Tokyo

• Best use: Choose one district and a meal, then add a second stop only if the return fits. A market morning and a west-Tokyo evening need different opening and rail calculations.
• Starting point: Set your accommodation as the starting point before choosing the district. Shinagawa, Tokyo Station and Ueno are different rail gateways; none is assumed to be where you are staying.
• Big mistake: Do not copy the travel time from a different starting point. Compare the complete route from your actual origin, including station access and the return departure.
• What to skip: Nikko, Hakone, Disney, and long temple routes. They are good trips, but they are not smart choices for a 24-hour layover.

Getting back before pickup

Set your accommodation as the start and end of the outing. Check both journeys, waiting and any connections before leaving. Set a leave-by alarm that gets you back with time for rest and preparation before your required crew pickup. Cut the extra stop if the return becomes uncertain.

• Line logic: JR Yamanote is the crew default for Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Ueno, and Shinagawa. Hibiya/Ginza lines solve Tsukiji, Ginza, Roppongi, Asakusa, and Aoyama.
• Metro ticket: The Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket only pays off if you are doing a multi-stop metro day. Suica is simpler for most crew because it also covers JR and Toei.
• Late return: Check the last departure for your exact line and connection before leaving. Do not assume a later weekend service or use a generic midnight cutoff. If you intend to stay later, price and arrange the return first.
• Cash + ATMs: Tokyo still needs cash for ramen ticket machines, older kissaten, small izakayas, market vendors, and some shrines. Use 7-Eleven ATMs for foreign cards.

City journeys and payment

Check device/payment compatibility for mobile Suica; for a physical visitor card use the JR East Welcome Suica sales locations. Check the current fare estimate, tolls and late-night charges before choosing a taxi.