Tokyo

🔥 Hotspots

Tokyo is a global food capital — you’ll find everything from Michelin-star sushi to budget ramen. Here are must-try food experiences:

Ichiran Ramen (一蘭ラーメン) $ – Famous solo-dining ramen experience with rich tonkotsu broth.

Sushi Dai (寿司大) $$$ – Located at Toyosu Market, it’s worth the early morning queue for fresh sushi prepared in front of you.

Uobei Shibuya (魚べい) $ – Conveyor belt sushi with touch screen ordering and bullet-speed delivery. Fun and affordable.

Nabezo (鍋ぞう) $$ – All-you-can-eat hot pot (shabu shabu) with meat, veggies, and sauces — great for group dinners.

Ameya-Yokocho (アメ横) $ – A bustling street market in Ueno where you can find takoyaki, yakitori, and street snacks.

Blue Bottle Coffee – Aoyama – Sleek Californian design and quality coffee in a quiet neighborhood.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House – Hidden inside a flower shop, offering tea and desserts surrounded by plants.

Streamer Coffee Company – Known for its latte art and relaxed atmosphere, popular among students and creatives.

Tokyo nightlife is legendary — from quirky bars to massive clubs:

Shibuya – Packed with izakayas, karaoke rooms, student bars, and late-night ramen.
Shinjuku (Golden Gai) – Tiny themed bars stacked side-by-side, great for bar hopping and photo ops.
Roppongi – International crowd, clubs, and rooftop lounges. Popular with expats and tourists.
Shimokitazawa – Indie music, second-hand shops, and low-key cafés that turn into night bars.
Ebisu / Daikanyama – More upscale, with cozy wine bars and boutique spots.

🎤 Karaoke chains: Big Echo, Karaoke Kan, and Joysound — open late with private rooms and nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) options.

Tokyo blends tradition, pop culture, and nature — here’s what not to miss:

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) – A peaceful forest sanctuary near Harajuku, ideal for quiet walks.

TeamLab Planets – A digital art museum where you walk barefoot through immersive, interactive installations.

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple surrounded by street food and souvenir stalls.

Odaiba – A futuristic entertainment island with shopping malls, arcades, a digital museum, and views of Rainbow Bridge.

Shibuya Sky – An open-air observatory with one of the best panoramic views of the city.

Ghibli Museum – A dream for anime fans. Booking in advance is mandatory.

Tokyo is expensive, especially in central areas — but you can still find student-friendly housing:

Share houses / Guesthouses: 400–600 EUR/month, very popular for students. Social, furnished, and flexible.

One-room apartments: 600–1000 EUR/month depending on district and building age.

📱 Platforms: GaijinPot Housing, Sakura House, OYO Life, Leopalace21

Supermarkets: Aeon, Seiyu, Life, and Don Quijote for cheap snacks and household items.

Budget: ~180–220 EUR/month

Konbinis (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are everywhere and ideal for lunch or late-night snacks.

Tokyo has the most efficient — and complex — subway system in the world:

Suica / Pasmo card: Rechargeable IC cards valid across metro, trains, buses, vending machines, and konbinis.

Average ride: 1.50–2.50 EUR depending on distance

Tip: Google Maps and Tokyo Subway Navigation App are essential for planning routes.

⏱️ Avoid peak rush hour (7:30–9:00 a.m.) if possible!

Haneda Airport (HND) – Closer to the city (20–30 min by monorail or train), used for domestic and international flights.

Narita Airport (NRT) – Farther out (1–1.5h by train or bus), mostly for international flights.

✈️ Tip: Use the Keisei Skyliner (Narita) or Tokyo Monorail (Haneda) for faster and cheaper airport transfers.