I’m in Tokyo for two weeks. Anyone been here got any suggestions of things I shouldn’t miss?
I was just there in late august 
Get a subway pass (not sure if its much cheaper for weekly, we got daily) as you will find yourself using it an awful lot to get around, dont worry about missing trains, they are every 2 minutes literally, though you still see business men running for them pretty often!
In terms of what you definitely shouldn’t miss, its a given to see the crossing, certain building etc. maybe the tokyo tower, but for me the fish market is definitely something you absolutely have to see, absolutely manic, but pretty incredible!
The traditional temples- for example the ones near one of the famous market streets is also one of the must sees. Through talking to people at markets and trying to talk to locals as much as possible, and going to the LEAST tourist friendly places, you will definitely get the best experience.
A classic example of the tourism divide is a photo I took of a completely little japanese restaurent with a mcdonalds logo from the opposite side of the street reflected onto it. Just locals were in it and all tradional food, as well as being (for tokyo) reasonable cheap, it beats franchise places anyday.
Though I will say in Japan, mcdonalds is one of the few ways to get a cheap (100/120yen) fix of a burger or whatever… thats under a british pound, whereas cafe meals will often cost you a minumum of 3 times that for sometimes tiny portions.
Most of all id say try and gain somewhat a unique experience from it all, not just the same as everyone else. Exploring districts that arent mentioned too much in the guides could lead to some little adventures… if you plan well you could see quite alot in 2 weeks! I was only in tokyo for 4 nights in total but saw tons of stuff.
Japan Rail also do some sort of “to mount fuji and back” deals if i remember right too, might be worth checking out if you want something different in there, i personally didnt climb it or anything when i was there but it was still a pretty amazing place. I will say its not particularly close though, but as an Aussie im sure your used to long distance travelling as standard 
Hope this will help, have fun!
The electronics in Akihabara are pretty cool but those types of stores are really all over Tokyo.
Checking out the lavish shopping options at Roppongi Hills / Ginza. Going to Harajuku on a Sunday and seeing all the kids dressed up like goths n shit. Being at that massive crossing at Shibuya in the evening with a shitload of people. Tokyo is a pretty awesome place.
I was there in September (actually part of a 2 week rollercoaster tour of Korea and Japan - I mean that literally. I’m a coaster geek). I wish I’d had longer to spend in Tokyo itself but yes, see the Shibuya crossing, and visit the Harajuku district to see cute Japanese girls dressed up in strange fashions on a Sunday (as the poster above says). Go any other day and you’ll be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend going to the Tokyo Dome to ride the hubless big wheel and the very good Thunder Dolphin coaster that passes through the middle of it. There are great views from the top (day or night - but I’d recommend night).
If you want cheap food but don’t want to do McD’s, look for a Yoshinoya - they’re everywhere. Having said that, if you’re more adventurous and have some money to spend, it’s always worth trying a really good sushi place, or somewhere that sells kobe beef.
Also, if you are a white male, to them you will look like Brad Pitt, because we all look alike to them. So your ability to pick up girls will be huge.
I’m not even making this up, one of my friends went to Japan for 2 months and have 4 girlfriends, ranging from 18-36 years old.
The fish market has unfortunately tightened up somewhat, all because of some British tourist who kissed a tuna worth 11,000$. Yes, really. Haven’t been in ages but I’ve heard tourists are no longer allowed to see the auction.
The crossing at Shibuya is a must-see.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, Shibuya and/or Shinjuku are both great. Never liked Roppongi personally…filled with shady Nigerians trying to get you into their bars. You won’t find many quality Japanese girls there either.
For a laugh, walk through Kabuki-cho late at night. Marvel over the fact that this is the Japanese equivalent of Compton LA (ie: the most dangerous, crime ridden area in the country), and that you’re completely safe and nobody messed with you.
A place I’d recommend that most people overlook is Akasaka. This is home to many of the Japanese imperial buildings, and also a lot of TV stations and multinational corporations. Lots of cool little bars to visit, and if you go during happy hour you’re sure to meet some classy, beautiful girls looking for a good time.
As for food, Yoshinoya is a safe bet…5 dollars for beef on rice. I’d also try kaiten-zushi, also known as conveyor belt sushi…decent quality for 50 cents a piece.
Have fun
[quote]schultzie wrote:
Also, if you are a white male, to them you will look like Brad Pitt, because we all look alike to them. So your ability to pick up girls will be huge.
I’m not even making this up, one of my friends went to Japan for 2 months and have 4 girlfriends, ranging from 18-36 years old.[/quote]
What I love the most is 'and have 4 girlfriends", rather then ‘had’ clearly an amusing pun on the stereotypical asian speaking english to a foriegner
In all honesty next time i go though, my focus will be on going out and women. The girls of japan are absolutely RIDICILIOUS, its very very nice to walk through… id say Kyoto had even more complete hotties though! Much to my suprise
somebody take me with. i want an asian girlfriend
Some notes:
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I personally would NOT get the rail pass for only two weeks if you’re planning on staying only in Tokyo. Two reasons a) it can be a bit frustrating getting it if you don’t speak Japanese b)I didn’t spend that much money in tickets when I was there. I highly recommend setting up a plan of locations ahead of time, then looking up the trains and prices, then seeing if the prices will justify the cost of the rail pass.
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If you don’t get a rail pass, get a Suica/Passmo card with a Narita express ticket. The card is pretty much the only way to use the trains without going batshit crazy trying to figure tickets out in a language (I’m assuming) you don’t speak.
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If you buy a meal at a 7-11, am/pm, lawsens, etc, when you check out, they’ll ask you a question. Don’t end up staring like a terrified deer like I did the first time. They’re asking if you want then to microwave it for you. Just nod or shake your head. If they ask another question, then they’re asking if you want some chopsticks or a spoon, depending on the meal.
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Don’t go to West Ikebukuro, it’s mostly crap (except for the Denny’s)
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Go to the SEGA arcade in Akiba, it is absolutely AWESOME!
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There are stickers on the vertical poles in train stations that show each train station, usually with English under the Japanese. The easiest way to use the trains is to locate the station your at, then count how many stations there are to where you want to go. Just count each station the train stops at until you arrive at your preferred destination.
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Don’t eat while walking.
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Taxis are really expensive.
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Trying to negotiate a squat toilet, especially if you’re drunk, really sucks.
ropongi!!! FTW!!
If you need anything PM me so I can give you my celphone number.
Definitely take a train to Kyoto. It was freaking amazing. Are you fluent in Japanese?
Rub & Tug FTW!
[quote]PimpBot5000 wrote:
Never liked Roppongi personally…filled with shady Nigerians trying to get you into their bars.
[/quote]
It’s pretty funny watching them trying to pass themselves off as African Americans.
[quote]postholedigger wrote:
It’s pretty funny watching them trying to pass themselves off as African Americans. [/quote]
LOL, yeah its hysterical. They usually speak in that overly-polite African English, but when they want customers in their hip-hop store its all “I am be crunk! Brooklyn what is up!”
[quote]Chushin wrote:
Been a while since I’ve been up to Tokyo, but you might want to know that there apparently have been incidents of Americans (Westerners?) being drugged in some bars in Roppongi.
You wake up out in the street, only to find that you supposedly put a fortune’s worth of drinks on your charge card…[/quote]
This is a good point worth mentioning. Don’t just wander into any bar in Tokyo, especially if you get the impression from the sign that there might be strippers/hostess girls/etc inside. Lots of them have “table charges”, sometimes 50-100 bucks but occasionally much more. Best to go out drinking with a Japanese person, but a good phrase to know is “bota-kuri” (“scam”, “rip off”).
shagging some japanese girls