|
|
A timely thread, I'm also planning a return trip to Japan in May!
We visited Japan last year, Tokyo for the most part with a trip out to the Izu Peninsula for a stay in a Ryokan (traditional Inn, complete with Kimonos, hot springs and 10 course dinner), so cant offer any tips for your first three locations, other than to check youtube; there are loads of english speaking vloggers based in Japan.
Tsukiji fish market is indeed quite an experience, the largest in the world allegedly. The site in Tokyo has been slated for closure for a while now, but hold ups at the new site means it's stayed put. The actual fish auction (inner market) for traders is in the early hours of the morning, and is limited and ticketed. The outer market is open for much longer, and is absolutely packed with stalls, traders and restaurants selling the freshest sushi possible. I'm not normally a massive fan of sashimi (raw fish) but the fatty tuna we had was just incredible! There's plenty to see and taste even if you don't make it to the auction.
 Tokyo 2017 (1 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/254hpES] Tokyo 2017 (3 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
If you've not been to Tokyo before, it's layout is different to a lot of cities. Because it's so vast, there's no real city centre, but lots of distinct areas. For example, Ginza is the premium shopping area with high end shops, Akihabara is where you go for electronics or Manga or Shibuya for Japanese youth culture, entertainment and "that" crossing.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FsUcAa] Tokyo 2017 (6 of 23).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
You're never too far from a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, and the large Meji shrine in Shibuya or Asakusa are both worth a visit. A lot of Japanese people are spiritual and welcome visitors to join in. For example, at the Asakusa shrine we used the fortune sticks (if it's bad luck, you can tie it to the railings to leave it behind, or keep hold of it if it's good luck), lit incense, cleansed ourselves and offered prayers following the traditional ritual.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GZk57L] Tokyo 2017 (5 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GZk5Ku] Tokyo 2017 (6 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
Of course, we didn't know how to do any of this, which brings me to a top tip. Have a look at TOKYO FREE GUIDE - Volunteer Tour Guide Service in Tokyo. This is a brilliant service, where locals volunteer their time to show tourists their city. You enter your details, the dates you are interested in, and the type of things you would like to see (traditional culture, food and drink, modern Tokyo etc). They then try to match you up with a guide who has that experience and is available on your dates. You don't pay, and tipping is frowned upon in Japan. You will of course be expected to pay any travel or entry fees for your guide, which is a price well worth paying for the insights a local can offer. We were paired with a lovely woman called Masako, who taught us the rituals at shrines, helped us explore parts of the city and picked out an excellent restaurant based on our preferences, ordered everything in Japanese and explained about the meal. Highly recommended.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FsUv5P] Tokyo 2017 (12 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
Another activity to consider is visiting a Sumo stable to watch a mornings training. There are agents that have arrangements with stables where - provided you follow the rules - are allowed to watch the wrestlers in action.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/243f2dC] Tokyo 2017 (2 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22n1391] Tokyo 2017 (5 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
Some will also allow you to pose awkwardly for photo's with the wrestlers after training has finished.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FsTx38] Tokyo 2017 (6 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL]
As you are there for a few days, I would have a look at getting a passmo card (Japanese Oyster card) to save time using the underground - which is all you need to get round the city. A lot of places won't take cards, there's a preference for cash so stock up before you go.
No matter where you go, what you do, or who you meet, I'd bet a hefty sum you'll have a great time! Tokyo is an incredible city, but you can really get the most out of your time there with a bit of planning on where to visit. I carried a DSLR around with me nearly the full trip and never once felt anything but perfectly safe.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GZj12d] Tokyo 2017 (1 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr[/URL] |
|
2-12-2019 07:03:06
Author