Living in Tokyo doesn't have to be a puzzle. Tips and secrets to the world's greatest city are right at your fingertips – whether it's navigating the banking system, figuring out which phone plan you should get or knowing how to avoid making a fool of yourself on public transit, we've got the essentials to becoming a Tokyo expert right here.
Advertising
The basics
Here are some basic courtesy rules that bear repeating and will help you not to stand out for the wrong reasons...
Things to do
Tokyo's disaster survival guide
What to do and where to find info when the ground starts shaking
Things to do
How and why to get a Japanese phone number
If you're planning on staying here for a while, it pays to sign up for a phone number
Things to do
A guide to public holidays in Japan
The backstory behind our whopping 16 national holidays
Things to do
How to queue in line like a Tokyoite
A guide to making the most out of our favourite national pastime
Things to do
How to phone like a Tokyoite
Dealing with things over the telephone often seems harder than it should be
Things to do
How to give like a Tokyoite
Gift-giving is a big deal in Japan and, when it comes to etiquette, there is no give and take
Money matters
Things to do
How to open a Japanese bank account
We guide you step-by-step through two foreigner-friendly bank account application processes
Things to do
How to make the most of convenience store ‘point cards’
Find your favourite card, save up a stack of points and watch the rewards rain down
Social life
Things to do
How to hanami like a Tokyoite
Getting your hanami on is the highlight of the year for many – here's how to appreciate the sakura like the locals
Things to do
How to survive a Japanese wedding
Congratulations, you’ve been invited to a Japanese wedding! Now, how not to make a culturally insensitive fool of yourself
Discover Time Out original video