Ok lads, need your tips for one last trip: Tokyo (1 Viewer)

[Drew Bethel]

Going in less than two weeks and will be staying at New Otani, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku. I will be there for four solid days so please give me some tips on the must see's - cheers!
PS. Blimey! Just think of all the new HT toys I could have in instead of travelling...oh well!

 

[Kenneth]

No self respecting home theater geek can go to Tokyo without stopping at Akihabara (the electronics district). As I recall it should be about 20 minutes by train from the New Otani. They can give you a map at the front desk most likely.
Other home theater related stops might include the Sony Building in the Ginza (also close to the New Otani).
As for more touristy things, there are some nice museums in Ueno park (not too far from the New Otani and after Akihabara). The Ueno park zoo is also enjoyable. There is a nice aquarium in Ikebukuro and a very big temple with a shopping district at Asakusa.
If you have cash to burn then check out Ripongi (one of the big entertainment districts). However, everything there is extremely expensive. That is the location of the Tokyo Hard Rock Cafe.
Enjoy.
Kenneth
[Edited last by Kenneth on October 05, 2001 at 09:13 AM]

 

[Jeff Kleist]

The Sunday Performers in the park in Harajuku are not to be missed. Basically bands looking to be discovered, jugglers, all kinds of amature entertainers gather and perform. Also in Harajuku are the Olympic stadium from Akira (yes I know it's not in that section of the city, but it IS the same stadium and the Meiji Shrine
Jeff Kleist

 

[LarryDavenport]

I was in Tokyo for 4 days in 1991. I made the mistake of going in February, and going when I had the flu. When I was awake, I spent most of the time in record stores and video stores buying CDs and Laser Discs.
Because I was alone and sick, I wound up eating at American restaurants like the Hard Rock Cafe and Shakeys (watch out, they put canned corn on some of the pizzas).
Sony and Yamaha (musical instruments) are well worth checking out. I walked around the Imperial Palace and all around the Ginza (Tokyo is an amazingly clean city. Little old ladies get up at 5 in the morning and clean the streets by hand).
Just remember Tokyo can be expensive. In the four days I was there I managed to spend almost $7,000 on discs (damned American Express Gold Card). That's why I don't own a car.

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These chicks know how to party! - MoJo JoJo

 

[John Thomas]

You'll be flying into Narita? I certainly hope you won't be travelling throughout Japan on domestic flights (Haneida Airport is strange).
Shakeys! Heh, I remember eating there and marvelling at what toppings they had on pizza. Corn, tuna, crab, spinach and so on.
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The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. -Franklin D. Roosevelt.
My Top 10 of 2000 My Top 10 of 2001

 

[Richard Kim]

I got a kick out of all the drinks they sell in vending machines over there, like soda, power drinks, iced coffee, and even beer!

 

[LarryDavenport]

The vending machines in Japan are the best! Where else can you buy a can of hot tea with milk, dried octopus, a fifth of Chivas Regal, porn, and a pair of panties pre-worn by a highschool girl?
And they say America is the greatest.
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These chicks know how to party! - MoJo JoJo

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Oh, the vending machines are the best
Just stay away from what you think is green tea in cans. (it's bitter almond, BLECCH!)
Addiction material: POCARI SWEAT! UCC Coffee is great. Other Japanese treats: Pocky(especially milk tea flavor, yum!), hot spiced peas, and don't forget to hit a Ramen hut or an Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) restaurant for "sushi on the move"
Oh, and any coin under 100 yen is useless
Jeff Kleist

 

[Drew Bethel]

How did you guys find getting around on the pubilc transportation system. And what was easiest and most affordable...bus, train, tram?

 

[Kenneth]

Trains are the most efficient and cheapest way to get to around Tokyo. Here is a map of their subway system:
http://www.bento.com/subtop5.html To get from the airport to your hotel the bus is generally easiest, if this is your first trip (it will cost about $100 but will go directly to your hotel).
To use the subway map you would figure out what train station you are at. The big stations are generally labeled in English and Japanese. You would then look for the station you wish to go to on the map. Look what color lines you have to take to get there and whether you have to change from one color to another. When you go in the station, the trains are color coded according to the lines so you can just look at the label to see if it is the right train. Check which direction it is going to make sure you don't go the opposite direction to your destination. Usually, one side of the platform runs one way and the other side runs the opposite direction. There are fare machines with maps at the station entrance so you can buy your ticket. If you are unsure what the fare should be, buy the cheapest ticket. When you get to your destination there will be a small machine for fare adjustment. Insert your ticket and it will tell you how much additional fare is needed and give the correct ticket. If you ever go past your stop, you can get off the train (without exiting the station) and go to the other platform that goes the opposite direction and ride back to your stop. Fares are only charged on exiting the station.
Note that trains stop running around midnight, so if you are partying late, then walking or taxis will be the only transportation available. Taxis are kind of pricey and charge a 50% (or more) surcharge after the trains stop running. The trains generally start running about 06:00 so you could alternately party all night, if that is an option I would recommend taking a matchbook from your hotel, in case you are ever lost, so that you can hand it to the taxi driver to take you to the hotel.
Hope that helps. Enjoy Tokyo.
Kenneth

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Umm, just take the Narita Express. It goes right to Shinjuku station in the center of Tokyo. I think it ran about $20 and takes about 50 minutes. Either call your hotel ask for someone who speaks English (phonetically: neehohngo wahkahree massen. ey-go koodahsaee, or just say "ENGLISH!" until they figure it out) and ask what trains to take, or just ask at the info desks
Jeff Kleist

 

[Drew Bethel]

Wow, you guys are good! Many thanks for the tips.