Travel Guide : Japan

[martinionrox]

I know nothing about Tokyo except for they tend to have a very interesting street style. I know absolutely nothing about their culture or what they do in their spare time (except for rumors about dogs and cats on their menus? ), and fortunately enough I will be there for 6 weeks this summer. I don't know anyone there. It is strictly for business. I realize that it is an extremely over-populated city, or so I have been told. Are the people worse there than in NYC?

I don't know how to read their language or comprehend it when they speak it.. and I have heard that everything there is expensive! Does anyone have any good tips on fun places to go or any interesting places to shop? I will be there a long time.. any helpful hints would be great! And what could I do that would help out my language conflict? I don't know any Japanese..not even "hello" or do you think that I will eventually just pick up on it? ..and do they have bad crime rates..

I know I have a lot of questions, but I want to be prepared. I searched for another thread like this regarding Japan so if there is one feel free to merge!I am very excited about going...Japan is an enticing place. Thanks all!

 

[martinionrox]

well, I found this from style.com

TOKYO: REED KRAKOFF

Restaurant: New York Grill at the Park Hyatt Tokyo
"The best view of Tokyo, and I love the food." 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, 52nd Floor, 011-81-3-5322-1234, www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com

Shoes: Isetan
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 011-81-3-3352-1111, www.isetan.co.jp

Hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Even better than Lost in Translation made it look. 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, 011-81-3-5322-1234, tokyo.park.hyatt.com

Jeans: Hollywood Ranch Market
Decorated to resemble a cabin at the top of Laurel Canyon in the seventies, this general store in the heart of Daikanyama stocks everything from handbags to garden spades and, of course, jeans. 28-17 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, 011-81-3-3463-5668, www.hrm.co.jp

Stationery: Muji
"A trip to Tokyo isn't complete without a stop at no-brand brand Muji. It's always fun to pick up something there, and it makes the perfect gift for people back home." Muji, Yurakucho, Second and Third Floors, Infos Yurakucho, 3-8-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, 011-81-3-5208-8241, www.muji.net

Antiques: Lloyd's Antiques
3-1-30 Jungumae Shibuya-Ku, 011-81-3-5413-3666, www.lloyds.co.jp

Flowers: Plejour
"Beautiful selection, creative packaging." 3-6-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku Tokyo Hanae Mori Building, First Floor, 011-81-3-5766-5586, www.plejour.com

Children's Toys: Kiddyland
"My daughter loves when I go to Tokyo and bring her back gifts from Kiddyland. They have an overwhelming selection of toys with Japanese caricatures that you can't get in the United States." 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, 011-81-3-3409-3431

Gadgets: Bic Camera
Pro: This Ginza monolith sells digital cameras, computers, DVD players, watches, toys, and more. Con: There are few English-speaking salespeople to help you navigate its eight huge floors. 1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, 011-81-3-5221-1111, www.biccamera.com

Gallery: Museum of Contemporary Art
Inconveniently located but worth the trip, the museum houses 3,800-plus pieces of post-World War II contemporary art, including works by Frank Stella, Gerhard Richter, and Julian Schnabel. Metropolitan Kiba Park, 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, 81-3-5245-4111, www.mot-art-museum.jp

 

[snowqueen]

disney land and hello kitty land lol !! if you like themeparks that is. god how imature am i lol ??

 

[snowqueen]

^^ im a big kid at heart

 

[scandababian]

Travelling in Japan

I am planning a trip to Japan in August with a starting point of Tokyo. This will be my first time in Japan and would love to open a discussion about good places to stay, art districts, must see sites, music venues, etc.

I know there are shopping threads for Toyko, but I'm hoping to get help planning the whole package from peeps who's taste levels are on point.

 

[Whitelinen]

Interesting thread Sorry I don't have any answers but I am as eager to know as you about Japan. What are the best places to experience traditional Japan and its nature? I'd love to travel to Japan and take a good look at the ancient culture which inspires and enchants me. I have a dream of walking in bamboo forests and seeing cherry blossoms too ... what a day dream.

 

[MulletProof]

I'm sure you'd get wonderful recommendations from our very own Runner...I'd probably stalk them with questions if I were going to Japan. also Melisande.

 

[trikekos]

Is there a thread for Japan/Tokyo information?
I want to go so bad, and I'm planing to go may be next summer..
I would like to know where I can get good information about the living cost there as well as tours, hotels, etc...
I find Japan very rich in culture as well in technology. But I've heard it's pretty expensive.
also I just graduate from HS, and may be I could find some transfer student program for college..;D

 

[BerlinRocks]

I was supposed to go this summer ...
not going anymore ... i'll have another chance in the future ...

there's a thread in "shopping by city" for tokyo shopping.
but i'm sure you can find other informations ... for instance it's said that in july the weather is rainy !

 

[dazed&confused]

I went there as a junior in HS (about 6 yrs ago), but I can tell you it's a wonderful experience! I went for the entire month of July- there was a tremendous heat wave, it was so humid, almost unbearable. My clearest memory is Shibuya!! Great stores, everything is a tad overpriced but nice to look at nonetheless. I also went to Disney, and I would highly recommend visiting Nara, Osaka and Kyoto (you can get a tour for these that leaves from Tokyo).
There are a lot of art galleries which I absolutely loved, most of them small but with great selections. There are also interesting things like technology and car showrooms which showcase latest advancements and product prototypes!
Learning to use public transportation is pretty easy, and you'll find that a lot of people do speak English (just that for some reason they're shy to).
@trikekos- It is an expensive place to live unfortunately..but you should definitely visit first either way. I found that Lonely Planet Tokyo was my best resource!!