We visited Tokyo in Autumn 2018, staying at a hotel in Shinjuku. Given that this was 7 years ago, note that our experience is that of the time.

We stayed mainly in & around the city, but we did make a trip out to Hakone. Having a local friend who speaks the language made all the difference - especially out in Hakone - but it is easy to pick up the most basic greetings & manners.

Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Confirmed Expectations

• Public transit runs well and is frequently overpacked.
• High speed trains are exciting.
• People are generally polite & will try to help.
• Food is to die for.
• Gaijin tax does exist in some places - e.g. foreign language menus with different prices. Only ran into this twice over a 10-day stay.
• General orderliness and tidiness. Almost everywhere.
• Salarymen can drink like fish.
• Most things can be obtained from a convenience (Lawson, 7-Eleven etc).

Surprises

• Cash is king.
• Depending on the line, the trains may change track at fairly high speed. You are warned when this will happen. How the locals can free-stand and not fall over during this remains a mystery.
• Smoking is inside, not out, with some exceptions.
• Not many public bins - expect to hold trash for a time until you find one or get back to where you are staying.
• The best and worst in toilet technology.
• The variety in the KitKat department.
• Hot bottled drinks in vending machines.
• McDonald’s is actually good, and caters to the local tastes.
• 100 Yen shops have some neat stuff.
• Elevators to places that open onto the street, and tell you if you need an umbrella.
• On umbrellas - stands exist in shops specifically for quickly wrapping wet umbrellas, preventing puddles.

Tips

• Don’t tip.
• Bow.
• Accept and give anything meaningful with both hands. Gifts, cards etc.
• Look up customs at shrines & temples before visiting.
• Buy your transport tickets (JRPass esp.) in advance.