New York vs Tokyo: A Japan Traveler’s Thought on 2 Wonderful Cities
When I visited New York for the first time, I couldn’t help but compare New York vs Tokyo. Tokyo, a city I’m more familiar with. Both are iconic, bustling metropolises, yet they offer completely different experiences. Here’s what stood out to me as a traveler from Japan exploring NYC.
One of the biggest things I noticed upon arriving in New York was the incredible diversity. People of different races, cultures, and backgrounds all blended together, creating a dynamic atmosphere. It was also loud—car horns blaring, music playing from street performers, conversations happening everywhere. Tokyo can be noisy too, but the level of sound felt more controlled compared to NYC.
I had always imagined New Yorkers as fashionable, but what I saw was something different: a mix of styles, people wearing whatever they wanted without worrying about trends. Their originality stood out, and I admired how everyone confidently embraced their own look. In Tokyo, fashion is sleek and stylish, but patterns and bold expressions aren’t as common. However, both cities share one thing—fast walkers. Whether in Shinjuku or Manhattan, everyone moves with purpose!
Transportation & City Layout : New York vs Tokyo
I’ve traveled to many countries, but Tokyo’s train system still feels like the best in the world—punctual, spotless stations, cutting-edge technology like the Shinkansen, and incredibly polite customer service. While NYC’s subway was useful for getting around, it felt much rougher in comparison. The train cars weren’t the cleanest, and sometimes I encountered situations that made me uneasy—people asking for money, loud music playing from personal speakers.
However, I appreciated how easy it was to navigate New York’s layout. Most major attractions are accessible by subway or bus, meaning you don’t have to rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps. Tokyo offers a similar convenience, making both cities great for exploring without needing a car.
Food & Dining Experience
Food is always a highlight when traveling, and NYC had endless options. One major difference I noticed was the price—restaurants were much more expensive than in Tokyo, where you can find everything from cheap but delicious eats to high-end dining.
Japanese cuisine was everywhere—ramen shops, sushi bars, teppanyaki restaurants. It reminded me of how beloved Japanese food has become worldwide. In fact, my former Japanese boss always made it a tradition to visit his favorite ramen spot whenever he traveled to NYC for business.
Culture & Daily Life
Daily life in both cities has its own rhythm. Tokyo has an unwritten etiquette—people keep their voices down in public, follow certain social rules, and maintain a sense of order. New York, in contrast, felt more expressive. People talked to strangers, struck up conversations, and carried themselves with individuality.
Having lived in the U.S. for three years now, I’ve grown to enjoy this openness. Even though my English isn’t perfect, I love the way casual conversations with strangers can uplift me. There’s an energy in these spontaneous interactions that sometimes gives me a sense of motivation and power—something I didn’t experience as often in Japan.
Must-Visit Spots from a Japanese Traveler’s Perspective
During my trip, I visited several famous landmarks that made my NYC experience unforgettable. Each destination had its own charm, and some even reminded me of places in Tokyo in unexpected ways.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close was surreal. As a symbol of freedom and history, it felt like a true “I’m in New York!!” moment. The ferry ride was also enjoyable, giving great views of the city skyline.
For the details, please visit National park official HP
Tokyo has its own impressive skyscrapers, but standing at the top of the Empire State Building and looking out over NYC was a breathtaking experience. However, if you have acrophobia, the observation floor might feel terrifying—unlike many observation decks in Japan, there’s no protective glass wall, and you can feel the wind directly at such a high altitude. I was extremely scared, but at the same time, it made the view feel even more dramatic and thrilling.
For the details, please visit Empire State Building official HP.
A beautiful oasis in the middle of the city, much like Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo but on a much grander scale. I loved the mix of nature and urban life, whether it was people jogging, relaxing on the grass, or even spotting street performers. I really like this place.
For the details, please check the Central Park official HP.
The lights, the billboards, the constant motion—it had the same electric energy as Shibuya Crossing, but multiplied by ten. It felt like stepping into a larger-than-life version of Tokyo’s neon-filled districts, making it one of the most memorable spots of my trip.
For the details, please check the Times Square Official HP.
I wanted to visit this museum because I love the movie Night at the Museum! Walking through the exhibits, I kept imagining scenes from the film. The museum was vast, filled with fascinating artifacts, and definitely worth a visit for any movie fan or history lover.
For the details, please check the American Museum of National History Official HP.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset was stunning. It had a nostalgic charm, reminding me of scenic walking spots in Japan, but with a distinctly New York feel.
For the details, please visit Brooklyn Bridge Park official HP.
I stayed a hotel near this station, so I used this station many times to go to many attractive place in NYC. A transportation hub unlike any in Japan, Grand Central Terminal felt grand and historical, almost like something out of a movie. The architecture was stunning, and I loved watching the movement of people bustling through it.
For the details, please visit Grand Central Terminal official HP.
Each of these places added something unique to my experience in New York, making the trip unforgettable.
Would I Visit NY Again?
Absolutely! New York is chaotic, beautiful, and full of surprises. While Tokyo feels familiar and structured to me, NYC offered a thrilling unpredictability that I’d love to experience again. Next time, I’d plan my itinerary differently—perhaps focusing on more hidden gems rather than the major tourist spots.
Have you visited New York State? What was your favorite discovery? Share your experience from comment section below or ask any questions you have about planning your own New York adventure!
