Tokyo's public transportation is world-class. The extensive subway and train network (JR Yamanote Line circles major districts) is the most efficient way to travel. Purchase a Pasmo or Suica IC card for seamless travel across trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are clean and reliable but expensive. Ride-sharing apps are limited; Uber primarily functions as a taxi-hailing service. Navigation apps like Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, and Japan Official Travel App are essential. Walking is excellent in most areas with clear signage.
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and mild weather; Autumn (September-November) for pleasant temperatures and fall foliage. Spring offers hanami (cherry blossom viewing) festivals but is crowded. Autumn provides comfortable sightseeing weather with vibrant colors. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid with rainy season in June-July. Winter (December-February) is cold but sunny with fewer tourists.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns (ryokan), and some restaurants. Bow slightly when greeting. Speak quietly on public transportation. Do not eat while walking. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion; excellent service is standard. Present business cards with both hands. Avoid blowing your nose in public. Use both hands when giving or receiving items. Dress modestly when visiting temples and shrines.
Tokyo is one of the world's safest major cities with extremely low violent crime rates. Safe areas include virtually all tourist districts, though standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas are advised. Areas to exercise caution include Kabukicho in Shinjuku at night (though heavily policed) and Roppongi due to occasional reports of drink spiking in some establishments. Common scams are rare but include overcharging at some bars in Roppongi and Shinjuku. Lost items are often returned through police boxes (koban). Earthquake preparedness information is available in most hotels.
Tokyo has excellent medical facilities with many English-speaking doctors. Major hospitals include St. Luke's International Hospital and Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but routine vaccines should be up-to-date. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (especially cedar pollen in spring) and heatstroke in summer. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance as medical costs can be high. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available, but some medications common elsewhere may require a prescription in Japan.
