Welcome to Tokyo and its maze of bright lights, restaurants, and everything else imaginative that fills in the cracks. This first-timer?s guide to Tokyo is just the start to the endless adventures in this city.

I will never forget the moment I walked out in Shinjuku Station. It was my first glimpse of the city ? seas of people passing by, vendors selling an assortment of oddly-colored food ? all sights and smells that I would soon grow accustomed to.

The sheer vibrancy of the city is hard to soak in and even after five days in Tokyo, I could have gone back for more. Spots like small coffee shops tucked in lush corners of the city to shops specializing in hilariously cartooned characters, make Tokyo, well Tokyo. It?s the weird and the wonderful.

Anthony Bourdain said it well: ?Tokyo may well be the most amazing food city in the world, with a nearly unimaginable variety of places stacked one on top of the other, tucked away on every level on densely-packed streets.? It?s hard to say where to begin.

The city is large, but a smart and efficient network of underground rail connects it all together. Daunting, but an unfamiliar orderliness makes Tokyo work the way it does. It?s clean, it?s organized, and somehow it blends beautifully. There?s no sense of urgency, as they know that each person has a task to be done, and through the quietness and peaceful lining up at a train stop, you can spot a glimpse of this.

Tokyo is mesmerizing. It waits for those willing to step into a world that most will never understand, but can, at the very least, scratch the surface.

1st ?

How to Get to Tokyo from Narita International Airport

To access the city from Narita International Airport (the most recommended, as it has the best options to getting into Tokyo), is via the Narita Express or local trains. The JR Rail Pass covers a few of the lines, which is recommended as it?s around $30 a person. Expect at least an hour to hour and half to Shinjuku or Shibuya area.

What?s the Best Way to Get Around Tokyo?

The entire city is easily traversed by foot, train, or bus.

The Suica card is helpful for using the bus and local train. You can get one at the main stations and, with a small deposit, have access to reload this card. If you have a JR Rail Pass, this is also applicable for certain lines in Tokyo. Be sure to apply and purchase your JR Rail Pass prior to arrival in Japan.

Travel Tip: Be sure to apply and purchase your JR Rail Pass before arrival in Japan.

Are Credit Cards Accepted in Tokyo?

Japan, even though it is incredibly modern, is still a primarily cash-only country. Carry Yen on you at all times to cover meals, shopping, and transportation. The best place to withdraw cash is at Seven Eleven ATMs.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Top Attractions in Tokyo?

For all sights, if you?re looking for those ?no crowd? photos, be sure to arrive no later than 7:30 am. The top attractions will get incredibly busy and it is worth it to get up a bit earlier.

Are Restaurant Reservations Required in Tokyo?

Most restaurants need reservations far in advance. The best way to handle any restaurant reservation is to have your hotel concierge call and reserve. There were quite a few where we couldn?t get one almost two-three weeks in advance.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

For my trip, I rented an Airbnb with friends in a quiet area left of Yoyogi Park. the corridor between Higashi-Kitazawa Station and Yoyogi Park is really nice and quiet. It?s ideal to be within walking distance of a train station. Though Shinjuku and Shibuya are the best stations to be nearby, I would not recommend staying in those neighborhoods if you are looking for something quieter.

Tokyo is a vast city and where to stay has a big influence on your

here are my top picks

Try the JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya, for the best location. Or the

Shibuya Granbell Hotel, for the best location.

Hotel Emit, for the best boutique hotel. And

Mustard Hotel, for the best modern hotel.

If you want all top 10 hotels in japan , check out this video after called my top 10 hotels in japan.