Tokyo is a wonderful city and doesn’t have to be expensive for travelers, especially since Japan has succeeded in their goal of weakening the Yen. As of this writing, it’s 98 Yen to the US Dollar. A few tips I like to point out as sort of a know before you go:
Medicine: First because only pharmacies sell even basic stuff, like pain relievers, bring your Advil, etc.from home. I learned that the hard way having a painful toothache the night I arrived and I couldn’t find an open pharmacy.
Dress: People dress up in Tokyo and it looks like they are in their Sunday Best every day of the week. The rest of the world might have gone more casual, but not most of Tokyo.
Meeting people: People use business cards a lot in Tokyo, even for personal contacts, so it’s a good idea to have some business cards printed up. When you receive a card from somebody, admire it and put it away carefully. They take business cards more seriously than we do in the States and admiring a card shows respect. And about bowing — I found that Japanese understand travelers do not understand bowing and cut tourists slack, so not to worry if you don’t understand the protocol. It’s a sign of mutual respect and and a bow is appreciated but not something you should worry about if you forget. Watching others is the best way to figure out how and when to bow.
Language difficulty: Although a lot of signs are in English, English is not widely understood. Surprisingly, though it’s easy to get around. A lot of times people will understand the written word better than the spoken word, so show them in writing when you ask a question.
Tokyo is such a expansive city it’s hard to explore it all, but I’ll point out a few highlights. This is one city to supplement your guidebooks with a lot of online research.
Sights: For the best view of the city and Mt. Fuji on clear days, go to
Metropolitan Government Building. It has two towers, so check the hours below. The viewing rooms are free and a great first stop to see how new and old blend together in Tokyo. The day I went there, I saw Mt Fuji and even took photos! Be advised, though: It’s rarely that clear. If you see Mt Fuji, consider yourself very lucky.
I like Gardens and Japanese Gardens are a favorite of mine. Rikugien Gardens is a great example and perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. You won’t believe the city is just outside!
Tsukiji Fish Market and Auction: This Auction and Market are incredible! The Auction Tour was at 5:40 am the day I went. There are sometimes two groups if they have enough people. One at 5;00 am,the other at 5:40 am. If they don’t have enough people, they combine it into one group.
For the auction, someone outside hands you a ticket and then you go inside to a waiting area and to put on a green smock. The auction itself is roped off to visitors but you are close enough to see everything going on. Its almost like a chant the way the auction is conducted. Before the start of the auction, I wandered around the wholesale area. It’s a sight in itself. Everybody was nice and welcoming to me but I found out later I went during the wrong time for the general public. Check public hours before going. The motorized carts have the right of way, so be careful.
I do have a site recommendation for meeting Japanese people. I spent an afternoon at Tokyo City Keiba Racecourse, a horse track right off the Monorail line. They sell cheap good food there as well. Minimum bets are a hundred yen. I asked people to help me with the betting slip and met a great friend that I spent the afternoon with. The track is crowded with people of all ages, midweek. Horse racing is thriving in Japan compared to the US. The fields are large. I saw 15 horses in most races.
Food: The food in Tokyo is excellent and not only Japanese food. I ate Romanian, Indian, and Turkish food, all great.
My favorite restaurant review site is bento.com. I found some unique places with good fixed price meals (set). Their reviews were right on target and even menu prices listed were accurate. For dessert, department stores have great cake and candy places within.
Lodging: I used booking.com and was quite pleased with the selections and reviews. The below selection is not for everybody, because of the location, but it worked great for part of my trip. One of the places I stayed in the Tokyo area was Day and Stay Hotel Dormy Inn in Yatsuka. It’s convenient to Ueno Park , Asakusa and Akihabara. It was $42 a night and cost me an extra $5 in metro fares because it’s outside the area for metro day passes. The hotel gave out free Ramen soup in the evenings which was delicious.
Transportation: The metro day passes worked the best for me. I used the metro a lot and if I went outside the area, they did a fare adjustment.
Snacks and drinks: Seiyu (The Japan Walmart) and Costco are very popular in Japan and had a lot of inexpensive food choices. They are a good place to buy drinks and other food that you normally might get at the 7-11 or Lawson, but at better prices. Remember the unique flavors of soda and candy!
Please add your tips below. I’ll write more about Tokyo and Japan after my next trip.
A nice piece, Rob. I’ve always been intimidated at tackling Tokyo on my own, but you’ve helped me summon up the courage. I especially want to visit that fish auction.
When is the best season to travel to Tokyo? Maybe answer this from two perspectives 1) Best weather 2) Least busy with tourists.
Thanks!
I’ve heard that- when visiting Japan – its best to have photo’s on your phone to show people when asking directions.
The Bus – Train – Airport – Beach – Drugstore – Market.
Interesting read Rob.
What are the rules for socialising in the evening ?
Bars – Disco – Restaurants – Dress up and stay away from the Karaoke ?
Is this part expensive ?
Garry, I forgot to mention that bento.com also has reviews for bars ,clubs etc and gives prices. I’ve heard horror stories of people out a lot of money not knowing how expensive a club is. Ask if you’re unsure http://bento.com/tchill.htm As for any special rules for socializing,I’m not aware of any besides dressing up. And for me I definitely,stay away from Karaoke as I can’t sing a lick.
http://bento.com/tchill.htm
A nice piece, Rob. I’ve always been intimidated at tackling Tokyo on my own, but you’ve helped me summon up the courage. I especially want to visit that fish auction.
When is the best season to travel to Tokyo? Maybe answer this from two perspectives 1) Best weather 2) Least busy with tourists.
I would answer Spring for both cases. Fall would be my second choice. The summer can be humid and the winter a bit chilly.
While foreign tourism is up, most likely hotels, sights will be crowded with Japanese tourists. I’d avoid Golden Week in Japan where a lot of Japanese companies still shut down April-29th thru May the 5th
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan)
Honestly it’s a easy country to travel in for an independent tourist.
I’ve heard that- when visiting Japan – its best to have photo’s on your phone to show people when asking directions.
The Bus – Train – Airport – Beach – Drugstore – Market.
Interesting read Rob.
What are the rules for socialising in the evening ?
Bars – Disco – Restaurants – Dress up and stay away from the Karaoke ?
Is this part expensive ?
I’ve never been to Japan (Narita doesn’t count) so I’m pleased to see your piece, Rob. Very interesting, a concise beginner’s guide. Thanks so much.
I was so surprised that you eat Romanian food in Tokyo, i was like WOW
Andredeya-I’m going to find the photos and post them. It was a great restaurant and my sons been back several times.
Can’t wait, i’ m so excited
))
Still have to find the actual photos of food. Here is my son in front of the Restaurant.
He certainly looks just like you Rob!
A lot younger and more handsome – so I’ve been told !
It’s good to see our kids getting the benefits of Dad’s travels .
waaa Rob, i’m impressed
hehe, it’s written in Romanian