Tokyo is where most Filipino first-timers start, and for good reason: the trains run on time, English signage is everywhere in the center, and there's a konbini within a few minutes of almost anywhere you'll stand. Here's how to plan around it.
Getting there & around
Direct flights from Manila land at either Narita (NRT), about an hour outside the city, or the more central Haneda (HND). From Narita, the Skyliner or N'EX train gets you into central Tokyo in 40–60 minutes; Haneda is a short monorail or train ride from most central neighborhoods.
Once in the city, get a Suica or Pasmo IC card immediately — you can buy one at the airport and tap it on every subway, JR line, bus, and most konbini purchases. It's the single most useful ₱2,000 you'll spend.
Where to stay, by neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Good for | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | First-timers, nightlife, transit hub | Big, bright, a little overwhelming at first |
| Shibuya | Shopping, younger crowd | Fast-paced, trendy |
| Asakusa | Budget stays, traditional feel | Quieter, older Tokyo |
| Ueno | Museums, value hotels | Relaxed, park-adjacent |
Top things to do
- Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa — Tokyo's oldest temple, best visited early morning before the crowds.
- Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky — the famous scramble, then a rooftop view of it.
- teamLab Planets or Borderless — immersive digital art, book tickets in advance.
- Meiji Shrine & Harajuku — a forested shrine minutes from Tokyo's trendiest shopping street.
- Akihabara — electronics, anime, and arcades.
- Day trip to Hakone or Mt. Fuji — onsen towns and lake views, about 2 hours from central Tokyo.
A simple 3-day flow
Asakusa & Ueno
Ease in with Senso-ji, then wander Ueno Park and its museums in the afternoon.
Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku
The crossing and Shibuya Sky by day, Harajuku shopping, then an izakaya dinner in Omoide Yokocho.
Hakone or Mt. Fuji day trip
An early train out, an onsen soak or ropeway ride, and back to Tokyo by dinner.
Money-saving tips
- Konbini meals (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are genuinely good and cost a fraction of a sit-down restaurant.
- Skip the JR Pass if you're staying in Tokyo only — pay-as-you-go with a Suica card is usually cheaper for single-city trips.
- Many temples and shrines, including Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine, are free to enter.
- Standing sushi and ramen counters cost far less than seated restaurants for the same quality.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
Do I need the JR Pass just for Tokyo?
Is Tokyo expensive for Filipino travelers?
Fares and figures are planning estimates and change with dates and demand — verify current prices before booking.