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| Tokyo, Japan |
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Planning a Great Vacation in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and also one of the most populated areas on earth, with over 12 million people in the metropolitan area. Greater Tokyo is the most populated urban area on earth with a population of over 35 million people. Needless to say, if you vacation in Tokyo there will be plenty of things to do and plenty of people to meet. What is Tokyo like in personality? It is a large metropolitan area, a wealthy population (Tokyo is currently considered the fourth most expensive standard of living in the world), and a city that combines the scenery of old Japan with the cutting-edge technology of today. You may have caught a glimpse of Japan in the popular Oscar-winning film "Lost In Translation." The city contains all that magic—but you might say with more "intensity."
Hotel and Accommodation
Just because Japan has an expensive standard does not mean that cheap hotels are not available. You can find budget hotels throughout the city, in traditional Japanese style of western-influenced hotels. The American-founded hotels naturally have a multilingual staff, which may be more comfortable for you. Most budget hotels are found in Taito area or even in Yokohama. The cheapest option is in "capsule hotels", which are for men only and generally refuse tourists that cannot speak Japanese or cannot comprehend the customs of Japan. For first time visitors midrange hotels are recommended, including business hotels, which are conveniently located, but feature tiny rooms. There are also Japanese inns that cater to foreigners and can be found in areas like Ueno and Asakusa. Love hotels are also another option, though some will only serve guests that speak Japanese (so as to prevent confusion of over pricing). If you want the finest hotels in Tokyo then look for hotels around the western area of Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and in Akasaka. Some of the more popular hotels include the Park Hyatt Tokyo ("as seen in Lost In Translation") and the Four Seasons Marunouchi. The most expensive hotels are located around in Chiba, and can be inconvenient to the whole city, unless you are traveling exclusively to see Disneyland.
Dining and Drinking in Tokyo
There is a great variety of food in Tokyo (over 10,000 restaurants in the area) and the best establishments feature, arguably, the best food you will find anywhere in the world. It is common to see menus posted outside of restaurants with prices listed. The sheer immensity of the city and variety of shops will ensure that you are treated to an international feast. There is not an abundance of Tokyo specialty shops, though dishes like nigirizushi (sushi) and monja-yaki are Tokyo originals. An izakaya, a sort of pub-restaurant, serves a variety of Japanese dishes for cheap. If you are shopping in Tokyo then realize that most department stores have a basement of almost any department store reserved for small food shops that sell midrange food. If you are looking forward to a pricey buy authentic Japanese dinner, then try Tsukiji, which offers serves fresh choices from the fish market. Ginza and Akasaka are also well known areas for pricey but delicious cuisine.
What about drinking and nightlife in Tokyo? There is a great selection of karaoke bars, bar-restaurants and even beer vending machines. The Roppongi area is ideal for travelers, though some have noted that exclusively named "gaijin" bars can become rowdy. The best time for experiencing Tokyo nightlife is on the weekend, since the scene quiets down on weeknights. Realize that many Tokyo bars are congested with tourists and hostesses and even faux patrons trying to convince you to visit their clubs. Shibuya nightclubs are noted for their more pleasant environment. Other areas of interest include Shinjuku, a red-light district, Ni-chome for gay bars and Shimokitawaza, which is popular for its live music. Tourists are advised to carry cash, since not all dining or drinking facilities accept credit cards.
Main Attractions in Tokyo
If you are looking for some impressive historical attractions then Tokyo has plenty. Among the most intriguing attractions are the temples of Asakusa, as well as the gardens of the Imperial Palace. There are also tours across the city such as "Classic Tokyo, Modern Tokyo" and "One day in Tokyo", for tourists interested in viewing one of the most important cities in mankind's history. The commercial centers for Tokyo shopping are tourist attractions all their own, while the Tokyo Tower gives you a nice view of the city from atop the eastern world. You and the family can also entertain yourselves by taking boat rides on the Sumida River, visiting well known theme parks such as LaQua at the Tokyo Dome or Tokyo Disneyland, or watch Japanese baseball at the Tokyo Dome to root on the Yomiuri Giants.
The most common means of transportation in Tokyo are by train and subway, which is considered the most extensive mass transit system worldwide, as well as by taxi, car, bus or ferry. Many tourists and locals travel by foot or by bicycle. One thing is for sure: there is plenty of traffic in this populated city, so avoid driving on your own if at all possible. Tokyo is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and well worth every yen. |
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