Tokyo – Does the City Live Up to the Hype?
Shibuya’s neon lights to five star ramen, here’s what I loved, what surprised me, and whether Tokyo is worth the hype.
Tokyo is a city that needs no introduction.
The neon lights, the futuristic skyline, the historic traditions. After spending a time here, I can confidently say that Tokyo is a top 3 city in the world. But, like any city, it has its quirks and downsides. Here’s my full breakdown of what I loved, what surprised me and more.
📍 First Impressions of Tokyo
What Stood Out Immediately
✔ The Cleanliness – No public trash cans, yet the streets are spotless. How? People actually take their trash home or sort it properly at convenience stores. Even back alleys feel cleaner than some major city streets elsewhere.
✔ The Efficiency – Everything in Tokyo runs with near-perfect precision. Trains arrive to the second, restaurants process orders faster than you can sit down and even vending machines operate with robotic smoothness.
✔ The Ease of Paying for Everything – Whether it’s convenience stores, vending machines, or restaurants, touchless payment is king. Using a Visa tap-to-pay card or a Suica/Pasmo card (which works for transit, stores, and even some taxis) made everything seamless.
✔ The Subway System is Chaotic, but Amazing – Yes, it’s massive and overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the best in the world. The signs (in multiple languages), clear markings, and station layouts make it much easier to navigate than expected.
✔ The Density & Compactness – Space is at a premium, so everything is smaller—hotel rooms, restaurants, even some sidewalks. But it’s done in a way that works, maximizing every inch without feeling claustrophobic. If you’re coming from a city with more space, though, it takes some adjusting.
What Took Some Adjusting
❌ The Subway Closing at 12:30 AM – For a city as advanced as Tokyo, I expected the trains to run later. If you’re out at night, missing the last train means either staying out until trains open, finding an all-night cafe, or paying Tokyo’s expensive taxi fares.
❌ The Cost of Taxis/Ubers – Speaking of which, taxis in Tokyo are no joke. A short 10-minute ride can easily cost $30+, making it one of the most expensive cities for cabs.
❌ The Density – While I loved how compact and efficient Tokyo is, it can also feel a bit tight. Some restaurants only have a few seats and sidewalks can get packed. If you’re used to wide-open spaces, adjusting to Tokyo’s compact lifestyle might take time.
📍 Tokyo’s Must-See Spots
1️⃣ Shibuya Scramble – Organized Chaos 🚶♂️🌆
✅ One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Standing at the intersection and watching hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people move in perfect sync is mesmerizing.
🎟 Shibuya Sky—one of the best views of the Tokyo skyline. The observation deck is worth it for the panoramic cityscape, especially at sunset.
🍜 Grab food at Shibuya Center Gai, one of the best areas for late-night ramen, sushi, and fast food chains like Ichiran and Genki Sushi.
2️⃣ Akihabara – The Tech & Anime Capital 🎮🛍️
🕹️ A paradise for gamers, anime lovers, and tech enthusiasts. If it’s niche or rare, you’ll find it here.
🛒 Explored retro gaming stores filled with old-school PlayStation, Nintendo, and Sega consoles.
👾 Checked out multi-story arcades—some with pachinko, crane games, and rhythm games you won’t see anywhere else.
📚 Anime everywhere. The district is packed with themed cafes, figure shops, and manga stores.
3️⃣ Roppongi – Nightlife & Skyline Views 🍸🌃
🍷 Roppongi is where you go to party. The bars and clubs here are high-end, flashy, and full of expats and travelers.
🎷 Grab drinks at R2 Supper Club, a cool jazz bar with great cocktails.
🔊 If you’re looking for high-energy nightlife with an international crowd, Roppongi is the spot.
4️⃣ Shinjuku – Tokyo at Its Most Tokyo 🎡🏮
🍶 Golden Gai – Tiny bars, each with 5-10 seats max, packed into alleyways.
🔥 Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) – A narrow alley lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs), mostly serving yakitori and beer.
🦖 Godzilla statue at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Because why wouldn’t Tokyo have a life-sized Godzilla head watching over the city?
💡 Kabukicho – The red-light district is full of neon lights, hostess bars, and love hotels. A wild scene, even just to walk through.
5️⃣ Harajuku – Where Fashion and Trends Are Born 👗🍭
🔆 Takeshita Street – Exactly as chaotic, colorful, and quirky as I expected. Street fashion, vintage shops, and giant crepe stands at every turn.
🏛 Omotesando – The high-end side of Harajuku, like Tokyo’s version of the Champs-Élysées. Designer stores, boutique cafes, and minimalist aesthetics.
⛩ Meiji Shrine – A peaceful break from Harajuku’s chaos. The walk through the towering torii gates felt like stepping into another world.
6️⃣ Day Trip to Mt. Fuji – A Must-Do? 🏔️🚄
🚆 Took the train out to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best Fuji viewing spots. The town is small, quiet, and scenic—a nice break from Tokyo’s intensity.
☀️ Weather matters! I got lucky with clear skies, but if it’s cloudy, you might not see the mountain at all.
🌊 Fuji itself is breathtaking—one of those sights that’s even better in person.
♨️ The Fuji Five Lakes area has some great onsens (hot springs) if you want to soak with a mountain view.
🍣 Food & Coffee – Tokyo’s Culinary Game is Next-Level
🍜 Best Meals I Had
✅ Ramen at Ichiran – The hype is real. Solo booths, customizable bowls, and a tonkotsu broth that’s absolute perfection. If you only eat ramen once, make it Ichiran.
🔥 Ramen at Afuri – If you want something lighter, their yuzu shio ramen is a citrusy, refreshing take on the classic.
🍢 Yakitori in Golden Gai – Tiny bars, smoky grilled skewers, and ice-cold beer. Perfect late-night food.
🍛 Japanese Curry at Coco Ichibanya – Customizable spice levels, toppings, and portion sizes. Comfort food at its finest.
🐙 Takoyaki in Harajuku – Crispy on the outside, gooey inside, packed with octopus and topped with bonito flakes.
🍙 Best Quick Eats (Because Tokyo Isn’t Cheap)
🍙 7-Eleven & Lawson food – Actually good, the Onigiri (rice balls)!
🍛 Matsuya & Sukiya Beef Bowls – Cheap, filling, and better than any fast food back home.
🥟 Gyoza at Harajuku Gyoza Lou – Crispy, juicy, cheap. You can get a full meal for under $8.
🍜 Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen) at Rokurinsha – Thick, chewy noodles served separately from a rich, umami-packed broth.
🚇 Getting Around – Public Transport is King
🚆 What Tokyo Does Better Than Any Other City
✅ Punctuality – Trains run to the second. If it says 9:07 AM, it means 9:07 AM. No delays, no excuses.
✅ Coverage – If you’re within Tokyo, you don’t need a car. The metro, JR lines, and bus system cover everywhere.
✅ Convenience – Suica/Pasmo cards work across trains, buses, vending machines, and even some taxis. No fumbling for cash.
✅ Clean & Safe – You won’t find graffiti, litter, or sketchy situations like in other major metro systems. Even late at night, Tokyo’s trains feel incredibly safe.
✅ Signs Are Clear – Even with multiple train companies operating in one city, signage is clear, often in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
🚇 What’s Frustrating
❌ Rush Hour is Brutal – If you hate crowds, avoid peak times (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM).
❌ Subway Closes Too Early – Last trains run around 12:30 AM. Miss it? Your options are a taxi or walking.
❌ Taxis are Wildly Expensive – $30+ for a 10-minute ride.
❌ Walking is No Joke – The stations are huge, with tons of stairs and underground connections. Some transfers take 10-15 minutes just to walk between platforms.
🏆 Tokyo: Final Verdict – Does It Live Up to the Hype?
✅ What I Loved:
✔ The Efficiency – Everything just works. Trains are on time, service is seamless, and even the vending machines operate with precision.
✔ The Food Scene – From Michelin-starred sushi to 7-Eleven egg sandwiches, the quality of food at all price points is unmatched.
✔ The Cleanliness – No trash cans, yet no trash anywhere. Tokyo takes cleanliness to an extreme level, and it’s impressive.
✔ The Variety – Every district feels like a different city. Shibuya’s energy, Akihabara’s tech obsession, Shinjuku’s nightlife, and Harajuku’s fashion scene—Tokyo is many worlds in one.
✔ The Touch Pay System – Suica/Pasmo cards and contactless credit cards made payments effortless, whether I was on the train, buying food, or grabbing drinks.
✔ The Convenience Stores – 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson—Tokyo’s conbini game is elite. Midnight snack? Full meal? They’ve got you covered.
❌ What I Didn’t Love:
❌ The Cost of Taxis – $30 for a short ride? No thanks. The trains are amazing, but if you’re out past midnight, be ready to walk or pay.
❌ The Crowds – Shinjuku Station during rush hour is absolute madness. If you’re claustrophobic, avoid the 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM crush.
❌ The Subway Closing at 12:30 AM – For a city this advanced, why does public transport shut down so early?
❌ The Tiny Accommodations – Space is a luxury in Tokyo. Rooms and Airbnbs are tiny, and if you’re used to sprawling Western-style apartments, prepare to downsize.
❌ Density Overload – Tokyo is nonstop stimulation. Lights, sounds, ads, people—it’s a sensory overload that can be exhausting if you don’t take breaks.
Would I Stay Longer?
Yes. Tokyo is a city that rewards time. One week was barely enough to scratch the surface. Every day felt like a new discovery, and even after checking off the major spots, I knew I had barely tapped into what the city has to offer.
There’s always:
🍜 Another legendary ramen shop tucked away in a quiet alley.
🎌 Another cultural experience—from sumo wrestling to tea ceremonies.
🕹️ Another hidden bar or game café you’d never find unless a local tells you.
🌸 Another season to experience—cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or winter illuminations.
Would I Live Here? That’s a Different Question.
Tokyo is incredible for travel, but long-term living comes with challenges:
🏙️ The pace is intense—fast, crowded, and highly structured. If you thrive on efficiency, you’ll love it. If you need a more relaxed vibe, Tokyo might feel overwhelming.
🏠 Space is a luxury—apartments are tiny, and living comfortably requires serious money.
💰 Cost of living can add up—food and transport are affordable, but rent, nightlife and certain experiences aren’t cheap.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. It’s one of the few places in the world where everything just works, and yet it still manages to surprise you every day. Whether you visit for a week, a month, or longer, there’s always more to explore.
Would I go back? Without a doubt. Would I live here? For a while—maybe. But as a travel destination, Tokyo is world-class, and the hype is 100% deserved. 🚆🍣🌆