Anybody been to Tokyo?

Mr.Cold

I am considering visiting Tokyo in the near future and I wanted to know what your experiences have been of Tokyo and what the best places are to visit? Any advice is much appreciated!

Links234

Depends what you're into, Tokyo is big. Very big.

Also some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life

Links234

If you're planning on visiting Japan, seriously see more than Tokyo. Osaka is awesome, Kyoto and nara are amazing. Next time I plan on visiting Hokkaido for the Sapporo snow festival

The Backwards Man

Links234 wrote: »

If you're planning on visiting Japan, seriously see more than Tokyo. Osaka is awesome, Kyoto and nara are amazing. Next time I plan on visiting Hokkaido for the Sapporo snow festival

Dunno about Osaka for a tourist, I've never been but the brother says it's very industrial.

KungPao

Mint Aero wrote: »

I was there once in Gran Turismo at night in the rain. Did a skid, was pissed

I drove up and down some funky road there in Forza, it was a lot of fun. Based solely on that, I say go there man.

Links234

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Dunno about Osaka for a tourist, I've never been but the brother says it's very industrial.

Nonsense, I had a great time there, way better nightlife and there was plenty to do touristy, Osaka castle and surrounding areas were amazing. Not to mention the food was also awesome. There's absolutely loads to do in Osaka,

Tony Beetroot

Links234 wrote: »

There's absolutely loads to do in Osaka,

There is loads to do in a bog if you are interested in turf.

JONJO THE MISER

Always wanted to go myself.

Smiles35

Watching, Begin Japanology vids on youtube the last few days.

Have a look at http://en.japantravel.com/ if your going. Loads of little write-up's on everything.

Links234

Tony Beetroot wrote: »

There is loads to do in a bog if you are interested in turf.

Alternatively, there's loads to do in a gigantic city that has absolutely incredible food, awesome people, music, culture, nightlife and so much more.

anto9

Nearly went two times but the expense put me off .

stannis

Don't eat anything while inside the metro network. The Japanese will all suddenly turn to stare at you. You are entering the Twilight Zone

Links234

stannis wrote: »

Don't eat anything while inside the metro network. The Japanese will all suddenly turn to stare at you. You are entering the Twilight Zone

Yeah, but at the same time there's businessmen in tidy suits blackout drunk being helped onto the last train by their friends, or passed out in a pool of their own vomit, or even kissing in the street, and nobody blinks an eye at them. Ah, the drunk salary men are hilarious.

fits

I was in tokyo last year for one day. It was fascinating. The culture is so different. Really want to go back some time.

Sofiztikated

No.

stannis

Links234 wrote: »

Yeah, but at the same time there's businessmen in tidy suits blackout drunk being helped onto the last train by their friends, or passed out in a pool of their own vomit, or even kissing in the street, and nobody blinks an eye at them. Ah, the drunk salary men are hilarious.

Same deal in China. They act shocked when a non-native does something slightly inappropriate, but turn a blind eye to their own much worse behaviour.

osarusan

Yes, I lived there for 4 years until 2 months ago.

What kind of stuff are you interested in?

Menas

I was out there for about 6 weeks last year with work. Its a fascinating place right enough. The people are very nice, and there are lots of them!
Some people absolutely love it, some dont. I was in the latter group. Just too crowded, dont like the food, too hot etc for me.
There is so much to do there though. My advice would be that if this is an itch you need to scratch, then get out there. Do your homework in advance about places you want to go and see.....and download the Japan trains app. It is invaluable!

Teyla Emmagan

Most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. Amazing sightseeing (incredible temples), great shopping, lovely people, divine food. Super, super city.

Turtyturd

Don't forget to go on Takeshi's castle OP.

biko

Try Okonomiyaki

humanji

MOD: I've moved this over to the Travel forum. Please be aware of the different forum charter here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055076508

Kobe

Depends on what you like to see, but definitely go to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Take****a Dori etc.
Don't forget to buy the Tokyo Metro 3 Days Tickets at the airport (only available for tourists at airport)
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/

biko

Start follow vloggers in Japan, they'll give you a ton of info

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDoLLhswOwY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv6QGlA84ck

Btrippn

I've lived here for nearly a year PM if you have any questions

Duggy747

Japan has always been on the top of my list of places to go, always.

Could never find the time or money to go but meself and the GF are looking to go to Tokyo this year, treat ourselves for our 30ths.

biko wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDoLLhswOwY

Heh, I remember him. That face he pulls every time he eats something :pac:

manjosh

Food!!!

Shedite27

Just back from a 10 day Japan trip, had 3 days in Tokyo, would have loved to have had another few.

Fantastic city, great sights, food, buzz, nightlife. Try to stay around Shinjuku - easy to get everywhere from there, and a few nice areas to walk for food/drinks at night.

Plenty of nice temples and parks, the fish market is a must-see, Robot restaurant is a surreal experience, cheaper than I was expecting.

Daisy78

Was there 10 years ago and would go back in a heartbeat. Always had a bit of an obsession with Japan anyway but Tokyo still exceeded my expectations. Lovely people, great food (even if I didn't totally appreciate how amazing the sushi was), buzzing nightlife, great shopping and quirky offbeat "did I really see what I thought I saw" moments. Shinjuku really is at the heart of the city but plenty of day trips to be had outside of the metropolis, if you manage to negotiate the manic crowds of the subway.

Hrududu

I was there last year and loved it. I stayed in Shibuya and would stay there again if I was going. You're in the middle of it all and its an easy walk to Harajuku. Go up the Mori tower at night for incredible views of the city.

I agree with the person who said Osaka was great. Tons to do and see.

ScottSF

I enjoyed watching these life in Japan videos from this expat couple before I visited last year. Their video blog posts go into depth on everything from oddball foods to weekend treks to what it's like to live (and teach English) in Japan. They even explain how to use the toilet! Hope it helps...

schemingbohemia

Duggy747 wrote: »

Japan has always been on the top of my list of places to go, always.

Could never find the time or money to go but meself and the GF are looking to go to Tokyo this year, treat ourselves for our 30ths.



Heh, I remember him. That face he pulls every time he eats something :pac:

There are some great flight deals for September/October (or there were a few weeks ago) which would be a good time to go.

Was there in March and would go back tomorrow if I could.

For something off the beaten track (literally) go to the Komano Kodo pilgrimage trail
http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/

Also Naoshima Island is a really interesting day trip if you're down near that area (on way to/from Hiroshima).
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5475.html

I loved everything about Japan. Someone else mentioned it being pricy but it needn't be, eating out can be very reasonable (or you can spend a fortune), accommodation can be pricey but we found the dormy inns to be very good value and clean and comfortable, but book in advance as they tend to be very busy.