Do I need the JR Pass?

Almost certainly not if you are only staying in Tokyo. Since the price increase in late 2023, the JR Pass is only cost-effective if you are doing multiple long-distance Shinkansen trips across the country.

Is cash still required?

Yes. While cards are accepted in malls and chains, small ramen shops, temples, and ticket machines often only take cash. Always carry at least 10,000 yen on you.

Tokyo: Planning Your First Trip

To see Tokyo properly for the first time, plan for 7 days focusing on specific neighborhoods grouped by proximity. Use the JR Yamanote line as your primary navigation tool and spend your first two days adjusting to the time zone by staying within a single ward.

Choose your home base. Stay near the Yamanote loop line. Shinjuku or Shibuya are best for nightlife and transport; Ueno or Asakusa offer a quieter, traditional vibe and lower costs.
Master the transit cards. Don't buy individual tickets. Add a Suica or Pasmo card to your Apple/Google Wallet immediately upon arrival. This covers all trains, subways, and even convenience store purchases.
Group your days by district. Tokyo is massive. Spend Day 1 in the west (Shibuya/Shinjuku), Day 2 in the east (Asakusa/Ueno), and Day 3 in the center (Chiyoda/Ginza) to avoid spending 3 hours a day on the train.
Book your 'must-sees' early. If you want to visit the Ghibli Museum or Shibuya Sky, book these exactly 30 days in advance online. They sell out within minutes.

Do I need the JR Pass?: Almost certainly not if you are only staying in Tokyo. Since the price increase in late 2023, the JR Pass is only cost-effective if you are doing multiple long-distance Shinkansen trips across the country.
Is cash still required?: Yes. While cards are accepted in malls and chains, small ramen shops, temples, and ticket machines often only take cash. Always carry at least 10,000 yen on you.