Friday, November 09, 2007

Tokyo Trip Tips!

Just back from Virgin Vacations Tokyo At Its Best package and what a holiday it was!  Thought I’d share a few tips like where to get great Sushi, where to get some peace and quiet and how to navigate the subway system!

  • Sushi – Of course, if you are visiting Japan, you need to taste the authentic sushi.  A concierge at our hotel recommended going to the Tsukiji fish market to witness their huge tuna auction.  While it required being there at 5:30, it was pretty cool.  Afterwards, we went to the Sushi Bun restaurant for breakfast – what a fabulous way to start our day!
  • Finding Peace Amongst The Hustle and Bustle – Tokyo can be overwhelming simply because of the massive numbers of trains, cars and people.  To have a peaceful moment during your journey, consider visiting the Asakura Sculpture Hall.  What an elegant studio featuring traditional tatami-mat rooms showcasing the tools that Fumio Asakura used to make his famed sculptures.  The studio also features an inner water garden complete with wooden walkways to help you explore.
  • Use The Subway – A friend of mine recently went to Japan and she shied away from the subway system because she’d heard it was complicated and difficult to use.  Since taxis are terribly expensive and I was on a budget, I decided to give the subway a go and I found it to be relatively easy!  There were English signs at the stations and you just need to allow yourself plenty of time to figure out the extensive subway maps.  One word of advice, rush hour is insane, so don’t venture out until after nine in the morning if you are planning to use the subway.
  • Try Ramen – Our concierge also recommended trying ramen – a traditional dish of noodles served in broth with toppings like bamboo shoots, fish eggs, pork slices, and green onions.  The restaurant we visited was called Jangara Ramen and thankfully, they had English menus.

Japan is a vacation experience like no other.  Tokyo is such a unique city and I loved the culture, the vibrancy and the unending things to see and do!  I hope you get a chance to visit!

Posted by William on 11/09 at 11:22 AM
Travel Tips • Permalink
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