10 Mistakes First-Time Tokyo Visitors Make

Mistake #1: Not Getting a Suica or Pasmo Card

The mistake: Buying individual tickets for every train ride.

Why it matters: Tokyo's train system is complex. Individual tickets mean figuring out fares and waiting in line every time.

The fix: Get a Suica or Pasmo card at any station. Load money and tap to ride any train, subway, or bus. It also works at convenience stores and vending machines.

Mistake #2: Only Visiting Shibuya and Shinjuku

The mistake: Spending all your time in the famous areas.

Why it matters: You're missing the real Tokyo.

The fix: Explore neighborhoods like:

• Yanaka - Old Tokyo vibes, temples, traditional shops
  • Shimokitazawa - Vintage shops, live music, bohemian feel
    • Koenji - Local izakayas, punk rock scene
      • Daikanyama - Trendy cafes, boutiques

Mistake #3: Tipping

The mistake: Leaving tips at restaurants.

Why it matters: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can actually be confusing or even offensive.

The fix: Simply pay the bill amount. If you want to show appreciation, a sincere "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) is perfect.

Mistake #4: Not Making Restaurant Reservations

The mistake: Assuming you can walk into popular restaurants.

Why it matters: Many top restaurants in Tokyo are tiny (8-12 seats) and book up weeks in advance.

The fix:

• Use Tabelog (Japan's Yelp) to find restaurants
  • Book through your hotel concierge
    • For high-end spots, book 1-2 months ahead
      • Have backup options for spontaneous meals

Mistake #5: Ignoring Convenience Stores

The mistake: Walking past 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

Why it matters: Japanese konbini are incredible. They have:

• Delicious, fresh food (onigiri, sandwiches, bento)
  • ATMs that accept foreign cards
    • Tickets for events and attractions
      • Free WiFi
        • Clean restrooms
        The fix: Make konbini part of your daily routine. Breakfast or late-night snack from 7-Eleven is a Tokyo experience.

Mistake #6: Over-Planning Every Minute

The mistake: Scheduling activities back-to-back.

Why it matters: Tokyo rewards wandering. Some of the best experiences are unplanned—a tiny ramen shop down an alley, a local festival, a hidden garden.

The fix: Plan 1-2 main activities per day and leave room for discovery. Tokyo is safe to explore without a strict itinerary.

Mistake #7: Not Visiting During Off-Peak Hours

The mistake: Going to Senso-ji at noon or Shibuya Crossing at 6pm.

Why it matters: Major attractions are mobbed during peak hours.

The fix:

• Senso-ji Temple - Go at 6am, it's magical
  • teamLab - Book the first or last time slot
    • Tsukiji Outer Market - Arrive by 7am
      • Shibuya Crossing - Late night is less crowded and still impressive

Mistake #8: Forgetting Cash

The mistake: Assuming credit cards work everywhere.

Why it matters: Japan is still largely cash-based. Many restaurants, small shops, and temples are cash-only.

The fix: Carry ¥10,000-20,000 ($70-140) in cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept foreign cards.

Mistake #9: Not Learning Basic Japanese Phrases

The mistake: Assuming everyone speaks English.

Why it matters: While tourism areas have English, many locals don't speak it. Trying Japanese shows respect and often gets you better service.

Essential phrases:

• Sumimasen (Excuse me/Sorry)
  • Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very much)
    • Oishii (Delicious)
      • Ikura desu ka (How much?)
        • Eigo menu arimasu ka (Do you have an English menu?)
        Check out our Phrasebook for more.

Mistake #10: Rushing Through Meals

The mistake: Eating quickly and leaving.

Why it matters: Food is art in Japan. Rushing through a meal—especially at a specialty restaurant—misses the point.

The fix:

• Observe how locals eat
  • Thank the chef
    • Take your time
      • Focus on the experience, not just the food

Bonus: Don't Skip the Depachika

The basement food floors of department stores (depachika) are incredible. Visit Isetan in Shinjuku or Mitsukoshi in Ginza for:

• Free samples everywhere
  • Beautiful bento boxes
    • High-end sweets and souvenirs
      • An overwhelming sensory experience

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      Planning your Tokyo trip? Read our complete Tokyo Travel Guide for detailed itineraries and tips.