Going to Japan

[brucen36]

Hi:

I'm going to Tokyo, Japan for a work conference for 8 days.  I figured I'd have a second meeting with my Belorussian girlfriend here and make it part vacation too.  My first time to Tokyo, anyone here ever been there?  Any suggestions, advice?

Thanks,
B

[Ooooops]

I love Tokyo (and Japan in whole) and been there few times.   If you ask more specific questions, I'll try to answer them   

[brucen36]

Hi:

Well I guess I would ask what you recommend that is a must to see in Tokyo.  It might be my only time there.  I'm going to be staying in the Shinjuku area.  Do stores and restaurants accept Euro's/Dollars or only Yen?  Are there any signs in english there at all on the streets?  Is it easy to get around by asking questions since I don't know any Japanese at all or even how to read the letters of their alphabet?  Oh about Japanese electricity, it seems they use 100V plugs similar to that in US/Canada, do I need to bring a converter?

Thanks for any help,

B

[Ooooops]

Ok, lets talk about logistic first and then I'll write about my favorite places 

No Euro/Dollars excepted, only yen.   Lots of places deal only with cash (Japan is a cash society, which is really weird, taking in consideration the prices...), but also lots of places take CC.   You can get cash from ATM machines so no need to exchange (well, may be just a little for the peace of mind before you get to ATM).   Most of subways and trains have English signs, also there are workers near ticket machines who help the clueless ones.      Plugs are like this - http://www.kropla.com/!ab.htm, but it's 220V, so yes, you need a converter or better off, something with dual voltage.

[brucen36]

Are you sure it's 220V?  Because it doesn't say that in the link you put.  Also I checked a number of other sites that indicate it is 100V.

[Ooooops]

Are you sure it's 220V?  Because it doesn't say that in the link you put.  Also I checked a number of other sites that indicate it is 100V.

Ooops!   My bad!       It's just I'm so used to either 110 or 220, that 100 kinda skips my mind...       But what appliances are you bringing with you?   Most phones/computers have adapters built into their plugs.   Of course, I still remember the accident with our cousin - she left the whole builing without power after plugging her hair dryer straight into the wall in Bangkok.   

[Ooooops]

My favorite spots in Tokyo:

- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - small traditional Japanese garden in Central Tokyo with beautiful red bridges.   Usually not crowded at all.   

- Tsukiji Fish market - whole sale fish market that open about 4 am.   As much as I hate to get up early I had a lot of fun watching auctions for huge tuna and then having super-fresh sushi at 7 am   

- Imerial Palace Gardens - beautiful example of Japanese gardens.

- Meiji Shrine - very revered and impressive temple where lots of ceremonies happen which means lots of colorful traditional clothes!   

- Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa - yes, very touristy, but worth the visit.  Great area around it to wonder afterwards...   

- Funky youth culture at Harajuku station/Youyogy Park, but it only happens on weekends.   But it's lots of fun to watch!   

- Tokyo Dom -  roller coasters, that go right through the high rise shopping mall.   

- Sumida River Trip - small river boat cruises around Tokyo.

Otherwise, it's just fun wonder the streets, stop at little food places, walk into stores and don't forget to pat the statue of the Hatchiko the Dog, its not too far from where you'll be staying.   

[brucen36]

Hey thanks very much for the list of places.  I'll be sure to print it out and take it with me .  As for the appliances, the only thing I was thinking of taking was my laptop.  I'll try to buy an adaptor for it if needed.

[Ooooops]

No worries...   

As for computer - I'm pretty sure you don't need an adapter, it should be built in.    Take a look at the plug - on our US bought laptops it says "Input 100 - 240V".   

[Ooooops]

Oh, forgot another place that I loved very much - Mount Takao (near Tokyo).   There is a beautiful Shintu monastery dedicated to the mountain spirit Tengu.   Very colorful monks and ceremonies. 

If you have time, you can browse through my photos from Tokyo, one time to see is better then hundred times to hear, as we say in Russia   



http://www.pbase.com/oksana_p/japan1

[Patrocle70]

Hello,

Don't worry, Japan is the place where to get lost is part of adventure. As quoted previously, it is one of the safest country in the world.

Personally, I am not a big fan of Shinjuku. You find a lot of bars but they are more for "salary man". I prefer Shibuya where you can find many sushi bars and the atmosphere is younger.

About credit cards, it might got better recently but still be aware that they may not work everywhere. Big shops are certainly ok but for food, pay in cash.

If you have enough time and if you are with your girlfriend, I would recommend that you go to  some onsen "hot springs" in some ryokan (japanese traditional hotel). This is really romantic and typical Japanese. You can go to Hakone or Izu.

Kamakura is worth seeing and not far away from Tokyo. Nikko is not so close. Even in the city of Narita where is the international airport, you can find an old temple.

If there is some Sumo tournament,  you can go. If you go at the beginning of the afternoon you may find "cheap" tickets.

Enjoy and accept the difference of Japan and you will keep memories for a long time.

Cheers !

ps: just a question for you, was it difficult for your girlfriend to get a visa ? 10 years ago it was almost impossible for people from FSU countries.

[Tamara]

Japan is the country I always wanted to go to and it is still on my place to visit.  One of my favorite authors Haruki Murakami is Japanese. 

I have been reading this thread with huge interest and hope to hear how the trip goes.  One day I will also print out the advice here for my trip.

[Ooooops]

One of my favorite authors Haruki Murakami is Japanese.

I've only read "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World" by Murakami in English - not an easy book to read, but an excellent one on the end...

[Ooooops]

We went to Kyoto last fall (I wanted to photograph the foliage  ) and we could use CC in most places.   Some of the hotels would take only cash, buy it's clearly stated on their websites.    Restaurants, convenience stores etc - depends on the sum.   More expensive ones will take CC, cheaper ones will only deal in cash.