5 Things you need to know before heading to Tokyo

1. Transportation in Tokyo

The easiest way to travel in Tokyo is by subway. Although travelling in Japan by train can be confusing (because of the line and name), I think the color of the line helps a lot! Also, with google app on one hand, one will not get lost.

Transport card in Tokyo

Pasmo Card or JR Pass? We did not purchase JR Pass as we will be staying in Tokyo throughout our stay and hakone-fuji does not require JR pass. There are many day pass such as Tokyo Metro 1-Day Open and Toei subways. One can check out all type of pass available here. Unless you are sure that you will travel very often in the same line, there is no point to get the pass. We purchase Pasmo Card and spend about 2000 – 3000 yen the entire trip. Remaining credit can be refund.  

Haneda Airport to Shinjuku

Transportation to Haneda Airport to Shinjuku is very accessble and afforable. We travel by train using Keikyu Line (Red). One can check out this here for more fare price and direction. 

2. Data SIM-Card

I wish I know about Bmobile before visiting Japan. They are offering unlimited data for 2204 yen (exlcuding tax) + 200 yen delivery fee to collect at airport. Regardless of the delivery fee, it is still cheaper to purchase from local japan simcard dealer for about $45- $50 and has a daily cap at 100MB/day to 200MB/day. Alternative one can borrow free wifi device from your airbnb host or rent one in airport.

Update Jan 2017: Bmobile no longer sell unlimited data at 2204 yen. If you are looking at afforable Sim Card, consider searching at Qoo10. They are quite reliable, Just take note of the expiry date for the sim card you purchase

One of the best service offered in Japan (in my opinion) is the Locker service. For 200 – 600 yen, depending on size of locker, one can put their belonging in the locker for the entire day. We kept our shopping loots in the locker and proceed to Ueno park for picnic! Also, in some train station – Hakone, they offer to deliver your luggage to your hotel for just a small fee (700 -1000 yen depending on size)! Now we can all save our time and travel easily! 

4. Accommodation

One of the expensive cities in the world, accomodation in Tokyo are expensive. A simple Hotel room for 2 cost around $200 and more if you want to opt for something more afforable, try Airbnb We book the entire apartment for $200 per night for 4 person.

5. Food

One of my favorite past time in Tokyo is to explore different type of japanese cuisine. From Sushi to Ramen, one will not go home without trying them all. Best thing of all, they are much cheaper during lunch hours! We love their lunch set! From as low as 1000 yen, you get one main, dessert and drinks! Another cheap thrill is to purchase bento set from food hall around 8pm! They are all going for sale! 20 – 30% off the usual price.