Describe a trip to Tokyo. What should I be prepared for? What should I eat? Any can't-miss attractions?


Tokyo is a massive city and even if I were to give you hundreds of recommendations, they would not begin to scratch the surface. What follows is a rundown of good things to know, food to eat, and places you may want to visit.

General tips and tricks:
- Bring cash: Do a currency exchange and pick up plenty of Yen at the airport — Tokyo is a very cash-heavy town and your local currency won’t cut it. 
- Take the Narita Express: If you’re flying into Narita, the airport is far from the city center and the easiest way to get there is via Narita Express (abbreviated to N’EX), run by JR East. You have to book an actual seat on the Narita Express, and if you don't speak Japanese, don't try using one of the machines at the airport, go to an actual desk to speak to someone who can help you buy a round-trip ticket. 
- Use the Metro: Hands down, the best way to get around Tokyo. If you stay in Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya or Shinagawa, you’ll be on the Yamanote Line, which will get you almost everywhere you want to go (or to an easy transfer). You’ll need to buy a reusable Suica card — again, highly highly recommend having Yen with you so you can easily load up your card. All of the Suica machines have translation options. 
- Make dinner reservations: It can be difficult to make reservations if you don't speak Japanse! If you’re staying at a hotel, use your concierge. If not, try one of following sites: Tablecheck, Tabelog and Retty.
- Make use of these helpful phrases:
Thank you (formal): Arigatou Gozaimasu (pronounced “Ah-di-got-oh Goze-eye-moss”)
I’m sorry / excuse me: Sumimasen (pronounced “sue-me-mah-sahn”)
Good morning: Ohayo Gozaimasu (pronounced “oh-hi-yo Goze-eye-moss”)
Good evening: Konbanwa (pronounced: “kon-bon-wah”)

What to eat:
- Omakase: If you enjoy sushi (which you probably do if you're visiting Japan!), don't miss the chance to enjoy an Omakase meal. Sushi chefs take their art seriously and whether you choose to go to a classic high-end restaurant like Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi (from Jiro Dreams of Sushi) or Nishiazabu Sushi Shin, or something more inventive like Udatsu, or the even more casual Sushipanchi, you will be treated to a true experience. 
- Gyoza: Who doesn't love dumplings? You should be able to find casual gyoza options throughout the city. 
Yakitori: Another casual dinning experience with tons of options. If you're interested in truly experiencing yakitori and aren't afraid of squeezing through alleyways for it, visit the Golden Gai or Piss Alley.
- Ramen: I don’t have specific recommendations for ramen because some of the best places are "holes in the wall" that you wander into. You can download the Ramen Beast app if you need direction. 

Attractions and experiences to consider:
- Meiji Jingu: This is probably the most famous shrine in Tokyo (in Shibuya, near Harajuku) and definitely worth visiting. 
- Senso-ji: Famous Buddhist temple.
- Imperial Palace: The residential place the Emperors and their families since 1868.
- Sumo wrestling tournaments: Grand tournaments only happen a few times a year, but check the schedule and see if you can catch a day of matches! It’s fascinating and even more enjoyable if you read up on the rituals in advance. 
- Public baths or sentos: Experience Japanese bathing culture, but be ready to de-robe and cover any tattoos!