Seven days is the minimum. Thirty million people, zero English on the street, $300 sushi, and a constant feeling of being in the wrong future — this guide starts with someone landing at Haneda at 10pm with no idea which train to take.
Seven days is the minimum. Thirty million people, zero English on the street, $300 sushi, and a constant feeling of being in the wrong future — this guide starts with someone landing at Haneda at 10pm with no idea which train to take.
The 7-day JR Pass costs ¥50,000 ($335) and only pays off if you day-trip to Hakone, Kamakura plus another Shinkansen — for Tokyo-only, Suica/Pasmo wins.
Mid-range Tokyo hotel runs $120/night (Shinjuku, Shibuya); decent capsule hotel costs $40 but sleep is rough.
Serious counter nigiri (Sushi Saito, Sukiyabashi Jiro mid-tier) starts at $60 per person; excellent ramen runs $7.
Almost nobody speaks English on the street — Google Translate with camera is essential; Japanese-only menus are the rule.
Cherry blossom (late March to early April) is expensive and packed; autumn leaves (late November) is just as beautiful and 40% cheaper.
Seven days is the minimum. Thirty million people, zero English on the street, $300 sushi, and a constant feeling of being in the wrong future — this guide starts with someone landing at Haneda at 10pm with no idea which train to take.
