When in Japan, you have to do it: You have to explore Tokyo! It’s modern, it’s historic, it’s for foodies, it’s for fun. We had a great time and took it nice and slow, allowing ourselves to get over our jet lag. Toddler travel is “one goal a day” travel for me as a single parent, and while there’s a lot to see and do in Tokyo, it’s also easy to pick and choose the best things for you to do. To help you plan your own trip to the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun, here are the best tips for your trip to Tokyo!
Don’t Be Afraid of the Trains
For many Americans, Tokyo’s train system is their first exposure to a large, interconnected public transportation system. That was the case for me traveling in Japan in my 20s! And there are no two ways about it: Tokyo’s train system is a beast. But it’s not insurmountable. You can do it!
Download the Suica or Pasmo app. This will allow you to pay for train tickets easily, without needing to buy a ticket before every trip. You can also use this app to pay for groceries, at shops, and more. Trust me, you need one of these apps! Neither is better than the other, and they work at all the same places.
Download Google Maps for Tokyo offline so you will always be able to see and use the map, even without data.
Use your Apple Maps for directions. Don’t use Google Maps? No problem. You can put in your starting point and destination into your map app, and select public transit directions (as opposed to walking or driving directions). It will tell you which train to get on, train times, when and where to change, even where to stand to get on the most efficient car for train changes.
Ask questions. Japanese people are incredibly helpful. There is always someone to ask if you’re not sure what to do, whether that’s a station staff member or simply a local. Don’t worry about the language barrier. You’ll figure it out together. Use hand gestures, try to pronounce the Japanese words the best you can, and show the map on your phone so they can see what you’re trying to say.
(Coming soon) Read next: How to Spend a Day Trip to Kamakura, Japan
Narita vs. Haneda
Most of the flights originating from the US fly into Narita Airport. But you know what’s interesting? Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo itself and far more convenient! I’ve flown into, flown out of, or connected through Narita several times over the course of my travels, but this time, I had the opportunity to fly non-stop from my home airport in DC to Haneda. It was amazing! It took only 40 minutes, during afternoon rush hour, to go into the city center from Haneda airport, as opposed to two hours or more coming from Narita. If you’re staying in Tokyo, try to fly into Haneda, if at all possible,
Also helpful: How to Handle a Long-Haul Flight with a Baby as a Solo Parent
2-3 Days is Plenty of Time
As previously mentioned, there is so much to do and see in Tokyo. You could go to a different site every day for weeks, maybe months! But for most visitors, even first-timers, 2-3 well-organized days in Tokyo is plenty of time for all the things you want to see and do. Add another day, or even two, for day trips, such as Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, or Enoshima. Other than that, make sure you take time to get out of Tokyo and see more of this beautiful, unique country. Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Sapporo, and more are all cities worth visiting!
More here: What to Do in Tokyo with a Toddler
Wear Your Walking Shoes
You can definitely take the trains around Tokyo, and you should for longer distances. Sometimes, however, taking the train takes as long as walking because Tokyo is so walkable. I averaged about 18,000-20,000 steps per day–while wearing a 20-lb toddler. Granted, I like walking from place to place when possible, but even if you’re generally not a walker, you’ll absolutely get more steps than you realize throughout the day. Wear the right shoes so you don’t feel achy later!
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Travel and Your Feet (from my podiatrist!)
Ride on the Left, Walk on the Right
This is how you ride an escalator in Tokyo: Stand and ride on the left side. Walkers and stair climbers walk to the right side. Doing this incorrectly can frustrate the locals and slow down the flow of pedestrian traffic. Many people walk up and down the escalators, and locals won’t say anything to you, but believe me when I say they’ll be judging you. You’ve been warned.
More here: Tips for Your First Trip to Japan
Check the forecast!
Tokyo’s temperatures can vary quite a bit, and the rainy season can take some travelers by surprise. It’s best to check the forecast before you pack, so you can be prepared. Winters can be quite cold, summers can be hot and humid. Spring and fall, while beautiful, can be one or the other, all within 24-48 hours! We visited in late April and early May recently, and I wore everything from my puffer jacket to a sundress! Layers are good for those transitional seasons.
(Coming soon) Read on: The Best Things We Ate in Japan
Want more? Check out my dedicated Japan Page!
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