Advice about Tokyo
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Yatai while doing hanami
Yatai or open-air food stalls are seen at festivals and big events. I love stopping at several yatais when I go do hanami at Gumyoji. During the sakura-blooming season, there is a row of yatai along the river in Gumyoji. Along the river, there are also cherry-blossom trees! Therefore, it is a great…(131 words)
RieS
Best Bar in Roppongi, Japan
My favorite bar in Tokyo is Heartland bar in Roppongi Hills. It is a very open and fancy bar, always lively with people, perfect for a drink before clubbing in Roppongi. It is also where Heartland Beer (a Japanese beer made by Kirin) was first made. For Roppongi, the beer cocktails are very reasona…(84 words)
GenS
Nakameguro, shops along the river
Nakameguro is a quiet yet fashionable and fun district just outside the more lively and inclusive Shibuya area. Nakameguro is well known for its fashion shops, and dainty restaurants that are perfect for dates, or casual upper class dining. There are of course less expensive and more chain store-ty…(151 words)
KurtisW
Yakatabune
Yakatabune are, literally "night ships," which are floating party boats. The vast majority are rented out to groups. Some, however, are open for individuals, couples, and small groups. Traditionally, yakatabune serve tempura as the main course. In Tokyo, one of the highlights has been anago…(173 words)
mikekato
Hot Spring in Oedo Onsen
Enoshima Island Spa would be a great choice for you, and probably just in case when you want to try another spa closer to the Metropolitan area in Tokyo, I'd suggest you try Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hot Spring (Literary meating; Tokyo Spa Story), which is located at Odaiba, in the Tokyo Bay. The be…(102 words)
Masa
A breathtaking run to Minatomirai
As a person who lives in Yokohama, my favorite jogging route starts at Motomachi Station. Turn a right and run to the park that is right in front of the first crossroad. When you go up an incline, there is a Bridge below the highway that leads you to the Yokohama Doll Museum and Yamashita Park - a …(212 words)
RieS
Community centers have free ping pong facilities!
Many community centers offer ping pong and badminton facilities for free! I recommend you to research a community center near you and call to just make sure that they have ping pong tables! The one close to my house (Naka sports center) has many ping pong tables that the community uses.(51 words)
RieS
Enjoy the winding road of Nikko, Irohazaka. One of Japan's lovely roads in a perfect getaway outside of Tokyo.
Iroha-zaka in Nikko is very famous in Japan for beautiful views of changing colours in Autumn. It is the perfect Autumn drive. Iroha-zaka is a hill which takes about 30 minutes (1.5 hours in the autumn due to traffic) to drive up. Views are spectacular along the way and a beautiful lake awaits at t…(100 words)
GenS
A dip into the hot springs in Enoshima Island Spa
One of the best hot springs near Tokyo is Enoshima Island Spa, which is easily accessible from Tokyo and is right near the Enoshima Station. There are set to three different temperatures to suit your body. Also, before you enter, there is an explanation on how to use the baths for different aims: r…(100 words)
RieS
Great Sashimi in Japan
At the tsukiji fish market, you would naturally assue that the best delicacies are made from fish. In fact, there are many other delicacies, unrelated to fish, that you should not miss. All of these are comparatively cheap and have a lot of volume. These places exist to provide cheap but tasty and …(177 words)
GenS
Looking for traditional snacks? Go to Kamakura!
During the holidays, I always reserve a day to wander around Kamakura. I love Kamakura and how every time I go, I come back full and satisfied. Kamakura has one of the best Japanese restaurants and wagashi (Japanese snacks) places. If you walk along the main road right outside the station, there is…(152 words)
RieS
Beach Fireworks in Tokyo, Japan
An AMAZING summer beach experience is watching the fireworks at Atami Sun Beach. If you are spending a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Izu, definitely stop by for the fireworks at Atami Sun Beach. During the summer, firework displays are held every sunday and the view of the fireworks that e…(143 words)
GenS
McD's In Japan
Charging your electronic devices using any "unofficial" plug will get you into trouble. Trust me, I'm writing from firsthand experience. I was on a 7 day bicycle trip down South to Fukuoka and needed electricity desperately. I was at a hotspring and tried sneaking some juice while I was soaking in …(125 words)
GenS
The Post Office is the best place when you need CASH!
In my experience, it's hard for my co-workers from overseas to take out cash by their cards. I found that many cards work well at the Post Office.http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html(39 words)
Shinji
Left hand side in Tokyo and Nagoya & Right hand side in Kyoto and Osaka when you are taking escalators.
It's funny because people in Tokyo and Nagoya are stopping on the left hand side when they are walking up/going down in hurry while people in Kyoto and Osaka are stopping on the right hand side of the escalators. There is no regulation, but almost all people follow this kind of rule without notific…(55 words)
Shinji
Take Yamanote Line!!!
Enjoy an excursion by taking Yamanote Line. You should watch this video before your journey.http://vimeo.com/68420684 Tokyo Loop Line〔東京(Tokyo)-有楽町(Yurakucho)-新橋(Shinbashi)-浜松町(Hamamatsucho)-田町(Tamachi)-品川(Shinagawa)-大崎(Osaki)-五反田(Gotanda)-目黒(Megu…(51 words)
Shinji
Yakatabune in Shinagawa
If you go to Shinagawa, you will see Yakatabune in the bay, which are Japanese house boats. They often offer day and night cruises with various dining options. I highly recommend a night cruise that goes by the famous Rainbow Bridge.(41 words)
KurtisW
Hostess Cafes
Hostess cafes are all over Japan and serve Japanese style pub food and drinks by cute hostesses. They are very popular with Japanese men because the hostesses are often flirtatious and friendly. The prices vary, but the cafes often become expensive if you become enamoured with your waitress.(48 words)
KurtisW
Go to Shinagawa
Shinagawa has some of the nicest evening yakatabune dinner cruises because of its close proximity to Roppongi's Tokyo Tower and the famous Rainbow bridge. You can either make reservations online or show up at a dock where they are parked.(40 words)
KurtisW
Check out Ryogoku
If you go to Ryogoku, you can find a wide variety of sumo stables and see sumo wrestlers going about their daily business. Ryugoku has its own sumo stadium as well, called the Ryugoku Kokugikan. You can watch sumo wrestling matches there on occaision. I also recommend trying Chanko Nabe, which is a…(66 words)
KurtisW
Stay in Minatomirai
One of the nicest hotels are Pan Pacific and Intercontinental Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. Although not in Tokyo, it is right smack in the middle of Minatomirai, a district with a breathtaking night view and amazing experiences. From these hotels, you can easily access any of the main facilities/build…(118 words)
RieS
Roppongi Hills Toho Cinemas in Japan
The Toho Cinemas movie theater at Roppongi Hills is my favourite in Tokyo. The cinema is fairly new (about ten years) and shows the most English films in the Tokyo area. In Japan, U.S. animation movies are often dubbed into Japanese and only shown in Japanese. Only a selected number of theaters, in…(144 words)
GenS
Hamarikyu Garden, Beautiful and Ancient Garden in Japan
My favourite park in Tokyo is Hamarikyu Garden, right by Shiodome station. I was actually just there the other day and the scenery of the tranquil lakes with Japanese style bridges and gazebos was breathtaking. Entrance is only about 250 yen for and adult and the garden is perfect for a 3-4 hours o…(145 words)
GenS
Toshima Swimming Pool in Japan
Living in Yokohama, I rarely go to swimming pools in Tokyo. However, I have ben to Toshima swimming pool once and having quite a fun time. Toshima pool is more than just an ordinary pool. It is a waterpark. Japanese people have a thing for swimming pools and so there are many pools here in Tokyo an…(162 words)
GenS
Ueno Zoo, Fun Family-Friendly Zoo in Japan
Tokyo's most famous, most historic, and most popular zoo is Ueno zoo. It is an enormous zoo in the central Tokyo area and is a popular attraction among families, friends, and couples. The greatest draw since about last year are the pandas. Ueno zoo is the only zoo in Tokyo with pandas and in Japan,…(170 words)
GenS
Ask the Driver
I've lived in Japan for about 4 years, and I'm still very confused about the bus system, mostly because all of the stops listed between the starting and ending point are very small neighborhood areas with names that you really won't know unless you are a regular rider, or you live in the area.T…(149 words)
KurtisW
Seagull Girls
The Tokyo American football team, the Seagulls, play regular games at the famous Tokyo Dome. Always accompanying the team is the lively and cute cheersquad. Cheer leading is actually quite popular among young girls in Japan, and despite the fact that cheer is something that kind of developed from a…(173 words)
KurtisW
Shimokitazawa, Great Bars in Japan
Shimokitazawa is my favorite "shitamachi" (downtown or local) area in Tokyo. It is only about 10 minutes on the Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya and is a popular hangout spot, especially among the youth. There are numerous chic and funky bars and restaurants in the area and has a nice ambience til…(114 words)
GenS
Go to Kamakura in Japan
If you are interested in learning about the Kamakura period, there is nothing more you can do than to actually go to Kamakura. From Tokyo, Kamakura is less than an hour away towards Yokohama on the Yokosuka line. Just one train ride to the former capital of Japan. When you arrive, you will definite…(268 words)
GenS
Getting ready for earthquakes
At Mark Is, the new mall in Minatomirai, on the 4th floor, there is an exhibition on how to prevent yourself from getting hurt by taking some precautions for your house during an earthquake. There were things such as putting attachments that prevent your bookshelves from falling over, locks on draw…(85 words)
RieS
Great Events On All the Time at Japan's Shinjuku gyoen
You would never fail to enjoy cherry blossoms at the Shinjuku-gyoen every spring time. Five minute-walk from the south exit of JR Shinjuku will lead you there.There are Rose festivals and beautiful Autumn colors to enjoy too!If you are in Shinjuku and want a reprieve from the crowds and bu…(71 words)
yumin
Japan's Animal Viewing Oasis is Tama Zoo
Tama Zoo is one of the most popular Zoos in Japan.I recommend that you should go to Tama-zoo because it is surrounded by nature and will make for a lovely full day of fun.You will enjoy all the animals and insects located in Tama-zoo. Get off at the TAMA-DOUBUTSUEN (Keio-Line),where you wil…(82 words)
yumin
Kinokuniya in Shinjuku
The best-known branch of this chain is on Shinjuku Dori, but the branch behind the nearby Takashimaya (on the south side of Shinjuku station) is bigger. Kinokuniya has perhaps the largest selection in Tokyo of new books in French and German, as well as English, with numerous specialised academic ti…(97 words)
Andrew Soh Chih Jen
Odaiba
I recommend a venture to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. To Odaiba, you can take the underground trains (Rinkai line) connecting to the JR lines or the Yurikamome line.The Yurikamome (meaning seagull) is a monorail that gives you a fantastic tour around the bay, which is one of …(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Matsuri (Festivals)
The best time to experience a festival in Japan is in from spring to fall. The best ones are in the summer, although many are technically in the spring or fall because their origins coincide with harvests or the opening and closing of fishing season.The most interesting and common matsuri are …(306 words)
mikekato
Check out Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
There is the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa, Tokyo if you're looking for something other than the Bonsai Art Museum in Omiya. They're open from 10am-5pm everyday except Monday. Address:1-29-16 NihoriEdogawa-Ku, TokyoPhone Number:+81 03-3670-8622(40 words)
KurtisW
Check out the Ohara School of Ikebana
The Ohara school of Ikebana in Tokyo is one of the more well known schools and is conveniently located in Miniami Aoyama. They offer classes in English at around 4000 yen but they are closed from July 18-September 5 for summer holidays. Address7-15-5 Minami AoyamaMinato-Ku, TokyoPhone N…(51 words)
KurtisW
Try Asakusa by Kaminarimon
There are numerous kimono stores along the shopping avenue directly behind Kaminarimon in Asakusa. They have kimonos of varying quality available. If you're looking for a proper, traditional Kimono, expect to spend a few thousand dollars. If you're looking for something more affordable, there are o…(47 words)
KurtisW
Lively Drinking Spots in Japan: Beer Gardens and Izakaya Japanese Pubs
You can find Beer Gardens atop department stores around Japan and Izakayas along any busy restaurant area in any city in the country.Although also popular with groups of friends or coworkers, you will find Japanese style pubs "Izakaya" popular with men- they serve many small dishes that go well…(220 words)
jjwalsh
Oakwood Residences-Great for senior executives staying in Japan for 1-6mons!
Oakwood are luxury serviced apartments for senior executives. great locations around the city. Amazing service. Lots of support staff. http://www.oakwood.com/serviced-apartments/international/JP/212/Tokyo.html(28 words)
LShannon