[url=http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/]Tōkyō[/url] (東京) is the capital of [wiki=53a577bb3bc587b0c28ab808390f1c9b]Japan[/wiki]. At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, [wiki=7e5cf26e2ffe3302e0fe656d19520407]Tokyo Metropolis[/wiki] (which has a population of over 37 million people). This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Tokyo is vast: it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's districts vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare of [wiki=c553dc01257bddd5ed72e4a50ee811c4]Akihabara[/wiki] to the Imperial gardens and shrines of [wiki=07e4138075f64c2def16833b1002f718]Chiyoda[/wiki], from the hyperactive youth culture Mecca of [wiki=c58c2778fa766fdb6b5ee1fe43f3af61]Shibuya[/wiki] to the pottery shops and temple markets of [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660]Asakusa[/wiki]. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different.
The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.
The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities. Visitors from [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki], [wiki=d0aa2dffa0da83f1f34681308d04db5d]Los Angeles[/wiki], [wiki=d97e023dce2bb237a0d44f46d8ee9438]New York[/wiki], and [wiki=59ead8d1e124ccfb79f3ace06f43e703]London[/wiki] will likely not find it any more expensive than back home. Travellers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city in [wiki=912d59cdf1d3f551fae21f6f0062258f]Europe[/wiki], [wiki=5ffec2d87ab548202f8b549af380913a]North America[/wiki] or [wiki=4442e4af0916f53a07fb8ca9a49b98ed]Australia[/wiki]. Locals will know the bargains, but experienced cheapskates from anywhere in the world can get by with a little ingenuity. Tokyo is one of the most popular places to live in Japan. It is also rated the fifth most expensive city to live in, in the world. Rent for a single's apartment could range from USD500 to USD1,000 a month. Tokyo is so overwhelmingly crowded that apartments are usually no bigger than 175 square feet (16 square meters).
Tokyo is classified as lying in the humid subtropical climate zone and has four distinct seasons. Summers are usually hot and humid with a temperature range of about 20-30°C (68-86°F), though it can sometimes climb into the high thirties. Winters are usually mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 0-10°C (32-50°F), though occasional cold spells can send temperatures plummeting below zero at night. Snow is rare, but on those rare occasions (once every few years) when Tokyo is hit by a snowstorm, much of the train network grinds to a halt. The famous cherry blossoms bloom in March-April and parks, most famously [wiki=f9e2255868a544be866551034bb821df]Ueno[/wiki], fill up with blue tarps and sozzled salarymen.
Tokyo has two large airports: Narita for international flights, and Haneda for (mostly) domestic flights.
Tokyo is the nerve centre of railways in Japan, highspeed Shinkansen services arrives at Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki) which is located in the [wiki=07e4138075f64c2def16833b1002f718]Chiyoda[/wiki] ward. For all trains on the northern route, you can get off at [wiki=f9e2255868a544be866551034bb821df]Ueno[/wiki], while trains on the western route calls at [wiki=f5b0e470f43e6cd9ba303304a84f369c]Shinagawa[/wiki]. Most non-Shinkansen services usually stops at [wiki=c58c2778fa766fdb6b5ee1fe43f3af61]Shibuya[/wiki] and [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b]Shinjuku[/wiki] stations as well. Ueno and [wiki=159ec059f6aadff9767562ae9581ece5]Ikebukuro[/wiki] stations connect you to the northern suburbs and neighboring prefectures.
On the western route there are departures every 10-15 minutes from [wiki=10b22625bf8918f4fd3ae2f185bd44c8]Nagoya[/wiki], [wiki=492379b2b8f7ac3f7cc8e0ca6254f4b1]Kyoto[/wiki] and [wiki=0d70a380fe641d8206c6d43c185b9c23]Osaka[/wiki] with two types of Shinkansen trains, Nozomi is the fastest which Stops only [wiki=c4db5886b89744facd44d4d7779f1279]Shinagawa[/wiki], Shin-Yokohama(located in [wiki=964ba3c4bd69b63da15c2f02790dd68f]Yokohama[/wiki]), [wiki=10b22625bf8918f4fd3ae2f185bd44c8]Nagoya[/wiki], [wiki=492379b2b8f7ac3f7cc8e0ca6254f4b1]Kyoto[/wiki], Shin-Osaka(located in [wiki=0d70a380fe641d8206c6d43c185b9c23]Osaka[/wiki]), cutting the journey time down to 2:20 hours while the slightly slower Hikari trains adds an extra twenty minutes.
The northen route connects with [wiki=157e0bc725227811a9a89993dab2be42]Aomori[/wiki], [wiki=47321c93cd58523c7b31e15f25361c4f]Fukushima[/wiki] and [wiki=1901cfca6be19dc8269bc64b25ad23ea]Sendai[/wiki], the fastest services are with the Hayabusa and Hayate trains.
Although Japan is dominated by fast Shinkansen trains there are still a few sleeper trains left. Sunrise Izumo (サンライズ出雲) runs daily to Tokyo from [wiki=9c79ea5b7448d08e1d14135c9875adce]Izumo[/wiki] while Sunrise Seto (サンライズ瀬戸) connects with [wiki=d3ee2131a8c6afedec1bb60de263dbd8]Takamatsu[/wiki], the largest city on the [wiki=1716ab917e36f701f48b8c24f54d363c]Shikoku[/wiki] island. Also, the luxurious Cassiopeia (カシオペア) overnight train offers an direct route from the northen city of [wiki=e9d6eb12ff84740501a444198e2675c2]Sapporo[/wiki] three times a week. Fares starts at ¥27,000 with a journey time of 16½ hours. For those on a smaller budget, the Hokutosei (北斗星) leaves daily and has a more reasonable price of just over ¥9,000. Notice that the both trains from Sapporo arrives in Ueno.
While you can drive into the city, it's really not recommended as the city can be congested, signs may be confusing and parking fees are astronomical.
Hitchhiking into Tokyo is pretty easy, but hitchhiking out is considerably more difficult. It's definitely possible for determined cheapskates though, see [wiki=e90cd11e4a0d72afd7afbc88558dfc1a]Hitchhiking in Japan[/wiki] for a detailed list of tested escape routes from the city.
Highway bus services link Tokyo to other cities, resort areas and the surrounding prefectures. There are JR and private bus companies. Bus service may be cheaper, but the train is probably more convenient. If you have a JR pass, then you should generally stick with the trains.
Long-distance buses use a number of terminals scattered throughout the city, but the main JR depot is at Tokyo Station's Yaesu-minamiguchi (八重洲南口) exit, while Keio and some other private companies use the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (新宿高速バスターミナル), opposite Yodobashi Camera near the West Exit.
* The JR Bus Group [url=http://www.kakuyasubus.jp].]A major operator of bus services to and from Tokyo. Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made at JR Bus counters in Tokyo and Shinjuku stations, and in JR train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. The Japan Rail Pass is NO LONGER valid on all JR Highway Buses.
* Willer Express [url=http://willerexpress.com/en/[/url].]A company that has nightly bus services to and from Tokyo. Its bus services link many cities in Japan. Online booking available in English.
* Kokusai Kogyo Bus [url=http://5931bus.com/kosoku/[/url](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Keisei Bus [url=http://www.keiseibus.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Keikyu Bus [url=http://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Keio Bus [url=http://www2.keio-bus.com/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Kanto Bus [url=http://www.kanto-bus.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Nishi Tokyo Bus [url=http://http://www.nisitokyobus.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Odakyu Bus [url=http://www.odakyubus.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Odakyu Hakone Bus [http://http://www.nisitokyobus.co.jp/].
* Seibu Bus [url=http://www.seibu-group.co.jp/bus/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Tobu Bus [url=http://www.tobu-bus.com/](Japanese Website)[/url].
* Tohoku Kyuko Bus [url=http://www.tohoku-express.co.jp/](Japanese Website)[/url].
One of the great ports of the world, Tokyo also has domestic ferry services to other points in Japan. However, none of the regular international ferries to Japan call at Tokyo.
The main long-distance ferry terminal is Ariake Ferry Terminal [url=http://www.tptc.or.jp/eng/ferry.htm],]located on an artificial island adjacent to [[Tokyo/Odaiba|Odaiba[/url]] in Tokyo Bay. The nearest station is Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon on the Yurikamome line, but it's still a bit of a hike. You can also take a direct bus from Shin-Kiba station on the Metro Yurakucho line. The main services from this terminal are:
*Tokyo-Tomakomai ([wiki=eed3160741538357c567dfe965467bfc]Hokkaido[/wiki]): Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen, 03-3528-0718. This ferry has no passenger facilities, so it can only be used if you have a car; fares for a car and driver start at ¥25,820.
*Tokyo-[wiki=addc6620c097d5dff4db34e6dca770cb]Tokushima[/wiki]-[wiki=dbeb5eaaa86547aeec8b7891993ddb5c]Kitakyushu[/wiki]: Ocean Tokyu Ferry, 03-5148-0109. Tokyo-Kitakyushu passenger fares are ¥14,000 for second class, ¥26,600 for first class.
Ferries to the [wiki=dbf27bcc825449b8c6ade5f0f3965282]Izu[/wiki] and [wiki=a91441bcede32675695f35618f175cd9]Ogasawara Islands[/wiki] leave from Takeshiba Terminal (竹芝客船ターミナル), adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line. Cruise liners tend to use the Harumi Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル), best accessible on bus 都05 (To-05) from Tokyo station Marunouchi South Exit or 東12(Tou-12) from Tokyo station Yaesu exit. International ferries and cargo ferries that also take passengers can leave from other terminals too, enquire with your shipping company.
Tokyo has one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world. It is clean, safe and efficient - and confusing. The confusion arises from the fact that several distinct railway systems operate within Tokyo - the JR East network, the two subway networks, and various private lines - and different route maps show different systems. Avoid rush hours if possible; trains get overcrowded very easily.
The defining rail line in Tokyo is the JR Yamanote Line (山手線), which runs in a loop around central Tokyo; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in the core of Tokyo. Almost all inter-regional JR lines and private lines start at a station on the Yamanote. JR's lines are color-coded, and the Yamanote is green. The JR Chuo (中央線, orange) and Sobu (総武線, yellow) lines run side-by-side, bisecting the Yamanote loop from [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b]Shinjuku[/wiki] on the west to [wiki=403fce14db930e9f5200509d84620bd8]Tokyo[/wiki] on the east. JR's other commuter lines, the Saikyo and Keihin-Tohoku, run off the rim of the Yamanote loop to the north and south. JR East has a good English information line, 050-2016-1603 or 03-3423-0111.
Tokyo has an extensive subway network with frequent trains, and these are primarily useful for getting around within the Yamanote loop. The Tokyo Metro [url=http://www.tokyometro.jp/e/index.html]]runs nine lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines. Toei [url=http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html[/url]]operates the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. While the JR Yamanote Line is not a subway line, due to its importance as a major transportation artery in downtown Tokyo, it is usually featured on subway maps. In addition, there is a largely underground Rinkai Line, a private line which is operated by Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit [url=http://www.twr.co.jp[/url]](web-site only in Japanese) or TWR, that passes through the island of [[Odaiba[/url]].
Announcements and signs are usually bilingual in Japanese and English, though in some areas frequented by tourists, signs in Korean and Chinese can also be seen.
A number of private commuter lines radiate from the Yamanote loop out into the outlying wards and suburbs, and almost all connect through directly to subway lines within the loop. The private lines are useful for day trips outside the city, and are slightly cheaper than JR. Among these, the most important to visitors is arguably the Yurikamome [url=http://www.yurikamome.co.jp/en/]]which offers great views on the way to the island of [[Odaiba[/url]].
If you are using a smartphone you can benefit from a free, official Tokyo Subway Navigation [http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/smartphone/] application available in the app stores. It works offline and has multilanguage interface, including English. It is very useful for quick route searches, but its lookup seem to be time-optimized and not cost-optimized. Also it only covers the subway and doesn't cover, for example, Monorail.
Taxis are very pricey, but may be a value for groups of three or more. Also, if you miss your last train, you may not have another choice.
Fares generally start at ¥710 for the first two kilometers and can add up rapidly. A 20% night surcharge is tacked on from 22:00-05:00. As a rule of thumb, a daytime trip across the city from Tokyo station to Shinjuku station will cost approximately ¥3000, while a daytime trip from Tokyo station to Haneda Airport costs around ¥6200. These examples are based on standard routing and traffic conditions, so your actual fare may vary in relation to the estimated fare.
Do not count on your taxi driver speaking English--or knowing more than the best-known locations, though most taxis have GPS "car navi" systems installed. The best and easiest thing to do is to prepare a map marked with where you want to go, and point it out on the map to the taxi driver. If you are staying at a hotel, they will provide a map. If possible, get a business card, or print out the address in Japanese of any specific places you wish to go. However, because in Japan streets are often unmarked, if the taxi driver does not have GPS he may not be able to do more than take you to the general vicinity of where you want to go. Also, note that taxis can get caught in traffic jams. Tips are entirely optional.
Taxi rear left passenger doors are operated by the driver and open and close automatically. Don't open or close them yourself.
Tokyo is a gigantic warren of narrow streets with no names, with sometimes slow-moving traffic and relatively limited and expensive parking. In this city with such an excellent mass transit system, you would need a good reason to want to drive around instead, unless you already have some familiarity with the city and its surroundings. While renting a car does make sense in Japan in some contexts (e.g. travelling between cities, visiting smaller towns or a rural onsen resort), in general it is neither convenient nor economical to rent a car to get around metro Tokyo. Taxis are much more convenient if your budget allows it; walking or public transportation is much less expensive and given the difficulties of navigation and finding parking in popular areas, probably easier too.
If you do decide to plunge in and drive around by car, the main expressway serving Tokyo is the Shuto Expressway, abbreviated to Shutoko (首都高) [url=http://www.shutoko.jp/english/].]The C1 Loop Line forms a circle around central Tokyo, similar in fashion to how the Yamanote Line does it by rail. But whereas the Yamanote Line charges ¥130-250 for a single trip, driving a car onto the Shutoko in Tokyo entitles you to pay either in cash a flat entry fee of ¥900 every time you enter the system, or, if your car is equipped with the electronic toll system (ETC), a flexible toll between (¥500 and ¥900) depending on the distance travelled. When driving around, both on Shuto and on the regular streets, try to avoid the rush hour (with traffic moving into the centre in the morning, and out towards suburbs in the evening). Check with the car rental agency whether English-language navigation system is available, as it will make a huge difference, and you will be able to use your car to outperform the public transportation on many occasions.
Driving on the Tokyo Expressway at night can be a pleasant and beautiful experience as you whiz through and around the Tokyo nightlife. When driving at night you should exercise caution and obey speed limits: Street racing over the Shutoko at night became popular in the 80's and 90's and still happens today, albeit on a less frequent basis. Street racers often concentrate their driving on the C1 Loop Line and the Bayshore (more popularly known as the Wangan) Line. "Competitors" sometimes hang out at parking and service areas on the Shutoko, especially the large Daikoku Parking Area at the intersection of the Bayshore Line and the K5 Daikoku Line in [[Yokohama[/url]].
The few areas within Tokyo that aren't easily accessible by train are served by various bus companies. Buses operating within 23 wards of Tokyo have a fixed fare regardless of distance (¥200 on Toei buses [url=http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/bus_op.html]]and ¥210 on other private bus companies), which is paid upon boarding from the front door. The fares are not transferable; however most buses do accept Suica or PASMO fare cards (see above). If you use a "Suica" or "PASMO" card to board a Toei Bus, you will receive a ¥100 discount on your next Toei Bus ride as long as it is within 90 minutes of the previous ride. The fare can also be payed in hard currency of practically any denomination, which can also be used to charge your electronic fare card if you tell the driver you wish to do so. Compared to the trains, the buses run much less frequently, carry fewer passengers, and are much slower. This makes them amenable to the elderly residents of Tokyo, but rather inconvenient for travelers, who will also have to deal with lack of information in English and sometimes very well hidden bus stops.
The bus routes are named by a kanji based on a destination they serve and a number, e.g. "渋64" for the route between Shibuya (渋谷) and Nakano. The routes can be fairly complicated and are often not listed in detail at the bus stops; signs on the buses themselves often list only two or three main stops in addition to the origin and destination. Finding a bus going towards a main terminal like Shibuya or Shinjuku is therefore pretty easy, the other way around may be more difficult. You may find several different stops by different companies within a few meters, all sharing the same name; sometimes those are full-fledged waiting areas and sometimes only a signpost at a street corner. Inside the bus the next stop is usually announced several times, sometimes by a taped voice and sometimes by a mumbling driver; recently taped announcements in English are used on some lines, but are still rare. In addition the stop is displayed on an electronic display, but rarely in Latin writing. Some stops may have similar names, you should make sure you know the exact name of the stop you want to get off at. Drivers are usually very helpful, though aren't typically used to tourists and may be rather busy dealing with fares, passengers and traffic. Nevertheless, north-south routes are useful in the western side of the city since train lines (Odakyu, Keio, Chuo, and Seibu) tend to run east-west. Google Maps [http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=36.664739,136.71386&spn=20.943012,19.6875&dirflg=r[/url] has begun adding bus transit information and is possibly the easiest way of planning a trip by bus.
The Tokyo Cruise Ship Company operates a series of Water Bus [http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/ ] ferries along the Sumida River and in Tokyo Bay, connecting [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660]Asakusa[/wiki], [wiki=1bf537850d472f7bb2b980192031080e]Hinode[/wiki], [wiki=a680ac80616d840aea72eb8cac8e7e0f]Harumi[/wiki] and [wiki=6954f60a60f850b7111f6292427b3e96]Odaiba[/wiki]. The ferries feature a recorded tour announced in English as well as Japanese and a trip on one makes for a relaxing, leisurely way to see the waterfront areas of Tokyo. Of particular note is the super-futuristic Himiko ferry [http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/cruise_e/index_asa_line.html ] designed by anime and manga creator Leiji Matsumoto , which runs on the Asakusa-Odaiba Direct Line. You might want to arrive well before the departure time just in case tickets on the Himiko sell out!
Bicycles are very commonly used for local transport, but amenities like bicycle lanes are rare, drivers pay little heed to bikes and traffic can be very heavy on weekdays, so if you use a bicycle, do not be afraid to cycle on the sidewalk (everyone does). Keep in mind, however, that parts of Tokyo are surprisingly hilly, and it's a sweaty job pedaling around in the summer heat. Central Tokyo can still be covered fairly comfortably by bike on the weekends. Tokyo Great Cycling Tour [http://www.tokyocycling.jp] offers a one day guided tour for biking around major tourist spots in Tokyo, like Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, Odaiba, Tokyo tower, Imperial palace and so on.
Renting a bike is possible from some youth hostels, particularly around Asakusa, although it's not common. However, buying a simple single-speed roadster is fairly cheap, and comes complete with a built-in bicycle wheel lock system (this is what most Tokyoites use). An imported multiple-geared bike will be much more expensive so get a good lock, as bike theft is a common threat, although the problem is nowhere near as serious as in other countries.
In this large city with such an efficient public transportation system, walking to get from point A to point B would seem a bit stupid at first glance. However, as the city is extremely safe even at night, walking in Tokyo can be a very pleasant experience. In some areas, walking can be much shorter than taking the subway and walking the transit (the whole Akasaka/Nagatacho/Roppongi area in the center is for instance very easily covered on foot). If you have the time, Shinjuku to Shibuya via Omotesando takes roughly one hour, Tokyo Station to Shinjuku would be a half a day walk, and the whole Yamanote line Grand Tour takes a long day.
[wiki=b1034331127f1e4dc4830f0af966c67b]Classic Tokyo, Modern Tokyo[/wiki] - a one-day tour of the old and the new
* [wiki=5cb1d786d3aec42d21196d00bade386e]One day in Tokyo[/wiki] - a hectic whirlwind tour of the many faces of the city
[wiki=c553dc01257bddd5ed72e4a50ee811c4]Akihabara[/wiki], Tokyo's Electric Town, is now also the unquestioned center of its otaku community, and the stores along Chuo-dori are packed to the rafters with anime (animation) and manga (comics).
Another popular district for all things manga/anime is the [wiki=52213b92b4cacb982491dd182763dc3a]Nakano[/wiki] ward and its Broadway Shopping arcade. Check out the mandarake shop for loads of used and rare mangas.
In recent years there has been an "otaku boom" in Akihabara. A lot of attention in particular was paid to the town thanks to the popular Japanese drama "Densha Otoko", a love story about an otaku who saves a woman on a train and their subsequent courtship.
Akihabara was previously known for its many live performances and cosplayers, some of which had drawn negative attention due to extremist performers. These have become increasingly scarce following the Akihabara massacre in 2008, although girls in various maid costumes can still be seen standing along the streets handing out advertisement fliers to passers by for Maid Cafes.
Serious collectors should head for the Antique Mall in [wiki=dde9e9df3209326d3d86dd12f4894dc5]Ginza[/wiki] or the Antique Market in [wiki=40a1a4f00311381a98fe099e604b12ea]Omotesando[/wiki], which despite the rustic names are collections of small very specialist shops (samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, etc) with head-spinning prices. Mere mortals can venture over to [wiki=8e05fb7e095e28e39bb9ccad4da821a9]Nishi-Ogikubo[/wiki], where you can pick up scrolls of calligraphy and such for a few thousand yen.
The Antique Festival (全国古民具骨董祭り) [http://www.kottouichi.jp/heiwajima.htm] is held over the weekend about 5-6 times a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center, on the Tokyo Monorail line, and is well worth a visit.
Jinbocho is to used books what Akihabara is to electronics. It's clustered around the Jinbocho subway stop.
The Blue Parrot is another shop located at Takadanobaba on the Yamanote line, just two stops north of Shinjuku.
Ever since Sony and Nikon became synonymous with high-tech quality, Tokyo has been a favored place for buying electronics and cameras. Though the lines have blurred since the PC revolution, each has its traditional territory and stores: [wiki=c553dc01257bddd5ed72e4a50ee811c4#Buy]Akihabara[/wiki] has the electronics stores, including a large number of duty-free shops specializing in export models, and [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b#Buy]Shinjuku[/wiki] has the camera stores. Unfortunately, local model electronics are not cheap, but the pre-tax prices for the export models are similar to what you'll pay pre-tax in Europe, and are a little higher than U.S. prices. You can sometimes find cheap local models if you avoid big shops and check smaller retailers, and are willing to deal with Japanese-only interface, manual and service warranty. It's also surprisingly difficult to find certain things, eg games machines.
[wiki=c58c2778fa766fdb6b5ee1fe43f3af61]Shibuya[/wiki] and neighboring [wiki=b77c1027e9ea5c3ec33b21dd63db7faa]Harajuku[/wiki] are the best-known shopping areas for funky, youthful clothes and accessories. Note that, almost without exception, clothes are sized for the petite Japanese frame.
Department stores and exclusive boutiques stock every fashion label imaginable, but for global labels prices in Tokyo are typically higher than anywhere else in the world. The famous [wiki=dde9e9df3209326d3d86dd12f4894dc5]Ginza[/wiki] and [wiki=159ec059f6aadff9767562ae9581ece5]Ikebukuro[/wiki]'s giant Seibu and Tobu department stores (the largest in the world) are good hunting grounds. Recently, [wiki=e47dc9b5a4847cf2fa9c6d9465d8c829]Roppongi Hills[/wiki] has emerged as a popular area for high-end shopping, with many major global brands. Other department stores in Tokyo are Mitsukoshi, Sogo, Marui (OIOI), and Takashimaya. Mitsukoshi is Japan's biggest department store chain. Its anchor store is in Nihonbashi. Marui Men store in [wiki=0fd46e6271a057d24447bbb836392df5]Shinjuku[/wiki] has eight floors of high-end fashion for men only.
The district for this is Kappabashi Street near [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660#Buy]Asakusa[/wiki], also known as “Kitchen Town.” The street is lined with stores selling all kinds of kitchen wares - this is where the restaurants of Tokyo get their supplies. It's also a great place to find cheap Japanese ceramics, not to mention plastic food!
Ochanomizu is to the guitar what Jinbocho is to used books. There, you’ll find what must be the world’s densest collection of guitar shops. Plenty of other musical instruments (though not traditional Japanese ones) are also available.
Japan is a world leader in various intimate adult products, from stylish Tenga devices to various dolls with the replaceable body parts (and whole floors selling the spare "parts" for them), as well as some other bizzarre goods. [wiki=c553dc01257bddd5ed72e4a50ee811c4]Akihabara[/wiki] hosts several large, multi-floor adult stores which are clearly marked as such. Prices for the Japan-made goods are generally better than in Europe and US; notably Tenga products are 10-12% cheaper than the lowest online price in the US or Europe, and the selection is better. If buying toys or lingerie make sure you purchase the "export" version to avoid size issues.
For touristy Japanese knickknacks, the best places to shop are Nakamise in [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660]Asakusa[/wiki] and the Oriental Bazaar in [wiki=40a1a4f00311381a98fe099e604b12ea]Omotesando[/wiki], which stock all the kitschy things like kanji-emblazoned T-shirts, foreigner-sized kimonos, ninja outfits for kids and ersatz samurai swords that can be surprisingly difficult to find elsewhere. Both also have a selection of serious antiques for the connoisseur, but see also [wiki=e68a4eee0ab27966a0bc2087ffd350fe]#Antiques|Antiques[/wiki] above.
Bustling open-air bazaars in the Asian style are rare in Tokyo, except for [wiki=f9e2255868a544be866551034bb821df]Ueno[/wiki]'s Ameyoko, a legacy of the postwar occupation. Yanaka Ginza in the Shitamachi [wiki=359b3c34019502c8817041c6569cddd5]Taito[/wiki] district, a very nice example of a neighborhood shopping street, makes for an interesting afternoon browse.
There are often small flea and antique markets in operation on the weekend at major (and minor) shrines in and around Tokyo.
Go to a convenience store (konbini), there is one on every second corner. Really, the options may surprise you. You can get rice balls (onigiri), bread-rolls, salads, prepared foods (like nikuman and oden), and drinks (both hot and cold) for ¥100-150, bento lunch boxes for around ¥500 and sandwiches for ¥250-350. At most convenience stores, microwaves are available to heat up your food for no additional cost. Supermarkets (suupaa) are usually cheaper and offer a wider choice, but more difficult to find. (Try Asakusa and the sidestreets of Ueno's Ameyoko market for local--not big chain--supermarkets.) Also, the 100 yen shop (hyaku en), have become very common, and most have a selection convenient, ready to eat, items. There are 100 yen shops near most minor train stations, and usually tucked away somewhere within two or three blocks of the big stations. In particular, look for the "99" and "Lawson 100" signs these chains are essentially small grocery stores.
Also, look for bentō shops like Hokka-Hokka-Tei which sell take-out lunch boxes. They range in quality and cost, but most offer good, basic food at a reasonable price. This is what students and office workers often eat.
Noodle shops, curry shops, and bakeries are often the best option for people eating on the cheap. They are everywhere. The noodle bars on every corner are great for filling up and are very cheap at ¥200-1000. You buy your meal ticket from a vending machine at the door with pictures of the dishes and hand it to the serving staff. The one question you will typically have to answer for the counterman is whether you want soba (thin brown buckwheat) or udon (thick white wheat) noodles.
Some offer standing room only with a counter to place your bowl, while others have limited counter seating. During peak times, you need to be quick as others will be waiting.
Fast food is available just about everywhere, including many American chains like McDonald's and KFC. But if you are visiting Japan from overseas, and wish to sample Japanese fast food, why not try MOS Burger, Freshness Burger, Lotteria, or First Kitchen? If you're looking for something more Japanese, try one of the local fast food giants, Matsuya, Yoshinoya or Ootoya. For under ¥500, you can get a giant bowl of meat, rice, and vegetables, sometimes with egg thrown in for good measure. Drinking water or hot ocha (Japanese green tea) is usually available at no extra cost.
Raw fish enthusiasts are urged to try kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi), where the prices are very reasonable. Prices are depending on the color of the plate, so be sure to check before they start to pile up.
Many of the larger train and subway stations have fast, cheap eateries. Around most stations, there will be ample choices of places to eat, including chain coffee shops (which often serve sandwiches, baked goods, and pasta dishes), yakitori places, and even Italian restaurants.
Halal Food
Ameyayokocho (Ameyoko Market near Ueno Station) - There is a kebab joint in here, Kafkas Turkish Kebab (Store 39-B). You can get it for 500 yen (around USD4.80). Staff speak good English.
Ginza - You can visit "Rasa Malaysia", a Malaysian restaurant serving South-East Asian foods. You can have Chinese Wanton Mee for 800 yen. They are halal. The address is 8th Floor, Ginza Five Star Building, Ginza 5-8-13, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061. Tel & Fax: 03-3289-1668 Nearest subway station: Tokyo Metro Ginza station (Exit A3), 1 minute walk. Staff speak good English.
Nishi Azabu - Yakiniku Restaurant. NK Aoyama Holmes 1F, 2-2-2, Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0031. They serve halal meat. Staff speak minimal English.
By tradition the basement of almost any department store, including Mitsukoshi, Matsuzakaya, or Isetan, is devoted to the depachika (デパ地下), a huge array of small shops selling all kinds of prepared take-out food. You can assemble a delicious if slightly pricey picnic here - or, if you're feeling really cheap, just go around eating free samples! The very largest department stores are Tobu and Seibu in [wiki=159ec059f6aadff9767562ae9581ece5]Ikebukuro[/wiki], but [wiki=c58c2778fa766fdb6b5ee1fe43f3af61]Shibuya[/wiki], [wiki=dde9e9df3209326d3d86dd12f4894dc5]Ginza[/wiki] and in fact any major Tokyo district will have their fair share. [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b]Shinjuku[/wiki] Station is home to several famous department stores, such as the Keio and Odakyu department stores. Many stores begin discounting their selections at about 19:00 each night. Look for signs and stickers indicating specific yen value or percentage discounts. You will often see half-price stickers which read 半値 (hanne). This discounting is also common at supermarkets located near the smaller stations, although the quality may be a notch or two down from the department stores, it's still perfectly edible.
The ubiquitous izakaya, a cross between a pub and a casual restaurant, invariably serve a good range of Japanese dishes and can be good places to fill up without breaking the bank: in most, an evening of eating and drinking won't cost more than around ¥3000 per person. See [wiki=472e70db9bbc149bb453a738174a1625]#Drink|Drink[/wiki] for details.
Tokyo has the world's highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants priced to match, but one splurge is worthwhile even if you're on a limited budget: the best sushi in town, if not the world, can be found in [wiki=60faf7aff4e9be6d7dbe3a8113305ae1]Tsukiji[/wiki], fresh from the famous fish market. Figure on ¥3000 for a set meal, which is a bargain compared to how much sushi of similar caliber would cost elsewhere, even in Tokyo. A sushi breakfast in Tsukiji, after exploring the fish market, is a great option for the jet-lagged traveler's first morning in Tokyo. Arrive on or before the first train to avoid waiting up to two hours for a place at the sushi bar.
For upmarket Japanese eats, [wiki=dde9e9df3209326d3d86dd12f4894dc5]Ginza[/wiki] is guaranteed to burn a hole in your wallet, with [wiki=a7709aaf6f8db831da554804d2a0d9f4]Akasaka[/wiki] and [wiki=e47dc9b5a4847cf2fa9c6d9465d8c829]Roppongi Hills[/wiki] close behind. You can limit the damage considerably by eating fixed lunch sets instead of dinner, as this is when restaurants cater to people paying their own meals instead of using the company expense account.
Much of Tokyo's budget accommodation can be found in the [wiki=359b3c34019502c8817041c6569cddd5]Taito[/wiki] area, especially [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660]Asakusa[/wiki] and [wiki=f9e2255868a544be866551034bb821df]Ueno[/wiki]. But if you are not afraid of being a little bit off-center, you may have a look to the surroundings: [wiki=964ba3c4bd69b63da15c2f02790dd68f]Yokohama[/wiki], etc.
Do note that most of the cheap accommodations in the Taito area (near JR Minami-senjuu) have curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so be sure to check that in advance if it bothers you. One hotel that does not have a curfew is Kangaroo Hotel [url=http://www.kangaroohotel.jp/],]rooms starting at ¥3200. There's also Economy Hotel Hoteiya [url=http://www.e-conomyhotels.jp/hotels/hoteiya.html[/url],]rooms starting at ¥2500. You can also find a bed in a dormitory at TokyoBackpackers Hotel in Minami-Senju, from ¥2100 a night, with weekly or monthly discounts [url=http://tokyo-backpackers.com/en/[/url].]A list of economy hotels in Tokyo is [http://www.e-conomyhotels.jp/list.html[/url].
Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option. They may be reluctant to play host to foreigners as there are quite a few rules of behavior which may be difficult to explain; see the [wiki=53a577bb3bc587b0c28ab808390f1c9b#Sleep]Japan[/wiki] article for the full scoop. Most capsule hotels are men-only. Asakusa Riverside [url=http://www.asakusa-capsule.jp/english/]]and Akihabara Capsule Inn [url=http://www.capsuleinn.com/index.html[/url]]are among the very few to have women-only floors.
24-hour comic book library/internet cafes known as manga kisa, have become common around Tokyo. This is one of the cheapest ways to crash if you miss your last train and need to wait for the early morning transit service to get started. No bed, but you have a comfy chair and a PC and/or DVDs if you can't sleep. Later in the evening, karaoke boxes often offer discounted prices for the whole night, they usually have a couch you can sleep on. Most of these cyber cafes charge ¥1500-2500 for 8 hours.
One of the cheapest ways to stay can be also a youth hostel, prices start at ¥1200, e.g. in the [[Tokyo/Shinjuku|Shinjuku[/url]] area.
If you are truly on a budget, it is possible to go homeless and [wiki=e9db531c06f8b418c0bed94b62af1898]camp[/wiki] in public parks, for free. You can do this with a tent, if you want to carry one, and you can also sleep on benches, as exhausted workers and students do. It is also possible to do this all over Japan ; by doing nojuku (as the Japanese call it) and eating in convenience stores or making your own sandwiches from the food you buy in supermarkets, you can stay in Tokyo for around the same price as it would cost you in Kathmandu, Nepal !
3Q-House [http://www.3q-house.com/] in Nippori starts at ¥2,000 for a 6-bed-dorm. Walk or take bus #8 from Nippori station 3 stops to Shimo-Negishi. The bus stops in front of the guest house, the entrance is to the right of the restaurant Yakitori 燒鸟.
There is a wide range of choices in hotels while at Tokyo, most of the hotels are rated 3 stars or more. Tokyo is among most of the other cities when it comes to hotels because their services and hotel locations are the best of the best.
Keep an eye out for what is called a business hotel. The rooms are usually tiny, but they are conveniently located near stations and rates start from around ¥6000. Staff may speak minimal English, but it's not too hard to figure out. These are the best options for solo travelers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo include Tokyu Stay [url=http://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en/index.html],]which offers free internet access and breakfast, Chisun [url=http://www.solarehotels.com/english/chisun/[/url]]and Sunroute [http://www.sunroute.jp/SunrouteTopHLE.html[/url].
Tokyo has some self-proclaimed ryokan (Japanese inns) that cater largely to foreign tourists, mostly concentrated around [wiki=f9e2255868a544be866551034bb821df]Ueno[/wiki] and [wiki=a989b46c906dae25623e3acc64cff660]Asakusa[/wiki]. While not as opulent as the real thing, they offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates.
Japan's infamous love hotels can be a reasonable (and interesting) option in Tokyo. Shibuya's [wiki=c58c2778fa766fdb6b5ee1fe43f3af61#Sleep]Dogenzaka[/wiki] ("Love Hotel Hill") offers the widest selection in the city. If you're really going to spend the night, be sure to check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest". Be warned that some love hotels (at least around Shinjuku) have a 'No Japanese, no stay' policy, presumably to avoid confusion over billing; others lock you into your room until you pay into a slot by the door to leave.
If you plan to stay more than one week, you can try Weekly-Mansion Tokyo [http://www.wmt.co.jp/en/]. These are flats you can rent for short periods of time for affordable prices. Rates are around ¥5000 per day for one person or a little more for two people. Sometimes you can find deals for as low as ¥4000 per day (Various promotional deals are available for online reservations). You can also make online reservations in English.
You can spend a fortune on accommodation in Tokyo. Most of the high-end international chains are well represented. Particular concentrations of luxury hotels can be found in western [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b]Shinjuku[/wiki] (including the Park Hyatt Tokyo, featured in Lost in Translation), around Tokyo station (best here are Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo,[url=http://www.shangri-la.com/tokyo/shangrila].]Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, Seiyo Ginza and Four Seasons Marunouchi), and in [[Tokyo/Akasaka|Akasaka[/url]].
Beware of hotels marketing themselves as being located at "Tokyo Bay". At best, this means you'll be in or near the [wiki=6954f60a60f850b7111f6292427b3e96]Odaiba[/wiki] district, built on reclaimed land half an hour away from the city center; at worst, you'll end up somewhere on the coast of the adjacent prefecture of [wiki=4389869b3989f0097dc92e0afecd2e94]Chiba[/wiki], which is handy for visiting [wiki=be78e137b0e90e83131bce25096f0036]Tokyo Disneyland[/wiki] but quite inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.
Starbucks Coffee [url=http://www.starbucks.co.jp/en/]]Most (but not all) of the prolific Starbucks Coffee stores now offer Free Wifi service, commonly along with charging stations. Customers will need an internet connection to register for the service in advance, however.
*Wired Cafe [url=http://www.cafecompany.co.jp/brands/wired/index.html|](Japanese Website)[/url[/url] A chain of trendy, technology-orientated cafes complete with full food menu and free WiFi. Usually hard to find a power outlet.
*7 SPOT [url=http://webapp.7spot.jp/|](Japanese Website)[/url] Seven-Eleven convenience stores and Dennys restaurants offer Free Wifi service. "7SPOT" to take advantage of member registration (free) can be used for up to 60 minutes per one login is required, you can access up to three times a day. [url=https://webapp.7spot.jp/internets/members/register_form|] Registration Page(Japanese)[/url]
*FreeSpot [http://freespot.com/] FreeSpot offering free wireless Internet access. Check out their maps of service areas. Tends to be somewhat unreliable nowadays.
HOTSPOT [http://www.hotspot.ne.jp/en/index.html] NTT Communications WiFi Service. ¥500/24h
Good connections are available at Internet cafes everywhere. Expect to pay ¥400-¥500 per hour. "Gera Gera" is a popular chain. Paid WiFi service is also taking off in Tokyo with reasonable coverage - at a price. WiFi services are probably not convenient for those just visiting.
If you bring your own computer with a WLAN card, it is possible to find wireless connections in fast food outlets like McDonald's or Mos Burger. You also have a good chance to find a connection in one of the numerous coffee shops. Just look for a wireless connection sign in the front window or computers within the shop. Note that free wireless is not nearly as prevalent in Japan as it is in the West.
Information about medical institutions as well as about the medical and health insurance system in Japan.
(English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish)
* Interpretation service through phone is also available for foreign patients visiting a hospital if their treatment is not going to be carried out smoothly because of language difficulty. (for medical purpose.English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish)
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Being the national capital, Tokyo hosts a large number of embassies. A number of them are located in Minato-ku (the financial district), Shinjuku-ku, Shibuya-ku, & Chiyoda-ku (seat of government) in the central part of town. Several embassies are also located within the same building at 38 Kowa Building 4-12-24 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. They can be elsewhere too, see below:
[wiki_table=dfb51b49].... or see http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/protocol/index.html (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, written in English) for an extended list of countries with embassies in Tokyo.