Anyone been to Tokyo?

I'm hopefully going to be able to extend my layover in Tokyo to a couple of days when traveling for work. Has anyone here been to Tokyo? Any suggestions on hotels or sight-seeing?

 

I've been to Tokyo... Cool city - most locals dress in business attire. Stayed at the ANA Hotel downtown near Roppongi.

I'd recommend eating lots of sashimi (raw fish) sushi while you are there... it's awesome because it's really fresh (what they caught that day). Anything beef is typically considerably more expensive...

I visited a lot of the cool antique shops around the city - that was very interesting to me, but i've always been fascinated with Japanese culture anyway.

Karaoke is pretty big there... But from what I recall most of the clubs there are exclusive to locals/Japanese.

There are lots of shrines/temples you can visit - and Aquariums if you are into that. You can also check with your hotel's concierge and ask about things like Sumo Wrestling events and tours from your hotel. Look for an expatriate area... Most expat areas have locals that speak english and that helps a lot.

Cabs are pretty expensive... Actually, anything that drives is expensive because of gas. Plan on walking or using the Subway if you want to get around.


Good luck and happy sightseeing.

 

Thanks for the info.

Would it be cheaper maybe to stay in Narita and do a day trip to Tokyo?

 

Hmmm.... I cannot really recall how much it was... I think ANA was like 250-300 a night. I was there for 4 nights.

Narita is where the airport is... so that might be better for travel and cheaper for you... However, remember that bus/cab costs are high.

 

Was in Tokyo, Japan in '92 & '93 for work. They had the train gas attacks during one of my visits. Very interesting place. Easy to get around too. The Japanese love to "try out" their English on Americans and are eager to help you find your way. Signage is usually Japanese & English in most of the mainstream tourist areas. Trains are cheapest way to get around, although English signage is not as prominent with these. Hotel rooms and beds are mush smaller than here in the states - even very expensive hotels. I'm 6' and had to bend down to take a shower. If you get a chance, go to the "Tokyo Tower" and the "Imperial Palace" (& gardens). Oh, and if you're not so crazy about your food squirming minutes before eating it, you can find "grills" here and there where they actually cook food on a grill. Quite good too - prawns (like really large shrimp) salted generously while grilling and bacon-wrapped asparagus (I dont usually eat green stuff - rabit food - but OMG was it good!). Lots of night life too - dinner with a geisha was an interesting experience. At any rate, it will be an experience to remember and quite a departure from American culture. Enjoy!