Essentials

What first-time visitors ask

Short, practical answers. Fares and timetables change, so treat times as a guide and confirm on the day.

From the airport

From Narita: The Narita Express runs direct to Tokyo Station in about an hour, with space for large suitcases. Airport buses to the Yaesu side cost less and take a little longer, depending on traffic.
From Haneda: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho or the Keikyu line to Shinagawa, then change to a JR train for Tokyo Station. Door to door it is usually around thirty to forty minutes. Direct buses also run.
Late arrivals: Trains stop around midnight. If your flight lands late, check the last departures in advance or plan for a bus or taxi.

IC cards: A rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO lets you tap through ticket gates and pay in convenience stores. Visitors can buy one at the airport stations or add one to a smartphone wallet.
Cash and cards: Cards are widely accepted in this part of Tokyo, but small restaurants and older shops may take cash only. ATMs in convenience stores accept most foreign cards.
Shinkansen tickets: Buy them at the ticket offices or machines at Tokyo Station, or online in advance. Reserve seats with luggage space if you carry large suitcases on the Tokaido line.

Coin lockers: Lockers are everywhere in the station but the large ones are taken early. Most accept IC cards.
Staffed storage and delivery: Baggage counters in and around the station will hold bags for the day, and can send them ahead to your hotel or the airport. This is the most comfortable way to travel in Japan.

On trains: Keep your voice low and your phone silent. Queue at the marks on the platform and let people off first.
Rubbish: Public bins are rare. Carry a small bag and take your rubbish back to your hotel, or use the bins beside vending machines for bottles and cans.
Eating and walking: Eating while walking is frowned on in busy streets. Step to the side or find a bench.
Tipping: There is no tipping in Japan. A thank-you is enough.

Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available in the station and most large buildings. An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi gives you maps everywhere.
Asking for help: Station staff and the tourist information centres near the Marunouchi exits help in English. Showing a place name written in Japanese is often the fastest way.
Emergencies: Dial 110 for police and 119 for an ambulance or fire. Small police boxes, called koban, are found near major crossings.