The geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line (see Get around). The center of Tokyo — the former area reserved for the Shogun and his samurai — lies within the loop, while the Edo-era downtown (____ ''shitamachi'') is to the north and east. Sprawling around in all directions and blending seamlessly into Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba are Tokyo's suburbs.
The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.
At airports and major train stations, look for a sign that says "Baggage Delivery" or something similar. The most common company is called '''Kuroneko-Yamato''', which has an easy-to-spot black-on-yellow logo of a mother cat carrying her kitten. Other companies include '''Nittsu''' and '''Sagawa'''. '''Japan Post''', the national postal service, also offers luggage delivery called "Yu-Pack". Fees are based upon distance, expect to pay around ¥2000 within the greater Tokyo area. Usually, the delivery is performed the following day, in a specified time range.
This works the same way on departure. Most hotels and many convenience stores will take care of the pick-up for you, but you should check delivery times in advance, so that your luggage can arrive in time for your flight. '''Most services require that you send your luggage to the airport two days prior to your departure.''' You can pick up your luggage in the airport lobby. This makes getting to the airport a breeze. This service can also be used for intercity travel.}}
In Japan, all roads, rails, shipping lanes and planes lead to Tokyo.
Tokyo's main international gateway is '''Narita Airport''' (___c___`) ({{IATA|NRT}}) [http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/], located in the town of Narita nearly 70 kilometers northeast of Tokyo and covered in a separate article. A ''brief'' summary of options for getting there and away:
The easiest and most scenic way from Haneda to the city is the '''Tokyo Monorail''' [http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/index.html] with a station in each terminal running to Hamamatsucho (16 min, ¥470), from where you can connect to almost anywhere in Tokyo on the JR Yamanote line. The other, slightly cheaper alternative is the private '''Keikyu''' (___}) line, which has a single station between the terminals and runs to Shinagawa (19 min, ¥400) and Yokohama (27 min, ¥470). Keikyu also runs trains to Haneda from the Toei Asakusa subway line, and even a few direct services to Narita. Note that there is ''no JR service to the airport'', and the "Airport Terminal 2" station that pops up in some route search engines is in Narita, not Haneda!
Expect to pay anywhere from \4,000 to \10,000 for a taxi to central Tokyo.
For non-Shinkansen services, Shibuya and Shinjuku stations offer local connections to the west. Ueno and Ikebukuro stations connect you to the northern suburbs and neighboring prefectures.
Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult. It's definitely possible for determined cheapskates though, see Hitchhiking in Japan for a detailed list of tested escape routes from the city.
Long-distance buses use a number of terminals scattered throughout the city, but the main JR depot is at Tokyo Station's '''Yaesu-minamiguchi''' (___d_F____) exit, while Keio and some other private companies use the '''Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal''' (_V_h_____o_X_^_[_~_i__), opposite Yodobashi Camera near the West Exit.
The main long-distance ferry terminal is '''Ariake Ferry Terminal''' [http://www.tptc.or.jp/eng/ferry.htm], located on an artificial island adjacent to Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The nearest station is Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon on the Yurikamome line, but it's still a bit of a hike. You can also take a direct bus from Shin-Kiba station on the Metro Yurakucho line. The main services from this terminal are:
Ferries to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands leave from '''Takeshiba Terminal''' (_|___q_D_^_[_~_i__), adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line. Cruise liners tend to use the '''Harumi Terminal''' (___C_q_D_^_[_~_i__), best accessible on bus _s05(To-05) from Tokyo station Marunouchi South Exit or __12(Tou-12) from Tokyo station Yaesu exit. International ferries and cargo ferries that also take passengers can leave from other terminals too, enquire with your shipping company.
The defining rail line in Tokyo is the JR '''Yamanote Line''' (_R____), which runs in a loop around central Tokyo; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in the core of Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote. JR's lines are color-coded, and the Yamanote is green (but it is black on the subway map inset right). The '''JR Chuo''' (______, orange) and '''Sobu''' (______, yellow) lines run side-by-side, bisecting the Yamanote loop from Shinjuku on the west to Tokyo on the east. JR's other commuter lines, the Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku, run off the rim of the Yamanote loop to the north and south. JR East has a good English information line, 050-2016-1603 or 03-3423-0111.
Tokyo has an extensive '''subway''' network with frequent trains, and these are primarily useful for getting around within the Yamanote loop. The '''Tokyo Metro''' [http://www.tokyometro.jp/e/index.html] runs nine lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines. '''Toei''' [http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/util/english/index.html] operates the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. In addition, there is a largely underground Rinkai Line, a private line which is operated by Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit [http://www.twr.co.jp] (web-site only in Japanese) or '''TWR''', that passes through the island of Odaiba.
A number of '''private commuter lines''' radiate from the Yamanote loop out into the outlying wards and suburbs, and almost all connect through directly to subway lines within the loop. The private lines are useful for day trips outside the city, and are slightly cheaper than JR. Among these, the most important to visitors is arguably the Yurikamome [http://www.yurikamome.co.jp/en/] which offers great views on the way to the island of Odaiba.
'''Prepaid fare cards''' are convenient and highly recommended because they allow you to ride trains without having to read the sometimes Japanese-only fare maps to determine your fare. There are two brands of prepaid fare cards, JR East's '''Suica''', and '''PASMO''', offered by private (non-JR) lines. Functionally they are completely interchangeable and can be used on just about every subway, train and bus line in Tokyo (with the noted exception of JR's Shinkansen and limited express trains).
The fare cards are rechargeable "smart cards": you simply tap your card on the touch pad next to the turnstile as you go in, and do the same when going through to exit. There is an initial ¥500 deposit that you must pay when purchasing a fare card, but up to ¥20,000 in value can be stored on each card.
Most private lines also maintain the older non-rechargeable '''Passnet''' cards, available in 1000, 3000 & 5000 Yen units. If you get towards the end of your card e.g. you have 70 Yen left, then you can either buy another card and use them together in the turnstiles (in which case it will remove the 70 Yen from the 1st card and take the remainder from the new card) or you can use the card as credit for an ordinary ticket.
There are also some special tickets that allow unlimited travel, but most are unlikely to be useful to tourists unless you're planning to spend half your day on the train.
Actually, they are all announced by the same voice actor, Christelle Ciari.[http://www3.plala.or.jp/christelle/]
In a Japanese interview she said "Most railway companies I worked for did not give me any instruction on how to pronounce the station names in English. So I decided to read them in the original Japanese accent because I personally thought it was more natural and easier to comprehend for non-native speakers of English. The only exception was JR East, which instructed me to announce the station names in American accent."
Therefore, you will hear "Shibuya" on Tokyo Metro while you will hear "Sheebooyah" on JR trains.
If you're paying ''a la carte'', subway and train fares are based on distance, ranging from ¥110 to ¥310 for hops within central Tokyo. As a general rule of thumb, Tokyo Metro lines are cheapest, Toei lines are most expensive, and JR lines fall somewhere in the middle (but are usually cheaper than Metro for short trips, i.e. no more than 4 stations). Many of the private lines interoperate with the subways, which can occasionally make a single ride seem unreasonably expensive as you are in essence transferring to another line and fare system, even though you're still on the same train. E.g. changing between Metro and Toei subway lines amounts to paying the sum of each fare: minimum fare Metro ¥160 + minimum fare Toei ¥170 = ¥330.
It pays to check your route beforehand. The '''Tokyo Transfer Guide''' [http://www.tokyo-subway.net/english/] by the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway companies, is an online service that allows you to plan subway and train travel from point A to point B, based on time, cost, and transfers. This guide provides information for Tokyo only, and there are other sites which additionally cover the whole country, see the Japan page. Some major stations have terminals providing information similar to the Tokyo Transfer Guide.
If you can't figure out how much it is to the destination, you can buy the cheapest ticket and pay the difference at the Fare Adjustment Machine (''norikoshi'') at the end. Most vending machines will let you buy a single ticket that covers a transfer between JR, subway and private lines, all the way to your destination, but working out how to do this may be a challenge if you are not familiar with the system. When transferring between systems, whether paying with tickets or smart cards, use the '''orange transfer gates''' to exit. Otherwise, you'll be charged full fare for both separate parts of your trip, instead of the cheaper transfer fare.
Most train lines in Tokyo run from around 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. During peak hours they run about once every three minutes; even during off-peak hours it's less than ten minutes between trains. The only night when regular passenger services run overnight is for the New Year's Holiday on select lines.
For additional information for train travel in Japan generally, refer to the By rail section in the Japan article.
Taxis are very pricey, but may be a value for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.
Fares generally start at ¥710 for the first two kilometers and can add up rapidly. A 20% night surcharge is tacked on from 22:00-5:00 (10 PM to 5 AM). As a rule of thumb, a daytime trip across the city from Tokyo station to Shinjuku station will cost approximately ¥3000, while a daytime trip from Tokyo station to Haneda Airport costs around ¥6200. These examples are based on standard routing and traffic conditions, so your actual fare may vary in relation to the estimated fare.
Do not count on your taxi driver speaking English--or knowing more than the best-known locations, though most taxis have GPS "car navi" systems installed. The best and easiest thing to do is to prepare a map marked with where you want to go, and point it out on the map to the taxi driver. If you are staying at a hotel, they will provide a map. If possible, get a business card, or print out the address in Japanese of any specific places you wish to go. However, because in Japan streets are often unmarked, if the taxi driver does not have GPS he may not be able to do more than take you to the general vicinity of where you want to go. Also, note that taxis can get caught in traffic jams. No tips are expected or given.
Taxi rear left passenger doors are operated by the driver and open and close automatically. Don't open or close them yourself.
Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with slow-moving traffic and extremely limited and expensive parking. In this city with such an excellent mass transit system, you would need a good reason to want to drive around instead. While renting a car can make sense in Japan in some contexts (e.g., visiting a rural onsen resort), in general it is neither convenient nor economical to rent a car to get around metro Tokyo. Taxis are much more convenient if your budget allows it; walking or public transportation is much less expensive and given the difficulties of navigation and finding parking in popular areas, probably easier too.
If you do decide to plunge in and drive around by car, the main expressway serving Tokyo is the Shuto Expressway, abbreviated to '''Shutoko''' (___s__) [http://www.shutoko.jp/english/]. The C1 Loop Line forms a circle around central Tokyo, similar in fashion to how the Yamanote Line does it by rail. But whereas the Yamanote Line charges ¥130-250 for a single trip, driving a car onto the Shutoko in Tokyo entitles you to pay a ''nominal'' entry fee of '''¥700''' every time you enter the system, with additional tolls (¥300 or ¥500) collected at various other locations.
'''Street racing''' over the Tokyo Expressway at night became popular in the 80's and 90's. Although less popular now, it still occurs on an infrequent basis. If you decide to plunge into the Shutoko system at night, '''obey speed limits and exercise caution''', especially on the C1 Loop Line and the Bayshore Line (aka Wangan Line) where the street racers often concentrate their driving. In nearby Yokohama, you should avoid the Daikoku Parking Area in the evening, at the intersection of the Bayshore Line and the K5 Daikoku Line; this is where street racers often gather in large numbers.
The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies. Buses operating within 23 wards of Tokyo have a fixed fare regardless of distance (¥200 on Toei buses [http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/bus_op.html] and ¥210 on other private bus companies), which is paid upon boarding from the front door. The fares are not transferable; however most buses do accept '''Suica''' or '''PASMO''' fare cards (see above). Compared to the trains, the buses run much less frequently, carry fewer passengers, and are much slower. This makes them amenable to the elderly residents of Tokyo, but rather inconvenient for travelers, who will also have to deal with lack of information in English and sometimes very well hidden bus stops. Bus routes can be fairly complicated and are often not listed in detail at the bus stops; signs on the buses themselves often list only two or three main stops in addition to the origin and destination. Inside the bus stops are usually announced clearly several times, but rarely displayed in English. North-south routes are useful in the Western side of the city since train lines (Odakyu, Keio, Chuo, and Seibu) tend to run east-west.
The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series of '''Water Bus''' [http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/ ] ferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa, Hinode, Harumi and Odaiba. The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English as well as Japanese and a trip on one makes for a relaxing, leisurely way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. Of particular note is the super-futuristic Himiko ferry [http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/cruise_e/index_asa_line.html ] designed by anime and manga creator Leiji Matsumoto , which runs on the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. You might want to arrive well before the departure time just in case tickets on the Himiko sell out!
Tokyo has a vast array of sights, but the first items on the agenda of most visitors are the temples of Asakusa, the gardens of the '''Imperial Palace''' (in Chiyoda) and the '''Meiji Shrine''' (in Harajuku).
Tokyo has many commercial centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around for experiencing the modern Japanese urban phenomenon. Each of these areas have unique characteristics, such as dazzling Shinjuku, youthful Shibuya and upmarket Ginza. These areas are bustling throughout the day, but they really come into life in the evenings.
If you're looking for a viewing platform, the '''Tokyo Tower''' is the best known but a rather overpriced, not to say uninspiring, choice. The highest spot in Tokyo is the '''Tokyo Metropolitan Government''' building (in effect, Tokyo's City Hall) in Shinjuku. Its twin towers have viewing platforms that are absolutely free, and offer a great view over Tokyo and beyond. However, the best option would probably be from the '''World Trade Center Building''' (10:00-20:00, or 21:00 in July and August, 620 yen) at JR Hamamatsucho station which, although not as high, offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the waterfront due to its excellent location, especially at dusk. A recent addition to the viewing platforms around Tokyo is Tokyo City View in '''Roppongi Hills''', Roppongi -- admission is a steep ¥1500, but includes admission to the '''Mori Art Museum'''. Another good option, if you don't mind traffic noise and smell, is the '''Rainbow Bridge''' at Odaiba, whose pedestrian walkways are free. The night-time view across Tokyo Bay is impressive but the walkways close at 8:00PM.
The city is dotted with museums, large and small, which center on every possible interest from pens to antique clocks to traditional and modern arts. Many of the largest museums are clustered around Ueno. At ¥500 to ¥1,000 or more, entrance fees can add up quickly, but the '''GRUTT Pass''' [http://www.museum.or.jp/grutto/about-e.html] allows access to 56 of them for a flat ¥2000 fee. The pass can be purchased from any participating museum and is valid for two months.
Riding '''SKY BUS TOKYO'''[http://www.skybus.jp/English/index.html], an open-top double-decker operated by Hinomaru Limousine (every hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.), is a good option to take a quick tour around the city center. The 45 minutes bus ride will take you around the Imperial Palace via Ginza and Marunouchi district, showing the highlight of Tokyo's shopping and business center. The fare is ¥1,500 for adults of 12 years old and over, and ¥700 for children between 4 and 11 years old. You can borrow a multi-language voice guide system free of charge upon purchasing a ticket, subject to stock availability.
Cash payment is the norm. Although '''credit cards''' are more and more widely accepted, they are far less widespread than in most other developed countries. Most Japanese ATMs do ''not'' accept foreign cards, but post office, 7-11 and Citibank ones do and usually have English menus as well. The crime rate is very low, so don't be afraid of carrying around wads of cash as the Japanese do. See ''Buy'' under Japan. for general caveats regarding electronics and media compatibility.
There are numerous convenience stores throughout Tokyo, which are open around the clock, and sell not only food and magazines, but also daily necessities such as underwear and toiletries. Supermarkets are usually open until 10 PM, while drugstores and department stores usually close at 9 PM.
In recent years there has been an "otaku boom" in Akihabara. A lot of attention in particular was paid to the town thanks to the popular Japanese drama "Densha Otoko", a love story about an otaku who saves a woman who a train and their subsequent courtship.
Akihabara is known for its many live performances, some of which has drawn negative attention due to extremist performers.
The '''Antique Festival''' (_S________________) [http://www.kottouichi.jp/heiwajima.htm] is held over the weekend about 5-6 times a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, on the Tokyo Monorail line, and is well worth a visit.
Department stores and exclusive boutiques stock every fashion label imaginable, but for global labels prices in Tokyo are typically higher than anywhere else in the world. The famous Ginza and Ikebukuro's giant '''Seibu''' and '''Tobu''' department stores (the largest in the world) are good hunting grounds. Recently, Roppongi Hills has emerged as a popular area for high-end shopping, with many major global brands. Other department stores in Tokyo are '''Mitsukoshi''', '''Sogo''', '''Marui''' (OIOI), and '''Takashimaya'''. Mitsukoshi is Japan's biggest department store chain. Its anchor store is in Nihonbashi. '''Marui Men''' store in Shinjuku has eight floors of high-end fashion for men only.
There are often small flea and antique markets in operation on the weekend at major (and minor) shrines in and around Tokyo.
Tokyo has literally tens of thousands of restaurants representing more or less every cuisine in the world, but it also offers a few unique local specialties. ''Nigirizushi'' (fish pressed onto rice), known around the world around simply as "sushi," in fact originates from Tokyo. Another is ''monjayaki'' (____________), a gooey, cabbage-filled version of ''okonomiyaki'' that uses a very thin batter to achieve a sticky, caramelized consistency. It is originally from the Tsukishima area of Chuo and today there are many restaurants near Asakusa offering monjayaki.
Although Tokyo is famous for its sky-high cost of living, it offers a wide range of dining opportunities to satisfy every taste bud of its vast population. While there are many reasonable eateries available, the city is also abundant in prestigious restaurants of a variety of cuisines, both domestic and international, where sophisticated food prepared by renowned chefs are served. All kinds of food for all budgets-- this is what describes Tokyo's food culture and its excitement best. Some of the best cusines include: Sushi, Kaiseki Ryori, and Teishoku.
Also, look for ''bent?'' shops like Hokka-Hokka-Tei which sell take-out lunch boxes. They range in quality and cost, but most offer good, basic food at a reasonable price. This is what students and office workers often eat.
Noodle shops, curry shops, and bakeries are often the best option for people eating on the cheap. They are everywhere. The '''noodle bars''' on every corner are great for filling up and are very cheap at ¥200-1000. You buy your meal ticket from a vending machine at the door with pictures of the dishes and hand it to the serving staff. The one question you will typically have to answer for the counterman is whether you want '''soba''' (smaller diameter) or '''udon''' (larger diameter) noodles. Some offer standing room only (but with a counter to place your bowl), while others have limited counter seating. During peak times, you need to be quick as others will be waiting.
Fast food is available just about everywhere, including many American chains like McDonald's, Wendy's, and KFC. But if you are visiting Japan from overseas, and wish to sample Japanese fast food, why not try MOS Burger, Freshness Burger, Lotteria, or First Kitchen? If you're looking for something more Japanese, try one of the local fast food giants, '''Matsuya''', '''Yoshinoya''' or '''Ootoya'''. For under \500, you can get a giant bowl of meat, rice, and vegetables, sometimes with egg thrown in for good measure. Drinking water or hot '''ocha''' (Japanese green tea) is usually available at no extra cost.
Raw fish enthusiasts are urged to try ''kaitenzushi'' (conveyor belt sushi), where the prices are very reasonable. Prices are depending on the color of the plate, so be sure to check before they start to pile up.
Many of the larger train and subway stations have fast, cheap eateries. Around most stations, there will be ample choices of places to eat, including chain coffeeshops (which often serve sandwiches, baked goods, and pasta dishes), yakitori places, and even Italian restaurants.
The ubiquitous "izakaya", a cross between a pub and a casual restaurant, invariaby serve a good range of Japanese dishes and can be good places to fill up on the cheap in the evening. Many chains have picture menus.
For upmarket Japanese eats, Ginza is guaranteed to burn a hole in your wallet, with Akasaka and Roppongi Hills close behind. You can limit the damage considerably by eating fixed lunch sets instead of dinner, as this is when restaurants cater to people paying their own meals instead of using the company expense account.
The party never stops in Tokyo (but generally takes place in Karaoke bars amongst locals during the week), and you will find good little bars and restaurants everywhere.
If you're new in town then hit Roppongi for establishments which specialize in serving foreigners, although things can get a little rowdy in some ''gaijin'' bars. The area is pretty dead during the week but livens up a little on Friday and Saturday night. Furthermore, this area might not be to everyone's liking as it is generally overflowing with foreigners, hostesses and most annoyingly 'patrons' who will continually hassle you to visit their gentlemens clubs. Be warned, a drink will typically cost you 5000 Yen in a gentlemen's club, hence the reason for the vast number of pimps hassling foreigners. At least the pimps are easy to spot.
Hub pubs are available in Roppongi, Shibuya and most major stations, which resemble English pubs and are reasonably priced. Gaspanic clubs are also in those twoareas which provide decent music with no cover charge, if nothing more. Throughout Tokyo, Happy Hours which typically last for a couple of hours between 5PM and 7PM at weekends and to 9.30PM during the week, will take the typical cost of a pint in a Western bar down from 900 Yen to 500 Yen, or lower if willing to stand. The First Bar does cheap cocktails in Roppongi on a Sunday night.
If you are looking for a more Japanese and/or pleasant international experience, visit Shibuya for cool and nightclubs and dancing. The bar area is between the station and the area where the love hotels are located. Just head over the footbridge straight ahead when you go out of the station and then take a right and follow the neon from street to street. Shinjuku is home to Kabukicho, Japan's largest red-light district, and the massive gay bar district of Ni-chome. As a gaijin, you will also experience a great deal of hassle in this area, similar to Roppongi. A little further from the city center are Shimokitawaza, Koenji and Nakano, which are full of good bars, restaurants and "live houses" offering underground/indie music, and popular with students and 20/30-somethings.
The cheapest nights out would be at Japanese-style watering holes called ''izakaya'' (______), which offer food and drink in a convivial, pub-like atmosphere. Cheaper chain ''izakaya'' like '''Tsubohachi''' (______) and '''Shirokiya''' (______) usually have picture menus, so ordering is simple even if you don't know Japanese. Night out Western-style can get expensive, with clubs and live houses enforcing weekend cover charges in the ¥2000-5000 bracket (usually including a drink coupon or two) and a single drink at a bar as much as ¥1000.
For a splurge on a beverage or two, Western Shinjuku's Park Hyatt Tokyo houses the New York Bar on level 52. Providing stunning views day and night across Tokyo it was also the setting for the movie Lost in Translation. Cocktails here start around ¥1400 - single malt whiskies are upwards of ¥2000.
Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option. They may be reluctant to play host to foreigners as there are quite a few rules of behavior which may be difficult to explain; see the Japan article for the full scoop. Most capsule hotels are men-only. '''Asakusa Riverside''' [http://www.asakusa-capsule.jp/english/] and '''Akihabara Capsule Inn''' [http://www.capsuleinn.com/index.html] are among the very few to have women-only floors.
24-hour comic book library/internet cafes have become common around Tokyo. This is one of the cheapest ways to crash if you miss your last train and need to wait for the early morning transit service to get started. No bed, but you have a comfy chair and a PC and/or DVDs if you can't sleep. Later in the evening, karaoke boxes often offer discounted prices for the whole night, they usually have a couch you can sleep on.
One of the cheapest ways to stay can be also a youth hostel, prices start at 1200, e.g. in the Shinjuku area.
Keep an eye out for what is called a '''business hotel'''. The rooms are usually tiny, but they are conveniently located near stations and rates start from around ¥6000. Staff may speak minimal English, but it's not too hard to figure out. These are the best options for solo travelers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo include '''Tokyu Stay''' [http://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en/index.html], which offers free internet access and breakfast, and '''Sunroute''' [http://www.sunroute.jp/SunrouteTopHLE.html].
Tokyo has some self-proclaimed ''ryokan'' (Japanese inns) that cater largely to foreign tourists, mostly concentrated around Ueno and Asakusa. While not as opulent as the real thing, they offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates.
Japan's infamous '''love hotels''' can be a reasonable (and interesting) option in Tokyo. Shibuya's Love Hotel Hill offers the widest selection in the city. If you're really going to spend the night, be sure to check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest". Be warned that some love hotels (at least around Shinjuku) have a 'No speak Japanese, no stay' policy, presumably to avoid confusion over billing. Some love hotels lock you into your room until you pay into a slot by the door.
If you plan to stay more than one week, you can try weekly-mansion [http://www.weekly-mansion.com/tokyo/]. These are flats you can rent for short periods of time for reasonable prices. Rates are around 5000¥ per day for one or two people. However everything is done in Japanese and it helps greatly to know someone in Japan who can speak your language. Gaijin houses (guest houses for foreigners) can also offer good prices.
There is also a large cluster of luxury hotels in what is euphemistically termed "Tokyo Bay". These hotels are in fact located in Chiba, an adjacent prefecture, and are handy for visiting Tokyo Disneyland but quite inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.
If you bring your own computer with a WLAN card, it is possible to find a free connection in a fast food outlet like McDonald's or Mos Burger. You also have a good chance to find a free connection in one of the numerous coffee shops. Just look for a wireless connection sign in the front window or computers within the shop.
Small police stations, or '''Koban''', can be found every few blocks. If you get lost or need assistance, by all means go to them; it's their job to help you! They may, however, have difficulties with English, so some knowledge of the Japanese language helps.
Take the usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas and trains. The red-light and nightlife districts can be a bit seedy, but are rarely dangerous. Note some small, back-street drinking establishments in red-light districts have been known to charge extortionate prices.
Still in a jam? Call '''Tokyo English Life Line''' [http://www.telljp.com/services/ourservice.html], tel. 03-5774-0992, daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
If you make it as far out as Izu Islands, note that visitors to Miyakejima Island are currently required to carry a gas mask, due to volcanic gases. Those in poor health are advised against travelling to the island.
From Tokyo, the entire surrounding Kanto region is your oyster. Particularly popular destinations nearby include:
The Tokyo area also has some less-famous destinations that are easy day trips from central Tokyo:
And don't forget the islands to the south of Tokyo: