A First-Timer’s Guide to Tokyo: E-Bikes, 7-11 Breakfasts, and Unforgettable Ramen

For my 50th birthday, I decided to do something completely out of my comfort zone: I booked my very first solo trip to Asia.

My 3-week adventure started with 4 days in Tokyo, Japan. Whether you are traveling solo like I did, or planning an epic couples’ trip, arriving in Tokyo for the first time is an absolute whirlwind. It is massive, neon-lit, fast-paced, and wildly different from North America.

If you are planning your first trip to Japan, here is my guide to surviving the subway, eating the best convenience store food on earth, and finding those unforgettable, authentic local moments.

Culture Shock: Surviving the Tokyo Subway

My very first “welcome to Tokyo” moment happened on the subway from the airport. I wasn’t quite ready for how packed it would be. Because the previous train was delayed, I was packed in like a sardine. In fact, I was so stuck in the middle of the car that I couldn’t get to the door in time and completely missed my stop!

I managed to get off at the next station, which added a 10-minute walk to my hotel. Following Google Maps, I was led down a dark, quiet alleyway. Back home, this might have set off alarm bells, but I quickly learned one of the best things about Tokyo: it is incredibly safe. Even at night, walking through quiet alleys with my luggage, I felt completely secure.

Where I Stayed: The Quiet Side of Tokyo

I checked into the APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae.

The room was tiny (which is standard for Japanese business hotels), but it was impeccably clean and had absolutely everything I needed. The best part of staying in the Asakusa area was the silence. Despite being in a city of 14 million people, there was no honking, no ringing bells, and no loud talking on phones. It was incredibly peaceful.

The Food: 7-11, Food Tours & That One Ramen Shop

The 7-11 Breakfast Routine: Forget what you know about North American convenience stores. In Japan, 7-11 is a culinary destination. My daily breakfast quickly became the famous 7-11 egg salad sandwich, a piece of temaki (hand-rolled sushi), and a “mystery” milky-water drink. It was cheap, fast, and delicious.

Eating Like a Local: On my first night, I booked an Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour. Having a local guide navigate the busy Izakayas (Japanese pubs) meant I got to try incredible dishes I never would have ordered on my own.

The Highlight of My Trip: One night, I stopped at a tiny, local ramen shop right across from my hotel (the shop’s name is 熊ぼっこ小村井店). The 70-year-old owner recognized me from the night before, and we struck up a 20-minute conversation using Google Translate on our phones while I ate my soup! He told me he had worked there most of his life, and he was genuinely thrilled to hear about my solo travels across Asia. It was the most heartwarming moment of the trip. (Note: He has since relocated his shop, and I am actually flying back to Tokyo next month to find him and eat there again!)

Exploring the City: E-Bikes and Unexpected Festivals

Tokyo is too big to see entirely on foot, but I did a lot of walking. I explored Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yoyogi Park.

Tokyo by E-Bike: To rest my legs, I booked an Off the Beaten Path Tokyo E-Bike Tour. Zipping through Tokyo’s quieter neighborhoods on an electric bike was fantastic, though it was quite chilly in February!
The Happy Accidents: The best part of walking without a strict itinerary is what you stumble into. Walking through Ueno Park, I accidentally crashed a local Samurai festival where I tried some amazing street food and had my first flight of sake. Later, I joined a massive, random line out of pure curiosity, only to discover it was the Emperor’s birthday, and I got to join thousands of locals in signing his birthday card!

Must-Do: teamLab Planets & Tokyo Skytree

On my last day, I took in the mind-bending city views from the Tokyo Skytree.

I also visited teamLab Planets, which is an immersive digital art museum where you walk barefoot through water and light installations.

Good Journey Tip: Book your teamLab tickets for exactly one hour before closing! The massive crowds thin out significantly, giving you a much better, quieter experience. You can book your teamLab Planets tickets in advance.

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Tokyo

It Gets Cold: I packed for Southeast Asia, which meant I had one hoodie and a bunch of t-shirts. In February, Tokyo can get cold! I ended up wearing all my layers at once just to stay warm on my bike tour.
There Are No Garbage Cans: Tokyo is spotless, yet there are zero public trash cans. You are expected to carry your garbage with you and throw it out when you get back to your hotel.
Vending Machines are Everywhere: You can get almost anything from a street vending machine. I even enjoyed a hot can of corn soup!
Your Phone is Your Lifeline: Between Google Maps for the dark alleys and Google Translate for talking to locals, my phone battery drained fast. A high-capacity portable power bank like this one is the #1 thing you need to pack for Japan.

Are you planning a trip to Japan, or have you ever used Google Translate to make a friend while traveling?