjuku station, the largest in the world, you can easily walk three miles.

Where to Stay in Tokyo:

If you’re a first-timer, book in affordable Shinbuya or Shinjuku. Be prepared for and explosion of neon lights, Tokyo makes New York City look like a country village. So many people! So many tiny restaurants off alleyways. Down some sake and karaoke the night away.

.Shibuya has the world’s largest pedestrian crossing. Don’t even think of stopping on the sidewalk to check your phone. If you’ve got some bucks and are overwhelmed by crowds, take yourself to Ginza. Prices run from about $600 to $1,500 and up per night. You can save money staying outside the city center. Just make sure you are a short walk from a train station. Book an afternoon at an authentic Onsen, or a hotel with an Onsen. No regrets..

Local Trains:

Things to Do in Tokyo:

Besides shopping, there’s a variety of activities you can find on the Get Your Guide App. Great idea to sign up for a food tour right away. You’ll meet people and get great recommendations from the guide. Get your International Drivers License before you leave if you’re up for the adventurous Go Cart Through Tokyo Tour. Buy tickets for TeamLab online, they sell out fast. Enjoy amazing light shows, fun for all ages. Read about the shows ahead of time. The one I went to required walking through foot high water. Want to up your photography game? Check out EyeExplore.

Getting Around Tokyo:

Google Translate is your best friend. Don’t assume people will speak English except for the Hotel front desk clerks. Certainly not the taxi drivers. Give them your hotel card written in Japanese. Learn how to navigate the train stations, as they’re the least expensive and most efficient way to get around.

Japanese Culture:

The Japanese are socialized from an early age to be polite & considerate of others. That’s why outsiders are counseled to not sit on the ground, or eat while walking. There are signs on some streets cautioning you to keep your voice down. Don’t worry if you break any rules, you will only be silently judged. Oh, and don’t expect a trash receptacle anywhere. Really.

Whether you’re a Type A or B planner, you’re going to have a great time!

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Useful APPs to Download:

https://youtu.be/lHCB_9pNdI8?si=rS9-odg4m4yfb8yb

More Tango Diva Articles:

http://tangodiva.com/2006/04/culture-japan-finding-myself-in-japan

photographs by ©lynnfriedman