As a child, my imagination was fuelled by Dragon Ball Z, Nintendo, and Pokémon, sparking a lifelong fascination with Japan. Now, as I approach middle age, my interest has deepened beyond pop culture to embrace the country's rich history and traditions. So, when an invitation to travel 9,000 kilometres to Tokyo arrived, I accepted without hesitation, yet a nagging anxiety lingered in the days leading up to the trip.
Confronting Pre-Trip Anxieties
As someone prone to worry, I fretted over the language barrier, the potential high costs, and whether Tokyo could possibly live up to my lofty expectations. Named by Time Out as the world's most anxiety-inducing city, I feared it might feel like London on steroids—overwhelming and intense. To my surprise, once I arrived, these fears melted away. Tokyo, for all its bustling energy, never once triggered a panic attack; instead, it offered a surprisingly calming experience.
Navigating the Language Barrier
My concerns about communication proved largely unfounded. While not every local spoke fluent English, many had a basic grasp, and with my rudimentary Japanese, we managed to muddle through effectively. Most signs and menus, even on the extensive Tokyo Metro, include English translations, allowing for the reliable point-and-nod strategy. In backstreets and dive bars, I occasionally faced tougher communication hurdles, but I always succeeded in ordering a beer, thanks to the unfailingly polite and welcoming nature of Tokyo's residents.
However, it's worth noting that Tokyoites are sticklers for rules. During one evening out, a fellow journalist was reprimanded for smoking on the street, a practice considered bad manners and illegal in some areas. Designated smoking spots are available, so it's best to respect local customs and wait until you find one.
Managing Costs in Tokyo
Worries about expenses were mostly misplaced. Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, partly due to a weak yen, which means favourable exchange rates for visitors. My stay at a Yotel hotel, costing around £175 per night, offered a small but comfortable room with modern amenities like a musical toilet and reclining bed, all within walking distance of Ginza, Tokyo's premier shopping district.
Ginza itself is a shopper's paradise, featuring big brands, quirky shops, and the world's largest Uniqlo. When it comes to food and drink, Tokyo excels with affordability. Convenience stores like 7/11 and Lawsons provide cheap snacks, while bars and restaurants offer reasonably priced meals and beers, typically ranging from ¥500 to ¥800 (£2-£4). A word of caution: if you encounter snake sake, check the price first—my glass cost £15. Taxis are also budget-friendly, with a 20-minute ride from Tokyo Tower costing about ¥1,000 (£5). For even greater savings, the underground offers a 72-hour ticket for ¥1,600 (£7.50), covering extensive travel across the city. Remember to carry cash, as card payments aren't universally accepted, and note that tipping isn't part of the culture.
Living the Tokyo Dream
Tokyo largely matched my imagined version, enhanced by quintessential Japanese experiences. We participated in a tea ceremony in Asakusa, complete with kimonos, tried chopstick making, and attended a sushi-making workshop. From the vibrant streets of Harajuku to the narrow alleys of Golden Gai and the serene Hamarikyu Gardens, every location felt authentic and captivating.
The Surprise of Shibuya Crossing
One place I was convinced I'd dislike was Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. I anticipated a chaotic tourist trap filled with crowds and influencers vying for clichéd selfies. Instead, I found myself swept up in the moment, dashing into the road with hundreds of others for a playful photo. In what's arguably Tokyo's most stressful spot, I felt remarkably relaxed—a testament to the city's unique charm, even for someone with a default setting of panic.
Reflecting on the journey, Tokyo transformed my anxieties into a memorable adventure. I plan to return, eager to explore more of this dynamic city that so deftly balances tradition with modernity.
