Japan

Adam and I just won a trip to Japan for the Fuji Rock Festival (end of July), and we have a few days in Tokyo.

Does anyone have recommendations of things to do, places to eat/drink? Any information to pass on?

How much should I focus on learning a bit of Japanese in the next few months? Can we get away with English?


Thanks!!

I would suggest going to Harajuku.  It is a very interesting part of Tokyo with the younger people's culture of dressing up in wild outfits.  There is also some good shopping nearby.  Also, near Shinjuku, is the Meiji Temple (er, perhaps Shrine).  Very, very beautiful.  In central Tokyo, you can see the Royal Palace.  You can't go inside; but, it is an impressive site (it sits on a large very green hill and looks like a huge green space in the middle of skyscrapers).  If you can, get Lonely Planet's Tokyo Guide.  It is really helpful.  I don't have it to hand at the moment or I could tell you more (having trouble remembering the names of places atm). 

Knowing a bit of Japanese is helpful.  When I was on my own, I made sure to attempt to speak what I could.  Simple things like: "Hello," "Goodbye," "Thank you," etc.

Perhaps Madeira will pop on and tell you a bit more.  She lives in Japan now.

Congrats on winning the trip!  Japan is an amazing place and I am sure that you will have a great time.

I second everything Dar said.  I lived in Japan for over a year, and managed to survive without speaking more than a few words of Japanese.  People outside of the hospitality industry aren't likely to speak English to you, but they will be helpful and friendly, and not expect you to be fluent in Japanese. 

I'm really jealous, BTW .  I've been missing Japan a lot lately.  You'll have a great time!

There is another post on here somewhere that had loads of good Japan info and I know Tokyo was covered   I am quite jealous..Just had my friends in from Osaka and I wanted to hide in their suitcase and go back for hanami and sushi!  You'll have a great time

I was in Japan visiting friends a couple of years ago and the one big thing on my list I didn't get to do was see the Tsukiji Fish Market.  That's my #1 recommendation for Tokyo.  Well, that and Nakau: http://www.nakau.co.jp/.  Best late-night fast food I've ever had! 

I live near Tokyo.  When exactly will you be in town?  I can do a bit of hunting for stuff to do, if you tell me what you're interested in.

As for the language.. I wouldn't worry too much for a short trip.  Pick up a Berlitz booklet, maybe listen to a few lessons on the internet.  Rocket Japanese is OK for some things.

Hello

If you can find my post you'll find lots of good stuff in it I went last year and swelch and maderia gave me loads of good ideas and basically made my trip amazing

I would recommend :

Tokyo Free guide.
it's an organisation that hooks you up with a japanese person who will take you out for the day (whatever you want to do) you just pay for their expenses (entry fees) and maybe their lunch
http://www.tokyofreeguide.com/

Food Food Food!

If you like anime the Studio Ghibli museum was unforgettable. You need to get your tickets in advance or buy them at a vending machine in a lawson convenience store.

I was after a very specific crafted in Japan Fender stratocaster which I got a great deal on and loads of anime stuff and a bit of crazy drinking so I like akihbara, harajuku, shinjuku.

My friend and I had a lot of fun at http://www.lovenet-jp.com/ which is a karaoke place with themed karaoke rooms. (We were too scared to sing in big karaoke joints full of people!)

If you want to see some photos, a small portion of the 400+ photos I took are here :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/worthyofmention/sets/72157606571568820/

DH said the only way he could cope with the transit system was to count the number of characters for each station name!! 

Domee du shoo
Domaragato gozimuss
Sayanara
ichiban
hayako
momason
tukson
Hun aa
 
And these are few of my favorite things.

DH said the only way he could cope with the transit system was to count the number of characters for each station name!! 

Usually the characters are followed by the name in English.

I love Japan! Congrats on winning the trip thats awesome!

One great thing about Tokyo (well everything in Tokyo is great) is that you can buy the wrong tickets on the underground, and when you get off, just buy a top up ticket for the right price! Fantastic! Enjoy your trip!

This is all you need to get around Tokyo successfully!

This is all you need to get around Tokyo successfully!

That's hilarious!  I forwarded it to my friend who spent half a year there.  She's going to love it!

Thanks for all the input.

Not sure where we're staying in Tokyo. We have a night there on each end of the trip, and three days at Fuji.

Adam and I just won a trip to Japan for the Fuji Rock Festival (end of July), and we have a few days in Tokyo.

Does anyone have recommendations of things to do, places to eat/drink? Any information to pass on?

How much should I focus on learning a bit of Japanese in the next few months? Can we get away with English?


Thanks!!

Just wanted to say - I'm sooo jealous!!! That's so neat! How did you win a trip to Japan? I've always wanted to go, but not sure DH would be up for it, so maybe I can hitch a ride with one of you lovely ladies sometime.   

Jen, do you want me to send you my guide books?  I am happy to.  Just PM me your address and I will pop them in the post (although, not until I get back from Brazil).