Things To Do In Tokyo

Okay, so my big vacation is coming up in September, and I'm planning on doing the whole tour around Asia thing. Part of my travels will involve a week in Tokyo. I've never been to Tokyo. But I know that many TNLers have, and some even live in Japan, or have at some point.

So rather than refer to some predictable online guide, I figured I would ask for feedback here. I find that's usually the best way to see the good stuff while bypassing the worst of the touristy shit. So lay it on me.

The only thing that really bears consideration is that, aside from some phrases that will help me get around, I speak pretty much zero Japanese. So if you really need to have an understanding of the language in order to appreciate it, it's probably a bad idea.

Go see some shows. They're cheaper than Broadway and you don't have to dress up.

Don't go to Tokyo. You're better off going to spend time in the Kyoto/Osaka/Nara area. Tokyo is a fairly boring largely corporate city compared to that area. Whereas the Kansai area will allow you to see a lot more history and culture along with normal city things like cool shows and such.

I have not been Tokyo, but I second Osaka and Kyoto. Don't forget to try some Kobe beef, it is ridiculously good.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Don't forget to try some Kobe beef, it is ridiculously good.

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Go to a club, pick up a girl (it's stupid easy,) go to love motel, enjoy the company of a girl who is way too young looking to be legal.

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Originally Posted by bbobb

Don't go to Tokyo. You're better off going to spend time in the Kyoto/Osaka/Nara area. Tokyo is a fairly boring largely corporate city compared to that area. Whereas the Kansai area will allow you to see a lot more history and culture along with normal city things like cool shows and such.

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First thing I would say would be this, but then again my time in Tokyo is very limited.

One of the biggest suggestions I would make would be simply to explore. Figuring out the train system isn't hard at all, even if you know little Japanese, and it should actually be easier up in that area they're a chance there would be more English. Hop onto a train, take it to a random station, get of, and just explore the area a bit. I did that a lot, and that was a lot more fun than you'd imagine. You're in a totally different place that is very unlike what you're use to, and the areas around train stations are very good about having a variety of things to see and do. Even just exploring the crazy little shops you'll find there can be a lot of fun.

Yeah, there are of course the big things - cultural events, shows, Tokyo Tower, akihabara, typical things that get recommended - but even just walking around seeing what you find can be a lot of fun. Don't just stick to the tourist-filled streets, and don't be afraid to try going different places even if you speak no Japanese.

There is a great little crepe stand right below the Tokyo tower btw. It was a big, big ass city so it was always more of a stopping place during travel.

I second the notion of seeing Kyoto. You can see the 1st Shogunate Palace Nijo Castle in Kyoto with musical floors (to protect against ninja assassins) which was pretty cool.

Also, buy a tourist bullet train pass. Look that up, I wasn't applicable, but as a tourist you should be and if you plan to travel to other cities (which I recommend) the pass will save you a shit ton of money. Google that shiz or w/e. The country is a lot bigger than you'd think it is and if you want to see different cities, ie really explore, you will likely end up on the bullet train.

I recommend going to Hiroshima, but be prepared to feel like a bad person. When I went, I had australians giving me very nasty looks. Kyoto is beautiful but you will get out templed. You also have to make an appointment to see the some big shrine (can't remember, I saw hundreds).

I second the exploring notion, in tokyo. I've heard that there is a district there that makes the awesome fake food. That would be rad to see. eat at sukiya's! yellow background, red bowl, white writing with black out line. You can get bbq eel on rice for cheap and it's delish.

My experience with Tokyo is limited since I was living in Northeastern Japan near Aomori.

go to the arcade

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Originally Posted by Shine

Go to a club, pick up a girl (it's stupid easy,) go to love motel, enjoy the company of a girl who is way too young looking to be legal.

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I was going to say "Fuck some Japanese bitches" but you have a bit more tact.