Tokio

If you want to dress like a local, opt for long, breathable trousers, linen pants, or flowy skirts rather than shorts even in the middle of Japan's hot and humid summers. Most adult Japanese men and women stay modest on the lower half, and nothing calls out "tourist!" more than…

In Tokyo, the Savor the Matcha experience is a must if you’re curious about Japanese tea culture. You’ll learn about the history and ritual of matcha while being guided through the process of preparing it yourself. It’s a calm, mindful experience where you can truly slow down…

If you’re visiting temples and shrines in Japan, start collecting goshuin; beautiful handwritten (traditional Japanese calligraphy) stamps that make a meaningful and unique souvenir. You’ll need a special stamp book called a goshuinchō, which you can purchase at most temples…

Do not make or take phone calls while on Japanese trains, including the subway and Shinkansen (bullet train). Avoid listening to music loudly or engaging in loud conversations, as absolute silence is expected. This rule honors the Omotenashi culture and respects tired commuters…

In areas like Nara and Miyajima, do not provoke the sacred deer. These animals are wild and have injured tourists (kicking and biting) when angered, often by people teasing them with food to get a perfect selfie, or withholding food after attracting them.

Furthermore, do not feed…

If you want one of the most impressive skyline views in Tokyo, save time for the Tokyo City View observation deck on the top floors of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. The panoramic windows give you a 360° perspective of the city — including Tokyo Tower glowing right in front…

• teamLab Borderless: immersive digital art
• Mori Art Museum: contemporary exhibitions
• Edo-Tokyo Museum: history and city evolution
• Ghibli Museum (if you can get tickets)

Beware of bars in the Kabukicho and Golden Gai area. Some bars and nightclubs in this area engage in a scam known as "bottakuri," in which customers are surprised with bills much higher than the initially agreed-upon amount.

In a typical case, the unfair charge is almost always…

On a trip, no one usually plans to visit a government building, right? But the Tokyo Government Building deserves to be on your itinerary. The Government Building is one of the city's coolest free attractions — and offers one of the best views of Tokyo. It's located in Shinjuku…

If you want to party in Tokyo, I’d say skip the red-light district (Kabukicho) and head straight to Roppongi! You’ll find more bars and clubs there, plus you get a clear view of Tokyo Tower.