Tokyo, Japan

a love hotel ayyyy???

I'll take some good ol' American made Trojans!

 

learn the subway routes or at least familiarize yourself with them. They are very confusing. Tokyo is like the Manhattan of Japan. I kinda like the country side a little more myself. Call your wireless carrier ahead of time and see how much they want for adding international calling for a month. Verizon is $40 versus the $90 I was charged for the sim card at Tokyo airport.

I used my CC everywhere and didnt have a problem. But I also had cash on hand just in case. Not much but it went fast b/c everything in japan is expensive. Enjoy!

 

Well, the love hotel would be for you and a 'friend'. It's for some discrete love making in the city for you and a mistress, or people that live with their parents.

 

oops lol

 

I've read on a number of sites that people recommend carrying a "Suica"?
Some sort of local prepaid card that is widely accepted in many locations as well?
Anyone familiar with it?

 

Thats actually in Shibuya. Been to Tokyo and it was awesome. The JR line (subway) is the best bet to get around. The train will tell you in english what the next stop is going to be. People are friendly and will generally help you if you have questions. Just say "sumimasen" which is like excuse me and ask your question. Also, if you are staying at a hotel they usually will provide a "guide" that will show you around and translate for you. You might have to pay for the guides meals and train fare. Have fun and eat everything!

 

Yes get one if taking the train. It's a life saver. It is a prepaid card that has a RFID chip that you swipe when you enter the train station and again when you leave and charges your train fare. Takes away the hassle of buying train tickets which can get confusing if you don't know what you are doing. Everyone has one there. You can get one at the train station at the customer service booth.

There is another brand too but the name escapes me. Either brand can be used on any line. They can also be used to pay at some convenience stores.

 

Tons of night life. The Japanese love to drink! Most bars, especially in the city don't close until 5 or 6 AM.

 

Great, because I love to drink as well!
Cheers to that.

 

Being part Japanese, I've taken many trips over there since I was a kid and can guarantee you'll have a good time. Just be open to exploring and absorbing different culture. If you're going to spend a majority of the time around the Tokyo metro area, I'd say to check out:
1. Shinjuku - basically the NYC of Japan. Clean, organized and a bit of everything. Not sure, but may be the busiest rail station in the world. Definitely cool to experience. Kabukicho district is pretty wild for some nightlife
2. Shibuya - hip and trendy area. Lots of cool bars. Home to "Hachiko"...the loyal dog who waited at the train station for her expired master for years. Statue is just outside of Shibuya station.
3. Harajuku - another young hip town. Walk down Takeshita street. Famous for it's boutiques.
4. Akihabara - very cool place to explore/purchase electronic good
5. Roppongi - lot's of nightlife here, and a lot of "gaijin" visitors.

If one thing you must do is explore using the rail (train or subway) and do a lot of walking. Try and avoid the taxis as they can be kind of pricey. Language barrier exists, but most Japanese can speak and understand broken english and most signs have an english translation. Enjoy!

 

Kanpai!!

 

Thank you, sir! I'm more than open to exploring and absorbing different cultures which is why I think trying to interact with the locals will probably be one of my favorite parts. I'll probably throw in a little bit of Spanish too... Heard from a friend that some locals aren't too fond of Americans but fall in love with the Mexicans. Who knows, could have just been my friend yanking my chain.

 

Call your bank and let them know that you'll be abroad so they don't turn your cards off. ATMs work everywhere. Smile and say "aye" and "arigato" if in doubt.

 

Whatever you do just remember to always be respectful. It is a staple in Japanese culture. You will find that personal space can be an issue but that is just the way Japanese are. They are NOT being disrespectful of you.

 

Couldn't agree more. I could definitely see how one could feel disrespected with the enormous crowds and hustle n bustle aspect of the city. But I definitely am a respectful person, no doubt.
But could you elaborate more? Do you simply just say "Sumimasen" before trying to communicate with someone? Oh and of course Arigato!

 

The countryside is definitely pretty amazing there. My ex wifes family was from a small town in Mie. Somewhat close to the ocean, in the mountains with lots of rice and tea farms. I'll miss going there.

 

You can use in restaurants to get the waiters attention (that kind of excuse me).

 

Nice, I've also read that they don't expect tips there either! How cool is that?!
Whereas a waiter here will hate you for not doing so!

 

Right on. You should fine that most locals will be extremely polite and helpful. I never seen douchebaggery from a Japanese towards an American...who didn't deserve it of course. Beware of some "night life" bars being closed to any gaijin (foreigners). From my experience, these places are usually affiliated with the Yakuza (Japanese mob) but should be a rare find. I always preferred to find the dive spots with flowing beer and amazing eats. Japan has a little bit of everything from the cool as eff, to the weird as eff...lot's of fun.

 

Can't wait!

For some one who isn't particularly fond of seafood, I imagine there's still ton of food to enjoy right?
And in some cases, I'd probably end up eating seafood without even knowing it? lol