Tokyo feels enormous yet operates with remarkable order. Trains run on tight schedules; rush hour is genuinely crowded, so luggage-heavy moves are easier mid-morning or after the evening peak.
Cash still matters at smaller eateries and some lockers; IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) cover most transit and convenience purchases. Many excellent meals sit in basements of stations and department stores—don’t skip them.
Neighborhoods differ sharply: Shinjuku’s neon, quiet residential pockets, and temple districts can all sit a few stops apart. Our lists help you choose where to eat and stay without trying to “do Tokyo” in one sweep.