The Basics
City Name: Tokyo
Where is it located?: Tokyo is eastern Japan close to the north Pacific.
Why do people go there?: Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Perhaps one of the most expensive destinations in Asia, Tokyo is the land of sumo, sushi and kimono, a land where the delicate kimono clad lady fights against drunken salary men for a seat on the subway.
How do travelers get there?: Most people enter Japan through either Tokyo’s Narita or Osaka’s Kansai International (KIX) airports.
Currency: Yen
City Code: 3
Other phone tips: In Japan, when you are in a public transportation such as the subway, train or bus, you should turn off or put your cell phone in a silent mode.
Population: 13 million
Languages: Japanese 99%, others 1%
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Shinkuju-Ku, Shibuya-Ku
Attractions: Imperial Palace, Ginza, Shinjuku
Accommodations: Tokyo Hostels
Tourist Office: Japan Tourist_Office
Off-the-beaten-path: Tsukiji Central Fish Market
Health Issues: No major Health Issues for Japan.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Go to Japan when you’re rich! Kidding aside, you can visit most of the year, althought the summer can be hot.
Common Phrases: ohaiyo = good morning; konnichi-wa=good day; hai= yes; ie= no; oyasumi nasai= good night; ai shiteru=I love you; domo arigato gozaimasu=thank you very much; onigaishimasu or kudosai=please
City Specific Events: Hari-kuyo: February
How to get around?: Tokyo has really bad traffic to the point where the only transport you should use in the subway.
Good to know: Tokyo (and Japan) is very expensive, with budget backpackers barely getting by on $80 to $100 per day.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Tokyo is the Narita International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Tokyo travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
