Japan Rail Pass
If you're traveling throughout Japan, consider getting a JR Pass. It entitles you to unlimited rides on JR trains 7, 14, or 21 days and can save you money. The cost varies, but a 7-day pass is around ¥50K ($350) for regular class, about the same as a round trip to Kyoto on the shinkansen. You can also use the pass for JR trains in Tokyo (Yamanote line) and the Narita Express. JRPass
Mobile wifi rentals or SIM cards?
Choosing Between Pocket WiFi and SIM Cards for Your Trip. A pocket WiFi is a small portable router, while a SIM card is a chip you insert into your phone for network connection. Although a SIM card is cheaper for one person, renting one pocket WiFi is more cost-effective for a group or if you have multiple devices. If you're a light internet user and mainly need Google Maps and basic searches, a prepaid SIM card could be a good choice for you. You can get both of these at the airport.
International Driving Permit
If you want to drive in Japan, rent a car in rural areas or try something like the MarioKart experience, you'll need an international driving permit. Regular U.S. licenses won't work. Remember to budget enough time to get your IDP before coming to Japan; you can't get one here.
Apps & Travel Resources
Google Maps does a pretty good job navigating you from place to place. ‘Navitime for Japan Travel’ has lots of info on transportation, city maps and free wifi hotspots. Navitime.
‘Ramen Beast’ shows you the best ramen spots wherever you happen to be, with up to 500 shops reviewed and recommendations on the “bowl to crush.”
Google Translate will be invaluable for those who cannot read Japanese. The camera, instant text to translate feature especially.
Know Tokyo is a sharp, well-edited guide by my friend Nikki Hall, who’s been to this city more than 70 times, and has visited each of the different neighborhoods more times than many Tokyoites. It covers everything from old-school sushi counters to new shops, with none of the filler.
Arigato Travel offers private tours (usually food) customized on neighborhoods or themes. Need to book in advance. They have articles on their site and IG about places to go.
Uncover Japan. Friends have recommended these tours led by a knowledgeable expat.
Japan Times Life/Travel section is a good place to look for inspiration and ideas for places to go, advice from local guides, and more.
Tokyo American Club
TAC is a curated ecosystem for expats—a buffer between the unfamiliar and the overly familiar. It offers the soft landings: English-speaking staff, American-style gyms, swimming pool, a place to watch sports, bar, restaurants, work space, lounge area with wifi, library, spa, day care, etc. Not quite Japan, not quite America, not really a destination for visitors to Tokyo. However, if you are visiting and are a member of a reciprocal club, it is a nice option as a backup home base while in town.