Tokyo tips I offered this guy who was going.

Japan is the shit man. Lived there two years. You looking to just stay in Tokyo, or move around a bit? Harajuku is cool, full of shops with some really weird shit. The best part is going across the street on Sunday by the Harajuku train station to see the kids all gothed out.


On the weekends (especially nice ones), Yoyogi Park is an awesome place to hang out, see the live rockabilly bands and the dudes sporting absurd pompadours & leather pants, have some beer or chu hi (awesome alcoholic drink available in any 7-11 or Lawry's, etc.). There are often festivals of one kind or another in the park, just check ahead of time.


Shibuya is definitely a worthwhile time. There are cool shopping stores, 'Love hotels' with funny names (Hotels that charge by the hour - I can talk more about those if you're interested, peculiar social dynamic), some good bars & restaurants, and it is home to the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, Shibuya Crossing. I think there's about 8 million people that pass through every day.


Not sure, but you've probably heard about Rappongi. It was nightlife central when I arrived in Tokyo in 2005, but my ex-gf has told me it's really been on the decline due to Japanese government's efforts to clean it up. When I was there it was incredible. Massive multi-level clubs, tons of people from all over the world, and lots of alcohol.

Also nearby is the Tokyo Tower, a tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower, however this one is bright red-orange. You can pay some yen to go to the top deck which offers an incredible view & glass floors. And next to the tower is Zojoji Temple. It's an incredible building, and too close not to look.


A ferry ride down the river to from the Sensoji Temple Asakusa to Odaiba is a really cool way to see the city from another perspective. You go under the Rainbow suspension bridge, and have a great view of the city, especially at night. There you'll find the Fuji TV building that looks like a giant erector set, and if you go inside up into the ball, there will probably be a live taping of an absurd Japanese show. When I was there it was cute Japanese girls sumo wrestling each other. It was a trip. There was a Hawaiian burger joint in the nearby shopping center called 'Hana' (I think), with excellent burgers, and they served beer in giant biggulp-esque cups. The view from the place is easily the best I've ever seen from a burger joint.
Sensoji Temple Asakusa

From Odaiba looking at Tokyo (Not sure why the little statue of liberty...)


And let me give you a word of advice: Spend EXTRA TIME studying the trains. There are two main train lines for getting around the city, JR and Keikyu. There are Local, Express, & Limited Express trains. This means that each has a varying number of stops. The 'local' (Red) stops at every stop, while the express stops only at larger stations, while the limited express (Green) stops at fewer still, like Shinagawa, Tokyo Station, etc. You will probably get on the wrong train at some point, but if you're not in a hurry, just get off at a random station & go explore. I did that a lot and found all kinds of cool shit. Japanese people are often shy with their English, but they are very helpful and if you look lost chances are they will stop to help. Don't hesitate to ask either.

Alright man, good luck.