Leaving for Tokyo in 7 hours, suggestions?

EverettKings · #1 03-10-2007, 11:08 PM

In 7 hours I leave for Tokyo for a week, but really only have one full day free to do stuff. I haven't been east of Barcelona and have zero knowledge of Japanese culture or foods or language, so I'm pretty much lost and looking for suggestions for how to best make use of the day.

Thoughts on:

General sightseeing -- buildings, parks, streets, markets, whatever, just something to get a feel for the place. Not real big on 'touristy' stuff. Really just like to see what life is like there.

Food -- preferrably some 'safe' dishes that I'll probably like, as well as some more adventurous ideas. I'm pretty much a sushi noob but wouldn't mind a quality suggestion for that.

Cool [censored] -- Anything technology/electonics related (I mean it's Japan), ridiculous things to do or general suggestions for fun activities.

Stuff -- Anything cool worth buying that's either exclusive to Japan or just really cheap to buy there. Also recommendations for gifts to bring back for friends/family.

6 hrs 45 mins left, hit me

KidLifeCrisis · #2 03-10-2007, 11:20 PM

1. Plan ahead of time.

bwana devil · #3 03-10-2007, 11:29 PM

[ QUOTE ]
1. Plan ahead of time.

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this would be my first suggestion as well.

Killua · #4 03-10-2007, 11:22 PM

Drink some Aquarius, should be available in every vending machine, that [censored] is addictive and good.

ElDuque · #5 03-10-2007, 11:23 PM

Don't do it.

EverettKings · #6 03-10-2007, 11:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Drink some Aquarius, should be available in every vending machine, that [censored] is addictive and good.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ermm... is that water?

bottomset · #7 03-10-2007, 11:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Drink some Aquarius, should be available in every vending machine, that [censored] is addictive and good.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ermm... is that water?

[/ QUOTE ]

Wiki

kmak · #8 03-10-2007, 11:23 PM

Sounds like a business trip, meaning you will likely have Japanese hosting you. If you are eating with Japanese hosts, never ask what the food is until after you eat it. MUCH easier that way. Let them order for you, you will try things you would never order on your own.

Make sure you start your day with a western breakfast at your hotel. May be the last attractive food you see all day.

If you are looking for a safe meal, chinese-style noodle house is excellent.

If you are drinking with Japanese, never fill your own glass, let them do it; fill theirs for them. If you have had enough, leave your glass sitting full (if you empty it, they will refill it).

It has been a while since I have been to Tokyo, so any nighttime or shopping suggestions would be dated.

bwana devil · #9 03-10-2007, 11:29 PM

is there a Pei Wei near where youre staying?

seriously my favorite thing to do, especially on a limited time and especially since you didnt specify where exactly youre staying (not that i know tokyo), is to just get a feel for the culture by setting out and seeing what the neighborhoods are like and eating in the local restaurants.

you can see a lot of interesting things and meet a lot of people this way and you wont be around the typical american/european tourists.

dont eat at hotels, large restuarants, go to malls, etc. walk the 2-3 blocks off the main street and start there.

EverettKings · #10 03-10-2007, 11:33 PM

Staying at Tokyo Bay Hilton, if that helps.

As I said, I only have one free day, whereas with a free week I'd obviously do serious planning. I have a friend in the city who was supposed to be free all day to show me around, but cancelled. So I'm left to my own devices.

Whats a Pei Wei?