# First time in Tokyo: what to know before you go

If it is your first time in Tokyo, the city is easier than it looks: trains run on time, streets are safe and almost everything works with a card and a phone. What trips people up is the small stuff, from the few things that must be booked weeks ahead to cash at street stalls and quiet trains. Here is what a friend who lives here would tell you before you go, and the list below shows the biggest events of the coming week, updated daily.

## Before you go: forms and bookings

Fill in your arrival forms on [Visit Japan Web](https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/), the government's free site, a few days before you fly. You enter immigration and customs details once and get a QR code to show at the airport. It is optional, and the paper cards handed out on the plane still work.

A handful of Tokyo's most popular things sell out well before the day, so book them first and plan the rest around them. The [Ghibli Museum](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) sells tickets only in advance, through Lawson Ticket, from the 10th of the month before. [teamLab Planets](https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/) in Toyosu sells timed tickets online and none at the door. [Shibuya Sky](https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/ticket/) sells timed tickets too, and the sunset slots go first. The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi takes reservations only, released in batches on its [official site](https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/en/cafe/reservation.html), and they can be gone within minutes. If your dates cover a sumo tournament (in Tokyo: January, May and September), [tickets go on sale about five weeks before](https://sumo.pia.jp/en/) and often sell out.

- Note sale times in Japan time, and log in to the booking site before it opens.

- → [Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: tickets, films and the park walk](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ghibli-museum.md)
- → [teamLab in Tokyo: Planets and Borderless](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/teamlab.md)
- → [Pokémon in Tokyo: Pokémon Centers, café and PokéPark](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/pokemon.md)
- → [Sumo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sumo.md)
- → [How to buy event tickets in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tickets.md)
- → [This week in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-week.md)

## Arriving and getting around

From Narita, the [Keisei Skyliner](https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php) reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes, and the [Narita Express](https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/nex/) runs to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya. From Haneda, which is much closer, the Keikyu Line gets you to Shinagawa in about 15 minutes. Big bags can go from a delivery counter in the arrivals hall to your hotel, usually by the next day.

In the city, trains are the answer. Buy a [Suica](https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/suica/) or PASMO card from a station machine, or add Suica to the wallet on an iPhone, top it up with cash and tap in and out on trains, subways and buses. Map apps give you platforms, exits and fares. Trains run from about 5am to around midnight, and last trains on some lines leave earlier, so check yours before a late night.

- Exits matter. Big stations have dozens, so look up the exit closest to where you are going.

- → [How to get from Narita and Haneda to central Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/airport.md)
- → [Getting around Tokyo: trains, Suica and taxis](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/getting-around.md)
- → [Is the JR Pass worth it for a Tokyo trip?](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/jr-pass.md)

## Money and phones

Cards work in hotels, department stores, convenience stores, chain shops and most restaurants. Cash is still needed at festival stalls, small bars and restaurants, shrine and temple offices and some ticket counters, so keep a few thousand yen on you. ATMs at 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept most foreign cards. There is no tipping in Japan: the price you see is the price you pay.

From 1 November 2026, Japan uses a [refund system for tax-free shopping](https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/tax-free/page01_000001_00021.html): instead of buying without tax, you pay the full price in the shop and show your passport, then get the tax back after a customs check at the airport, which you do before check-in. For data, an eSIM bought before you fly is the simplest choice, and free Wi-Fi in stations and cafes covers the gaps.

- If you plan to claim tax back, allow extra time at the airport for the customs check.

- → [Money in Tokyo: cash, cards, IC cards and ATMs](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/money.md)
- → [Tax-free shopping in Japan: how the refund works](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tax-free-shopping.md)
- → [Tokyo on a budget: free things to do](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/budget.md)

## Etiquette: the few things that matter

Tokyo is polite but not formal, and nobody expects visitors to know every rule. A few matter a lot. Trains are quiet: talk softly, don't take phone calls, and when it is crowded wear your backpack on your front or put it on the rack. Queue where the platform markings show and let people off first. On escalators, people in Tokyo stand on the left and leave the right side free.

Bins are rare, so carry a small bag for rubbish and take it back to your hotel or to the sorted bins at a convenience store. Smoking on the street is banned in much of central Tokyo outside marked smoking areas. Take your shoes off where you see a step up and a row of slippers: homes, some restaurants, temple halls and fitting rooms. At a shrine, a small bow at the gate and a quiet prayer are all anyone expects.

- Eating while walking is frowned on in busy streets. Eat by the stall or on a bench.
- At hot springs and sento, wash before you get in, and check the tattoo rule before you go.

- → [Tokyo etiquette for visitors: the rules that matter](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/etiquette.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Sento, onsen and saunas in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/onsen-sento.md)

## How to find what's on during your dates

Tokyo always has something on, so look at your actual dates rather than a generic list of sights. On this site, the calendar shows what is on each day, and the today, this weekend and this week pages can be narrowed by area and type. The list on this page shows the biggest events of the coming seven days.

Open an event to see where it is, and follow the link to its official page for tickets, times and the rain policy. Tap the heart to save it: favourites stay on your device, with no account needed. You can add an event to Google or Apple Calendar, or ask for an email reminder.

- 雨天中止 on an event page means it is cancelled in rain. 要予約 means you need to book.

- → [Going to events in Tokyo: the basics](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/event-basics.md)
- → [How to spend a weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/weekend.md)
- → [A year of events in Tokyo, month by month](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-year.md)
- → [Today in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/today.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)
- → [This week in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-week.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)

## A simple first day

Jet lag usually wakes you early, so use it. Start at [Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1), quiet in the first hours after the gates open, then walk through Harajuku and down [Omotesando](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%A1%A8%E5%8F%82%E9%81%93%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D4%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) for lunch. In the afternoon, cross the [Shibuya scramble](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E4%BA%A4%E5%B7%AE%E7%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E9%81%93%E7%8E%84%E5%9D%822%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), look around the shops and go up [Shibuya Sky](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=SHIBUYA%20SKY%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B72-24-12&query_place_id=ChIJ4Rr2JWiLGGARcyRSHuZ-9G8) for sunset if you booked it. If you didn't, the free observation decks of the [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%81%E7%AC%AC%E4%B8%80%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%81%E8%88%8E%20%E5%B1%95%E6%9C%9B%E5%AE%A4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF2-8-1) in Shinjuku stay open into the evening.

For dinner, try a small izakaya, or the yakitori lanes of [Omoide Yokocho](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%80%9D%E3%81%84%E5%87%BA%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) next to Shinjuku Station. If you still have energy, check the list for anything on tonight near you. Keep the first day light: the second day, once you have slept, is when the bigger plans work.

- → [Tokyo itinerary: 3, 5 or 7 days, planned by area](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/itinerary.md)
- → [Tokyo neighbourhoods for events: where to go for what](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/neighbourhoods.md)
- → [Tokyo night views: free and paid observation decks](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/night-views.md)
- → [How an izakaya works: a first-timer's guide](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/izakaya.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Tonight in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tonight.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2: Yokohama DeNA BayStars (First Base Side) vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Third Base Side)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/smbc2026-2dena1-3)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Yokohama Stadium (Naka, Yokohama) · price on the official site
- **[Yokohama Marathon 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yokohama-marathon-2026-7710)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 08:30 (JST) · Pacifico Yokohama Rinko Park (Finish Area. Full Marathon Start at Yokohama Landmark Tower) (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥25,000〜
- **[SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2: Yokohama DeNA BayStars (First Base Side) vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Third Base Side)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/smbc2026-2dena13)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Yokohama Stadium (Naka, Yokohama) · price on the official site
- **[Pro Wrestling NOAH Getworks Presents WRESTLE ODYSSEY II](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/getworks-presents-wrestle-odyssey)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥5,000–¥25,000
- **[Yo-Yo Ma Suntory Hall 40th Anniversary Special Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yo-yo-ma-suntory-hall-40th-anniversary-special-concert)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Suntory Hall, Main Hall (Minato) · ¥3,000〜
- **[Machida Historical Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/machida-historical-festival-2026)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Serigaya Park · price on the official site
- **[74th Chuo City Tourism and Commerce Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/74th-chuo-city-tourism-and-commerce-festival)** — Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Tue, Nov 17, 2026 (JST) · Various Locations in Chuo (Chuo) · price on the official site
- **[hololive Grand Reception: An Invitation of Gratitude – Tokyo Venue](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hololive-grand-reception)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Mon, Nov 23, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Dream Park 7F (EX STUDIO7) (Koto) · ¥2,500–¥3,000
- **[Tokyo Ramen Show 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-ramen-show-2026-7941)** — Thu, Oct 22, 2026 – Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Komazawa Olympic Park (Setagaya) · Free entry
- **[TOKYO TOWER CANDLE DAYS 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-tower-candle-days-2026)** — Fri, Oct 23, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Tower (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Food Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-food-festival-2026)** — Fri, Oct 23, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Chiyoda (Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Hibiya), Koto (Toyosu) (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[20th Koenji Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/20jpy2026)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Koenji Station North Exit Plaza, Koenji Shopping District & Participating Shops (Suginami) · Free entry
- **[Tokorozawa Citizens' Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokorozawa-citizens-festival)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokorozawa Citizens' Festival · Free entry
- **[Jimbocho Book Festival (Autumn, 34th)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jimbocho-book-festival-autumn-34th)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Kanda Suzuran Street, Sakura Street and Jimbocho Mitsui Building Open Space (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Full Metal Japan 2026 Is Bringing Wacken’s Spirit to Yokohama This October](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/full-metal-japan-2026-is-bringing-wackens-spirit-to-yokohama-this-october)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 13:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · PIA Arena MM (西区) · ¥23,000
- **[Ryuichi Sakamoto + Shiro Takatani Ambient Kyoto - Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ryuichi-sakamoto-shiro-takatani-ambient-kyoto-tokyo)** — Fri, Aug 28, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Azabudai Hills Gallery (Minato) · ¥2,200〜
- **[Dark Arts Halloween at Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dark-arts-halloween-at-harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo)** — Thu, Sep 10, 2026 10:30 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter (Tokyo) · ¥6,300–¥7,300
- **[Yuzu 30th Anniversary Opening Concert: Don't Stop Your Heart](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yuzu-30th-anniversary-opening-concert-dont-stop-your)** — Fri, Oct 23, 2026 18:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥7,700–¥21,800
- **[Tokyo City Flea Market at Oi Racecourse](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-city-flea-market-2)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 09:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Oi Racecourse Parking Lot 1 Monorail Entrance (Shinagawa) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Night Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-night-market)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi Park Keyaki Avenue (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[NCT 127 — NEO CITY: THE REDLINE (Tokyo)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nct-127-neo-city-the-redline-tokyo-7952)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Saitama Super Arena (Saitama) · ¥14,800
- **[Taste of Tokyo 2026: Yurakucho Area](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-taste-of-tokyo)** — Fri, Oct 23, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 ~Powered by WACKEN~](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/full-metal-japan-2026-powered-by-wacken-2)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · PIA Arena MM (西区) · ¥20,000〜
- **[Hiromi Go Budokan concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hiromi-go-budokan-concert)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 16:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[Oktoberfest at Tokyo Skytree Town 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oktoberfest-at-tokyo-skytree-town-2026-2)** — Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00 – Mon, Oct 26, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Skytree Town (Sumida) · Free entry
- **[Shimokitazawa Curry Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shimokitazawa-curry-festival-2026)** — Thu, Oct 8, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Shimokitazawa Station East Exit (Setagaya) · Free entry
- **[Vietnam Food Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vietnam-food-festival-2026)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Grand Ramen Championship presented by Great Tsukemen Expo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/presents-1)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Shinjuku Okubo Park (Shinjuku) · ¥800
- **[Naniwa Boys LIVE TOUR 2026 'ND⁵'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-tour-2026-nd5)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 13:00 – Wed, Oct 28, 2026 (JST) · Lala Arena Tokyo Bay (千葉県) · price on the official site
- **[NCT 127 7th Album [BLINGY] POP-UP: Neo Lost & Found Center in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nct-127-the-7th-album-blingy-pop-up-neo-lostfound-center-at-tokyo)** — Fri, Oct 16, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado 4F D'PARTMENT (Shibuya) · Free entry

## Questions people ask

**What should I book before my first trip to Tokyo?**
Anything sold only in advance or by timed ticket: the Ghibli Museum, teamLab, Shibuya Sky at sunset, the Pokémon Cafe, and sumo if a tournament is on. Most festivals, shrines, markets and parks need no booking.

**Do I need Visit Japan Web?**
No, it is optional. It lets you fill in immigration and customs details online and show a QR code on arrival instead of paper cards.

**Do I need cash in Tokyo?**
Some. Cards work in most shops and restaurants, but festival stalls, small bars and shrines often take cash only. ATMs at 7-Eleven stores and post offices accept foreign cards.

**How many days do I need in Tokyo?**
Three days cover the classic areas, five let you add a slower neighbourhood or a day trip, and a week leaves room for events and two day trips. Our itinerary guide has a plan for each.

**What's on in Tokyo this week?**
The list on this page shows the biggest events of the coming seven days and updates daily. Each event links to its official page.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/first-time