When arrives in Tokyo, Japan for the first time, it feels as if one has entered into an entirely new world altogether. This is a huge city with a huge airport. The first impression may be that everything is new and unknown. There is nothing like having an elaborate schedule; instead, the journey begins simply with a state of curiosity while being accompanied by one’s bag and feelings of excitement over visiting a beautiful place.
Unlike a typical trip that is thoroughly planned, this trip simply develops with every decision taking place on the spot and surprising the travelers.
Once the plane lands at Narita Airport, the whole experience of landing there is very organized and modern. The airport is one of the busiest in the world, yet the arrival process does not take long.
The first thing to notice is that there are live screens that display immigration queues even before the passengers approach passport control, making the flying experience much less stressful than it could have been.
The great welcome that Japan offers is made up of friendly greetings and an incredible impression made by various characters like Pokemon and Super Mario.
Challenge 1: Getting to the City Center
The real experience starts only after you have gone through immigration and picked up your luggage.
Narita Airport is quite far from central Tokyo. This means that travelers can choose only from buses, taxis, airport transfers, or trains.
Taking a taxi seems very simple, but the price makes you doubt it.
The trip to the city may cost about 28,000 yen, which is the most expensive way to get there.
The good news is that airport employees are very helpful and inform you not only about the train, but also how much time it will take to reach the city and where you can buy your tickets.
Such a kind gesture quickly becomes one of the strongest first impressions of Japan.
Currency Exchange Experience in Japan
Cash remains very helpful for many purchases before arriving in Tokyo.
As it turns out, it can be quite an interesting experience the first time when withdrawing cash with an ATM across Japan. A variety of banks provide different machines, language options are present, and the ATM provides Yen.
Once having ¥10,000 in crisp bills in hand, things seem more real.
Japanese culture is gradually moving away from cash, however, it is still easier to have some cash at hand when traveling inside the stations or going to smaller restaurants or stores.
Narita Express – Simple and Smooth Journey
Finding the train is much easier than imagined.
The price for the tickets is a fraction of the taxi fare, and the journey takes around an hour.
However, before boarding, there is one pleasant surprise.
Instead of letting travelers hurry into the train, the staff cleans it thoroughly. Only after the cleaning process is completed, does everyone get on board.
Everything looks organized, calm, and respectful.
On board the train, there is plenty of space for your legs, there is room to place the luggage, there are chic seats, you have neighbors who are quiet, and there are loud-speakers announcing progressively you all the necessary information.
Even before the take-off, the passengers are given a welcome announcement, thanking everyone for their patience.
Such innocent things unveil the reason why Japanese people are thought to be such hospitable ones.
Tokyo Station Turns Out to Be Overly Difficult
Reaching Tokyo Station presents you with another problem.
The station reminds you of a hidden city.
It is so big, having numerous floors, reaching endless corridors, visiting shopping zones, bringing the travelers to subways, platforms, etc.
Finding the right entrance is a real quest: you ask a few passers-by for help.
The good thing is that each person is ready to help and assist you.
Thus, the process of getting lost is not as annoying as it might seem.
What Makes Japanese People Leave A Good Impression
There is a very noticeable thing that happens throughout the whole day.
Japanese tend to assist people they don’t know.
Whether asking someone about the retention of an ATM, train station, subway, or hotel, locals will never show frustration.
What is more, many people will offer help even without being asked to do so.
Straightforward actions, such as bowing, smiling, and patiently explaining the route of the trip, help to establish an atmosphere that allows visitors to feel at home.
It is interesting to note that learning only one phrase, like “Arigatou Gozaimasu”, brings smiles, confirming that the attempt to learn local culture makes a good impression.
Visiting Tokyo for the First Time
As soon as you step out of the Tokyo station, you can notice something unexpected first.
Japan is the largest city in the world, however, it is quiet.
Yes, traffic is present, but the city is not noisy.
Streets are clean, buildings look radically modern, and pedestrians behave.
Instead of huge crowds, everything works absolutely quietly.
The Importance of Shopping at Convenience Stores
Going into a convenience store is essential if you are visiting Japan for the first time.
The shelves are filled with drinks, special chips, sandwiches, desserts, teas, hot food, and many more products that one won’t find anywhere else.
Even finding a drink is an adventure as the drink cabinets are packed with strange drinks.
Eating local snacks without having to translate every ingredient makes the experience more fun.
Some of the best finds are made accidentally.
First Japanese Meal
After endless wandering in airports and stations, hunger finally gets the best of me.
A little local restaurant serves fresh tuna and rice dish prepared right in front of everyone.
The dish consists of raw tuna, rice, sesame seed, seaweed, and different toppings that form a delicious mixture.
Although raw tuna sounds scary at first, the flavors come together beautifully.
In addition to that, watching the chef do everything adds an extra level of enjoyment to the whole experience.
The atmosphere provides the last touch to everything.
Being in Tokyo Takes You to Another Level of Safety
When evening comes, another feeling appears.
Visiting Tokyo is safe.
Public transport is calm, streets are clean, and less known neighborhoods seem safe to discover.
This feeling of safety makes people enjoy their walks more.
Instead of fearing for their safety, the travelers start looking around at the things they see around, curious about the architecture and culture.
Talking to Local People
Unexpected conversations make some of the best memories of this day.
When it comes to checking in, one last surprise awaits guests at the end of the day.
Gone are the days of traditional hotel reception, as guests will be greeted by not one but two robots on arrival.
Almost everything about the self-service check-in process is automated, including passports scanning, issuing of room keys, and much more.
Just watching the robotic receptionists carry out their duties is like walking several years into the future.
Although you will have human help at your disposal if required, the technology that this hotel uses is definitely something you will not forget.
Smart and Efficient Room
Though the hotel room is small, which is usual for hotel rooms in Tokyo, it makes up for its size with its good design.
Every inch of the room is well thought out, and thus it features a Japanese heated toilet, a nice little bathroom, smart storage, and even a clothes-steam cabinet.
This hotel does not emphasize size, but instead, focuses on efficiency and innovation, which goes hand in hand with Tokyo’s reputation.
The initial experience in Tokyo seldom goes smoothly.
It is almost a given to become lost, to take the wrong subway line, to grapple with the station map, or to make some small blunders.
Nevertheless, these little blunders quite frequently become the high points of your travels.
When you are puzzled at a station or you are confused with a street, there is always somebody ready to lend you a helping hand.
Although you may feel overwhelmed in Tokyo during the first few hours of being there, its great organization, hospitable people, delicious food, good public transportation, and fresh blend of traditions and modern technologies can remove all doubts about this city.
