Tokyo had been living in my head for a long time before I finally arrived. I imagined the lights, the crowds, the food, the order, the chaos, and somehow, the real thing felt even more intense. Exciting, overwhelming, calming, and inspiring all at once.
This post is a reflection of how I spent 4 days in Tokyo, what made my trip easier, and the moments that stayed with me. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or dreaming about visiting Tokyo one day, I hope this helps, or at least makes you want to go.
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Landing in Tokyo & Staying Connected
One thing I’ve learned from travelling is that landing in a new country already connected makes everything feel less intimidating. Before flying to Japan, I topped up my Japan eSIM so I could use data and my phone as soon as I landed.
I use Airalo, and I’ve used it on many trips you’ll see on my website, including South Africa and Indonesia. It worked perfectly in Tokyo, for Google Maps, translations, transport, and bookings.
If it’s your first time using Airalo, you can use my code: DANIEL22410
Being able to step off the plane and immediately know where I was going gave me such peace of mind.
Where I Stayed in Tokyo: Ikebukuro
I stayed at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro, and it turned out to be a really good choice. The hotel is part of the Sunshine City complex, which includes a large shopping mall, restaurants, and even a Pokémon Centre. If I returned to Tokyo, I'd happily stay in Ikebukuro again. It felt well connected, had plenty of restaurants, and was slightly quieter than areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Ikebukuro felt lively but not overwhelming, which I appreciated after long days of walking and exploring. Having everything so close made evenings easy, especially when you’re tired and just want good food without travelling far.
One evening, we ate at Tonkatsu Wako inside the mall and had a crunchy tonkatsu set that was comforting and delicious. Sometimes simple food really hits the spot when you’re travelling.
Tokyo Shopping & Learning About Japanese Sizes
Before going to Japan, I kept hearing about Onitsuka Tiger, so of course I had to go. I visited the Ginza store, where you can customise your shoes. Be prepared to register in-store (there will be a queue before openingshours) and wait, they’ll email you when it’s your turn. (System works perfectly)
Nearby is the Uniqlo Flagship Store in Ginza, spread across 12 floors and the GU store. It’s impressive, but also a good reminder of one important thing:
Japanese clothing sizes run small.
I normally wear an S in Europe, but in Japan, I often need a Medium or even a Large, especially for trousers. My biggest advice is to always try things on before buying.
Looking back, I'm glad I waited to buy things in Japan rather than bringing them from home.
Getting Around Tokyo (Easier Than I Expected)
I was surprised by how easy it was to get around Tokyo. The transport system is incredibly well organised.
What really helped me:
- Station names in Japanese and English
- Stations also have numbers, which makes navigating easier
- Google Maps tells you exactly which train, platform, and exit to use
Even though Tokyo is busy, everything flows. People queue, follow rules, and move with purpose. Somehow, even with so many people, it feels calm.
Eating in Tokyo: From Ramen to Omakase
Simple, Affordable Ramen in Shibuya
One of my favourite casual meals was at IFUU RAMEN in Shibuya. It’s simple, good-quality ramen for under £10, and exactly what you want after walking all day.A Special Omakase Experience
One experience I knew I wanted before arriving in Japan was an omakase sushi dinner. I booked Sushi Toiro in Kichijoji via Tabelog before travelling.
I chose this restaurant because I wanted to try sea urchin, which I’ve found very difficult to get in Europe. The omakase included lots of uni and fatty tuna, and it was genuinely one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
The chef and staff didn’t speak much English, but they were incredibly kind. At the end, the chef gave us a pair of chopsticks to take home.
I had brought a small gift from London to give him; I’d heard people in Japan appreciate small gestures, but I completely forgot. I still regret it, and if I ever go back, I’ll definitely bring something.
Seeing Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku & City Views
Of course, I went to see Shibuya Crossing. It’s iconic, but honestly, many crossings in Tokyo feel similar: people crossing from all sides, surrounded by lights and movement. What really stayed with me was the energy of the city itself.
For a free panoramic view, we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. It’s a working building, so opening hours aren’t late, but the view is beautiful and comp
letely free. There’s also a small souvenir shop inside.
letely free. There’s also a small souvenir shop inside.While in Shinjuku, we also saw:
- The Godzilla Head
- The huge Don Quijote (very overwhelming, narrow aisles and crowds)
- The 3D cat billboard near Shinjuku Station
If you’re shopping for beauty products, I found that drugstores are cheaper than Don Quijote. Shinjuku is also a great place to do a food tour.
Tokyo is one of those cities where you can spend hours simply walking around and still stumble across something unexpected.
Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo
Since becoming a Pokémon fan (quite recently), I had to visit Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo, located in Sunshine City. It gets busy from opening time, but everything is very organised.
One thing I regret is not paying more attention to limited edition Pikachus, something I only fully appreciated after leaving Japan.
Looking back, I wish I'd bought one of the regional Pikachu plushies. At the time I didn't realise how unique they were, and it's something I'd definitely do differently on my next trip.
A Day Trip from Tokyo: Kamakura
We also took a day trip to Kamakura, which was easy to reach by train and such a nice break from the city. Temples, nature, and a slower pace made it feel very different from Tokyo.
I’ll share more about Kamakura in a separate blog post.
Final Thoughts on Tokyo
Tokyo left a strong impression on me. It’s busy, bright, structured, emotional, and inspiring all at once. From quiet acts of kindness to unforgettable meals, it’s a city that rewards curiosity.
In total, I spent 11 days in Japan and 10 days in South Korea with Djoser (group travel organiser), so the next few blog posts will continue this journey.
Tokyo completely lived up to the expectations I'd built over so many years. It was organised yet exciting, busy yet surprisingly peaceful, and full of small moments I'll remember long after returning home.
If you're planning your first trip to Japan, I hope this guide helps you feel a little more prepared and a lot more excited. Tokyo can seem overwhelming at first, but it's a city that quickly rewards curiosity and confidence.
🎟 Tours and Experiences Mentioned in This Tokyo Guide
If you're planning your own Tokyo itinerary and would like to follow a similar route, I've listed the tours, attractions and experiences mentioned throughout this guide below.
These are the experiences featured in this itinerary:
🍣 Omakase Sushi Experience
Trying omakase was one of the highlights of my time in Tokyo. Watching the chef prepare each course while tasting ingredients I'd never tried before made it an unforgettable experience.
🍜 Tokyo Food Tour (Optional)
If you'd like to discover Tokyo's food scene with a local guide, a food tour is a great way to explore neighbourhoods like Shibuya or Shinjuku while trying dishes you might otherwise miss.
🌆 Shibuya Walking Tour (Optional)
One of the best ways to experience the energy of Shibuya and learn more about the area.
🗼 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
One of my favourite free viewpoints in Tokyo.
🐱 Shinjuku Walking Tour (Optional)
Includes:
- Godzilla Head
- 3D Cat
- Kabukicho
🏯 Kamakura Day Trip
If you have an extra day in Tokyo, I highly recommend taking the train to Kamakura. It offers a completely different atmosphere from the city and became one of my favourite day trips.
→ Kamakura
📱 Stay Connected
❤️ Planning Your Tokyo Trip?
If I had to recommend just three experiences from my time in Tokyo, I'd choose:
🍣 An omakase dinner
🏯 A day trip to Kamakura
🌆 Watching the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Together they gave me a wonderful mix of Tokyo's food, culture and everyday life.
🇯🇵 Continue Exploring Japan
Continue your journey:
➡ Tokyo (current)
➡ Kamakura
➡ Kyoto
➡ Osaka
➡ Himeji
➡ Miyajima
➡ Fukuoka
Or return to my Japan Travel Hub.
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