Stopover in Tokyo

Teg Veece

I'm travelling to Sydney in February and I have the option of staying in Tokyo for a few days for no extra flight cost. I'm just wondering if anyone here has been to Tokyo before and whether they think its worth a 3-4 day visit. I suppose my main concern would be just not being able to get around very easily because of my complete lack of Japanese.

Any recommendations regarding things to do and where to stay would be greatly appreciated.

Benedict XVI

Teg Veece wrote: »

I'm travelling to Sydney in February and I have the option of staying in Tokyo for a few days for no extra flight cost. I'm just wondering if anyone here has been to Tokyo before and whether they think its worth a 3-4 day visit. I suppose my main concern would be just not being able to get around very easily because of my complete lack of Japanese.

Any recommendations regarding things to do and where to stay would be greatly appreciated.

Good spot for a few days
People say it is expensive but it's no dearer than any other capital city
Loads of accommodation options
No problems getting around things like subway maps etc are in both Japanese's and western characters
The Lonely Plan Tokyo is a good guide.

Glowing

I'm stopping over in Tokyo for 3 nights in 2.5 weeks time! I'm booked into the Tokyo Park Hotel (supposed to be lovely), and I know from past experiences in Asian cities, you'll rarely need the local lingo to find your way around.

I'll let you know how I get on! Can't wait!

Benedict XVI

Glowing wrote: »

I'm stopping over in Tokyo for 3 nights in 2.5 weeks time! I'm booked into the Tokyo Park Hotel (supposed to be lovely), and I know from past experiences in Asian cities, you'll rarely need the local lingo to find your way around.

I'll let you know how I get on! Can't wait!

You can get around ok without Japanese's in Tokyo.
In places like Reppongi which is the main International entertainment district most bars and restaurant staff speak English.
If you go to a place like Sinnguku which is a more Japaneses entertainment district you will not get much English.
I just pointed to the pictures of the food on the menu.

tampopo

Try this http://www.japan-guide.com/

I just had a quick look, and it says this "....Fingerprinting and Photographing of Foreigners starts November 20th."

Pat Kenny makes me laugh when he jumps through linguistic hoops to avoid repeating 'non-nationals' every 20 seconds in his radio show!!!

Narita airport is a good bit out from Tokyo. If I was you I'd get the Narita Express into Tokyo. Get a return ticket as it's going to save you time later and probably money, but time is of the essence if you're only going to be there 3-4 days.

Visit Asakusa during the day. Akihabara is the electronics district. Ginza is the expensive shopping district. Harajuku is the place where you get the dancing Elvises on Sunday afternoons! Roppongi is the international bar/club spot.Hustle mania, pretty girls trying to entice you into their bars. There's a big junction there at the intersection. There's a famous cafe there, called Almond. It's the place to meet in Roppongi. If you go down the street keeping Almond on your right you come to an Irish bar, if you want to visit an Irish bar in Tokyo. There's one in Shinjuku aswell.

You can go up the Tokyo Tower... Go into Tokyo Station and have a look at the Shinkansen parked in the station.Sleek machines....lovely to look at even if you're not a train spotter!

go to flickr and do a search of any of the areas I mention. It'll give you an idea of what to expect....

have fun