inspo & info

Both offer stunning views of Tokyo, both are accessible to tourists, and both appear on dozens of Tokyo bucket lists. But they're very different experiences - and for most visitors, one will suit your itinerary far better than the other. After visiting both observation decks multiple times, we have a clear winner. Here's why.

If you’re going to experience an earthquake anywhere, Japan is the safest place to be thanks to its incredibly strict building codes and world-class emergency responses. But having seen firsthand what nature can throw at you (check out our post on Japan's typhoon season, too!), I want to share some practical, stress-free steps to keep you safe and give you total peace of mind.

Which apps for Japan travel are really useful? Navigating the Japanese transport system, tourist attractions and food scene has never been easier thanks to Japan travel apps that all of us can download in an instant. But how do you know what apps are REALLY going to be useful and which are just dead data weight on your phone? Here's our guide to the apps that we at Japansophy have on our own phones and have tried and tested on our last few Japan trips.

Three days in Tokyo, done right. This tried-and-tested 3-day Tokyo itinerary covers Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ueno, Asakusa, and Odaiba - with practical transport tips, ideas for arrival day, leaving day and rainy days, plus everything you need to book in advance. Built on 30 years of Tokyo travel, this is the itinerary we actually use.