Tokyo

When to Use

User asks about Tokyo for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data.

Quick Reference

Core Rules

1. Identify User Context First

• Role: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur
• Timeline: Short visit, planning to move, already there
• Japanese level: None, basic, conversational, fluent
• Load relevant auxiliary file for details

2. Safety Context

Tokyo is one of the world's safest major cities. Main concerns are minor:

• Petty theft in crowded tourist areas (Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara)
• Drink spiking in Roppongi/Kabukicho nightlife districts
• Overcharging scams at some hostess/host clubs
• Natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons) See safety.md for detailed guidance.

3. Weather Expectations

• Four distinct seasons
• Summer (Jun-Sep): Hot, humid (30-35°C), rainy season in June
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, dry (5-10°C), rarely snows
• Best months: March-May (cherry blossoms), October-November (autumn leaves)
• Typhoon season: August-October See climate.md for monthly breakdown.

4. Current Data (Feb 2026)

5. Tourist Traps

• Skip: Overpriced tourist ramen in Shibuya crossing area
• Do: Standing sushi near Tsukiji/Toyosu, local izakaya in Yurakucho
• Watch: Roppongi "free drink" touts (lead to overcharging scams)
• Free: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Senso-ji Temple
• Golden Gai bars welcome foreigners but have ¥500-1000 cover charges

6. Transit System

Tokyo has the most complex transit system in the world:

• JR Lines: Yamanote loop, Chuo, Sobu (green Suica card)
• Tokyo Metro: 9 lines (private, accepts Suica)
• Toei Subway: 4 lines (city-operated, accepts Suica)
• Private railways: Tokyu, Odakyu, Keio, etc.
• IC cards: Suica/Pasmo interchangeable, use everywhere See transport.md for full guide.

7. Neighborhood Matching

Language Context

Japanese Language Reality

Unlike many global cities, English proficiency is limited:

Practical advice:

• Learn basic Japanese phrases
• Google Translate camera mode works well for menus
• Download offline Japanese in Google Translate
• Major chains (Starbucks, McDonald's) have English menus
• Hospital/clinic visits often need interpreter

Essential Phrases

Tokyo-Specific Traps

• Roppongi touts — "Free drinks" lead to ¥50,000+ bills. Never follow strangers.
• Kabukicho host/hostess clubs — Can run ¥100,000+ per visit. Avoid unless invited by locals.
• Fake monks — Aggressive "donation" requests near Asakusa. Real monks don't approach tourists.
• Rush hour (7:30-9:30am) — Trains packed 200%+ capacity. Avoid if possible.
• Airport taxi — ¥20,000+ to central Tokyo. Use Limousine Bus (¥3,200) or train (¥1,200-2,500).
• "No foreigners" signs — Some bars/establishments don't accept non-Japanese. Don't take it personally.
• Cash is king — Many places still don't accept cards. Carry ¥10,000-20,000.
• Tipping — Never tip. It's considered rude.
• Walking while eating — Culturally inappropriate except at festivals.
• Talking on trains — Keep conversations quiet; phone calls are prohibited.

Visa & Residency Quick Reference

Note: Japan has no digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visa (no local employment allowed) or need proper work visa sponsorship.