Tokyo? Worth the effort?

Glowing

Hi there

We're flying to Sydney in November and are considering stopping off in Tokyo for a few days on the way.

I know its not exactly 'on route' but I was just wondering if you'd consider it a worthwhile excursion for 3/4 days?

Also, I guess it'd be freezing there in November, yeah?

Thanks!

kevthecelt

Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities ive ever been to and i would definitely recommend it, i was there in april when the cherry blossoms were just coming out which was absolutely beautiful, the city itself is just great, so modern, so quirky and just different, so yes, go! PS have a pint up at the top of the park hyatt hotel where lost in translation was partly filmed, amazing views of the city at night, worth the 10 euro for a wine glass of guinness!

Glowing

Good answer kevthecelt!

What sort of accommodation did you get? We're not on the whole RTW trip this time so will have slightly more money to play with .....

Dont be at yourself

I'd recommend a night in a capsule hotel, just for the experience. After that, love hotels all the way, I'd say. There are also hostels and hotels all around the city, but for the real Japanese city experience, I'd recommend capsule & love hotels.

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

anywhere with japanese schoolgirls get's a nod of approval from me

kevthecelt

I stayed in the tokyo international youth hostel herel

You stay on the 18th floor with great views of the city, and not too expensive either, would definitely recommend it, i also stayed in sakura ryokan, which was a traditional japanese style house, very very cool

giddyup

Most definitely worth the effort. So many things are familiar yet it's so very very different to what you are used to. Been to Tokyo a good few times and did a stopover there once on the way to Australia. It's a great way to break up the flight. Flew Virgin Atlantic to Tokyo and then JAL to Sydney. Stay somewhere within walking distance of the Yamanote line and you'll have easy access to most of the stuff you'd want to see on a short stay. I've never stayed in one but Ryokans are supposed to be a great local experience. Hotels can be expensive downtown.

Things to see/do:
Tsukiji fish market.
Senso-ji Temple.
Harajuku & Meiji shrine.
Shibuya (people watch) & love hotels nearby.
Akihabara - gadget shop paradise and home of the otaku.
Some real obvious stuff there but the list is endless. What a city!

Glowing

Good stuff giddyup! I'm definately on for this now! I love Asian cities, so this sounds like it could be paradise for me

I just hope now we can get a RTW ticket that will allow a direct flight from Tokyo to Melbourne .....

jackbhoy

I second what the others say and you should try Ryokan/Capule/Love Hotel but if you wanna treat yourself try a night at park Hotel Tokyo (www.parkhoteltokyo.com).

Its got views and service to match Park hyatt but for about one third the cost. We ｓｔａｙｅｄ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　３３ｒｄ　floor last ｗｅｅｋ　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｖｉｅｗｓ　ｗｅｒｅ amzing (especially at night). It only cost 140 euros and considering the service, views etc its amazing value. Its also very easy to get to (5 ｍｉｎｓ　ｗａｌｋ　ｆｒｏｍ　ｓｕｂｗａｙ）　ａｎｄ　ｉｓ　１５　ｍｉｎｓ　walk from Fish Market, this is especially handy as market is best visited before 6am.

Darren

I was there last year on a freebie from work. First out/Club back, nice. I stayed at the tokyo Metropolitan in Ikeneburo. I went gadget hunting in Shinjuku and had a look at the Imperial gardens. Tokyo is definitely, definitely worth at least 2 days. The jet lag was harsh.

Glowing

jackbhoy wrote:

I second what the others say and you should try Ryokan/Capule/Love Hotel but if you wanna treat yourself try a night at park Hotel Tokyo (www.parkhoteltokyo.com).

I'm so staying here!

"Park Hotel Tokyo has professional pillow fitter staff with special training on sleeping well. Our staff are available to discuss sleep wellbeing with each individual guest. Along with the elegant nightwear by De Signe, we have developed original pillows in collaboration with Lofty so that our guests can enjoy a good sleep."

PunyHuman

I also recommend splashing out on a nice hotel. The Japanese do 'service' like no other people I've encountered. Also these hotels are the place for rashers and eggs for breakfast, as opposed to pickled fish heads.

And definitely go to Akihabara and Shinjuku - amazing. The latter was the inspiration for Blade Runner.

gandalf

Was lucky enough to spend 3 days in Tokyo back in 2002, definately recommend it. One thing bring plenty of cash

I hope to get back there someday, one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited.

Darren

gandalf wrote:

Was lucky enough to spend 3 days in Tokyo back in 2002, definately recommend it. One thing bring plenty of cash

I hope to get back there someday, one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited.

Well, Here's the strange thing. I did bring a fair bit of money but I found the place fairly reasonable in terms of prices. It's not as expensive as London.

Trevord

This is very true. Japan is now much more affordable. Japanese yen has weakened in value over last few years so your euro now goes much further when you exchange currency.

Tokyo is now cheaper than London or Paris.

Coffee about 1.50
Beer 5 a pint and cheaper in some places
Decent meal 20 a head
Night clubs - free (for non japanese)

Double room 3 * for about 80 euro

The one exception is travel by train which is pricey unless you buy the japanese interrail type pass before you go.

And Tokyo must be seen - it's the future!

Make sure you go to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toyko (from Lost in Translation) and have a beer in the bar 50 floors up.

tiaw

Tokyo is a trip in itself. A few days is not enough. But if it's all you have, still go!
Get a hotel near a subway station (although it's so well connected this will likely be the case anyway) and just explore!

If you get overwhelmed by the crowds of Shibuya or Shinjuku, head to Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi, or out of the city to Nikko.

The good thing about Tokyo is, 1) Everyone is extremely friendly & polite 2) You can relax in the parks, shrines and temples and then party/shop merely experience the entertainment districts.

Definatly recommended! Most amazing city on earth.

tampopo

Glowing wrote:

I'm so staying here!

"Park Hotel Tokyo has professional pillow fitter staff with special training on sleeping well. Our staff are available to discuss sleep wellbeing with each individual guest. Along with the elegant nightwear by De Signe, we have developed original pillows in collaboration with Lofty so that our guests can enjoy a good sleep."

Ha! I invited the ceo of Lofty to my weddin'! I knew him from when I lived in San Francisco. My mother in law was convinced she knew him from both his first and last name. Small worlditis. Turned out it wasn't the same chap she knew....