- Download Tokyo Map for Offline use in Google maps
- Use Google Translte (check if it can do offline translate) 1.Get a suica card for transport and for paying
- DiDi Taxi App
- Try Tsukemen over Ramen
- Shimokitazawa (clothes + thrift) and Punyus
- Akihabara and Nakano Broadway for Anime stuff
- Book an AirBnB instead of a hotel (bonus if AirBnB gives out Portable Wifi)
- Buy data sim/portable wifi in the airport (expensive but useful if no other options).
- Try International data instead
Context: Family will be going to Tokyo this January 2024.
I would disagree on the Airbnb point, and in fact reverse it. Book a hotel instead of an Airbnb if possible.
is it better to book a hotel for a large group of people? (We’ll probably be around 24 people, maybe split into 4/5 rooms).
OK, travelling as a group that large completely changes things! I’ve never travelled as a group that big and to be honest I doubt I even know that many people total!
I honestly don’t think travelling as such a large group is a good idea. Most guides recommend groups of less than 6, which even splitting up you will be well over. The reason for this is you will run into issues with everything. For example if you want to take the train you will practically fill up an entire train car. Most restaurants will not be able to seat you, and those that can will require a reservation. The best restaurants are very often the small hole in the wall ones that seat 10 people and half are taken by regulars!
As far as accommodation goes you probably want to stick to hotels for the simple reason that you would have to book multiple Airbnbs anyway so at least with hotels you can have all the rooms together rather than everyone spread out all over the city.
I’m sorry if I’m sounding negative here but honestly travel in such a group sounds like a nightmare!