Welcome to Tokyo!
After a long flight, it’s tempting to start sightseeing immediately. But we recommend taking it slow.
Your first evening is all about settling into our house, picking up a few essentials, and getting a good night’s sleep so you’re ready to enjoy Tokyo tomorrow.
Whether you’ve landed at Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ve officially made it!
Step 1: Arrive at Our House
Whether you’re arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, getting to Ukiyoan Takasago is easy thanks to the Keisei Line.
Narita Airport Arrivals: Around 50 minutes on the Narita Sky Access Line to Keisei Takasago Station.
Haneda Airport Arrivals: Direct trains are available via the Keikyu/Keisei Line (around 1 hour).
From Keisei Takasago Station: Our house is just a 2-minute walk.
- Address:
5-35-7 Takasago, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-0054
〒125-0054 東京都葛飼区高砂5-35-7 - Map
- Directions From Keisei Takasago Station
Once you’ve arrived, take a deep breath. You’ve made it to Tokyo! Welcome to your home away from home.
Step 2: Check In & Refresh
- Once you’ve arrived at Ukiyoan Takasago:
- Drop off your luggage
- Take a hot shower
- Change into comfortable clothes
- Put your passport and valuables somewhere safe
- Take a few minutes to explore the house
Don’t worry if you’re feeling tired. Tokyo isn’t going anywhere.
Step 3: Visit the Local Supermarket
Just a short walk from our house is a supermarket (inside Ito Yokado shopping mall) where we recommend picking up a few basics.
Consider grabbing:
- bottled water
- breakfast foods
- fruit
- yogurt
- snacks
- coffee or tea
- drinks for tomorrow
Having breakfast ready means one less thing to think about in the morning.
Akira’s Tip
Japanese supermarkets are one of my favorite places to visit. Even simple things like sandwiches, desserts and prepared meals are often much higher quality than visitors expect.
Step 4: Don’t Forget FamilyMart
Our local FamilyMart is only about 30 seconds away.
It’s perfect for:
- ATM withdrawals
- extra snacks
- toiletries
- SIM card accessories
- late-night desserts
- drinks
You’ll probably visit it more than once during your stay!
Step 5: Dinner at Hokuhoku
Rather than traveling across Tokyo tonight, enjoy dinner close to home.
One of our favorite recommendations is HokuHoku, a casual neighborhood restaurant where you can enjoy a relaxed first meal without the crowds.
It’s a wonderful introduction to everyday Tokyo dining.
Step 6: Movie Night
Back at the house:
- Put your feet up.
- Watch a movie on the projector.
- Call family back home.
- Finish unpacking.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow the adventure begins.
Why We Don’t Recommend Sightseeing Tonight
Some guests wonder if they should head straight into central Tokyo after checking in.
Our advice?
Save it for tomorrow.
After a long flight, a quiet evening, a good meal, and a full night’s sleep will help you enjoy Tokyo so much more. Tonight is the perfect time to settle in, stock up on breakfast, and recharge.
Tokyo isn’t going anywhere.
Tomorrow’s Adventure
Now that you’ve had a chance to settle in and recharge, it’s time to start exploring.
Our next guide follows one of our favorite first-day itineraries, combining the nostalgic charm of Shibamata with an afternoon and evening in Asakusa—a relaxed introduction to Tokyo that’s perfect for first-time visitors.
In Part 2, you’ll discover:
- Breakfast from a beloved local bakery
- A leisurely morning exploring historic Shibamata
- Where to try traditional Japanese sweets
- Our favorite retro café
- An afternoon and evening in Asakusa
- A peaceful walk along the Sumida River to end the day
