Since 10 Do's and Don'ts started late November 2010, we've covered cities in Europe, US, Africa, Australia, South America.
Asia had eluded me (Bankgok is in the works) until Eisei Saito agreed to contribute.
Eisei was born in Tokyo, spent one year in Vancouver as an exchange student and so far has traveled to 25 countries. His travels inspired him to create JapanTwo so that new visitors to Japan and expats alike don't get lost in translation and instead have a meaningful experience during their stay. They welcome your feedback as they don't want JapanTwo to be a one way conversation.
Eisei Saito takes us on a tour of Tokyo with his 10 Do’s and Don’ts.
Do’s
1. Take a walk in Shibamata. You can feel good old Showa period atmosphere in Shibamata, a calm historical place, in Tokyo. This place is famous for Taishakuten, an old temple, and setting of “Torasan”, one of Japan’s most famous TV drama series. Also recommended, a walk along river next to the city and taking a rowing boat.
2. Watch Sakura. If you visit Japan in late March or early April, you must go see Sakura, a cherry blossom event. Not only watching it, be part of Ohanami as well. Ohanami is a party under these flowers. Drink alcohol with friends and watch some beautiful flowers. It’s just wonderful time.
3. Eat sushi at Kampachi. Kampachi is a sushi restaurant in Okachimachi. Kampachi’s master makes unsurpassed quality sushi. He changes rice volume and amount of wasabi depending on fish to enhance taste. Not only taste but the atmosphere of the store is unique and kind. Lunch time will not be so expensive. Don’t go to tourist place sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, but do go Kampachi.
4. Go to Seta Onsen. Seta Onsen, or Seta hotsprings resort is placed near Futako-Tamagawa station, the station only 11 minutes away from Shibuya. They have both inside and outside bath so that you can feel seasons’ air. Also, men and women mixed bath (must wear swimsuit) is good.
5. Run/walk in Tokyo. There are many running tracks in Tokyo such as Imperial Palace circumference. Any city has both sides of modern and classic face. To really discover Tokyo, use your feet.
6. Shop at Akihabara. Akihabara is electric and anime town. Even if you don’t have any interest to either of these, it is fun to see the people coming to this place. If you do have interest, I would say this area is the best place to see electric products.
7. Watch fireworks festival. If you visit Japan in August, there will be fireworks festival every weekends. First fireworks in the world started in Edo period. It was a memorial service for people who died from plague, which means Japan’s fireworks festival has more than 100 years of history. Watch tasteful beauty in the sky in oriental atmosphere.
8. Drink Yamato Tea at Park Hyatt Tokyo. The hotel that was setting for movie “Lost in Translation”. Hotel has one of the best services in the world. The night view of Tokyo from the hotel’s lounge is brilliant! Only this hotel in Tokyo serves best green tea of 2010, Yamato Green Tea, which won award from Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
9. Do take a look at Shibuya 109. Inside of building is a whole new world. If you are a girl, you can spend 3,4 hours so easy for shopping. The place is always full house, people who hunt for latest fashions.
10. Take tour of Tsukiji Tuna Auction Show. You need to be an early bird for this as it starts before sunrise. Fish market of Tsukiji is pretty old; however, the place is sophisticated.
Don’ts
1. Don’t take a train during rush hour. Weekday mornings 8am to 9am, weekday nights 5pm to 6pm and 10pm to 12pm and Friday nights 11pm to 12pm. Yamanote line is horrible. It is better to stay away until you understand when and how people take the trains.
2. Don’t be late at everything. Japanese (except Okinawans) are very strict about the time. If you have arranged to meet with Japanese, don’t be late. They come 10 minutes prior of the time.
3. Don’t pay tip at the restaurant. You don’t have pay tip. If you get a bill, it is final bill. And, it is uncommon to pay at the table in Japanese restaurant. Bring your bill to cashier.
4. Don’t be too confident about Tokyo’s public peace. Tokyo is safer than any of other capitals in the world. But that does not mean you can walk around anywhere in midnight.
5. Don’t hesitate to ask Japanese. Most of people in Tokyo came from outside of Tokyo. They may have experienced same trouble with you. They look busy or not kind but actually they are not. They are just shy.
6. Don’t buy full price tickets in Japan. For foreign tourist, there are special transportation tickets such as “Japan Rail Pass” that allow you as many rides as you want in a week for 40,000 yen.
7. Don’t use Softbank service for your mobile phone in Tokyo metropolitan area, you won't be able to make a phone call or access to internet.
8. Don’t wear fancy shoes. Even using public transportations, you will walk a lot in Tokyo. Especially for girls, don’t ever think to wear high heeled shoes until you get used to Tokyo.
9. Don’t miss Tokyo’s fantastic foods. Tokyo is a gourmet city. There are plenty of great foods. Wagyu, cake, chocolate, etc. Even snacks in convenience store are outstanding.
10. Don’t miss any of the 10 Dos.
Previously: Strasbourg from Hanssen and Gretel to Winstubs, Eleonora's 10 Do's and Don'ts
(* All photos copyright Eisei Saito, used by permission)
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