First-time Japan travel

: How to Get from Tokyo Airports to the City: Narita vs Haneda Explained

2025/12/31 Airport transportation, First-time Japan travel, Haneda, Narita, Tokyo airport

After arriving in Japan, one of the first questions many travelers face is how to get from the airport into Tokyo. Tokyo has two main international airports: Narita and Haneda. You’ll often see guides comparing which one is “better” or “more convenient,” but in reality, the answer isn’t that simple. For international arrivals, many visitors end up flying into Narita. This usually comes down to flight availability, price, or schedules, and choosing Narita is not a mistake or a disadvantage by itself. That said, factors like arriving late at night, traveling with large suitcases, or staying in areas such as ...

Japan Travel Guide Tokyo

: Do You Need an IC Card in Japan? How Suica and PASMO Actually Work for Visitors

2025/12/31 First-time Japan travel, IC card, Japan transportation, PASMO, Suica

When planning a trip to Japan, many visitors wonder whether they really need an IC card. Questions like “Should I get Suica or PASMO?” come up very often. Some travelers plan to use a JR Pass, while others expect to move mainly within cities. With so many transportation options, it’s not always clear what you actually need. Online advice can also be confusing, with some saying an IC card is essential and others saying it’s optional. The reason for this confusion is that the role of an IC card is often not explained clearly. It’s not always obvious what IC ...

Japan Travel Guide Tokyo

: Is Asakusa a Good Place to Stay in Tokyo? Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Best For

2025/12/31 Asakusa, First-time Japan travel, Tokyo hotels, Where to stay in Tokyo

Asakusa is often very appealing to first-time visitors to Tokyo. With its temples and traditional downtown atmosphere, it’s widely known as a place where you can feel a strong sense of “old Tokyo.” At the same time, many travelers hesitate. They wonder whether staying in Asakusa is actually convenient, and whether it works well as a base for exploring Tokyo. Questions about airport access and overall transportation convenience are especially common. Famous sightseeing areas can sometimes feel different in practice than they do in images or guidebooks. The actual experience of staying there—and how easy it is to move around—doesn’t ...

Japan Travel Guide Tokyo

: Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors (Pros and Cons)

2025/12/31 First-time Japan travel, Tokyo hotels, Tokyo neighborhoods, Where to stay in Tokyo

When planning a place to stay in Tokyo, many people start by looking for a good hotel. For a first-time visit, however, choosing the right area often has a much bigger impact on how comfortable your trip feels. Tokyo is a very large city, and different areas can feel completely different. Even small differences in distance or the number of transfers can noticeably change how stressful daily travel becomes. This article does not recommend specific hotels. Instead, it focuses on how to think about choosing an area. Rather than deciding based only on what is popular or well-known, the goal ...

Japan Travel Guide Tokyo

: How to Get Around Tokyo: Trains, IC Cards, and Common Mistakes for First-Time Visitors

2025/12/31 First-time Japan travel, IC cards, JR trains, Tokyo transportation

Tokyo’s transportation system can feel overwhelming at first. With multiple train companies, different ticket types, and unfamiliar station names, even a short trip can feel stressful—especially if it’s your first time in Japan. The good news is that you don’t need to understand everything to get around smoothly. A few simple rules are enough to move with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and choose what fits your travel style. This guide focuses on practical decisions rather than technical details. By the time you finish reading, you should feel comfortable choosing between trains, subways, and IC cards—and know what to skip. Why ...

Japan Travel Guide Tokyo