Capital city, Japan
Tokyo
The world's easiest mega-city for a solo trip or long stay: spotless, safe, superbly connected and full of solo-friendly food. Expensive housing, crowds and a language barrier outside tourist zones are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,900–2,850Comfortable, one person · ¥300,000–450,000Details
- Value for money44/100Better value than 43% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Air quality10.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink; restaurants serve free water or tea.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$32–76Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGOWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashContactless and Suica work at chains, konbini and stations; small restaurants, shrines and some izakaya still want cash.Details
Where to stay in Tokyo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku–Nakano | First-timers: huge rail hub, nightlife, ramen, mid-range hotels |
| Shibuya–Ebisu–Daikanyama | Nomads: cafés, coworking, restaurants, young crowd |
| Asakusa–Ueno | Budget stays, hostels, temples, old-town feel |
| Shimokitazawa–Koenji | Long stays: vintage shops, live music, cheaper rent |
| Nakameguro–Meguro | Calm riverside cafés and quieter evenings |
Apps that work in Tokyo
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and doors open automatically; hail on the street or via app. No tipping. Drivers rarely speak English, so show the address on your phone.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Contactless and Suica work at chains, konbini and stations; small restaurants, shrines and some izakaya still want cash. 7-Eleven ATMs take foreign cards.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Tokyo solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.