I'm a bored Medical student trying to save up some money to go travelling again so be nice to me an...
I'm a bored Medical student trying to save up some money to go travelling again so be nice to me and read my reviews. Andy
Member since:06.04.2004
Reviews:14
Members who trust:3
Everyone who visits Japan enevitably passes through Tokyo at some time. Somepeople love it and spend most of their trip there while others find it a confusing nightmare and quickly head on. It is the one place in Japan which completely encapsulates Japanese youth culture and you can find pretty much anything you want here.
Getting there- Most people will arrive straight from the airport, most commonly Tokyo Narita. The airport is a bit out of the centre so you have to take about a one hour train journey from the centre. From the centre you can get connections to almost every other major city in Japan.
Getting about- Subway and the internal city Japan rail line are definately the way to go. They are quick and regular and go to almost everywhere you could want to go. To buy a ticket look at the map above the ticket machine and press the price it shows for your final destination. If you get it wrong you can adjust your fare at a machine at your final station. Most stations are quite good and now have maps in English somewhere near the ticket machine. Be careful what time you use it as during rushhour underground workers do literally push you into the train to get more people in.
Walking is possible between a lot of places but take a good map.
What to do- So many things to do, it's best to devote a bit of time to each area of Tokyo and just enjoy looking around once you're there.
Ueno- Nice park and national museum which often has good displays. Lots of resteraunts and karaoke bars as well.
Shinjuku- For access to the imperial gardens, lots of night life but it can be a bit sleezy to walk around especially at night.
Tsukiji- Home to the largest fish market in the world, this is seriously impressive stuff, feel free to walk around and look at things as long as you don't get in the way. Get there early i.e 6-7am to see it at it's busiest. It may put you off fish for a while.
Akihabara- Electric town as it is otherwise known, almost every shop is an electronicsboutique or arcade. There are some amazing bargains to be had and you'll get a chnace to by things months before they're availiable here.
Shibuya- Mainly a shopping district with big HMV and tower records stores which both have lots of english papers magazines etc. Very hip shops and night life about as well, don't be supprised to see Japanese kids walking about in fake orange tans and platform shoes that resemble sky scrappers.
Harajuku- on one side of the station is a Japanese Teenages fashion mekka on the other side the Meiji shrine which is well worth a look around. It's set in a small wood making it easy to forget you're in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world.Ginza- Very expensive shops, for those who like a bit of glamour.
Asakusa- A rare bit of tokyo which retains a bit of traditional charm, the temple is well worth seeing.
Other things- Tokyo disney Land- go on you know it's fun no matter how old you are.
Places to stay- The cheapest place is probably the hotel new koyo near Ueno. The rooms are v.small but adquate and facilities are good and clean. I've also stayed at one of the youth hostels. It has a brilliant view but is quite expensive for a hostel and not very good compared to the other ones I've stayed at in Japan.
Nighlife- places to eat and drink = limitless Shibuya and Shinjuku have good night life there is a lot also in the foreigner haven that is Roppongi. May I emphasise I hate this place it's overprices, sleazy and unfriendly but feel free to make up your own mind.
Overall Tokyo can't be missed if you allow a day or 2 to get used to it you'll grow to love it.
Goodreview. Tokyo is so difficult to review cos there is so much toi see and do.
Soho_Black 01.07.2004 20:45
I went to Japan a few years ago, and I loved Tokyo. It's amazing how you can get the sudden contrasts - huge neon covered shops one minute, and a temple the next. Amazing, crazy place!
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