Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is one of the most famous cities in the world. Tourists from all over the world come to Tokyo daily which is why it’s one of the most popular destinations. However, as we all know, visiting another country is quite an adjustment, and having a glance at their culture and practices is definitely not just an option, but a must. Culture shock is likely, but to be prepared about what to expect, then read on.

Some basic information about this country:

Time Zone: UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time). Japan is one hour ahead of the Philippines and Singapore, Taiwan

Language: Japanese (Nihongo). English isn’t widely spoken. However, most signs have English translations.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥)

Modes of payment: Many establishments accept credit cards, but most still prefer cash.

What we’ll cover:

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO

• Best Area to Stay in Tokyo
• Top Budget Hotels in Tokyo

HOW TO GET AROUND TOKYO

• How to travel by train using single tickets
• How to buy and use Suica or Pasmo Card

WHERE TO EAT CHEAP IN TOKYO

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO

Most online resources recommend three locations: Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo station area. What’s good about these locations is, they’re close to Yamanote Line and direct airport bus services. Aside from that, online resources highly recommend hotels near a station, because tourist spots are mostly accessible by subway.

Here are some budget accommodation types and the usual off-peak rates:

Bed at Capsule Hotel: as low as USD 20

Bed at a Dormitory: as low as USD 28

Single Room: as low as USD 55

Twin/Double Room: as low as USD 78

TOP BUDGET HOTELS IN TOKYO

Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Shinjuku Station.

Keikyu ex inn Akihabara -Tokyo Akihabara.

Dormy Inn Premium Tokyo Kodenmacho – Nihonbashi.

Hotel Wing International Select Asakusa Komagata.

JR-East Hotel mets akihabara

MyCUBE Asakusa Kuramae.

Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Tokyo Akihabara

Glansit Akihabara comfort capusule Hotel.

HOW TO GET AROUND TOKYO

Subway/train is the most efficient mode of transportation and most people prefer this over the expensive taxis. Because the railway system is most accessible, there will be a train station close to wherever you’re going.

There are three companies that serve Central Tokyo: Tokyo Metro Subway, Toei Subway, and JR East. These multiple lines of trains go in different directions and are entangled, but amazingly systematic. The subway lines are marked with an assigned letter in a color-coded circle. It is highly advisable to know the companies’ logos to find them easily.

Here’s what you need to know about different train types:

The Local trains are those that stop every single station of the line, which means if your stop is 15+ stations away, it’ll take a lot of time to get there.

Rapid trains, on the contrary, skip some stations and has the same price as the local trains.

Express trains skip more stations.

Lastly, Limited express only stops at major stations and an additional fee is required.

How to travel by train using single tickets:

1. Visit hyperdia.com/en/. From there, enter your station of origin and where you’ll head to. You will see the route options and how much each will cost.
2. Buy the tickets. Go to the ticket machines and set the language to English if you can’t read Japanese.
3. Follow the instructions flashed on the screen. Confirm your booking and wait for the tickets to get released by the ticket machine.
4. Go to the right platform. Check if you’re in the right direction, check the list of stations usually displayed on a wall before the platforms.
5. Wait for the right train. The estimated time of arrival of the next train is displayed on electronic screens.

HOW TO BUY AND USE SUICA OR PASMO CARD

Unlike the typical tickets, prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo cards enables a user to avoid buying tickets every time they take a train ride. With this, you’ll just need to tap the card over the reader and you’re through. The difference between Suica and Pasmo are the companies offering it. Suica is sold by JR while Pasmo by Toei and Tokyo Metro. Both cards both in any line. It’s very similar.

To avail one, you’ll just need to buy them from the Pasmo or Suica machines at the station. These cards can be used on buses, and even shops, occasionally, or in vending machines.

WHERE TO EAT CHEAP IN TOKYO

Of course, one of the most important know is food! The easiest way to save money on food is to buy from the supermarkets (if you’re cooking). Japanese supermarkets sell raw ingredients and even cooked ones that you can simply eat as is. The same goes for convenience stores that serve good food too.

Japan is not enough for you? How about visiting other places in Asia. Click here!