Planning a Trip to Kantō Region

There is far too much to Tokyo to write in one entry here.  I will attempt to put the most important (for a tourist's point of view) things here today.  I will add more as I think of things.


MONEY: The most important thing I can think to write is to remember to bring cash.  It is easier in Tokyo than in the rest of Japan to find places that accept credit card, but it can still be frustrating at times.  You can always get cash from post-office ATMs (Look for a symbol that resembles a large red 'T' with an additional horizontal line at the top) or at a Citibank (Shibuya has one that is easy to find.  Right past McDonalds).  

TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo runs on trains.  When you get to Tokyo, get a SUICA card (similar to Boston's Charie card) for use on the JR lines.  You will frequently have to switch between JR and the Tokyo Metro lines, but a SUICA card will at least allow you to bypass ticket lines when riding the JR trains.  If you do not wish to spend all of your money in one go, avoid taxis.  They are a sure way to run out of cash fast in Tokyo.  If you plan to stay more than a few months, buy a bike.  Most bikes are decently cheap (under 100 dollars) and come with baskets to hold your things and a dynamo-powered headlamp for riding at night.


FOOD: If you are looking for good sushi, go to Harajuku station (原宿駅) on the Yamanote line (山手線) (The big green circular line).  When you exit the station, everyone will head for an alleyway to the left of a giant Snoopy shop (not Peanuts, just Snoopy).  Go to the right of this shop and take the elevator to the 3rd (I believe, though it may only have been 2nd) floor.  There are two restaurants here.  Go to the sushi restaurant on the left called Kakiya-Zushi (柿家鮨).  You will most likely have to wait a half hour or more to get a seat if you aren't alone, but it is definitely worth the wait.  While this is a kaiten (conveyor belt) restaurant, their sushi is among the best I tasted while living in Tokyo.
Never be afraid to try something from a street vendor.  Street vendors sell some amazing food.  Not to mention, they usually set up in the same place each day making them fairly reliable as landmarks.  
When you want dessert, try a milk tea or crepe from Pearl Lady (In Shibuya.  Look for Book 1ST.  Stay on the left side of the street (across from the book store) and continue away from Shibuya station.  You will round a corner and pass a soap shop.  Pearl Lady is a recessed shop on your left.).  Else you can look for a parfait restaurant.  These are easy enough to spot from their flamboyant displays.  No one can ignore that many parfaits lined up and lit in a window.  It's simply not possible.  

ELECTRONICS: Head to Yodobashi-Akiba in Akihabara.  Take the green Yamanote line (山手線) to Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅).  Electric town is on one side of you (always worth a visit) and Yodobashi Akiba is on the other through the Showa Dorii exit.  You will take a left before you reach the street, pass a bakery, and the entrance is on your right.  

OTHER...TOYS: If you want to embarrass yourself or others, or if you really need those handcuffs and that costume, go to Akihabara station via the green Yamanote line (山手線).  Exit through the Electric Town exit.  You will be facing a large electronics store that remotely resembles your 10th birthday party due to the large glass tubes that house the escalators.  Turn right and follow the street.  You will see a neon pink awning when the street Ts out at the end of the block (Electric town continues to your right for some blocks and is worth a visit when you get your curiosity back under control).  That's your happy place.  Else, you can walk toward the electronics store and pass it to the left.  Take your first right and encounter a second store on your right (Yes, there are two in one block).  This one has a more plain front and is harder to distinguish.  It is the last door on the block.  There are far more than these if you are willing to search.  By all means, enjoy yourselves.

WESTERN FOOD: Since some of you may be students at Sophia University in search of Western food, I will list a few restaurants that are NOT McDonalds.  First, you can get a good selection of Western beers at Za Morrigans (Turn right out of the main gate to Sophia's Yotsuya campus or take the yellow Chuo line to Yotsuya station, exit, and head toward the campus.  The bar is about 2 blocks past the post office.).   You can also find a Subway if you go the opposite direction across the bridge next to Yotsuya Station.  At the end of the bridge take a right.  The Subway is on your left.

DRINKING: If you really want to party, head to Gas Panic.  There are several of these spread all over Tokyo, but the best is still the "red" Gas Panic in Roppongi (anyone can identify it if you describe it as this).  This bar is two floors of liquid insanity.  From the female patrons dancing on the bar to the bucket of viagra on the second floor, nothing is ever boring here (unless you come on a Tuesday night.  stick to the weekends and you'll be fine.). If you want a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, but still want to get away from your part of town, head to Azool.  Also located in Roppongi, Azool creates an amazing atmosphere by using private, themed rooms for parties and curtained tables for couples.  To reach Azool, simply head toward Roppongi Heights from Roppongi station.  Pass Roppongi Heights and continue straight for about 1 km.  The entrance is on your left.  The exterior is fairly subdued, so keep your eyes peeled and look for a wall of running water.

Beautiful, traditional city, anytime of the year. Autumn or Spring are the best times to go. If you think the temples are too touristy, head out to Nikko National Park where there are some great hot springs and hiking spots.

Walk. Spend a lot of time walking. The best way to experience Tokyo is to just get out and take it all in. Also, avoid the trains during commuter hours in the mornings and evenings. This is especially key for women who don't want to be felt up on the train.

Okay! Tokyo is awesome .. nuff said so to make the experience more awesome be sure to have some kind of plan of action when you get there - book a tour or something in advance if you're in a hotel so you won't waste a trip. Go see the Castle, go visit Tokyo tower, fend off some ninjas at a local ramen bar and hook up with school girls and get a giggle or two at the local mall - if you see a girl and she looks like she just stepped off the mothership .. she's probably a hooker (don't do it) Something you'll really need to know is bring exact change and lots of it - if you go to a bar and the bar tender offers you something just say "no" unless there is something of interest then you ask for that. This sounds kinda dumb but if you speak english and want something simple ask for it like you have a mouth full of water - you'll be surprised how far along you get* (safety not guaranteed) Bring a towel - sounds like a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tip but you'll need hand towels and napkins when you're out and about because public restrooms may not have TP for you to use. Also to give you an idea of how many people are there - imagine taking all of everybody in the United States and moving them to a place roughly the size of California. Don't touch the hand rails - old people like to dig in their nose and pick their ass in public and they have to wipe it off somewhere. Its easy to get around if you know where you're going .. you just have to match the letters (mostly kanji) with the map and the local train depot. Also a police station is located next to every train depot. Take your time .. enjoy your time. If you like the nightlife and like to boogie there is alwasys omething happening somewhere - just don't get caught up in bullshit. If you're a foreigner (especially and American) you are automatically guilty .. so RUN! (j/k) Best Mexican Food Outside of Mexico and San Antonio, Texas can be found in Sagami Hara Japan - EVER! The average meal is about $40 bucks .. if you want to eat good - or you can go to the noodle hut or alley bar for some eats

A futuristic looking area of central Yokohama, located exactly a few walk around the Sakuragi-cho Stn. Minato Mirai or harbour of the future as what they usually call it , is one of the best place a tourist shouldn't miss, the area offers lovely sunset and alot of department stores(shops again,lol!), restaurants that varies in different kinds.

The area was built during early 80's and finished in merely, 1993. MM21(Minato Mirai Niju-ichi) is part of large scale urban development project for 21st century. The Land Mark Tower (Japan's tallest buillding), Cosmo Clock
(the World's third biggest Ferris wheel), Grand Inter Continental Hotel (half circular shaped) are the main features of the Minato Mirai 21 developmen and accentuates the beautiful Yokohama skyline.

It is recommended that you go in the evening though you can enjoy this area in the day time!

Tokyo is so mindblowing! The train system is amazing. It is fast, on time and fully utilised. You can even check the timetable from your mobile (and that was in 2001)! There are people everywhere wearing anything. The buildings are huge! There is a huge American influence with restaurants, clothing, etc. You can get anything you want. But don't stand still in the middle of the footpath or else you will be run over by hundreds of Japanese in a hurry. Ropongi (bad spelling) is an awesome party district. Had a great night out there (all night). Shinjuku is the business district, but it still has good shopping for electronics, cosmetics and clothing (if you are of teeny tiny proportions). The public toilets in the big department stores play classical music to you while you are doing your business even!

Kamakura is a great place to visit, there are countless shrines and beautiful things to see. When you're going to the outskirts of Tokyo remember that some train stations have "traditional" bathrooms, just remember to brings some tissues or toilet paper their word for traditional bathrooms is "Otearai" which means "washing by hand".

I absolutley LOVED harajuku. The people and the style are simply amazing and unique. They have amazing shops, delisious crepes, one area a bit more cheaper than if you go a bit further, you will find the more high end brands such as Chanel.

I loved the park here where many of the younger Japanese will come dressed up, and even some play music. The nightlife wasnt too big here, but make sure to bring you camera as the people love taking photos!

You can eat at Lotteria ロッテリア (Nice burget place), Yoshinoya, McDonald's, Omote-sando, Shakeys Pizza, Tenyaてにゃ, Curry UP, Himalaya Curry, Pacific Sandwhich Place, Masala Hut, Reissue, Harajuku Taproom, Wired Cafe, Sakura ((Izakaiya)), Atic, and Zip Zap.... OR if you want to be really cheap, just head to the Family Mart right outside of the main street from JR Station and get some steam buns, sushi, ready made curry, noodles, drinks and more for under 400yen. OR just get Crepes from the crepe stands found all around, which some have sadwhich style as well.

So easy to get here, it is accessable on the main JR Yamamote Line next to Shibuya and near Ikebukuro. Getting around is like most of Japan, you will walk. Its so safe you can wander any time, day or night, with friends or without. The only thing is if you do not like a crowd, go a bit later bc most nice days, there is no room for anything, and I am not exagurating that!

And like I say about most of Japan, it is SO safe, dont need to worry about getting things stolen as they people in the shops will chase you if you leave even a single yen!!

Also a good feature is mostly ALL toilets are washlettes, even in corner stores, at the cash is always a reciept tray so you dont need to take it with you, and also when they say "Irrashaimasen" they are welcoming you into the store. If the keep saying "yasui-yasui" mans very cheap or literally CHEAP CHEAP! And in most palces in Tokyo, you will find drink machines on almost every corner.

The best place to take money out from Debit cards from over sea's are the 7-11 machines which comes in English and other languages, or Citi-banks.

Shibuya has the most busy intersection I have ever seen and probably in the whole world. Also the exit outside of the train staion called "Hatchiko" shows not only a cute akito dog statue named hatchiko ((sugoi kawaii inu~hatchiko)), but the exit to and entrance from the busy intersection. Litterally THOUSANDS pass here every few minutes.

If you want to do something in Japan, this is the pace for it. MANY Izakaiya's ((japanese style bar)), MANY different styles of food, Clubs and shopping. It is a rather big station so I recommend getting out Hatchiko exit to the main streets.

Citi Bank is found here, also the lovely "Moss Burger" is found here. Pet Stores, massage, Love Hotels, Captsule Hotel, Karaoke ((my favorite Big Echo)) and Electronics. I have noticed the longer I was there and closer to fall, so much homeless was there. They even had a cardboard box houses built under the bridge outside of the Hatchiko exit.

If you go out the East Exit, you will find a large over the street ramps to get across to book stores, 7-11, music dealers, more food places, one main building has a grocery store in the lowe levels. This is just around the corner from Hatchiko exit.

So easy to get here, it is accessable on the main JR Yamamote Line next to Harajuku. Getting around is like most of Japan, you will walk. Its so safe you can wander any time, day or night, with friends or without. The only thing is if you do not like a crowd, go a bit later bc most nice days, there is no room for anything, and I am not exagurating that!

And like I say about most of Japan, it is SO safe, dont need to worry about getting things stolen as they people in the shops will chase you if you leave even a single yen!!
Also a good feature is mostly ALL toilets are washlettes, even in corner stores, at the cash is always a reciept tray so you dont need to take it with you, and also when they say "Irrashaimasen" they are welcoming you into the store. If the keep saying "yasui-yasui" mans very cheap or literally CHEAP CHEAP! And in most palces in Tokyo, you will find drink machines on almost every corner.

The best place to take money out from Debit cards from over sea's are the 7-11 machines which comes in English and other languages, or Citi-banks.

There is far too much to Tokyo to write in one entry here.  I will attempt to put the most important (for a tourist's point of view) things here today.  I will add more as I think of things.


MONEY: The most important thing I can think to write is to remember to bring cash.  It is easier in Tokyo than in the rest of Japan to find places that accept credit card, but it can still be frustrating at times.  You can always get cash from post-office ATMs (Look for a symbol that resembles a large red 'T' with an additional horizontal line at the top) or at a Citibank (Shibuya has one that is easy to find.  Right past McDonalds).  

TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo runs on trains.  When you get to Tokyo, get a SUICA card (similar to Boston's Charie card) for use on the JR lines.  You will frequently have to switch between JR and the Tokyo Metro lines, but a SUICA card will at least allow you to bypass ticket lines when riding the JR trains.  If you do not wish to spend all of your money in one go, avoid taxis.  They are a sure way to run out of cash fast in Tokyo.  If you plan to stay more than a few months, buy a bike.  Most bikes are decently cheap (under 100 dollars) and come with baskets to hold your things and a dynamo-powered headlamp for riding at night.


FOOD: If you are looking for good sushi, go to Harajuku station (原宿駅) on the Yamanote line (山手線) (The big green circular line).  When you exit the station, everyone will head for an alleyway to the left of a giant Snoopy shop (not Peanuts, just Snoopy).  Go to the right of this shop and take the elevator to the 3rd (I believe, though it may only have been 2nd) floor.  There are two restaurants here.  Go to the sushi restaurant on the left called Kakiya-Zushi (柿家鮨).  You will most likely have to wait a half hour or more to get a seat if you aren't alone, but it is definitely worth the wait.  While this is a kaiten (conveyor belt) restaurant, their sushi is among the best I tasted while living in Tokyo.
Never be afraid to try something from a street vendor.  Street vendors sell some amazing food.  Not to mention, they usually set up in the same place each day making them fairly reliable as landmarks.  
When you want dessert, try a milk tea or crepe from Pearl Lady (In Shibuya.  Look for Book 1ST.  Stay on the left side of the street (across from the book store) and continue away from Shibuya station.  You will round a corner and pass a soap shop.  Pearl Lady is a recessed shop on your left.).  Else you can look for a parfait restaurant.  These are easy enough to spot from their flamboyant displays.  No one can ignore that many parfaits lined up and lit in a window.  It's simply not possible.  

ELECTRONICS: Head to Yodobashi-Akiba in Akihabara.  Take the green Yamanote line (山手線) to Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅).  Electric town is on one side of you (always worth a visit) and Yodobashi Akiba is on the other through the Showa Dorii exit.  You will take a left before you reach the street, pass a bakery, and the entrance is on your right.  

OTHER...TOYS: If you want to embarrass yourself or others, or if you really need those handcuffs and that costume, go to Akihabara station via the green Yamanote line (山手線).  Exit through the Electric Town exit.  You will be facing a large electronics store that remotely resembles your 10th birthday party due to the large glass tubes that house the escalators.  Turn right and follow the street.  You will see a neon pink awning when the street Ts out at the end of the block (Electric town continues to your right for some blocks and is worth a visit when you get your curiosity back under control).  That's your happy place.  Else, you can walk toward the electronics store and pass it to the left.  Take your first right and encounter a second store on your right (Yes, there are two in one block).  This one has a more plain front and is harder to distinguish.  It is the last door on the block.  There are far more than these if you are willing to search.  By all means, enjoy yourselves.

WESTERN FOOD: Since some of you may be students at Sophia University in search of Western food, I will list a few restaurants that are NOT McDonalds.  First, you can get a good selection of Western beers at Za Morrigans (Turn right out of the main gate to Sophia's Yotsuya campus or take the yellow Chuo line to Yotsuya station, exit, and head toward the campus.  The bar is about 2 blocks past the post office.).   You can also find a Subway if you go the opposite direction across the bridge next to Yotsuya Station.  At the end of the bridge take a right.  The Subway is on your left.

DRINKING: If you really want to party, head to Gas Panic.  There are several of these spread all over Tokyo, but the best is still the "red" Gas Panic in Roppongi (anyone can identify it if you describe it as this).  This bar is two floors of liquid insanity.  From the female patrons dancing on the bar to the bucket of viagra on the second floor, nothing is ever boring here (unless you come on a Tuesday night.  stick to the weekends and you'll be fine.). If you want a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, but still want to get away from your part of town, head to Azool.  Also located in Roppongi, Azool creates an amazing atmosphere by using private, themed rooms for parties and curtained tables for couples.  To reach Azool, simply head toward Roppongi Heights from Roppongi station.  Pass Roppongi Heights and continue straight for about 1 km.  The entrance is on your left.  The exterior is fairly subdued, so keep your eyes peeled and look for a wall of running water.

Yotsuya (四谷  or 四ツ谷) is right in the middle of Tokyo and is home to Sophia University (上智大学).  The area is teeming with bars and restaurants, the best of which I will mention here.  
Za Morrigans is located just past Sophia University's main gate.  When you exit Yotsuya station (Use the yellow Chuo Line  //  中央線)head away from the bridge and cross the street.  You want to be on the same side of the road as the University (easily recognizable).  Pass the University and continue for approximately 1/2 a kilometer.  Za Morrigans is on the second floor on your right hand side.  
If you want good food, follow the same directions to reach Za Morrigans, but take a right at the first side street past the main entrance to Sophia University.  Pass the post office and follow the road down a hill.  On your left, there will be a small chinese restaurant (look for a vending machine as the doorway is easy to miss).  This restaurant offers astonishingly good noodle soups.  Ask for their specialty.
If you want something a little more in-the-middle of things, head the opposite direction out of the station.  When you cross the bridge, take a right and walk along the edge of the park.  You will see an alleyway on your left full of small restaurants.  Of, if you continue straight for another block or so, you will find a Subway to fill your western-food craving.

Kamakura is a great area for tourists. It is full of temples and shrines and overflowing with small shops and restaurants. There is easily a day's worth of activities here. Kamakura station is easily reached from Tokyo via the Yokosuka line. As far as attractions go, the Daibutsu (Big Buddha) is amazing rain or shine. It is the second largest in Japan (second only to the Daibutsu in Nara). However, this is the only one of the two that stands in the open air as its temple was destroyed in a tsunami. I guess the Buddha wanted to see the ocean. Probably the first thing you will notice upon exiting the station is a long walkway flanked by cherry blossom trees. This leads to Hachimangu shrine and was built by the shogun Yoritomo who took regular trips to the shrine. At the time, Kamakura, not Edo (Tokyo), was the capital of Japan, and Hachimangu was the most important of its shrines as it housed the patron god of the Minamoto family. Be sure to look at the two ponds on either side of the entrance. The pond on the right has three islands to represent life. The pond on the left has four to represent death (the number 4 is associated with death due to one of its pronunciations). After the Daibutsu, Hasedera temple is only a short walk away. When you visit Hasedera, keep an eye out for small statues of Jizu, a bodhisattva (someone who has learned the path to enlightenment, but stays on this plan of existance to help others attain nirvana). Jizu statues represent children who were stillborn or aborted. If you look closely, you will notice that a number of the statues (Which were dedicated by parents) are adorned with hats, scarves, and toys. Despite all this, Hasedera temple is an especially beautiful place to visit in the spring when the Sakura (cherry blossom) flowers are blooming. Kamakura is also home to several other temples and shrines including the famous Jufukuji temple. These three are simply my favorites. Be sure to do a search on the internet before you go. Also, after you hit the temples, spend some time wandering the alleys near the station for food and shopping!

if you`re looking for a cheap and clean accommodation, look for khaosan tokyo, they`re located in Asakusa http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com
They hafe frendlie, english-speaking stuff and free internet

When going to stay in Imperial Hotel make sure you ask for the new wing, where the rooms have been upgraded. The rooms in the central buidling are in need of refurbishment. Also remember to request a non smoking room on a non smoking floor. This hotel over looks the Imperial Palace Gardens and is situated with in walking distance of the Ginza.
This is the Grand Old Lady of Tokyo Hotels and as such is often lacking the hi tech of newer hotels. However the service and staff more than make up for this. They are amazing and seem to know what you want before you know yourself!

The viewsof the city from the roof top are outstanding - as is the service. Try the Champagn High Tea!
Also the French Restaurant has food unrivalled in France and the service is better and the staff more friendly than anything you wil find in France!

The hotel is also within 5 mins' walk of stations on the Tokyo Metro and JR networks. Internet access in every room is provided at no additional charge

Don't miss the Studio Ghibli Musuem :D
Only negative Point for the Musuem: taking photos in the Museum is forbidden

Activities, go to the imperial palace one of the coolest places i have seen great place to take photos

I absolutley LOVED harajuku. The people and the style are simply amazing and unique. They have amazing shops, delisious crepes, one area a bit more cheaper than if you go a bit further, you will find the more high end brands such as Chanel.

I loved the park here where many of the younger Japanese will come dressed up, and even some play music. The nightlife wasnt too big here, but make sure to bring you camera as the people love taking photos!

You can eat at Lotteria ロッテリア (Nice burget place), Yoshinoya, McDonald's, Omote-sando, Shakeys Pizza, Tenyaてにゃ, Curry UP, Himalaya Curry, Pacific Sandwhich Place, Masala Hut, Reissue, Harajuku Taproom, Wired Cafe, Sakura ((Izakaiya)), Atic, and Zip Zap.... OR if you want to be really cheap, just head to the Family Mart right outside of the main street from JR Station and get some steam buns, sushi, ready made curry, noodles, drinks and more for under 400yen. OR just get Crepes from the crepe stands found all around, which some have sadwhich style as well.

So easy to get here, it is accessable on the main JR Yamamote Line next to Shibuya and near Ikebukuro. Getting around is like most of Japan, you will walk. Its so safe you can wander any time, day or night, with friends or without. The only thing is if you do not like a crowd, go a bit later bc most nice days, there is no room for anything, and I am not exagurating that!

And like I say about most of Japan, it is SO safe, dont need to worry about getting things stolen as they people in the shops will chase you if you leave even a single yen!!

Also a good feature is mostly ALL toilets are washlettes, even in corner stores, at the cash is always a reciept tray so you dont need to take it with you, and also when they say "Irrashaimasen" they are welcoming you into the store. If the keep saying "yasui-yasui" mans very cheap or literally CHEAP CHEAP! And in most palces in Tokyo, you will find drink machines on almost every corner.

The best place to take money out from Debit cards from over sea's are the 7-11 machines which comes in English and other languages, or Citi-banks.

Tokyo is so mindblowing! The train system is amazing. It is fast, on time and fully utilised. You can even check the timetable from your mobile (and that was in 2001)! There are people everywhere wearing anything. The buildings are huge! There is a huge American influence with restaurants, clothing, etc. You can get anything you want. But don't stand still in the middle of the footpath or else you will be run over by hundreds of Japanese in a hurry. Ropongi (bad spelling) is an awesome party district. Had a great night out there (all night). Shinjuku is the business district, but it still has good shopping for electronics, cosmetics and clothing (if you are of teeny tiny proportions). The public toilets in the big department stores play classical music to you while you are doing your business even!

If you travel to Japan note that it is not easy to find ATM's that will take normal Visa or Master Card cards. Therefore make sure you have enough cash with you. Bigger train stations and Hotels will take your cards, but in smaller travel stations you might need to pay with cash.

Ginza is a tough nut to crack if you are a foreigner visiting for the first time to Japan. Unless you've got somebody to show you around I recommend staying in the safer zones like Roppongi or Azabu-juban. First off...must bring your visa or master card!!! This place is the most expensive district in one of the most expensive cities on earth. Went to dinner at a normal Japanese restaurant and walked out with a JPY12000 (around USD120 and SGD85) bill for me!

The Ginza is home to a lot of shopping, dining, and drinking places (albeit mostly shopping from what I saw) and they are all expensive. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every bite of food I ever had there, probably more so than in other areas of Tokyo, I just didn't have the money to afford it on a daily basis.

Remember, Most places will require at least business casual from the foreigners, some places though will require a suit.

Also, don't feel bad if someone tells you a place is for Japanese only. This means either that you don't meet their dress code or that they cater to a select business crowd which you are not a part of.

Tokyo c'est trop beaucoup! je sais pas si c'est encore le cas, mais vaut mieux pas y aller avec une carte Visa.

Tokyo is a busy city for tourists who like city. If you want to stay really cheap, you can stay in `Manga-kissa` or `Karaoke`. There is no key on the door but it's no prob if you watch your property out. It costs ￡6-7 for ataying overnight. The next cheap accomodation is hostels. Japanese traditional hotel `Ryokan` isn't so cheap, but you could have very interesting experience there. You can also choose a hotel. You can take trains, underground, buses or taxi. The best transport may be underground but you can't see any view, of course. When you came to Japan, try to eat real Sushi. It's completely different from Sushi which you can eat abroad. I think Tokyo isn't such a expensive city as you think. There is much more way you can save your money than I could write down here.

There is far too much to Tokyo to write in one entry here.  I will attempt to put the most important (for a tourist's point of view) things here today.  I will add more as I think of things.


MONEY: The most important thing I can think to write is to remember to bring cash.  It is easier in Tokyo than in the rest of Japan to find places that accept credit card, but it can still be frustrating at times.  You can always get cash from post-office ATMs (Look for a symbol that resembles a large red 'T' with an additional horizontal line at the top) or at a Citibank (Shibuya has one that is easy to find.  Right past McDonalds).  

TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo runs on trains.  When you get to Tokyo, get a SUICA card (similar to Boston's Charie card) for use on the JR lines.  You will frequently have to switch between JR and the Tokyo Metro lines, but a SUICA card will at least allow you to bypass ticket lines when riding the JR trains.  If you do not wish to spend all of your money in one go, avoid taxis.  They are a sure way to run out of cash fast in Tokyo.  If you plan to stay more than a few months, buy a bike.  Most bikes are decently cheap (under 100 dollars) and come with baskets to hold your things and a dynamo-powered headlamp for riding at night.


FOOD: If you are looking for good sushi, go to Harajuku station (原宿駅) on the Yamanote line (山手線) (The big green circular line).  When you exit the station, everyone will head for an alleyway to the left of a giant Snoopy shop (not Peanuts, just Snoopy).  Go to the right of this shop and take the elevator to the 3rd (I believe, though it may only have been 2nd) floor.  There are two restaurants here.  Go to the sushi restaurant on the left called Kakiya-Zushi (柿家鮨).  You will most likely have to wait a half hour or more to get a seat if you aren't alone, but it is definitely worth the wait.  While this is a kaiten (conveyor belt) restaurant, their sushi is among the best I tasted while living in Tokyo.
Never be afraid to try something from a street vendor.  Street vendors sell some amazing food.  Not to mention, they usually set up in the same place each day making them fairly reliable as landmarks.  
When you want dessert, try a milk tea or crepe from Pearl Lady (In Shibuya.  Look for Book 1ST.  Stay on the left side of the street (across from the book store) and continue away from Shibuya station.  You will round a corner and pass a soap shop.  Pearl Lady is a recessed shop on your left.).  Else you can look for a parfait restaurant.  These are easy enough to spot from their flamboyant displays.  No one can ignore that many parfaits lined up and lit in a window.  It's simply not possible.  

ELECTRONICS: Head to Yodobashi-Akiba in Akihabara.  Take the green Yamanote line (山手線) to Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅).  Electric town is on one side of you (always worth a visit) and Yodobashi Akiba is on the other through the Showa Dorii exit.  You will take a left before you reach the street, pass a bakery, and the entrance is on your right.  

OTHER...TOYS: If you want to embarrass yourself or others, or if you really need those handcuffs and that costume, go to Akihabara station via the green Yamanote line (山手線).  Exit through the Electric Town exit.  You will be facing a large electronics store that remotely resembles your 10th birthday party due to the large glass tubes that house the escalators.  Turn right and follow the street.  You will see a neon pink awning when the street Ts out at the end of the block (Electric town continues to your right for some blocks and is worth a visit when you get your curiosity back under control).  That's your happy place.  Else, you can walk toward the electronics store and pass it to the left.  Take your first right and encounter a second store on your right (Yes, there are two in one block).  This one has a more plain front and is harder to distinguish.  It is the last door on the block.  There are far more than these if you are willing to search.  By all means, enjoy yourselves.

WESTERN FOOD: Since some of you may be students at Sophia University in search of Western food, I will list a few restaurants that are NOT McDonalds.  First, you can get a good selection of Western beers at Za Morrigans (Turn right out of the main gate to Sophia's Yotsuya campus or take the yellow Chuo line to Yotsuya station, exit, and head toward the campus.  The bar is about 2 blocks past the post office.).   You can also find a Subway if you go the opposite direction across the bridge next to Yotsuya Station.  At the end of the bridge take a right.  The Subway is on your left.

DRINKING: If you really want to party, head to Gas Panic.  There are several of these spread all over Tokyo, but the best is still the "red" Gas Panic in Roppongi (anyone can identify it if you describe it as this).  This bar is two floors of liquid insanity.  From the female patrons dancing on the bar to the bucket of viagra on the second floor, nothing is ever boring here (unless you come on a Tuesday night.  stick to the weekends and you'll be fine.). If you want a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, but still want to get away from your part of town, head to Azool.  Also located in Roppongi, Azool creates an amazing atmosphere by using private, themed rooms for parties and curtained tables for couples.  To reach Azool, simply head toward Roppongi Heights from Roppongi station.  Pass Roppongi Heights and continue straight for about 1 km.  The entrance is on your left.  The exterior is fairly subdued, so keep your eyes peeled and look for a wall of running water.

Familiarize yourself with the subway, it will make life alot easier!!

Try to stay in a Ryokan (a traditional guesthouse) instead of a hotel.

Make sure you are on an airport train going to Narita Airport and not a local train going to the town/city of Narita. If this mistake is made you will have to wait for the next train on the platform and risk missing your flight home.