First Time in Tokyo – Complete Beginner Guide (Anime, TCG & Gaming)

Hi amigos!

Are you thinking about going to Japan for the first time? Especially Tokyo?

You’ve come to the right place.

This was my second time going to Japan, and while actually being there is amazing… the logistics beforehand can feel overwhelming.

Flights. Trains. Money. Language. Where do you even start?

So in this guide, I want to break everything down in a way that’s:

Beginner-friendly
Based on real experience
Focused on anime, TCG, and gaming fans

Quick Start Guide (If You Only Read One Section)

If you only read one section, here’s what to do:

1. Fly into Haneda Airport (closer to Tokyo)
2. Stay in Shinjuku (best all-around location)
3. Get a Pasmo or Suica card for trains and buses
4. Use Google Maps for all navigation
5. Visit Akihabara, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro

That alone will set you up for a great first trip.

Table of Contents:

Also, I’ve made a YouTube playlist of long-form and shorts too: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo0kPZKzkWcOPP6jvSdkZUahJHBrLbZ1f

Flights, Hotels & Arrival

Flights

Aim for Haneda Airport (HND) if possible (closer to Tokyo)
Direct flights help a lot for comfort

Haneda Airport (HND) (Recommended)

Tokyo area
Easier to get to your hotel
Best option after a long flight

If you can choose, go with Haneda. After a 12+ hour flight, getting into the city as smoothly as possible makes a huge difference. This is why Haneda is usually the better choice if you have the option.

Haneda Airport: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SibT5FG76NYAkJKh9

羽田空港

Narita Airport (NRT) (Alternative Option)

About 60–90 minutes from Tokyo
Can have cheaper or more flight options
Still easy to access with trains like:
- Narita Express (N’EX)
- Keisei Skyliner

Don’t worry if you land here; it’s still very manageable.

Arrival Flow

Immigration
Luggage pickup
Grab:
- Cash (ATM/exchange)
- SIM/eSIM (you can use Saily or other app services)
- IC card (Suica/Pasmo) (we used Pasmo, which works for trains, buses, and stores)

There are multiple machines, and you can select “English” for the language. Pasmo machines allow you to select an amount, pay, and give you a physical Pasmo card.

You use the Pasmo card for the trains in general. Up to you on how much you to charge the card, depending on how many train rides you plan to do. Generally, 3000 Yen should be fine for the first few days. You can always charge more money to it later. If you expect to travel a lot through different parts of Tokyo every single day, like we did, I started immediately with 5000 Yen.

Pro Tip: After a long flight, we actually took a taxi straight to the hotel, super worth it for the first day. My wife and I didn’t want to carry all of our checked baggage, carry-ons, and personal bags throughout the subway/train. We were willing to pay more for convenience. I used the Uber app; from what I’ve learned, it’s the taxi service. Most people in Tokyo don’t drive or have a driver’s license.

Hotel Areas, Where to Stay

Shinjuku → Best all-around (transport + food + nightlife)
Shibuya → Trendy, walkable
Ueno/Asakusa → More chill + can be budget-friendly

If it’s your first time, I highly recommend Shinjuku. There are plenty of hotel options. I’ve been to the APA and Hotel Gracery. We like the Hotel Gracery one the best so far.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FxoCkz9oYEfJQJRYA

歌舞伎町

Transportation, Money & Getting Around

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

Tap to ride trains + buses
Works at stores
Load about ¥3,000–¥5,000 to start

Trains

At first, it looks confusing, but it’s actually very efficient.

Always on time
Clean
Frequent (miss one → next comes fast)

Use: Google Maps → Train Navigation Mode

You’ll see:

Exact train lines
Platforms
Transfer times

This solves almost everything.

Money

Cash is still important (especially in smaller shops)
ATM withdrawal in Japan (7-Eleven is clutch)
Smart Exchange Machine (great for converting your physical cash)

Tax-Free Tip

Some stores, like Pokémon Centers and Don Quijote, offer tax-free shopping (bring your passport!). Usually, it’s 5,000+ Yen purchases that qualify, and you give them your passport to scan, so you save money. The prices in Japan already include tax, so the tax-free price will be the amount (~10%) subtracted. That’s 10% more shopping budget you can use ;).

Must-Have Apps

Phone Plan Or App Plan

Personally, I called T-Mobile to get 10 days of international data roaming for $35. My wife used Saily for 10 days for $7; it sets up an e-SIM with internet data so you can use Maps, Facebook Messenger, etc.

There are plenty of options, just find which one works best for you and your comfort.

Google Maps

Train routes
Walking directions
Real-time navigation

Google Translate

Camera mode = HUGE
Translate menus, signs, and products

👉 You can honestly survive Japan with just these two apps.

In Tokyo, there are a lot of signs, and places have their English equivalents. This is seen often throughout the city, especially at the train stations.

Common Etiquette

Train Etiquette

Quiet environment
No phone calls
People often sleep on trains

Escalators

Stand on the left
Walk on the right

Useful Phrases

Arigatou gozaimasu → Thank you very much
Sumimasen → Excuse me

Even trying goes a long way.

Best Areas (Anime, TCG, Gaming)

Akihabara (Otaku Paradise)

If you’re into anime, TCG, or gaming… This is THE place.

What You’ll Find

Anime merchandise EVERYWHERE
TCG shops (Yu-Gi-Oh, Vanguard, Pokémon, One Piece, Duel Masters, etc.)
Retro games
Figurines (new + nostalgic)

You’ll see:

Dragon Ball Z
One Piece
Pokémon
Jujutsu Kaisen
Older classics like Inuyasha and Godzilla

TCG Highlight

Tons of singles + sealed product, great for gifts, Japanese exclusives. Most TCG shops have Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon, One Piece, and Duel Masters. Here are some pics of my Cardfight!! Vanguard and Yu-Gi-Oh retro/older finds.

Here are some TCG shops I’ve been to and recommend:

Cardon (a few blocks away from the main street):
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4bvpbg15Vp1dBxVA
Twitter Post: https://x.com/i/status/2015226912562712946
Special Finds:
– Vanguard Deck core pickups (see this YouTube short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/udCPwnuCub8)

Furuichi Toreka Park (In Radio Kaikan):
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b7oipXi9Ua97aLhGA?g_st=ac

Big Magic (In Radio Kaikan):
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/86bF8UboD3d1RW2JA

Cardfight!! Vanguard Official Store (shows Bushiroad Base in Google Maps) (Front of Radio Kaikan):
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tXFdJ8BxjGNQBpbH9
Twitter: https://x.com/cfvg_store

Fukufuku Trading Cards: Akihabara Yu-Gi-Oh! Collection Specialty Store
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JPmb8GZK7tbSvCSu9
Has a 1st floor and a 4th floor on the side. I highly recommend stopping here if you’re a Yu-Gi-Oh fan from when the series started.

Arcade Vibes

Check out:

Taito Station
Others on the main street

If you grew up with arcades, you’ll love it.

Radio Kaikan

There are plenty of stores here, and it has a lot of TCG shops, video games, model kits, figurines, and much more.

Yu-Gi-Oh (atré x KC Store Collab)

Keep an eye out for ANY store collabs while you’re in Japan. We so happened to find this KC Store one with the atré Akihabara at the train station area.

It’s over now for this location, but I thought I would share some pics so you have an idea of what a collab store could look like and offer if you do find one.

Shibuya (Anime Meets Real Life)

Feels like stepping into anime and games.

Shibuya Crossing

This is the famous crowded crossing in Japan. You often see this in movies, anime, etc. Try it yourself, walking through it at least once.

The anime Jujutsu Kaisen has a whole arc set in Shibuya. Definitely take some pictures of yourself doing some Domain Expansions. 😉

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ho2MBDdEpRNh6Xnz8

Shibuya 109 Building

Another cool building to check out from movies, games, etc. If you played Kingdom Hearts 3, then you know the secret ending has Sora waking up next to a 104 building. This is the reference spot.

You can go in it, and there are stores on each floor.

MAGNET by SHIBUYA109

There are some stores here, but I also recommend checking out the top view. They charge to get into the top view, but you get to see from atop.

Go to the highest floor via elevator.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJ5DY4T5rZP6myuu5

PARCO (Nintendo Store, Pokémon Center, Jump Shop)

The PARCO building has a ton of stores! I recommend the 6th floor since it has a lot of anime, Nintendo, Godzilla, and SEGA stores.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rsKraFjGq4X2x4N7

Pokémon Center

Nintendo Store

JUMP Store

One Piece Cafe

You have to ask to make a reservation first. They have some on the same day. We asked for one in 1-hour’s time and got in smoothly. They recommend you show up 15 minutes before your reservation time. They give you a menu first, you then pay, and then they sit you down.

Take plenty of pictures and enjoy the experience!

Godzilla, SEGA, and Capcom Stores

TCG Spot

Tournament Center Bato-loco Shibuya Center St. (hidden gem), it’s on the 6th floor.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1FNb5JuvvhULBfD8

Shibuya to Harajuku Finds

Base Yard Store (Jujutsu Kaisen collab at the time)

They got merch and cool pop-ups of the characters. This is during the Culling Games arc.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QCf1E7bK3WMch7ZCA

Base Yard Store (My Hero Academia collab)

Another one down the street, this time with MHA. The characters have swag too!

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mGxxG5JL7L8NQTzt8

Sailor Moon Store

My wife really wanted to come here, and it was pretty cool to see a dedicated small shop for Sailor Moon. You can take a picture with the crescent moon prop, too.

This is inside a bigger department store. We got a bit confused about where this shop is, but it’s either on the 0.5 level or the 1.5 level. Yes, they have “half” levels lol. You can use the stairs or the elevator to get there.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H87VyiYDLZNsbwrR8

Harry Potter Shop Harajuku

Around the corner is a dedicated Harry Potter store. Pretty cool to see if you’re a Harry Potter fan yourself.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BAmqh6FQ3dPtJQNg9

Tokyo Plaza Building

This building has food, cool stores, and an interesting view on top.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kTHP9Tiitjr7ystp7

One Piece Mugiwara Store

Throughout Tokyo, there are multiple Mugiwara stores. Each one has a bit of a different feel. This is in the G1 level of the Tokyo Plaza building and has the “pink” feel.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ML63QuMEa4GJaNR6

Shinjuku (The Lively District)

It’s always lively during the day and night. Plenty of stores, restaurants, and cool attractions. Especially where the Godzilla hotel (Hotel Gracery) is.

Shinjuku Cat Board

There’s a 3D billboard with cute and funny cat animation sequence. It can change depending on the season, like cherry blossom season in our case. It’s always on during the day and night.

At night, it’s very bright and colorful. You’ll see plenty of people always taking pics or recording it.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ijGYid2S4aBYbpxt8

Godzilla Store Shinjuku

There’s another Godzilla store, and I had some good luck finding some merch I was looking for that my brother wanted.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/56Qoboz7V7CG54fC8

Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho

There are a bunch of Don Quijote stores throughout Tokyo. This Shinjuku one has more Godzilla merch and other anime-related ones too.

So you may find some of the old Godzilla figurines/toys just hanging here. They even had the music playing in the background.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/npBAmxdK5WLMSZky5

Disney Flagship Store Tokyo

If you’re into Disney, check out the Flagship store! There are 3 floors total, too. Old classics to the new gen.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m7NgySfWDmjqTNQs9

Asakusa (Traditional Japan)

Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street

There’s a cool shopping street that you should check out. Lots of people are taking pics at the gate.

Google Maps Links:
Gate: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3UzjQoxPu2VjCHAJ8
Nakamise Street: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tr1RgBVnH5nnHzJj6

Imo Pippi (Sweet Purple Potato Ice Cream)

My wife loves sweet potato and ice cream, so she had to try the Imo Pippi place that combines the two! It was very good, and I tried it. I’m not the biggest lover of sweet potato, but this blew my own expectations.

Google Maps Link: https://share.google/kPPyXqafbbdcMpnRj

Sumida City (Skytree Tokyo Solamachi Area)

The Skytree area has multiple stores and floors to check out. Here are some that we’ve been to. Take your time exploring.

Also, in the Solamachi building, you can even go to the 31st floor and get a view (it’s free)!

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vr5JTLswRHMuRRqN8

Pokémon Center Skytree Town

It’s at Solamachi East Yard 4th floor. This has both Rayquaza and shiny Mega-Rayquaza.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XTNXzoZMMz8BXWqU8

Kirby Cafe Merch Store

The merch store is 5 feet across from the Pokémon Center Skytree Town store. This is separate from the actual Kirby Cafe. If you’re a fan of Kirby and his near omnipotent abilities, you’ll enjoy some cool and cute merch from here.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/knU7iBHinyYR6ruJA

Ghibli Store in Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi

If you grew up watching any Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, etc. This is a spot to definitely check out!

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ezVuRUpP2TLc7sB9

Jump Shop

Another one, with plenty of manga, anime, etc.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NzeU2xzYC9sheA619

Nihombashi

You can swing by here for both the Pokémon Cafe and Pokémon Center Tokyo DX.

(Currently, the Pokémon Cafe is temporarily closed for renovation at the time this article was first published. Check their website for updates)

Website: https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/ja/cafe/

Both Cafe and Center are next to each other literally.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k1BWnTfLnKnTbbrbA

Pokémon Cafe

So you need to get a reservation to enter and eat. You MUST have one to enter. If you don’t, then you can wait in line and “hope” for cancellations that same day.

To reserve is actually SUPER challenging. You must do it 30 days before the date you want to book. Furthermore, they don’t have the day available to book until 30 days prior at 6pm Japan Time.

Their booking website: https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/ja/cafe/

Set your alarm a few minutes to get ready to book it.
Quickly refresh the page on your “6pm Japan Time” time zone.
Quickly book ASAP. DO NOT TAKE YOUR TIME.

Common issues I saw. I realized that Google translating the calendar page was also causing an issue to book. The website kept crashing for an hour’s time of trying.

I recommend trying your phone and a PC at the same time. And a friend or significant other to help you. So one actually goes through and gets booked.

I tried 4 separate days myself and failed to book any.

My wife and I had to “hope” for a cancellation when we showed up in person during our trip. We were fortunate and had to wait about 1 hour to get in. There were like 2-3 parties already waiting in front of us for cancellations as well. We got there around 11am.

It was an awesome experience, and I would go again. Definitely recommend it. WORTH IT!

Pokémon Center Tokyo DX

You can still go to the Center regardless if you go/don’t go to the Cafe. That’s not an issue. They got cool merch and a hall display too.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k1BWnTfLnKnTbbrbA

Ikebukuro

Sunshine City Mall

This mall has multiple stores and restaurants to check out.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGhfXhsUC6o53hcT7

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets

The 2nd floor has both the Center and Sweets close to each other.

(There was a sad incident in March 2026, and BOTH are temporarily closed. Check the website for when they reopen. The rest of the mall is still open, and people still go to the mall as normal.)

Website: https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/ja/pikachu_sweets/

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n1E6T9RDAuLTUFGu8

Once it’s reopened, I recommend checking both out. The Sweets is mainly desserts and some exclusive “chef” Pikachus.

Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo

The 3rd floor has a Bandai store that’s big. Plenty of anime, merch, Capsule Machines, claw machines, etc.

They had an Inuyasha collab too going on. The author is making a new, separate series, and my guess is that they’re using the Inuyasha nostalgia to help promote the new series.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcfVnrGrJfPQnjNN7

ONE PIECE Mugiwara Store Ikebukuro

Another One Piece store and it’s on the 2nd floor.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6uCQjHzRM5Hxash78

Parco Building

Another Parco building with a bunch of stores.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fmumYFYpFk5yLLr8A

Capcom Store, Star Wars, Jump Shop (all next to each other)

More merch here at the B2F level.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KHdZGTFuKUXDtxXm8

Doragonsutaikebukuroten TCG Shop

There are a lot of TCG shops around here. This is one that I stopped by. Pretty spacious and a good selection of different TCGs. It’s on the 4th floor.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLnE5YUDdRtzn2GG9

Ueno Park (Chill & Scenic)

During cherry blossom season, it’s one of the popular places to see a lot of cherry blossom trees. Big park and they have shrines, vendors, musuem, zoo, etc.

It’s very scenic and I definitely recommend going early, like 8:30 AM, to get ahead of the crowded times around lunchtime and after.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i2iJyejq9z8nHHCd9

PokéPark Kanto (NEW attraction within Yomiuri Land)

If you like Pokémon, this is another experience you should try if possible. The attraction is part of Yomiuri Land. Think of it as “Nintendoland within Universal Studios”.

We got the Trainer’s Pass, so we got a chance to go to the Pokémon forest. That was my favorite part because it felt like a real-life “Route 1 begins” moment. Buying any pass will give you access to the rest of Yomiuri Land too.

This one is where you have to book 2 MONTHS in advance. At 6pm Japan Time.

Main Website: https://www.pokepark-kanto.co.jp/ppark/top/index
Website to buy Pass: https://ticket-en.pokepark-kanto.co.jp/

Set your alarm a few minutes to get ready to book it.
Quickly refresh the page on your “6pm Japan Time” time zone.
Quickly book ASAP. DO NOT TAKE YOUR TIME.
Autocomplete will help you check out faster.

The website kept crashing for over an hour’s time of trying. Mine was 3AM, and I kept trying until 4:20AM. I was able to SUCCEED at this time with the Trainer’s Pass.

I recommend trying your phone and a PC at the same time. And a friend or significant other to help you. So one actually goes through and gets booked.

If you fail to buy a pass, you CANNOT enter the PokéPark Kanto attraction, unfortunately.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zTfDZCcLfsJXGRcY7

Sedge Town:

Pokemon Forest:

Food in Japan

Food is everywhere. Ramen, Sushi, Tempura, Desserts, etc.

Convenience Stores

FamilyMart
7-Eleven

You’ll find surprisingly good food, snacks, and drinks (hot AND cold). They have other things too, like umbrellas, portable chargers, and money exchange.

Reality Check (You’ll Walk A LOT)

You’ll walk a LOT. If you don’t walk often, I HIGHLY recommend taking 30-minute walks 2-3 times a week for at least 2 weeks prior.

We were go-go-go each day since we wanted to maximize our time.
👉 We averaged 15,000–20,000 steps per day

Stay hydrated with water.

Extra Tips

Luggage

Bring extra space
Or buy a suitcase there

On the first trip, we bought a suitcase in Akihabara. We saw others shop a lot and then buy the suitcase so they can stroll with their purchases in it. Then later pack accordingly to bring it back home.

We bought multiple souvenirs, clothes, etc., for loved ones back home and ourselves.

What Surprised Me

The train experience was efficient, clean, and bigger than I thought. Especially places like Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station.

The bullet train is fast, and you don’t even feel it. We used it to go to Osaka and back for Universal Studios Japan.

The amount of walking. We are adults in our 30s who stay active. We walked so much that our feet would hurt each night. But sleeping helped me recover for the next day of FUN!

Popular stores and restaurants have staff who speak English or have tablets where you can order in English.

There are a lot of other tourists in Tokyo. So the locals are “used to” it. Plenty of others from around the world, like the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, India, Thailand, etc. I literally spoke to a person from Mexico in Spanish while waiting in line to check out LOL.

Optional Trips Outside Tokyo

We went to these spots on our first trip. There are plenty of other locations throughout Japan. So feel free to explore and look up.

Osaka (Universal Studios Japan)

I highly recommend the express passes if you want to ride the rides. We didn’t, and we realized there are SO MANY people here compared to USA parks. We waited over 2 hours for the Harry Potter Hogwarts ride and another. So get the express passes.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y3SLuEWGHmfNEN7M8

Kamakura/Enoshima

Great coastal small-town vibes and shrine areas.

Coastal views
Temples
Giant Buddha
Mt. Fuji view

Kamakura area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vbgqFvLBevA9GdfR8
Enoshima island: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xb1KpGRCmUoJ9YHDA

Final Thoughts

We accomplished everything we wanted with our trips:

Anime merch
TCG cards
Nostalgic finds
Pokémon Centers, Park, and Café

But the biggest thing?

👉 The experience itself.

Especially moments like seeing my wife enjoy the Pokémon Café…

That’s what made it all worth it.

Final Advice

If you’ve been thinking about going to Japan…

Go.

Use this guide as your starting point.

And most importantly:
👉 Enjoy the experience while you’re there.