TOKYO JAPAN,

is where the word perfectionist resides comfortably, as everything here is done perfectly. For instance, the best Kentucky Fried Chicken, I have ever had, was in Tokyo, as the Japanese are perfectionist, even in following a recipe. I lived in Tokyo for two years, and obviously, the one thing I miss the most in Tokyo, is indeed the authentic Japanese food. The chefs, cooks, and restaurants are all clean and neat, and Japanese food is everywhere in Tokyo, and that is what is especially nice about being in Tokyo, as all of the food is great!, Yes it is! … Also in relation to the food, this wonderful Japanese food is extremely healthy, and constantly at your fingertips, as you stroll through Shinjuku, or Meguro, and is extremely tasty and satisfying! as you pick up a box or packet here and there on your way home. Also what is nice about Tokyo is that Tokyo is quite similar to New York City, as there is a color-coded friendly subway system, with the city norm geared toward taking the subway and walking. So, … in summary here, … my point is, … why not … forget about the gruesome dieting, … just, … spend some time in Tokyo, … with the best suggested time … being of course during, … Cherry Blossom season. Just find a tree, … any tree, … unravel your blanket, … and sit your bottle down. Yes, … rest assure, that you should become more relaxed, healthier, as well as fit, … in no time.

 Introduction

Tokyo is fascinating! to say the least. I lived in Tokyo for a little more than two years, and I continue to miss the spectacular ‘authentic’ Japanese food there. I am going to ‘carve out’, a small piece (of Tokyo), for you to enjoy this trip, as well the means to adjust your itinerary as you please via the ‘template’ at the end of the reading.

Women should especially enjoy ….

What I especially loved about Tokyo, apart from the spectacular food, and ‘cleanliness culture’ of the country, was the … sense of feeling safe! If you are a USA female close to the category of “short statured”, you are not going to want to leave this level of comfort, found in Japan, in relation to a feeling of being safe, as yes, your ‘Chariot awaits’. As an American female, 5 feet 3 1/2

inches tall, I soon noticed after my arrival to Japan, that an urgent, invariable sense to be safe, that I naturally carry on my back in the US, .. had mysteriously vanished.

For a woman, especially travelling alone, … Tokyo is freeing, and comforting, as US women are much larger than the average Japanese man, and crime is almost nonexistent!

I mean, … for instance, … when I was having trouble sleeping at night in the wee hours, I would ‘alone’, just feel comfortable to go out onto the street for a short stroll. There were always neighbors, and older couples as well, walking, taking a casual walk, as the nights in Japan are quite elegantly beautiful, and peaceful as well. It was as though we were naturally mindful to not interrupt each other’s peaceful stroll in this again, … beautiful night.

The winding roadways, and the subtle faint, and quiet clicking of peoples heels upon the spiraling roadways added in the enjoyment of the stroll. Just people, … ‘in sync’, doing the same thing, enjoying a walk, … appreciating life, … just being present, … in the ‘wee’

hours of the night. Needless to say, … upon returning to my bed, … I would then simply sleep … like a baby.

OVERVIEW

Subway System

Navigation                                   

The last thing that you should be, … is intimidated is by Japan’s beautiful, efficient, ‘extremely user-friendly’ subway. I mean, the subway of Japan is so perfectly color – coded that it is not necessary that you know any of the Japanese language to understand the manner in which to navigate it, and it is always on time. It is almost within minutes that you realize that yes, it is indeed that easy! Thus, my point is that, getting accustomed to navigating Japan’s subway system should be the least of your concerns, trust me, as you find yourself pleasantly surprised when you do, … actually … get it … right away.

During my two years in Tokyo, I admired the freedom that many of the Japanese have in Japan, especially the kids. I mean, you see kids studying in the late evenings, and taking the subways alone without a hitch. It is not uncommon to see even small kids taking the subway alone to their destinations. Many US kids, … certainly do not have this manner of freedom, and independence, and I found it … quite interesting, to ponder in relation to the limited freedom that many US, kids have.

A Few Essentials

Personal Items

You want to especially bring your very own personal items with you to Tokyo. In this part of the world, it has been known that it is difficult to find large sized items, especially in Japan. I mean, notice that the size of the people are usually smaller than the size of people in some other countries. So for instance, in relation to gloves, or socks, … I suggest that USA American men, especially might consider bringing with them these items.

Again, USA men as well as women are usually larger than the average Japanese person. So, … my point is that, … if you wear socks, then be sure to bring plenty of… ‘your sized’… socks with you … to Japan, as in Japan, there is a strong possibility that you will not find socks in your specific size, … and chances are … you are going to need them!

A Little About The People

Japanese Women

There are very few woman in the world as attractive as the Japanese woman. Interestingly, there are, a few Japanese women who are, especially attracted to, US Black American men, as well as blond haired, blue eyed US American men.

Sadly, … I have witnessed, and heard of US American women traveling with their boyfriends to Tokyo, to soon leave Tokyo early, in tears, exiting for home, … without him.

  Language

In Tokyo many of the Japanese do speak English, though often – times you might find the people are a little shy to speak it as they have had little practice.

The Japanese are quite known to have a better command of American English grammar than many USA native English speakers.

The food

My first introduction to sushi, was a Japanese colleague/friend, among other friends taking me out to try sushi for the first time, before my leaving for Tokyo. They were excited to see what I thought of sushi. After trying it, I could not say whether I liked or disliked it. I felt that sushi was just sort of bland, as I had nothing really to compare it to, thus nothing much to say about it.

The second time that I had sushi, I enjoyed it, it was pleasant, comfortably different. The third time that I had sushi, is when I actually fell in love with it. I find sushi to be an acquired taste. I have now gone even further into enjoying sashimi, ‘just the raw fish, without the rice. The first bite, on an empty stomach, … knocks me back in my chair, every time.  I mean, … you can actually sense the goodness going throughout your body!

I prefer to eat sushi/sashimi on an empty stomach. For instance, if I had a great hamburger earlier in the day, that hamburger has the potential to deter the sushi/sashimi experience a little, and we do not want that.

I find sushi/sashimi, to be quite the experience. It’s like, after the first bite, you just have to sit back, and enjoy that bite, because that is what it is, … an experience. If you have never had sushi before, then you have another something in life, … quite interesting to look forward to, but one must possibly be patience in  allowing the food to, … cheers!

Authentic Noodles

Ordering Noodles

Try, to get in there, and order some of those great noodles that you see people woofing down as they stand!. Just go through the ticket purchasing, and wait at the bar, as these are the real authentic noodles, and you really do not want to miss this experience as these noodles are fantastic!

At the outset, … I was a bit intimidated in relation to the ordering process, … of putting money in the machine, and then hitting the correct button of what I wanted, … to then stand in the correct place, … in which to wait on my food. A Japanese woman working there, behind the counter, noticed my reluctance to enter the small quaint, extremely clean noodle shop. A woman came to my rescue, to patiently, and kindly show me the manner in which to order the noodles. I was in this shop every day after that, just to order, and enjoy these amazing authentic noodles made perfectly!

The experience of these noodles is even greater if you are well verse in the usage of chop sticks. Though I had the option to buy the beer from the ‘beer machines’, I would often buy the tea from the ‘tea machines’, and this tea was a delightful surprise as it too was sweetened just perfectly! Well, again this should not have been a surprise as we are in a society of perfection.

I was pleased that I had prepared ahead of time, my practice in eating with chop sticks, and so upon my two years in Tokyo, I was able to, from the outset, dive into enjoying the authentic food, thus gaining an even stronger command of the use of ‘Chop Sticks’ in the manner in which the Japanese do.

4 Popular Areas Of Tokyo

Roppongi

Restaurants/Clubs

A trip to Roppongi is certainly worthwhile, as it is an entertainment area where you find many locals, and tourist mingling. There are many foreigners visiting this area of Tokyo, as there is a strong Western appeal in Roppongi.   

  This area of Tokyo, of where you, especially as an American, can relax and take care of some “Jet Lag’, ‘home-sickness’, or just missing the ‘States’. Roppongi, is a place that various people from different countries are able to especially see the attention to detail that the Japanese are great in getting something done correctly!, in relation to the Japanese’s culture of perfection.

For instance, visit the ‘jazz’, ‘reggae’, stores, and note their inventory. The clerks are knowledgeable about the subject, and take pride in showing you/playing for you, sharing with you, much of what they have in stock.

The Japanese clerk will be more than pleased to accompany you there, thus play tunes from their extended library. My point is that, I do not believe that it is possible for you to request to hear a tune, and them not have it readily available as they will have every artists, and then more. You are in for a delightful time here.

Serious Major Culture Shock

If you are grappling with some serious major ‘culture shock’, …  then just stay in, ‘curl up’ among a few ‘upbeat videos’ back to back’. My favorite is ‘Sex in the city’ with Beyoncé singing, ‘In New York’.

You might want to limit your time in Roppongi, as it is very ‘Westernized’, … it is as though you are actually in the US, … and your trip was indeed destined for time in Tokyo, …was it not?.

Shinjuku

You must spend some time in Shinjuku, as this is Tokyo’s … ‘Time Square’, (Takashimaya Times Square). You will find gay bars, straight bars, all types of bars, and restaurants, and entertainment among the pretty night lights of Tokyo. If you decide to go it alone, It is certainly quite safe. Though there is mention of the ‘Mafia’, and here you should have ‘no worries’ as you should never have any contact with it, … just conduct yourself as you would in your home country in relation to safety, and you should have no problems.

Also note, that the Japanese culture consist of some respect in relation to ‘bowing’, though as you are not Japanese, and never will be, and do not wish to be, … the Japanese do not expect you to perform a perfect bow, thus a short bow showing an indication of respecting the culture, is more than enough. For instance, if an American were to try, and perform a very low perfect bow, it would actually be considered a bit rude, as again, you are not Japanese, you do not have an indebt knowledge of the Japanese culture, in relation to preforming a perfect bow.

The Japanese do … strongly believe in the saying; “When in Rome, Do As The Romans Do”. The Japanese do expect us to respect their country when we are visiting. Respecting another’s country is certainly not much to ask, now is it?  For instance, occasionally you might encounter various ‘placards’ with rules in which to ride the subway in a safe, as well as respectful manner for everyone.

Ginza

It is time to go shopping, … in one of the best places in the world to shop, …  GINZA! Ginza, is where you find ‘upscale’ boutiques, cocktail, and sushi bars, as well as nightclubs, cafes, and art galleries. In other words, Ginza, is the area of overall fine entertainment!

You can enjoy, … fine Japanese art in Ginza, as well as carve out a piece of your time, …  to relax in the ‘Hamarikyu Gardens’. So, once you arrive in Ginza, you will find yourself simply, … surrounded by, … Luxury!, … enjoy.

 

 

Shibuya

     Is basically, the supreme finance, and commercial area of Tokyo, …  as it also has running through it, both rail stations, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station. Shibuya, is especially known for its, … ‘Shibuya Crossing’, in relation to the incredible ‘shuffle’ that takes place at the switching of the red light, opening the street for the flood of pedestrians to safely cross.

Needless to say, this is one of, if not, the busiest streets in Tokyo. Shibuya, is Tokyo’s street fashion center, and is invariably crowded with young people. The fashion of, … ‘jeans, coupled with a white shirt’ emerged in Shibuya. There are indeed fine restaurants in Shibuya, such as the popular ‘Kobe Beef Teppanya’,  the ‘Kaikaya By the Sea’, and the ‘Sushi no Midori’ to name a few. Interestingly, the meaning of Shibuya is, ‘quiet valley’.

Drinking

Unlike in the USA, ‘drunkenness’, in Tokyo is not frowned upon. It is actually expected that teachers occasionally go out, and have a drink with their students, as it would be considered rude not to accept the invitation to do so, at least once.

In Tokyo, there is an emphasis on the saying, ‘When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do’. For instance, it is a bit rude to get drunk, and act in a defiant manner, and disrespect the rules on the subway. I read that some American young men, felt comfortable to get drunk, and swing through the subway seating as though the seating was monkey bars in an amusement park. This behavior would certainly be frowned upon.

                                         

Television

It is a good idea to take some time to watch a little Television in Tokyo. Notice how the majority of the televised programming is positive, happy, upbeat, at times appearing quite ‘childish’.

Jet Lag

To help with the offset of ‘Jet Lag’, I suggest not drinking any alcohol on the plane, and to eat sparingly. My goal was to get a row of seats in which to sleep the hours away, and to rise upon my landing into Tokyo. I mean, you have just traveled many miles around the world, away from your home country, thus ‘culture shock’, ‘home – sickness’, and possibly a bit of ‘anxiety’ is waiting just around the corner for you.

Leaving Tokyo

Laboratory

When I was in Japan, I constantly looks for the ‘western’ style of toilets to relieve myself. I had difficulty getting accustomed to the Japanese bathroom, so I found myself constantly seeking out these ‘rare’ westernized toilets. The longer I stayed in Tokyo, the further away these westernized toilets became. Eventually, I just began to have little choice in the matter. Interestingly, months prior to my leaving Tokyo I knew that I would miss the Japanese style of toilets as eventually the body adapts, you adjust, and realize that it is a much healthier manner of relieving oneself.

I also knew that I would miss leaving the floor of the ‘tatami mat’ to arise to meet the mornings. I mean, just these two items is a bit of a work out. The body simply adapts, and it is no longer the “work out’, that it once was, …initially. I do strongly believe that the Japanese way is a much healthier way!

Cultural Comforts

I mean in just a little while I became adjusted to pushing myself off the tatami mat, to simply stand without previous push that was needed. I guess, I had unknowingly, … naturally built some agility as well as muscle. The human body is such a ‘Marvel’! thus I soon realized that I do indeed prefer the Japanese manner of sleeping on the tatami mat, over the western method, of sleeping.

I lived in Tokyo for two years, and for those years I only saw glitter, among beautiful lights. I believe that this is similar to some people first impressions of my home, the US, as usually it take about two years before you began to see which is just at the time when one begins to look naturally look past the glitter and glamour, of Tokyo, to see that yes, just as in the U.S.A., Japan has its ‘homeless’ as well.

 

A Few Popular Restaurants

Ise Sueyoshi 4.8 – For refined Japanese palates, intimate, multi course meals. Minato City, Nishiazabu, 4 Chrome – 2 – 15

+81 3 6427 2314

Den 4.4 – Shibuya City, Jingumae, 2 Chrome – 3 – 18 Tokyo Japan            +81 3 6455 5433

Nabezo Shinjuku Meiji Dori 4.4 – Shinjuku City, Tokyo Japan                        +81 3 5362 7792

A Few Popular Temple’s

Interestingly, there are over 4,000 shrines, and temples in Tokyo. Japanese people visit Shinto shrines in which to give respect or to pray for good fortune. What follows is a few of the most popular …

The Meiji Temple

This is the most popular Shrine in Tokyo, and is located: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho,  Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan     +81 3 3379 5511

The Nezu Shrine – houses within it, almost 2000 years of Japanese history. This shrine is located not far from the Ueno park: 1 Chrome – 28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113 – 0031, Japan     + 81 3 3822-0753

The Zojoji Temple – This Buddhist temple is located

4 Chrome – 7- 35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105 – 0011, Japan      + 81 3 -3432-1431

The Sensoji Temple – is one of Tokyo’s oldest temples, and is located in Asakusa: 2 Chrome -3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan   +81 3 3842 0181

Tokyo’s Disney & Sea Theme Parks

 

Tokyo Disney Resort*

   Is located, just east of Tokyo, … 1 – Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan. This theme parks nickname is (TDR). Of course prices may vary though roughly speaking, … one day pass costs, about 9,400 yen. For a child the cost is around 5,600 yen, and a junior child is around 7,500 yen.

From Tokyo’s Narita airport, … the drive is about 40 minutes. Food menus are indeed in English.

Tokyo Disney Sea*

   Is located, … 1 – 13 Maihama, Urayasu. Is a fantastic theme park as well that is sort of known to cater to families with somewhat older children, as well as adults seeking a bit of a thrill. In a nutshell, … the attractions as well as rides are a bit faster, so hold on!  Food menus are in English.

                               (One way To Get There)

From Shinjuku Station

At the ‘Express Bus terminal’, … you may take the ‘Express’ bus to, the Disneyland Park, as well as the Disney Sea Park. Both are a distance of between, 40 or 50 minutes.

                                      An Excursion

Kyoto

     Is a city that is a ‘Must Visit’ as it rests peacefully on the island of Honshu, and was once interestingly, the capital of Japan. Shinto Shrines, as well as traditional wooden houses, and gardens are everywhere, in this grand city of various surrounding, awesome ‘breathtaking’ beauty!

                                 How To Get There

From the Narita Airport, … you want to take the ‘Narita Express train’ into Tokyo, … then you transfer to the shinkansen bullet train headed directly to Kyoto.

You should arrive in Kyoto in under 4 hours. Your expected arrival should be in the vicinity of about, … three, and one half hours for your arrival into Kyoto.

                                ‘COVID UPDATE’

 

As these restrictions vary from time to time, I would suggest checking periodically for the latest information in relation to updates in relation to keeping up with the latest information in this area.

Unfortunately, as of August 24, 2022, tourist continue to not be allowed into the country, unless they are a part of an authorized tour group. Though, … fortunately, Japan is expected to reopen to foreign travelers, in the coming months.

Note: I am sure that after the read, you have a general ideal of how you would like to spend your short stay in Tokyo. Thus, … the following are simply suggestions. Have Fun!

  3 Day ITINERARY  

                                    

If you are not taking the tour where your breakfast and lunch is possibly included … then below are some suggestions on the manner in which you might consider organizing a full, enjoyable 3 days, in Tokyo Japan.

 Day 1

Shibuya

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Temple

 Day 2

                                          Shinjuku

 

Breakfast

 

Lunch

 

Dinner

 

Temple

 

                                               Day 3

                                               Ginza

 

Breakfast

 

Lunch

 

Dinner

 

Temple