7 Essential Tokyo travel tips for 2026: cash, transport, Wi-Fi & more

Japan is an incredibly special place and, if it isn’t already, a visit really should be on your travel bucket list. I absolutely love the local culture, food and people as well as the incredible landscape of places like Hokkaido and the cityscapes of spots like Osaka and Tokyo. My first visit to Tokyo was pretty overwhelming as it was unlike any other Asian city we’d visited before, a unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern. I learned a lot on that first trip and, on my recent second trip, learned even more! Today, I wanted to share with you a few of the essential, must-know tips I’ve picked up on my two visits, that make my Tokyo trips a cinch. Here are 7 useful tips to make Tokyo travel easier!

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

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1. Always have cash

Make sure you always have cash on you when travelling to Tokyo. While card and mobile payments are far more common now, many places — like small ramen shops, family-run izakayas, shrines, and even some hotels — still won’t accept a credit or debit card. I’ve been caught out quite a few times and now always try to have some cash on me. If you do find yourself without any, don’t worry, there’s usually a convenience store nearby with an international ATM that accepts foreign cards. I save money when I travel by having an account with a bank that never charges transaction fees at home or abroad. It has saved me so much money and if you travel regularly, I recommend you do the same! I also recommend you download the XE Currency (or similar) app so you can check the price of things as you go and know exactly how much you’re paying.

2. Use Google Maps to navigate the train

The train system in Tokyo is notoriously tricky to understand. I’ve visited twice now and still get stumped by it, as there are multiple companies operating train lines and you often have to buy different tickets and switch lines, which can be confusing. On my last visit, I found Google Maps was really helpful in navigating Tokyo’s train system. I use the Google Maps app to find the train station I want to start from and ‘get directions’ via train to the station I want to arrive at.

The app is very detailed in the information it provides, giving you the cost of the ticket(s), the symbols and names of stations, the number and names of all the stops in-between, live maps of where you’ll walk to change lines and, of course, times. It’s so detailed, it takes the guesswork out of it! These days, you can also skip paper tickets by using an IC card like Suica or PASMO, which you just tap at the gates. Both cards now work on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, so you can recharge and use them directly from your phone. Just be sure to pre-load Google Maps before you leave the Wi-Fi or use an eSIM/pocket Wi-Fi so you’re always connected. Also, when it comes time to buy a ticket the old-fashioned way, I recommend asking the lovely staff who work at the train station to help you the first few times. They’ll take you through it and you’ll quickly get the hang of it, especially as all the electronic ticket booths have multiple display languages, including English. But don’t be shy to ask for help, having them show you is the best way to learn and the staff are always patient, understanding and helpful.

3. Get connected

Speaking of Wi-Fi, you’re going to need it as you explore Tokyo to help you navigate your way around and stay connected. These days, the easiest way to stay online is with an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi device. eSIMs can be set up before you land and activated the moment you touch down, while pocket Wi-Fi can be picked up at the airport or booked in advance for your trip. Both are affordable, reliable, and give you coverage throughout Japan, not just Tokyo.

If you don’t want to rely on a paid option, there’s still plenty of free Wi-Fi. Most train stations, convenience stores, and cafes offer it, so you can always dip in to look something up if you need to. But if you want constant connection for maps, messaging, or translation, an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi will make your trip a lot smoother.

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Connect as you arrive + find great things to do on the go!

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4. Hire a bike

I did a LOT of walking on both my trips to Tokyo and found my legs and body were exhausted and aching after the first two days. That’s when I decided to hire bikes and, you guys, it was a real game-changer. Bikes are a fantastic way to get around Tokyo!

These days, the easiest option is the official Docomo Bike Share, with docking stations all over the city. You unlock a bike through the app, ride it across town, and return it at any dock. Prices start around ¥165 per 30 minutes or ¥2,200 for a full day, payable by credit card or IC card (Suica/PASMO).

If you’d prefer the old-school way, the Taito-ku rental in Ueno still operates. It isn’t as convenient as the bike-share system, but it’s a bit of a hidden gem. You’ll find it right near Shin-Okachimachi Station on Kasuga Dori. On Google Maps, look for two 7-Eleven stores sitting diagonally across the street from each other — that’s the block. Walk along it and keep your eyes out for a bright yellow flag and a bike carved into a concrete wall. The rental shop is underground, down a stairway that looks a little like a subway entrance. You’ll need cash and your passport or hotel details to hire a bike. Just note, technically, you’re not supposed to take them too far outside the area.

Whichever option you go for, cycling in Tokyo is safe, easy, and such a good way to explore. I was able to see, do and discover so much more than if I’d just stuck to trains, and I loved getting into neighbourhood streets I’d otherwise have missed.

5. Catch the Airport Limousine Bus

Another great tip I picked up is to catch the Airport Limousine Bus into Tokyo if you’re arriving at Haneda Airport. You know how these types of things are usually really annoying, poorly organised and unreliable? Well, this one is the opposite of ALL those things — I was genuinely shocked by how easy it was. I arrived at Haneda, found the Airport Limousine Bus ticket counter in under a minute, bought my ticket, and walked 30 seconds to the bus pick-up spot. The buses come frequently (about every 15–20 minutes) and the ride into Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. The seats are comfortable, luggage is handled for you, and there’s onboard Wi-Fi.

This service also runs the other way (Tokyo back to Haneda) and connects to Narita Airport with multiple routes to major hotels and hubs across the city. If you’re trying to figure out the best way to get from the airport to your hotel, it’s definitely worth checking the routes on their website in advance to see where they stop.

As of 2026, the fare from Haneda to Shinjuku is around ¥1,300–¥1,400 per person one way, which makes it excellent value for how smooth and stress-free the trip is. From Shinjuku, I was able to continue by train, subway, or simply walk to my accommodation.

6. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off

When I’m packing for a trip to Tokyo, I always choose very comfortable footwear that’s easy to take on and off. In Japanese culture, it’s common to remove your shoes before entering a home, certain stores, temples, and even some restaurants or cafés. I’ve also had to take my shoes off in hotel rooms, cat cafés, and fitting rooms at shops.

Most places provide slippers so you’re not left walking around in socks or barefoot, but trust me — on the days I wore lace-up boots, I wished I’d chosen something easier. Slip-ons or sneakers make life much simpler when you’re moving in and out of places throughout the day.

7. Download translation apps and learn key phrases

If you don’t speak or read Japanese, I strongly recommend downloading Google Translate. I’ve relied on it countless times to communicate with locals, check signs, and read menus. The camera function is especially handy for instantly translating restaurant menus or street signs. Apps like Papago are also popular now, but Google Translate is still the go-to for most travellers.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to learn a few key local phrases like sumimasen (excuse me), arigatou (thank you), and konnichiwa (hello). Observing and respecting local culture is just as important. Bow when you meet people, acknowledge them politely, and follow the lead of those around you. For example, if everyone on the train is quiet, keep your voice down and avoid phone calls. If everyone is standing to the left of the escalator, do the same. These small things go a long way in showing respect and making your trip smoother.

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