Meet Anna — Your Tokyo Insider
Hello! I’m Anna, the founder of Tokyo FYI. I create clear, honest, and budget-savvy guides that help first-time visitors turn uncertainty into confidence—and make every yen count.
From Overwhelmed Newcomer to Trusted Tokyo Guide
When I first landed in Tokyo, I remember standing in Shinjuku Station, completely lost—not just physically, but mentally. I couldn’t read most of the signs, I didn’t know how to buy the right train ticket, and even something as simple as ordering lunch felt intimidating. I had moved here with a modest budget and a lot of curiosity, but very few tools to make daily life easier. Most websites I found either catered to luxury tourists or were so vague they left me with more questions than answers.
What I needed was clear, practical information: how to get from the airport without spending half my travel budget, where to find cheap (but good) food, which SIM cards worked best, and whether I actually needed that expensive train pass everyone kept mentioning. But at the time, there weren’t many resources that explained these things from a real, everyday perspective.
So I started taking notes—for myself, at first. Each time I figured something out, I wrote it down. When I discovered a train hack or a free city view, I shared it with friends visiting from overseas. And gradually, those tips became blog posts. That was the beginning of Tokyo FYI.
I didn’t set out to become an expert. I just wanted to make Tokyo feel less overwhelming for people who were in the same position I once was. Over time, as the blog grew, I started connecting with other travelers and expats who were looking for the same kind of help. Many of them were first-timers, budget-conscious, or just curious explorers who wanted to understand the real Tokyo—not the polished version you see in brochures.
What changed is that I kept listening and learning. I walked the same confusing routes, tested the apps, tried the food, made mistakes, and asked the questions you might be afraid to ask. Slowly, I became someone others could turn to for grounded, honest advice.
Now, as Tokyo FYI has expanded, I’m joined by contributors who live here, speak the language, and care just as deeply about helping others navigate this complex but beautiful city. We don’t claim to know everything—but we do promise that everything we share comes from direct experience, careful research, and a genuine desire to help.
If you’ve ever felt like Tokyo is a bit too much, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But I’m also here to tell you that it gets easier—and that exploring Tokyo can be one of the most rewarding, joyful adventures of your life.
Welcome. You’re in good hands.
Qualifications & Professional Background
- Certificate III in Travel (SIT30222)
- Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
- Bachelor’s degrees in Tourism
- ATAS (Australian Travel Accreditation System) accreditation
- Certified Travel Supervisor
- General Travel Services Manager
- Certificate IV in Guiding (SIT40222)
- Certificate III in Guiding (SIT30316)
These credentials underpin my research standards and the step-by-step clarity you’ll find across Tokyo FYI.
Real Experience Shaping Real Advice
At Tokyo FYI, everything we share is rooted in real-life experience—not assumptions, guesswork, or secondhand information. That’s what makes our advice practical, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful, especially for first-time visitors or anyone navigating Tokyo on a budget.
When I first arrived in Tokyo, I didn’t have a guidebook that told me exactly how to buy a train pass, avoid hidden fees, or choose a reliable SIM card. I had to figure those things out the hard way—by doing them myself. I missed transfers, overpaid for meals, and struggled to understand systems that locals take for granted. And honestly? That’s how I learned.
Every guide on this site comes from someone who’s walked the same streets, stood in the same confusing ticket lines, and wondered the same things you might be wondering right now. Whether it’s testing which convenience store meal is the most filling for under ¥500, comparing airport transfer options in real time, or mapping out the cheapest route to a shrine or museum, we always speak from actual experience—not from theory.
That means when we say something is a good deal, it’s because we’ve compared it. When we recommend a route, it’s because we’ve ridden it ourselves—often more than once. And if we tell you to skip a certain tourist trap, it’s because we’ve been there and know your time and money can be better spent elsewhere.
We also update our information regularly, because Tokyo is always changing. A restaurant might close. A pass might get more expensive. A new discount might appear out of nowhere. We keep an eye on those changes by staying on the ground and staying involved—this isn’t a one-and-done blog post factory. It’s a living resource built by people who care about giving you the best possible advice for today, not last year.
So when you read a tip or guide on Tokyo FYI, you can trust that it’s been tested in real life. Not every experience will be perfect, but our goal is to help you avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy more of what really matters.
That’s what makes this site different—real advice, shaped by real people, for real travelers like you.
Guided by Community and Collaboration
Tokyo FYI was never meant to be a one-person project. While it started with one curious newcomer taking notes in a notebook, it quickly grew into something much bigger—a community-driven space built on shared knowledge, collaboration, and real connection.
Over the years, this site has become a home for voices beyond my own. Travelers, long-term expats, exchange students, digital nomads, and even Tokyo locals have all contributed to what you see here. Each person brings their own unique perspective: a backstreet ramen shop only locals know about, the quickest way to transfer at a crowded station, or an insider’s tip on which festivals are worth your time. These insights don’t come from textbooks or tourist pamphlets—they come from lived experience.
Our contributors aren’t just writers. They’re people who genuinely care about helping others. They’ve faced the same language barriers, budget limits, and cultural gaps that many first-time visitors struggle with. Their motivation is simple: to make Tokyo more welcoming, understandable, and enjoyable for everyone who comes here.
We also listen—closely. Many of our most popular guides and updates come directly from reader feedback. Whether it’s a question someone emailed us, a request on social media, or a correction from a Tokyo local who spotted something we missed, we treat those voices as essential. This is a space that grows not just from what we’ve experienced, but from what you ask, notice, and need.
That’s why you’ll often find articles that cover details other travel sites skip—like how to use an onsen if you have tattoos, how to find vegetarian-friendly meals in a convenience store, or how to avoid peak commuter hours when navigating the trains. These aren’t just helpful extras; they come from real interactions with our readers and community.
We believe that Tokyo is best explored not through top-down instructions, but through shared stories. And that means this site is always evolving, always learning—because it’s shaped by the people who use it.
So whether you’re just starting your journey or have lived in Tokyo for years, you’re not just a visitor here. You’re part of the Tokyo FYI community. And together, we’re building something smarter, kinder, and more useful—for everyone who wants to experience this incredible city.
My Commitment to You
- I prioritize experience. Every guide reflects things I’ve tested or experts I’ve spoken with.
- I uphold expertise. I consult official sources—like transit operators or city announcements—so you get the most accurate info.
- I deliver authentic authority. I report plainly when something is too touristy, overpriced, or simply not worth the time.
- I maintain transparency. No hidden agendas here. If there’s an affiliate link, I’ll tell you; if the situation changes, I update my content promptly.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo—or maybe you’re already here—you’ve likely felt that mix of excitement and overwhelm. Tokyo is massive, dynamic, and full of possibility, but it can also be confusing, especially if it’s your first time in Japan. Trains with dozens of lines, unfamiliar etiquette, language barriers, and a dizzying number of choices for food, attractions, and transportation—it’s easy to feel lost before you even land.
That’s exactly why Tokyo FYI exists. This site isn’t just a collection of travel tips; it’s a guide built with your real-world needs in mind. We don’t assume you have unlimited time or money, and we certainly don’t expect you to figure everything out on your own. Our goal is to help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your adventure.
We know you don’t just want a list of things to do—you want to understand how to actually make them happen. You want to know whether a rail pass is worth it for you, not just in general. You want to eat well without breaking the bank, find hidden gems that align with your interests, and navigate the city with confidence. You want a guide that feels like a smart, experienced friend—someone who’s already made the mistakes and can show you the way.
The advice you’ll find on Tokyo FYI is designed to empower you. We offer transparency around costs, honest assessments of tourist attractions, and practical guides that show you how to do things—not just what to do. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, we’ll help you make choices that match your budget, your pace, and your travel goals.
Even if you’ve been to Tokyo before, there’s always more to uncover. The city is constantly evolving, and our content grows with it. From newly opened public spaces to updates on digital train cards or seasonal festivals, we keep things current so your information is always relevant.
Ultimately, this matters because your time in Tokyo should be meaningful—not just photogenic. It should be memorable for the right reasons. At Tokyo FYI, we’re here to make that happen by turning your questions into clear answers and your curiosity into unforgettable experiences. This is your trip. We’re just here to help you make the most of it.
Thank you for being here. I hope Tokyo FYI helps make your journey smooth, rewarding—and unforgettable.
Warmly,
Anna
How I Research & Verify Information
- Start with official sources: JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei, embassies, and government advisories.
- Test in real life: buy the tickets, ride the routes, time the transfers, and note what actually works.
- Explain trade-offs: cost vs. convenience, speed vs. simplicity—so you can choose what fits your trip.
Get in Touch
Questions about your itinerary or a guide you’d like to see? I’d love to hear from you.