Do I need to speak Japanese?

No, but learn basic phrases (thank you = arigato gozaimasu). Most signs in tourist areas have English. Google Translate camera feature works well for menus.

How much cash should I carry?

Japan is still largely cash-based. Carry 20,000-30,000 yen ($150-200) daily. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards for withdrawals.

Is Tokyo safe for solo travelers?

Extremely safe. Crime rates are very low. Main risks are getting lost (easy to do) and missing last trains (expensive taxi ride home).

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian options exist but are limited. Vegan is very challenging. Learn key phrases for allergies. Many restaurants can't guarantee no cross-contamination.

How to plan a first-time Tokyo itinerary

Plan 5-7 days minimum for Tokyo, focusing on 2-3 neighborhoods per day to avoid subway fatigue. Book accommodations in Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Asakusa for easy access to major districts. Reserve restaurant spots and buy a 7-day JR Pass before you go.

Choose your base neighborhood. Stay in Shibuya for nightlife access, Shinjuku for transport connections, or Asakusa for traditional atmosphere. Book 2-3 months ahead for decent prices. Avoid staying in business districts like Marunouchi unless you enjoy empty streets after 8pm.
Map out your districts by day. Group nearby neighborhoods together: Day 1 Asakusa + Ueno, Day 2 Shibuya + Harajuku, Day 3 Shinjuku + Takeshita Street, Day 4 Ginza + Tsukiji, Day 5 Akihabara + Imperial Palace. Don't try to hit opposite sides of the city in one day.
Book restaurants now. Make reservations 1-2 months ahead for high-end sushi (Jiro, Saito) and popular spots (Ichiran in Shibuya, any basement department store ramen). Use OpenTable, Tabelog, or ask your hotel. Walk-ins work for casual spots but expect 30-60 minute waits at dinner.
Buy your JR Pass before departure. Get a 7-day JR Pass for $280 if you're taking any day trips (Nikko, Kamakura, Mount Fuji area). For Tokyo-only, buy a 7-day Tokyo Metro pass for $25 when you arrive. Download Google Translate and Hyperdia apps before you go.
Plan your shopping strategy. Hit Uniqlo and Muji early in your trip for practical purchases. Save Harajuku and Shibuya for fashion, Akihabara for electronics, Ginza for luxury. Department store basement food courts (depachika) are perfect for lunch and food gifts.

Do I need to speak Japanese?: No, but learn basic phrases (thank you = arigato gozaimasu). Most signs in tourist areas have English. Google Translate camera feature works well for menus.
How much cash should I carry?: Japan is still largely cash-based. Carry 20,000-30,000 yen ($150-200) daily. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards for withdrawals.
Is Tokyo safe for solo travelers?: Extremely safe. Crime rates are very low. Main risks are getting lost (easy to do) and missing last trains (expensive taxi ride home).
What if I have dietary restrictions?: Vegetarian options exist but are limited. Vegan is very challenging. Learn key phrases for allergies. Many restaurants can't guarantee no cross-contamination.