Tips for FIRST TIME visitors in Tokyo Japan (2024)

This is my guide for first time visitors to Tokyo Japan in 2024 containing tips that I can personally recommend after a rather disastrous first couple of hours in Tokyo
Basically, it contains everything I wish I knew before my recent trip!
If you are visiting Tokyo Japan for the first time I strongly suggest you watch all the way through to prevent making the mistakes I made but there are chapters if you want to skip ahead and thats ok too, you can always come back to the other chapters later
00:00 Introduction
01:36 Best Time to Visit Tokyo Japan?
02:51 Cheapest Time to Go to Tokyo?
03:28 What To Pack/Bring to Japan
SNAP Wireless Power Banks Discount Code (10% OFF) - snapwireless.com.au/STEVE or use code STEVE when purchasing
06:15 Bring Cash (Japanese Yen)
06:56 Mobile Data Connection - esim, wireless dongle or roaming?
Get 10% off wireless dongle via klook.com - use KLOOK code PHATLIFEPROJECT when booking
Airalo esim $3 OFF code - STEVE5974
09:07 Mobile Data Connection - FREE WIfi in Japan
09:55 Clear Immigration faster - Visit Japan Website (www.vjw.digital.go.jp)
10:56 How to Get from Narita/Haneda to Tokyo?
14:15 Tokyo Travel Pass - JR Pass, SUICA or PASMO?
16:31 Understanding the Tokyo Subway System
17:49 Using Google Maps in Japan
18:35 How to find BEST food in Tokyo - Tabelog 101(tabelog.com)
20:01 Social Etiquette in Tokyo Japan (and beyond)
Hi I am Steve, a jaded professional living in Sydney, Australia who travels a lot for work and decided to start creating travel content on KZbin as a passion project
I have been on Tiktok ( / phatlifeproject ) and Instagram - / phatlifeproject for some time and have a lot of short form content on there if you want to check it out or DM me for any questions
Also if travelling is your vibe I strongly suggest subscribing so we can go on more fun PHAT adventures together!

[@lt4675]

Where can one get the nifty heatpack from pls. Ty 4 sharing. Planning to go Japan but overwhelmed with so much places to explore n language lol

[@PhatLifeProject]

It’s from Kathmandu! :)

[@bobbyreyes5291]

Using uber or taxi in tolyo are expensive? Thank you

[@PhatLifeProject]

not cheap =)

[@JustPeaceLoveAndKindness]

Thanks for your well organized tips! Looking forward to Japan this year.

[@PhatLifeProject]

you will love it! enjoy your trip and thanks for watching

[@andrewfaulconbridge6836]

Great video, thank you for explaining it so well.

[@PhatLifeProject]

You're very welcome, i hope you enjoy your time in Tokyo!

[@deys888kaye]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@PhatLifeProject]

You’re very welcome!

[@coniliang8414]

Thank you for all the helpful tips! One of the best videos I've watched!

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you so much! 😀😊 you've made my day!

[@annking2196]

Thank you so much for your information. Is so straight forward and easy, Awesome

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are so welcome ☺️ have a great trip !

[@abeshura]

Omg this is one of the best tips videos I’ve seen everything all in one 😊Thank you

[@PhatLifeProject]

You’re welcome ☺️ thank you for taking the time to watch

[@user-hf7qg9tc9h]

Great content! Thank you👏🏼

[@PhatLifeProject]

Glad you liked it! Have a great upcoming trip!

[@FlorenceMagangan]

This is a very organised and concise video .. thank you for sharing

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are very welcome

[@stella9283]

I love your tips!!! clear and concise

[@PhatLifeProject]

I’m so glad it’s helpful. Hope you have a great upcoming trip to Japan. And thank you for watching.

[@tracycamden558]

This was by far one of the best and most concise Tokyo tip videos on KZbin. Thank you!

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you for making my day! I am glad it was helpful and hope you enjoy your trip to Tokyo!

[@TehAzner]

Thanks for the useful tips again (a nice refresher even for those of us who've been before)!

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are welcome! ☺️☺️

[@rapidlgr9979]

Excellent info...very grateful!

[@PhatLifeProject]

Very welcome! Im so happy it is useful =)

[@veroariel1]

This video is so informative! Thank you!

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are quite welcome. Enjoy your upcoming trip.

[@rogueplanets]

Great video! Thank you!

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are quite welcome :)

[@roxy20235]

Thank you for all the help

[@PhatLifeProject]

Happy to help! Enjoy Tokyo 😇

[@jeanicaalair4106]

Been to tokyo but still watched your video! Love it! Subscribed!!!!

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you so much!

[@ivochula]

Thank you for the tips and the Airalo discount. Your video was very helpful to prepare my first trip to Japan!

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your trip! 😄

[@robertcasper1557]

Very nice video, thank you.😊

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are quite welcome hope it was helpful!

[@edp6364]

awesome video and very informative ..... thanks

[@PhatLifeProject]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip to Japan

[@matsnoki]

so far that is simplest and best tips i have seen so far Thank you. 6 weeks to go and already with your help i found 3 more think to do thx

[@PhatLifeProject]

Im so glad it was helpful! And you have picked a great time to go =)

[@Ssss-ku5tp]

Such great content🎉

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you watching and I’m glad it is of value to you. 🥰

[@lauraelias8441]

Your videos are so informative. I’m going to Japan in a few days & was so nervous about the transportation. Thank you for sharing! Also, thanks for the esim option. Didn’t realize it was that easy

[@PhatLifeProject]

You’re welcome! You’re gonna have so much fun!

[@123456jedwin]

Thank you. Very clear and informative. I really do appreciate you for sharing. We’re so excited for our Tokyo Vacation. GOD bless.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Filipino ba? Welcome po, enjoy vacation sa Tokyo ;) (thats all the tagalog im capable of btw lol)

[@123456jedwin]

@@PhatLifeProject Wow. Your Tagalog is very good. Yes, we’re looking forward for our Tokyo trip. Hopefully, it’s not raining next week. Have a blessed week.

[@maritesmacasadia118]

What a great, informative video. This will truly come in handy during our 1st trip next year. Thank you so much !!!

[@PhatLifeProject]

thank you! i hope you enjoy your upcoming trip! when do you plan to go?

[@maritesmacasadia118]

@@PhatLifeProject June next year Wanted to go in March for the cherry blossoms but my daughter doesn’t have enough vacation time for spring break. Plan to be there for at least 2 weeks

[@PhatLifeProject]

@@maritesmacasadia118 on the up side as it warmer, your luggage will be lighter =)

[@maritesmacasadia118]

@@PhatLifeProject exactly =)

[@francisgagneart]

I'm really excited, I've never visited Japan in my life. It's gonna be captivating! Thank you for the information! :)

[@PhatLifeProject]

You are going to love it! and you're welcome! thank you for watching =)

[@ariarfiandi]

Thanks Dude..I have 10 days to compile all this information..my chrome screaming out loud at the moment for opening at least 15 tabs in one go..thank you for sharing..now I have to look for accomodation..

[@PhatLifeProject]

you are welcome! and I totally understand, took me hours as well 😀, enjoy tokyo!

[@eddie9447]

Thanks for the info on the Suica card. Didn't realize adding it to my Apple wallet was that simple.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Happy to help! ☺️

[@kimapts]

This video is instrumental in my planning our family trip to Japan this year. Many thanks and blessings to you, PhatLife Project! (We also appreciated the little blooper at the end! n_n)

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad this video has been of help to you! It’s the whole point of making these videos :) I hope you have a fantastic upcoming trip to Japan!

[@CHEQQUEENSNBROOKLYNMF]

I WOULD DEFINITELY NEED A TOUR GUIDE OR TWO. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Irenelinn]

I am going to Japan again in June, this will be my second visit.

[@PhatLifeProject]

It is addictive hehe

[@fiftyfitter6406]

Thank you

[@PhatLifeProject]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy your upcoming trip to Japan!

[@louiseb9692]

You deserve waaaaay more subscribers. This video is much better than some of the others I have watched that have 400k+ views. Keep up the good work.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Wow, thank you for the compliment! i really appreciate it =) and yes hopefully one day =)

[@cgpark5027]

Thank you so much for all that you do. Understood you clearly well. Have you travelled from Fukuoka to Busan y ferry? Any tips?

[@PhatLifeProject]

thank you! I havent done that yet but what a great idea for a video =)

[@chasestubblefield]

You are awesome and you make excellent content. (I formerly led a KZbinr company so I hope that adds to this compliment)

[@PhatLifeProject]

Wow, thank you, that’s an incredible compliment 😅😊

[@tobiasbrizuela1312]

Love ur vids about South Korea and Tokio - Im a 54-year-old solo travaller so you bet I need a lot of help when navigating in those huge stations. I intend to take the train from Narita to Tokio station ( statying in a hotel near by). Is it easy or complicated to exit the tokio station?

[@niaraeoi3840]

Thanks for your video. You said you have a link to buy something on klook, but do you have any discount link to buy regional train passes?

[@PhatLifeProject]

its a GREAT question - you can also purchase regional JR passes from Klook and you most certainly can try out the same discount code =)

[@James-jo7xp]

Thanks so much for the useful content! I'm traveling to Tokyo soon, and am wondering if airalo was an easy and seamless experience for you. I'm going to Hokkaido after, and wonder too if you know Airalo works okay in the area. I'm from Sydney as well. 😊

[@PhatLifeProject]

It worked perfectly in Tokyo - I’m part of a JapanTravel group on Facebook and so far no one has complained about Airalo in Hokkaido ☺️

[@James-jo7xp]

@@PhatLifeProject thank you! Really appreciate this. 😊

[@serenefoo145]

Thank you very much Steve for sharing your knowledge especially myself is first time to Tokyo with my family this coming October, I live in Auckland New Zealand wondering can we use Wise instead of all the other cards you are sharing. Thank you.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Unfortunately as of the moment Japanese subways still don’t allow you to tap credit cards - a digital suica or pasmo is still very easy to activate tho

[@PhatLifeProject]

And you’re welcome! Enjoy Tokyo

[@evclark]

Completely off topic - but please let me know if you know where I can buy a print of that brilliant aerial retro photo of the north shore of Sydney. Thanks Steve! :) Great video BTW

[@PhatLifeProject]

haha that is a brilliant comment, let me check, i actually have no idea as it came with the house

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

Hot take, Pre registration only saves you about 5/10 min depending on how good you're at finding your hotel details. At least thats from my experience. luggage, if you have a lot, use limosine bus, to a major hub close to your hun, from there its often walkable / local commute that isnt bad, worst case a short taxi ride. then you also dont need to re-arrange your stuff to make sure you have at least one shift incase you didnt send it early enough for same day / next day transfer. Its okay to eat and drink on Shinkansen, its almost a part of the experience of using the Shinkansen

[@mishunot]

Can I use the balance remaining on my passmo hello kitty card to buy food etc? You mentioned that you scanned your passport online to avoid the long queue at the arrival. When did you do it-3days before your arrival? Thank you..

[@PhatLifeProject]

Yes you can use it at convenience stores to buy food, and i did the passport scan about a week before i went to Japan 😊

[@lalulin]

will def try to find the hand heat pads 😅 also sayonara is more like "i won't be seeing you again" like when you break up with a partner, it's better to say "jaa mata" because mata nee is consideres too "otaku" now and would def add "sumimasen" to the list

[@PhatLifeProject]

Yes, the heat pads were lifesavers - and thank you. It’s good to know some new Japanese.

[@tugbadogan7014]

Hello, is shinjuku or shimbashi is more safe for a female to stay ? :)

[@fyevalentine7670]

I’m going to Japan in August I’m worried I won’t be able to fit in everything I want to do! Most of which is food!

[@PhatLifeProject]

i had the same problem haha, theres just too much good food in Japan =)

[@carmengeorgescu1630]

hI, your video is really good and I like how you speak. I registered already for my coming trip but it didn't ask me for the passport photo. Did I do something wrong?

[@PhatLifeProject]

hmm thats strange, it should as that saves you that step at immigration

[@roycck]

Two questions, appreciated for any info. Can ICOCA be used in Tokyo? Also if I need to reach narita airport by 7am, at what time does the trains starts in the morning? Any info is greatly appreciated. 🙏🏻

[@PhatLifeProject]

Hi there! ICOCA? Yes Trains in Japan start running at 5am =)

[@roycck]

@@PhatLifeProject Thanks for the info!

[@2pound625]

Any idea what my options are for Suica card with an Android? I can't add it to my Google Wallet ahead of time and I'm worried about not being able to get one in person. Thanks. Great video!

[@wernerdesmet6298]

You just pay in the station every time you wanna take a metro etc.. . You don't need a card. No worries.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Your best bet would be a welcome sweeter or pasmo passport and definitely keep a look out for it at the airport

[@PhatLifeProject]

And while paying for each trip at the station is a possibility and a great backup plan it is troublesome to have to buy a ticket every single time you want to jump on a train - I recommend you get your hands on a physical card if possible

[@ivyabella0705]

Can I download a suica on apple wallet without typing the serial no.of physical suica card?

[@PhatLifeProject]

You can actually just activate and top up a digital version of suica without needing to get a physical one

[@galanfamily]

I was sad about not going to the Gisha district. I'm here now and we avoided the area out of respect.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Unfortunately because of some of us tourist who dont know how to respect the cultures and traditions of the very country they're visiting the rest of us can't have nice things 😢

[@CrankTrickerz]

NEVER say Sayonara for goodbye. Locals will look at strangely

[@kashfyzul93]

O why? And what should I say instead?

[@sapnupuas__]

Can I say Jaane instead?

[@CrankTrickerz]

@@sapnupuas__ yes. It’s a casual way to say bye. Or Matane Oder simple bye bye. Sayonara is like goodbye forever

[@sapnupuas__]

@@CrankTrickerz yeah heared of it ...nice, arigatou

[@melverys]

@@kashfyzul93 sayounara basically means fairwell and they usually only say it to their s/o when they break up and other situations like that. I would probably stick with jaane since it’s not as casual as byebye

[@buckwaller2777]

What's that thing on your eye?

[@PhatLifeProject]

Thank you for asking a question that is completely unrelated to the video - it is a birthmark

[@CHEQQUEENSNBROOKLYNMF]

TOKYO STAY BEAUTIFUL. 24❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PhatLifeProject]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nhiybui]

Any recommendation on English Japanese translation app other than google translate?

[@PhatLifeProject]

Papago :)

[@bobbyreyes5291]

By taking uber or Taxi are expensive in Tokyo ! Thanks

[@PhatLifeProject]

Yes in comparison to their public transportation ❤️

[@bobbyreyes5291]

Thank you !

[@yuka-youtube]

when i walking in japan, i always drink coffee. i don’t think it’s rude. i am japanese born in japan. you sure it is rude ???

[@PhatLifeProject]

It’s good that you’re not but We as foreigners to your country just want to take precautions to be respectful - you may not but there are others that do and also that has been what other seasoned visitors to your country have advised

[@ivyabella0705]

Really? As in just download the app and just top up the digital one?

[@PhatLifeProject]

You dont even need to download the app, just search SUICA or PASMO in your apple wallet, it should show up =) then just top up using your apple pay

[@ivyabella0705]

Will it cause any problems while using it on Japan?

[@PhatLifeProject]

@@ivyabella0705 not that i have heard of =)

[@aajohnsoutube]

Man everyone trying to cash in on unwelcome tourism

[@ccb5478]

He

[@PhatLifeProject]

Hi

[@kevindorcy]

Recommendation: stop plugging so many products. Had to bow out halfway through.

[@PhatLifeProject]

Haha Roger that - I purposefully put in chapters you can always skip ;)