Tokyo Skytree, the 634-metre broadcasting tower in east Tokyo, has two paid observation decks and a 312-shop mall at its base. Here is how to time your visit, which ticket to buy, and why the winter view east over the river flats beats every other observation deck in the city.
A friendly first-timer guide to Senso-ji — Tokyo oldest temple — covering Kaminarimon, Nakamise, the incense ritual, omikuji fortunes, the best hour to come, and why you should not clap at the main hall.
A first-timer guide to Shibuya in Tokyo — the Scramble, Hachiko, Shibuya Sky, Nonbei Yokocho, and which of the station exits to actually use.
The real first-timer guide to Shinjuku: how to survive the world’s busiest station, the free skyline view at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and which bits of Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai are worth your night.
A first-timer guide to Odaiba, the artificial island in Tokyo Bay with the Unicorn Gundam, Rainbow Bridge, teamLab Planets, and a Statue of Liberty nobody asked for. Transport, timings, costs, and the one day-plan that works.
A friendly first-timer guide to Asakusa and Senso-ji — Kaminarimon, Nakamise, the golden flame across the river, rickshaws, practical hours, and the exact order to visit without getting lost.
A first-timer guide to budget accommodation in Tokyo — business hotels, capsules, hostels, and five specific places I would actually book, with honest pros and cons for each.
A first-timer guide to Meiji Jingu — the wooden torii, the forest planted by 100,000 volunteers, sake and French wine barrels, and how to actually pray without embarrassing yourself.
A friendly guide to Tokyo for first-timers — written by someone who remembers exactly what it felt like to walk out of Shinjuku Station for the first time.