New Traveler to Tokyo

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MarkyMarkOZ

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Hi all,

We are traveling to Tokyo for a holiday in October 09' for 1 week and seeking any advice on good places to stay (under $150 AUD per night), sights to see, hiddens gems, any frequent traveler tips for getting around the city.

Thanks in advance
Mark.
 
There's heaps to do in Japan.

One piece of advice I have for you is have a careful and close look at the very active "Japan" Forum on Flyer Talk.

There is a wealth of contemporary knowledge there from trains, shopping, eats etc.

Here's the direct link: Japan - FlyerTalk Forums
 
First get a phase bhook, but be ready to say that you don,t speak Japanese. Book any tours in Oz, and if you get a Rail pass remember that it cannot be used on the Tokyo metro. But it is still cheap and very easy to us. The Bullitt train is good, but it is not the fastest train in the World, that honour goes to the MagLev in Shanghai at 431km/h.
The Yushukan War Memorial Museum is very interesting, and an eye opener. If you can go to a Sumo wrestling match it's well worth it. But be warned eating at the Hotel is very expensive, eat at the noodle bars, that are to be found in the Metro. Just point at what you fancy in the plastic food array. There is so much to see and do. But finally outside the tourist areas the Japanese are a cash people, there are some places that will take credit card, but they are not as widely used as in Australia.
 
Hi all,

We are traveling to Tokyo for a holiday in October 09' for 1 week and seeking any advice on good places to stay (under $150 AUD per night), sights to see, hiddens gems, any frequent traveler tips for getting around the city.

Thanks in advance
Mark.

I stayed at the Sunroute Plaza at Shinjuku. The rooms are compact but they have all the necessities and free internet. They are less than $150 a night in October.

Number 1 rule for food is almost never eat in the hotel. Ask some of the hotel staff where they go to eat. The best sushi I ever ate in my life is in Tokyo and at prices less than sushi trains here.

Number 2 rule is not to use restaurants in the Ginza, too expensive.

The subway is indeed confusing but its the cheapest way to get around - DO NOT use it at peak hour.
 
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tThe subway can be pretty confusing. Working out the route is the easy bit, just make sure your hotel has the most updated subway map - some are still distributing maps without the new lines. But the trouble lies in working out the correct exit at the massive stations like Shinjuku which spans entire neighbourhoods and districts.

Also the addresses have building numbers rather than street numbers which makes it confusing to work out where to go - you want to look out for little police counters which are rather ubiquitous and they're pretty good in pointing you the right way. A lot easier if cabbing it, as most of the cabbies have GPS, and cab fares here are reasonable compared to say Melbourne. Always have addresses translated into Japanese by hotel staff prior to going out.

Fab shopping in Shibuya and Harajuku, a lot more interesting than Ginza (unless you are aiming to stock up on Burberry - they also have local versions of the brand there, Purple and Black Labels which are exclusive to Japan). Omotesandō in Harajuku is a must visit. Shopping there is totally fierce. Massive designer flagships, even bigger than those in Milan and LA. And everything is very elaborately done up. The shopping here is the main reason why I go back to Tokyo again and again.

Ginza fish market is worth checking out for some of the freshest sushi you'll ever eat in your life. You need to get there early as they open and close early. They open at 5am, which is also rather handily - when bars close and the subway starts operating. Nothing like the best sushi in the world to sober up on.
 
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Food is quite cheap there if you are OK with eating what the locals eat. Western food and fast food are very expensive. Beef, in general, is expensive.

To grab a quick meal, we used to eat at the little noodles shops and get a big bowl of noodles with a drink for AUD$10 or so. These shops are everywhere, and many at the bigger stations. Many have plastic models of the meals in their shop windows so you kind of know what you're getting as you order from vending machines at the shop window (and pass the ticket to the person inside). The meail will be ready for you in seconds (they just scoop out the portions from the various big pots they have). It's filling, cheap and generally healthier than fast food.

Another thing was to go to the food courts (more like supermarkets) at the bottom (underground levels) of the department stores. Each big department stores tend to have one. You can choose from a wide variety of food there. A lot of locals do the same when they head home from work.

On Sundays, go to Yoyogi Park (from the Harajuku station side?), locals dress up and dance. Interetsing sight... :)
 
Food is quite cheap there if you are OK with eating what the locals eat. Western food and fast food are very expensive. Beef, in general, is expensive.

Yeah I agree. Even 7-11 has decent sushi at a reasonable price.
 
At present Japan is in a slump-it doesnt look like it but hotel rates are much lower than in previous years.Even the Sheraton Miyako can be had for $190 in October so you should be able to get a reasonable place to stay.
Eating is a great experience and also is nowhere near as expensive as it used to be.Again the exception is at hotel restaurants.Dont think you only have to eat at cheap noodle bars-on this last visit we ate at a reasonable Japanese restaurant above Shinjuku station and suykiaki for 2 was $25.We also have eaten in Iron Chef Michiba's flagship restaurant in the Ginza.A great 5 course lunch cost $80 a head-for the quality you could not do that in Australia-just dont drink alcohol that will really cost.
You dont have to speak Japanese but do learn a few phrases.Most younger japanese have learnt English but wont speak it as they are afraid they will look silly-so mangle a few japanese words and then you look silly so they then will help you.
Also before you go look up what deals are being offered with either the Narita express(train) or Airport Limousine(bus) for your transfers into Tokyo.Both have been offering a Suica/Pasmo card as a bonus if you pay for a return journey in advance.This can be used on the metro which is by far the easiest way around Tokyo.The suica card can also be used to travel on JR trains to Hakone,Nikko and Kamakura though not on Shinkansen and a supplement if you use a limited express.Any of those make an interesting day trip.
Found the page I was looking for.Fair bit of info including hotels-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html
Enjoy.
 
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I love these forums!

On the rtw family trip at Christmas we are in Tokyo for 4 days
I hadn't thought of the iron chef restaurant!
Thank you drron!

SHane
 
tThe subway can be pretty confusing. Working out the route is the easy bit, just make sure your hotel has the most updated subway map - some are still distributing maps without the new lines. But the trouble lies in working out the correct exit at the massive stations like Shinjuku which spans entire neighbourhoods and districts.

Also the addresses have building numbers rather than street numbers which makes it confusing to work out where to go - you want to look out for little police counters which are rather ubiquitous and they're pretty good in pointing you the right way. A lot easier if cabbing it, as most of the cabbies have GPS, and cab fares here are reasonable compared to say Melbourne. Always have addresses translated into Japanese by hotel staff prior to going out.

Fab shopping in Shibuya and Harajuku, a lot more interesting than Ginza (unless you are aiming to stock up on Burberry - they also have local versions of the brand there, Purple and Black Labels which are exclusive to Japan). Omotesandō in Harajuku is a must visit. Shopping there is totally fierce. Massive designer flagships, even bigger than those in Milan and LA. And everything is very elaborately done up. The shopping here is the main reason why I go back to Tokyo again and again.

Ginza fish market is worth checking out for some of the freshest sushi you'll ever eat in your life. You need to get there early as they open and close early. They open at 5am, which is also rather handily - when bars close and the subway starts operating. Nothing like the best sushi in the world to sober up on.

Some great tips there. Thanks! Sounds like doing a trip to Tokyo and its night life would be a blast with you in the party. Thanks again.
 
7 days in Tokyo only? You could do an overnighter to Kyoto (JR rail pass), or maybe one or two, day trips out of Tokyo.

There is a web full of resources, but check out Trip Advisor:

Likely to do the three day trip to Kyoto and Hiroshima, then the rest in Tokyo.
 
Some great tips there. Thanks! Sounds like doing a trip to Tokyo and its night life would be a blast with you in the party. Thanks again.

When in Tokyo I'm regularly found around Shinjuku ni-chome if you're into that genre...:cool: Otherwise Roppongi (kinda the Lai Kwai Fong of Tokyo, where a lot of the expat/tourist bars and clubs are situated) is also good fun.
 
Disclaimer: I avoid 5* hotels and restaurants

My three nights in Tokyo in May (Oak Hotel - 3* backpacker 6Kyen/night) were quite enjoyable. Especially since it was within walking distance of the National Museum/Park and the train station ( or one stop on the subway)

Perfectly suitable small restaurant a block away serving western and Japanese breakfasts.

Do get the Pasmo (or equiv) card......

Happy wandering

Fred
 
Tokyo is great for adults and kids. The subway is not as confusing as it appears on paper, and when lost you can be sure someone will come over and offer help.
Ginza and the Sony shop are amazing.
There is heaps to do, as always with kids, dont try and do it all at once. Lots of small restaurants/cafes/noodle bars just off most main streets that offer fun chance to try mystery foods. After a few min of sign language and animal noises we were sure we were getting 4 different types of chicken. Probably not but delicious and fun.
Try an Onsen. Get lost down side streets and try asking locals for directions to new subway station.
But take cash, lots of bank ATM do not take our cash cards, but look for 7/11 shops and remember your bank prob has a daily withdrawal limit.
 
Hello Markymarkoz,

There's already great generic advice here so far and definitely don't miss the Tsukiji markets (be sure to check that tourists are allowed again?), or Sumo if you're in the same town (takes a bit of planning but straightforward enough).

For a (relatively) short trip, I'd recommend just grabbing the LP and picking off the major sights. You'll get everything you need (lingo, maps, how to use, etc) to last a week.

I lived there for a year a few years back and once I found my feet and a few local friends, I found my time was best spent wandering the burbs, exploring little gardens, temples and izakayas etc.

On the subject of food, I recommend asking at your hotel for a recommendation of the food you want to eat. Restaurants are different in that they often specialise in just one type. I'm sure staff can direct you to a tempura place, an okinimayake place, chanko nabe, or yaki niku etc etc. Also go to an izakaya, even if it's Tengu. It's been a while for me so I can't remember anywhere specific. Don't forget the food floor in the department stores.

Also, you might like to try a sento (Japanese bath). Who doesn't like a soak in boiling water?
 
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