Tokyo is a highly-populated, fast-paced, expensive mega-city from the future, which can make it quite a daunting place to visit. Not many Japanese people speak English (and if they do, are often too shy to say much), so the first tip is: on the flight over, memorize some basic Japanese phrases. You probably know 'konnichiwa' (hello!) and 'thank you' ('arigato') already, but if you're feeling really clever, add 'Where is the train station/toilet/hotel' ('eki/oh-te-rai/hoteru wa doko deska?') to your Japanese skills.
More tips for first-timers
- To save money on accommodation, stay out of the city center. Hotels in Asakusa, for instance, are much cheaper than those in Shibuya or Shinjuku. As a bonus, Asakusa has a traditional township feel to it, especially near the temple, plus you have a view of the iconic Asahi Office Tower, affectionately known as the Golden Poo. Caveat: many restaurants here sell whale sashimi.
- If you want to visit Tsukiji fish markets, get up early (it's open to spectators from 5am – 6.15am). Be prepared to see fishmongers dwarfed by massive tuna fish and try to stay out of the way of speeding vehicles.
- Go to Harajuku on a Sunday, when all the cosplay kids, Lolitas and fashionistas gather in their finery. Most are happy to have their photo taken, so you can document whatever the latest trend is, then go shopping down Harajuku's packed streets. To rake your mental Zen garden after all the crowds and chaos, visit the Meiji Jingo shrine on the opposite side of the station and leave a wish under the wish tree.
- To save money on accommodation, stay out of the city center. Hotels in Asakusa, for instance, are much cheaper than those in Shibuya or Shinjuku. As a bonus, Asakusa has a traditional township feel to it, especially near the temple, plus you have a view of the iconic Asahi Office Tower, affectionately known as the Golden Poo. Caveat: many restaurants here sell whale sashimi.
- If you want to visit Tsukiji fish markets, get up early (it's open to spectators from 5am – 6.15am). Be prepared to see fishmongers dwarfed by massive tuna fish and try to stay out of the way of speeding vehicles.
- Go to Harajuku on a Sunday, when all the cosplay kids, Lolitas and fashionistas gather in their finery. Most are happy to have their photo taken, so you can document whatever the latest trend is, then go shopping down Harajuku's packed streets. To rake your mental Zen garden after all the crowds and chaos, visit the Meiji Jingo shrine on the opposite side of the station and leave a wish under the wish tree.
-June, July and August can get humid and stifling on Tokyo's streets, so if you don't like the heat, visit outside of these months. Also, check the cherry blossom times – from late March to early April in Tokyo – as sakura-viewing is quite a magical experience.
- Karaoke in Shinjuku is a must. Don't be shy – it's a national pastime.
- Sneaker fetishists should visit the futuristic A Bathing Ape store in Shibuya, which resembles a minimalist anime disco. The Nike flagship store in Harajuku is also completely over the top, adorned with shoe-art, a shoe-chandelier, a football-only zone and a NikeiD center where you can customize your treads.
- Seek food in small places with minimal signage and a lack of plastic food models at the front. The best food is usually off the tourist trail. Don't be scared to enter these little shops – just point at something on the picture menu or ask for 'ramen' (noodle soup) if you start panicking. Izakaya are traditional eating and drinking establishments with picture menus and are very authentic Japanese in feel. Here's one example:http://bento.com/rev/2133.html
- Karaoke in Shinjuku is a must. Don't be shy – it's a national pastime.
- Sneaker fetishists should visit the futuristic A Bathing Ape store in Shibuya, which resembles a minimalist anime disco. The Nike flagship store in Harajuku is also completely over the top, adorned with shoe-art, a shoe-chandelier, a football-only zone and a NikeiD center where you can customize your treads.
- Seek food in small places with minimal signage and a lack of plastic food models at the front. The best food is usually off the tourist trail. Don't be scared to enter these little shops – just point at something on the picture menu or ask for 'ramen' (noodle soup) if you start panicking. Izakaya are traditional eating and drinking establishments with picture menus and are very authentic Japanese in feel. Here's one example:http://bento.com/rev/2133.html
--Ramen, you must eat it. Here's some insight into the religion of ramen:www.tokyoessentials.com/ichiran-ramen.html. When eating your ramen it is customary to make slurping sounds – it enhances the flavor and cools down the noodles.
-Your mobile phone probably won't work in Japan because it's not compatible with their technology. Also, Japanese phones are locked and not usable in your home country.
-To minimize time spent wandering the streets lost, hire an iPhone and use Google maps. They cost 8000JPY per week (USD 95) and you get free net and 1000JPY of phone calls – deliverable to the airport or to your hotel. Your cell phone won't work in Japan
-Always carry change for train tickets and vending machines, which sell just about anything (drinks, eggs, beer, hot ramen, business cards, popcorn etc).
-Don't bring an umbrella: as soon as it rains someone will appear selling plastic ones for 100Y.
-Take the free tissues you get offered outside railway stations – you may need them at the next toilet.
-Akihabara 'electric city' is indeed a paradise for electronics geeks – go on the weekends and enjoy pedestrian-only access.
-Cat with your cappuccino? Tokyo has cat cafés. These cats can be aloof, however, as cats who experience too much attention usually are.www.bento.com/rev/catcafe.html
-The easiest way to master train travel in Tokyo is to station yourself near to JR Yamanote line – the light green line – which circles the city through Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara. Shinagawa station is also on this line, connecting to the Narita Express from the airport.
-Fans of Ghibli studios can visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, about 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku using the Chuo line. Difficulty factor: you need to book tickets before your trip, from an agent in your country, stating the exact date of your intended visit. The process is legit, however, and the trip is worth it, if only to meet Totoro, Catbus, the dust bunnies or buy an original animation cell.
-Taxis are expensive and there is a night surcharge from 10pm-5am, but in case you need one, know the following: doors open automatically, don't try to open the door yourself. Most drivers have GPS. Tipping is not customary. Yellow light means occupied, red light means vacant, green means the surcharge is in effect.
- A nice day or weekend escape from Tokyo is Hida-Takayama, a mountain village which offers a quaint glimpse of Japanese history. The mountainous terrain and cute preserved houses and shops are highly picturesque and guests can visit the Hida Folk Village to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. It's a 4.5-hour trip from Tokyo station.
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