WORLD ASIA JAPAN TOKYO


Diveshops in Tokyo:

Tokyo

Understand

Over 400 years old, the city of Tokyo grew from the modest fishing village of Edo (江戸). The former seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Imperial family moved to the city after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The metropolitan center of the country, Tokyo is the destination for business, education, modern culture, and government. (That's not to say that rivals such as Osaka won't dispute those claims.)

Culture
Tokyo is so vast that it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's districts vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the hyperactive youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the subway and head to the next one — you may find something entirely different.

That said, the sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a terribly ugly jungle of concrete and wires, with a sensory overload of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through bewilderingly complex stations. Don't try to do too much or get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: a big part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and finding little urban oases, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things and sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate). It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will do their best to help if you just ask.

Language
It's easier than ever for English speakers to navigate their way around Tokyo without speaking any Japanese. Signs at subway and train stations include the station names in romaji (Romanized characters). There are also many districts of Tokyo (such as Roppongi) with establishments that cater specifically to gaijin (foreigners). Once you've decided to venture beyond the gaijin scene, however, the language barrier is more likely to become a problem, so it can be helpful to know some tips for ordering in restaurants, shopping in stores, and asking for directions. Learning katakana is not difficult and most words written with it can be understood by English speakers so it can be useful even for people with no Japanese vocabulary. If you plan on asking for directions to Tokyo destinations, it especially helps to carry the name of the destination written in Japanese characters.

Expenses
The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities. Visitors from San Francisco, New York, London, Paris or even Vancouver will not be at all surprised. Travelers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city in Europe or North...



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Hotels in Tokyo
 Sakura Hotel Score 5.875 from 4 reviews
2-21-4 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku 5.88/10
Bar : Three Hundred Bar Breakfast for 400 yen ... more
 
 Dai-ichi Inn Ikebukuro Score 8.35 from 18 reviews
1-42-8 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku 8.35/10
Check out over charge: Until 14:00, 30% / Until 17:00, 50% / After 17:00, 100% ... more
 
 Hotel Strix tokyo Score 7.95 from 97 reviews
2-3-1 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku 7.95/10
Parking : 18 parking spaces (1,500 yen / height 1.55m, width 1.72m) Check out over charge : Until 14:00, 30% / Until 17:00, 50% / After 17:00, 100% ... more
 
 Sumisho Hotel Score 7.35 from 25 reviews
9-14 Nihonbashi Kobune-cho, Chuo-ku 7.35/10
Pets : Pets are allowed (we don't have facility for pet. It is in the range of self-responsibility. If pet causes trouble or there is remarkable stain and damage, you may go out hotel and pay ransom.) Check out over charge : Until 15:00, 30% / Until 17:00, 50% / After 17:00, 100% ... more
 
Retreat HAMAMATSUCHO Score 0 from 0 reviews
1-8-18 Shiba Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan 0/10
By Train: 4 minute walk from the south exit of JR Hamamatsucho Station. Use the passage that connects with Toshiba Building. 7 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on Tokyo Monorail. 8 minute walk from Daimon Station on Toei Asakusa Subway Line. By Car: Exit from Shiba Koen Ramp on the Metropolitan Expressway. ... more
 
More hotels in Tokyo

Cityrama Tokyo Afternoon Tour - Tokyo Tower Observatory, Asakusa, Ginza 3.5 hours

Imperial Palace See Tokyo in an afternoon. This three and a half hour tour includes the following highlights:

Tokyo Tower
Enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo from its main observatory

National Diet Building (Drive by)
Drive past the Japanese Capitol (the House of Parliament).

Imperial Palace Plaza
Enjoy a short photo stop at the outer garden of the Palace.

Asakusa Kannon Temple
The oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo

Nakamise Shopping Street
A promenade section called Nakamise-dori is basically both sides of narrow, paved entranceway to the temple crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops.

Ginza Shopping District
The most celebrated shopping and amusement area. Tour disbands on arrival at Ginza (Hibuya).

All passengers receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo! Click here for more information and Booking Details


Kyoto temples and shrines

Kyoto temples and shrines


Kyoto is full of historical temples and shrines because it was the old capital of Japan. The best way to travel around Kyoto is by foot and bus. At the main train station in Kyoto, one can easily find a map and information on the bus routes including many of the historical buildings and tourist attractions. The bus station is right outside of the train station and all that needs to be done is buy a day pass and use the bus to get around following the map. A lot of the sites are close together so it is easy to walk around from one to the other.

Kiyomizu Dera is one of the more popular temples to visit. Before you leave this temple that is on a hill, it is tradition to drink the water that comes from the mountain tops. You will notice this exiting at the bottom (different from the main entrance). It is best to go when the weather is moderately warm and the sun is out especially to see the Golden Temple.

type:Hotspots


Tokyo Bay Cruise, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Temple 8 hours

Kaminarimon Gate Asakusa

Board the 'Symphony', the modern and luxurious ship, for an optional lunch (buffet or fixed Italian menu) and a two-hour cruise passing by Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba fortifications, Fuji TV station, Martime Museum, Haneda Airport and much more!

Tour highlights include:

  • Tokyo Tower Observatory - Enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo
  • Imperial Palace Plaza - enjoy a short photo stop at the outer garden of the Palace
  • Akihabara - an electric appliances and computers discount shopping center (Drive through)
  • Ueno - noted for its park and market area 'Ameyoko' for bargain shopping (Drive through)
  • Asakusa Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji or Sensoji) and Nakamise Shopping Street - The oldest and most popular temple in Tokyo. A promenade section called Nakamise-dori is basically both sides of narrow, paved entranceway to the temple crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops.
  • Mitsuo Aida Museum - As a brush-and-ink calligrapher and poet, Mitsuo Aida continued to pursue his own words and his own calligraphy. You can feel the value of his works physically and emotionally.

Click here for more information and Booking Details


Nihon Sankei

The Three Views of Japan: they are Miyajima, Amanohashidate and Matsushima. Don't expect majestic scenery, for the beauty is much more subtle.

Miyajima is famous for the floating red torii gate. Of course, depending on the timeeee you visit, you might find it lodged in the mud. You get to the island by taking a ferry from Miyajima-guchi, which is on the local line from Hiroshima.

Amanohashidate is the pine tree-lined sand-spit. You are meant to see it, by bending over, and seeing it framed by your legs. The "bridge to heaven" then floats, as you try to achieve some stability. You can get there by train from Kyoto station. JR Rail Pass holders will note that there is an additional supplement for the private leg of the train journey.

Matsushima is a collection of pine laden islets, sitting on a bay. You get there by taking the local train from Sendai to Matsuhima Kaigan station.

type:Hotspots




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