visiting tokyo

[atomised]

Im going to Tokyo in 2015 and was wondering if anyone has been there and has any recommendations or definite things to avoid on a ten day trip

[metallimuse]

Avoid the triads.

[Bisque]

You must go to The Cage bar if your anywhere near Narita.

[atomised]

Looks like good fun couchy. Cheers

[midnight]

Depends a bit on what you are into, really.

I spent some time in Japan in 2000, including Tokyo, and based on that, I have to say there really isn't anything I'd recommend you to not do, apart from throwing yourself blindfolded into rush hour traffic or similarly ridiculous things. I found the place to be very safe and easy to negotiate, and the people to be exceptionally helpful and polite (when needed, otherwise they left me well alone, and that's the way I like it as a woman traveling on my own).

Bars and restaurants can be quite expensive, even if they don't look it, so it is always worth checking prices in advance. I'm more the temples/gardens/buildings kind of tourist (Nikko is great for that, but that's an hour or 2 by train going north, very nice day trip). Speaking of buildings, I remember crossing the glass bridge that goes across the top of the Tokyo International Forum (seems to be open to the public, I just walked in), and that is the closest I've ever come to "walking on air" - looking down took some courage, and I'm normally ok with heights.

Enjoy. I had a great time - would love to go again.

Edited November 23, 2014 by midnight

[russycarps]

It's the greatest city on earth, do everything you possibly can cram in and definitely get a train out to the country.

The only thing that's a bit crap is Tokyo tower

[atomised]

Thanks for that midnight and russy. Definitely thinking of getting out of Tokyo at some point in the trip and want to see something of the history and culture of the country as well as the hustle and bustle of the city

[windy_miller]

Arse, I just typed out a massive post and then managed to lose it by hitting "back" by mistake To summarise what I previously typed...

- Go to Ueno park and Temple

- Check out Akihabara (electric town)

- Eat lots of the amazing food

- If you want to get out of Tokyo, I recommend Kyoto and Nara.

- Learn Katakana before you go. Its useful in shops, and for tracking down Ramen (ラーメン) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katakana

- If the King Brothers are playing, go and see them. The most insane gig I have ever been to.

Edited November 24, 2014 by windy_miller

[Bisque]

If you like whiskey there are some lovely brands to have a tipple on but as said earlier, prices can be high for food & drink.

[midnight]

Kyoto & the surrounding region is worth a trip of its own, or at least a few days, I'd say.

I was given a bottle of Japanese whisky for my birthday a few years ago, and very nice it was.

Though probably not as nice as this:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/04/suntory-time-japanese-whisky-named-worlds-best-in-sour-dram-for-scotland

I want some!!

[atomised]

I was considering 2 or 3 days in the kyoto area. It sounds nice

[windy_miller]

I was considering 2 or 3 days in the kyoto area. It sounds nice

If you're in Kyoto, I recommend a trip to Nara.

Also be sure to check out the Golden temple