Anyone Ever Go To Tokyo?

[nakamichi217]

I'm going to Tokyo, Japan in six weeks, are there any unexpected things i should be concerned about? I have done lots of research on Japan, it culture, customs, language ect... What should i be prepared for to less the affect of jet lag from a 13 hour flight and culture shock? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Uncanny]

Hey! I spent this summer in Japan. It was everything I hope it to be plus. The country is absolutely beautiful. Sadly Tokyo was my worst experience in Japan. I went for the culture and Tokyo is a country in itself. The Japanese I meet in the small villages were wonderful, the Japanese in Tokyo were washed of their true identities. It was like anyother big city. So one think I suggest is hop on the Shikansen and visit some other towns.

If you go to Tokyo to party go to the Romanji district, but be prepared to not start until 2am and stay out till 10am the next morning. The city itself is breathtaking. Huge. The beer vending machines, the funny looking vehicals, the silly toilets in the ground. You'll love Japan. You won't want to come home...lucky!

[jj03]

The best way to fight jet lag is not to sleep when you arrive. Whatever local time it is when you arrive, start your schedule at that time. The best thing to do is after checking into your hotel or what I recommend a ryokan, walk around the neighborhood for a few hours just to get the feel of the place, because Tokyo will overwhelm you fast.
Secondly, make sure you stay in a ryokan for part of your stay. It will give you a more authentic view of hospitality and food in Japan.

Thirdly, get out of the city for a bit and go to Nikko National Park about 2 hours north of Tokyo in the Japanese Alps. Besides the volcano, lake, waterfalls and unbelievable natural beauty there there is the Toshogu shrine complex. Natural beauty and historical importance in one place that is an easy day trip from Tokyo.

If you plan on spending some days away from Tokyo, please go to Kyoto and Nara. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) there.

I think when you will be there the new vintage of green tea will be just coming out. To a westerner this doesn't sound like a big deal, but to many Asians it is a crazy time.

Plan to spend money, lots of it, it is hard to be cheap in Japan and still enjoy it. My best advice is stay in a ryokan (to save money and experience Japanese hospitality) and visit Nikko National Park and the Toshogu Shrine.

Have fun on the trip!

[Wilken]

How well can you get by without knowing a lick of the Japanese language?

[Ragnarok Comes]

Cool Info guys. I'm going to Japan for school to study it's awesome traditional and modern architecture for six weeks and I've been looking for info, so thanx. I'm gonna be in Bejing and Shanghai for a few days too. Onward to Tokyo!

[mistershow]

My cousin went and said it was obsenely expensive and the food protions were tiny, but she still had a blast. But also, never wants to return.

[n00bie2006]

Hi, n00bie here.
Depends on what part of Tokyo you are staying. Prepared for cramped spaces and a a lack of the concept of a "line" when people board the trains. Prepare to hear a lot of noodle slurping. In the non-tourist districts, prepare for a lack of sidewalks. And whenever there's sidewalks, prepare to share them with people riding bikes who have the right of way on account that they're going faster than you.
You can get by without a grasp of the Japanese language -- I spent several months there and I don't speak Japanese. But don't expect everyone to speak english. If you have someone to show you around, you're gonna have a blast. Beautiful country, wonderful people, so much to see and do.
Have fun!
Jack

[oenghus69]

Make sure you get out of Tokyo and see the rest of the country, Japan is amazing.