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.
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
Surprises
Tips
Thank you!