This might give you meticulous travel planners a heart attack, but I completely winged traveling around Tokyo. Typically, when I visit a destination, I prefer checking out a lot of the free stuff. If it’s free, it’s for me! Before my trip, I limited taking into account the recommendations from social media since my cousin is Japanese. This ensured I was getting a true local’s recommendation. My visits to lesser-known Fukuoka and Nagasaki were planned out though. If you’re going to Tokyo as part of a 14-day itinerary in Japan, and don’t want to plan anything like I did, read on!

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First Impressions

My initial impressions about Tokyo are that it’s a huge city. As someone who’s grown up in New York City, that’s saying something! However, getting around Tokyo is pretty easy. The metro system is extensive. I was also surprised at just how many Westerners there were. In every corner, I saw a non-Asian face. I only mention this because it’s quite the departure from other big Asian metropolis’, like Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Like many big cities, hotels in Japan can vary widely in price. When I traveled to Japan during the high season for cherry blossoms, hotel prices were quite high. Fortunately, I managed to find a hotel that was within my budget and also collaborated with another one during my stay.

9h Nine Hours Woman Shinjuku Capsule hotel

If you’re a high-maintenance traveler skip this next part. However, if you’re searching for a budget-friendly hotel in Tokyo, then read on. I had heard about capsule hotels in Tokyo prior to my trip, and I decided to stay at 9h Nine Hours Woman Shinjuku Capsule Hotel just for the plot. Situated in a convenient location in Shinjuku, this hotel offers a female-only environment, which I found particularly appealing. There are several 9h Capsule Hotels throughout Japan, with most being co-ed, but a few remain exclusive to women. The best way to describe a capsule hotel is like staying at a hostel, but a level up. I know people in my age range are not about sharing communal spaces anymore, and believe me I get it. The same morning I checked in here I had checked out of a 5-star luxury hotel in Taiwan.

What to expect at a capsule hotel in Japan

The check-in process is quick and easy “smart check-in” through a kiosk. Apparently, with so many introverts in Tokyo, this is ideal so that there’s limited human interaction. Personally, I prefer talking to someone for my check-in’s, but if you encounter any issues, there’s staff available on-site until midnight.

Everyone is assigned a locker that can fit a carry-on sized suitcase, but I had a larger one, so I had to leave it outside my locker. I wasn’t worried about theft because I kept my important items with me, and it’s Japan. Every day, the hotel provides guests with a fresh set of pajamas, towels, slippers, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Showers are private and toilets have bidets, which is a standard norm in Japan. I wish every other country in the world had public bidets everywhere.

From the pictures online, I thought the sleeping pods were closed with a door which did make me feel a little suffocated because I wasn’t sure how our oxygen would be regulated, but I was happy to find out that it’s just a dark curtain that blocks out light. That being said, you can hear other people snoring and farting. I observed that there were women of all ages and ethnicities staying here. I’m pretty sure people who are staying here are solo travelers, and/or they travel frequently and want to stretch their dollar. Everyone is quiet and minds their own business.

A few cons to be aware of

• They monitor your sleep to measure the quality of your sleep and breathing patterns. I don’t know why that’s a thing, and I couldn’t find a way to opt out, but a sleep report analysis is emailed every night.
• Every day from 10 am – 2 pm there’s cleaning so guests are kicked out of the sleeping and locker room areas.
• Check-out is at 10 am… need I say more?
• The only way to move through the building is by one elevator and it’s slow. I couldn’t find an emergency stairwell to walk up and down through instead.
• There’s limited shower/sink space proportional to the amount of people staying here, but people move quickly.

Overall, my stay at 9h Nine Hours Woman Shinjuku Capsule hotel was a positive experience and I’d stay again if necessary. For two nights, I paid $95 which breaks down to $47.50 per night. By simply signing up and making an account with them, you get an extra 10% off your stay. That’s solid since I wasn’t planning to be inside most of the day and was out exploring Tokyo.

Address: (EN) 2-13-7 Shinjuku,Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo 160-0022, (JP) 〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿2-13-7

Shiba Park Hotel

Are you a book lover? I also stayed at Shiba Park Hotel, a newly renovated “Library Hotel” concept that I partnered with during my trip to Japan. Originally built in the 1940s as a foreign trade mission hotel, it has been transformed into a new, modern space. Everything is brand spankin’ new, and each floor is stocked with a collection of 1,500 new books covering topics such as the climate, people, and history of the city.

If you prefer to stay in a quieter part of Tokyo at night, this is definitely the spot for you! Located in the Minato area of Tokyo, Shiba Park Hotel is conveniently accessible via the Mira (Onarimon Station) & Asuska (Daimon Station) metro lines.

The hotel provides a thoughtful bathroom amenity kit with everything you would need if you wanted to pamper yourself, like an in-room spa. My favorite part though is that Shiba Park Hotel is only a 10-15 minute walk to the iconic Tokyo Tower. There’s a popular photo spot across the street from the Toufuya Ukai restaurant that people line up for, but if you’re like me and don’t wait in lines, you can roll out of bed at sunrise and have the whole place to yourself.

Additionally, during my stay, I was invited to enjoy Shiba Park Hotel’s Sakura afternoon tea that’s running until June. You can choose from 16 types of tea leaves have an unlimited chance to try them all. On top of that, every week in the lobby, guests can enjoy an expert contemporary tea ceremony experience

Address: (EN) 1-5-10 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011, (JP) 〒105-0011 東京都港区芝公園1-5-10

Things to do in Tokyo

Since Tokyo is such a large city this doesn’t even scratch the surface. I recommend booking a long time to travel there or flying back for multiple trips.

Tokyo Tower

Constructed in 1958 and standing at an impressive 332.9 meters (1,092 feet), Tokyo Tower was Japan’s tallest tower until the Tokyo Skytree surpassed it in 2012. This iconic structure, painted white and international orange, takes inspiration from the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.

While it may no longer be the country’s loftiest tower, Tokyo Tower remains a popular photography spot for visitors. Across the street from Toufuya Ukai, you’ll find the “Secret Tokyo Tower Spot” on Google Maps, though it’s not actually a secret. To avoid long queues, aim to visit this renowned landmark before sunrise.

teamLabs Tokyo

Tokyo is home to two remarkable teamLab experiences – Borderless and Planets. At first glance, they may seem similar, but there are distinct differences between them. Borderless closed in 2022 at Odaiba before re-opening in the new Azabudai Hills in February 2024. The rise of these interactive projection exhibits feels like an emerging global trend, reminding me of the immersive installations often seen at EDM festivals, though without the psychedelic influences. Both Borderless and Planets have become popular destinations for capturing visually striking content. This is hardly surprising given that they are the creations of teamLab, a pioneering international art collective founded in 2001.

teamLab Borderless

The teamLab Borderless experience is truly unique. Rather than a traditional museum layout, it presents a boundless, continuous realm of interconnected artworks that transcend physical and conceptual boundaries. There are no rooms or maps constraining the visitor’s journey through this seamless artistic universe.

teamLab Planets

On the other hand, teamLab Planets offers an immersive, multi-sensory encounter like no other. A key differentiating factor is that you are encouraged to remove your shoes and walk directly through shallow waters, physically intertwining your presence with the vast surrounding artworks. The floral garden spaces invite you to wander amongst the vegetation, metaphorically merging with nature itself.

While I initially thought these experiences might be gimmicky, I found them surprisingly captivating. Unfortunately, I didn’t have sufficient time to fully immerse myself, so a return visit is a must! Between the two, I preferred Borderless, as visitors seemed more respectful of each other’s space when trying to capture photos and videos.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building consists of two iconic 48-story towers, featuring observation decks on the 45th floor that offer panoramic views over the city free of charge. As of this article, only the South side is open. It is also the canvas for “Tokyo Night and Light,” reportedly the world’s largest permanent projection mapping display projected onto the building’s facade.

Designed by architect Kenzo Tange, it serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government while incorporating motifs of modern technology and seismic engineering. With the free observation decks and nighttime projection mapping show, this landmark has become a major tourist attraction in addition to its governmental function.

Explore Kabukicho (歌舞伎町)

Known as the “red light district” in Tokyo, Kabukicho is an electrifying neighborhood that pulses with vibrant energy. While it carries an infamous reputation, Kabukicho offers far more than its racy moniker suggests. This compact grid of neon-drenched streets and winding alleys is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors. From raucous hostess clubs and quirky-themed bars to a dazzling array of restaurants serving regional Japanese cuisine and a sprawling retail scene, Kabukicho envelops visitors in a relentless carnival of experiences. It’s a place where the conventional and unconventional intertwine, encapsulating the intoxicating spirit of modern Tokyo’s never-ending pursuit of novelty and indulgence.

Spot Godzilla

The beating heart of Kabukicho’s frenetic scene lies straight ahead as you stride past the massive Don Quixote. Glancing upwards, you’ll find Kabukicho’s most mind-bending spectacle – a colossal Godzilla head seemingly emerging from the building itself. This newly-installed, larger-than-life sculpture pays homage to Tokyo’s legendary radioactive reptile, its unblinking eyes and gaping maw thrilling onlookers.

3D Calico Cat

The summer of 2021 brought an unexpected phenomenon to the streets of Shinjuku that captivated locals and visitors alike. Located next to Shinjuku Station out the East Exit, amid the frenzied pedestrian traffic, lies a colossal digital screen with a hyper-realistic image of a slumbering calico cat.

Address: Cross Shinjuku Building, 3-23-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Senso-Ji Temple

This revered Buddhist sanctuary stands as an enduring link to Tokyo’s distant past and has born witness to the city’s transformation over centuries. The five-story pagoda’s elegant curvature pierces the skyline and the temple’s massive curved eaves evoke an era long since faded. For locals and tourists alike, Senso-ji offers a rare glimpse into the Edo period’s ambiance, its hallowed grounds providing an escape from the relentless march of modernity. The journey begins at the legendary Kaminarimon gate, its colossal lantern sculpture standing sentry. From there, the Nakamise-dori district unfurls before you – a bustling pedestrian street lined with over 90 shops hawking local crafts, souvenirs, and an endless selection of decadent snacks and confections.

Tokyo Station

For countless visitors, their first experience of Tokyo unfolds at the city’s main transportation hub – the iconic Tokyo Station. As travelers stream in aboard sleek bullet trains or from Narita Airport, they’re immediately met by the station’s crown jewel – the original 1914 Meiji-era façade crafted from red brick in a regal European style. Step through the doors and you’ll descend into an underground metropolis unto itself, a dizzying labyrinth of rail platforms funneling human currents in every direction. Woven throughout are a dizzying array of shops and eateries. Amidst the constant flow, the historic main terminal offers a stately photo opportunity, similar to Mojiko Station in Fukuoka and Hsinchu Station in Taiwan. When I visited, a bunch of recently graduated college students were taking their pictures in front.

Always get travel insurance for international travel!

Whenever I travel internationally, I ALWAYS get supplemental travel insurance to the coverage I have from my travel credit cards. The main reason is for medical purposes because if something happens while overseas, you don’t want to be SOL or stuck with some crazy bill. It’s not expensive and gives peace of mind to know medical expenses are covered should any negative situation happen. I typically shop around insurance companies to compare prices, and went with Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance.

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