Japanese have got to be some of the most hospitable people in the world! I met so many people on this trip to Japan and all, except that occasional few, were over the top nice and helpful. They even walked us all the way to where we needed to go so we wouldn't get lost - now that is hospitality!
Japan is also 100% safe, their crime rate is way below America's. I was alone for 10 days and never felt unsafe or uncomfortable - and I'm a young female!
Where I stayed:
We stayed in a tiny Airbnb room for about $47 a night. It was just a few miles from central Tokyo. Everything was just fine about it; shared bathroom, shared kitchen, shared laundry room, but the bed was rock hard. We both had troubles sleeping at night on that thing!
TIP: My advice to you is don't wait last minute to pick an Airbnb like we did, or you'll end up with a 7 by 6 foot room and back problems in the morning.
Transportation:
Save yourself tons of money and use public transportation. It takes a little figuring out but it's worth it! A train ride in Tokyo was roughly $1.40 one way - a hell of a lot cheaper than an Uber (I like to think of it that way when I see all the train tickets adding up).
Another thing that will help BIG TIME is buying a prepaid SIM card. I bought mine on Amazon - 1 GB for 15 days for about $22. If you run out of data (like I did...5 times...), you can always top up your data on the app it comes with. It's super easy! There are several top up options such as 500 MB for 900 yen (about $9). Use your SIM card for Google maps, it's a huge help! (Try to use it only for what is necessary otherwise you'll run out of data quickly.)
Some people say you should buy an IC card (a rechargeable ticket) but I think it's just for connivence and not really necessary. I was discussing with the staff at the train and they said it will only save you 5 yen per trip (5 cents).
What to see
1. Harajuku Market - Free
Step off the train and you'll run smack dab into Harajuku Market. For me, this was the "wow, I'm really in Tokyo" moment! There's tons of shops, traditional food, crepes, and even a Shiba Cafe (yup, a cafe where you have 30 minutes to pet all the cute Shibas your heart desires! And Shibas in Japan are must smaller than ones in America, smaller = cuter! The cost is $8 with a free beverage)!
2. Meiji-Jingu Temple - Free
Just a short walk away from Harajuku Market, is the Meiji-Jingu Temple. It's surrounded by lush forest - it's very peaceful. Pass under a couple shrines to the heart of the temple. We were there at the right time to see a ceremony happen - it was interesting for a couple minutes but it was slow and boring after that. Still a must see, especially since its only 5 minutes from Harajuku Market!
(Excuse our clothing - our luggage got lost for 2 days -_-)
3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Room - Free
I couldn't believe this view was free - it's 360 degrees of the best view in Tokyo! The line to go up was about 40 minutes. Considering how long the line was, it went fast!
4. Memory Lane - Free
Memory Lane transports you back into traditional Japan and how things used to be. There's awesome photo ops but beware of the food vendors...we sat down at one spot because they lured us in with 150 yen sticks of meat. We thought okay that's pretty cheap, let's try it out! Turns out they charge us to SIT, 600 yen each!! 3 tiny sticks of meat each turned into a $26 meal!
5. Shinjuku - Free
Step off the train station at Shinjuku and you'll be confronted with ginormous buildings and flashing lights! Another great place to explore. They have a store called "Don Quijote" that has 4 floors of anything you can imagine; from neck fans to ab shapers and everything in-between! You can also spot Godzilla peaking over one of these massive buildings. This is also Tokyo's Red Light District.
6. Senso-ji Temple - Free
Everyone we asked suggested we go to this temple, but I didn't think it was that great. Super crowded, looked like every other temple in Japan, crowded over priced markets. I probably could have done without it but hey, judge it for yourself!
7. Ueno Park - Free
I happened to stumble on this park and thought it was lovely. There are swan peddle boats for rental, thousands of lily pads in the pond, a temple, shrines, a zoo (please do not pay to support animal cruelty), museums, a Starbucks, cafe, and more. It's worth checking out, I hear it's even more beautiful during Cherry Blossom season.
8. Shibuya Crossing
This is the busiest intersection in the world! Thousands of people cross from all angles at once! Try rush hour for the ultimate experience.
9. 7-Eleven
To Americans, it's just another gas station. To Japanese, it's not a gas station but a connivence store...with some actually pretty tasty foods! Don't be afraid to try a few things! Especially with Japan being the most expensive country in the world...it doesn't hurt to eat at 7-Eleven a few times. Try the noodles in the picture below - yum!
10. Borderless Lab Art Museum
I saved the best for last! This digital art museum totally blew my mind! Definitely worth the $32 (I'm very frugal, so you know that means somethin' coming from me!) Each room had amazing art that was constantly changing, we spent 4 hours there!
TIP: To get the full effect that was meant to be, put your phone down and just take it all in first - allow yourself to feel, listen to the sounds of the room. Then go crazy with pictures! ;)
For next time...
A couple other things on my list that we didn't get to see were the Gyoen National Gardens ($2-3 entrance fee) and the Imperial Palace Gardens (free). Both were closed when we went, what luck!
Dress Code in Japan
Of course there's no real dress code here but if you don't want to stick up like a sore thumb, I suggest you read these tips. I never really saw any tight or provocative clothing here. Everything was loose, flowy, fashionable, and neutrally colored. I felt super out of place when I wore a denim mini skirt, and a couple of girls even laughed at me. And always bring an umbrella during summer, that's their rainy season!