Quote:
Originally Posted by kunkstyle
Thread bump.
Heading to Japan in a few weeks and looking for some tips
- We're doing a couple nights in Tokyo, any suggestions on what area to look at to stay in?
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You are up for a treat of a lifetime. Well, it was for me and I have traveled the world extensively. I believe it was Jaydorn here on CP, who said that Japan has the ability to screw up the enjoyment of your future travel anywhere else, because nothing can beat it.
We stayed at Odaiba Island. Beautiful views and walking distance to lots of shopping and Museum of Technology, which was a blast by itself. I think anywhere you stay in Tokyo is going to be close to something and far from something else. 30 million people live there, almost the entire Canadian population in a small city.
A few tips:
- No tips required - nobody takes or expects tips anywhere.
- Buy Japan Rail Pass now before entering the country (you can't buy it there). It's discounted to foreign tourists and is a great value. Here
- Plan to spend at least one full day at Ueno Park in Tokyo. It is magnificent.
- Everyone says that you must see Shibuya, because it's so "Lost in Translation" Tokyo. Meh. Lots of people and department stores, that's it. Times Square on a reduced scale.
- Buy your dinners at the department stores. Most large department stores have huge food courts on the basement level. You can buy anything there – from sushi trays and beer to French pastry desserts much cheaper than same meals at the restaurants.
- Go to Roppongi at night and have a few drinks at the open bars there - thousands of people standing at their tables just drinking and talking to each other and to complete strangers.
- Don't be afraid to use subway system to get anywhere in Tokyo. It's very crowded but really easy to understand and use, once you figure out the lines and change stations.
- Avoid taxis, way too expensive.