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2018
1
November
What cultural attractions should two non-Japanese males see in Tokyo in September?

Question:

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Eddie

Hi everyone. Two adult males going to Tokyo in September. What’s worth seeing and what not worth the time to go see. Looking for cultural things and just all around fun things to do. Note: neither of us are Japanese or speak Japanese. Thanks in advance.

Humans say...

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Cameron

https://www.japan-guide.com/

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Jono

*

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Jim

Download the Hyperdia app for the subway & trains. It's free for a month. Will save you from a lot of headaches.

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Tara

We rented a pocket wifi and it was very helpful. Also using the takkyubin (https://www.kanpai-japan.com/.../takkyubin-sending-luggage) services was great, they even held are bags for the day because our flights left at night. Getting a Suica or Pasmo card made public transit really easy (https://tokyocheapo.com/.../pasmo-suica-cards-tokyo-travel/).
In Tokyo we enjoyed:
* Tokyo Metropolitin Building
* FAB Cafe (https://fabcafe.com/tokyo/)
* Tokyu Hands stores
* Edo Museum
* Asakusa area
* Kappabashi Street (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3020.html)
* Ueno Park
Plus we really just enjoyed wandering around and just discovering new things.

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Tara

Oh and prepare for lots of walking on hard surfaces. The next time I go I'll probably bring the most comfortable shoes I can find (Sketchers!) and plan for some activities that don't involve me on my feet quite so constantly like day trips with bus rides, movies, or theatre.

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Maria

Tara I agree on getting pocket wifi, it was awesome. I pre-ordered mine online from Sakura mobile and picked it up at Narita when I landed. So convenient!

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Adrienne

Get the book or just visit online Tokyo Cheapo for great tips. I’ve been to Tokyo 6 times and would agree with the above comments except I’d add if you go to the Edo Museum, go to the information desk on the second floor. Volunteers do English tours and they’re usually excellent. Also, in Ueno park is the Shitamachi Museum, which is really good and also will have free English guide. You need not worry about speaking English, all train and subway announcements will also be in English. You’ll likely be approached by kindly people studying English and offering their help.
I’d also suggest visiting Yanaka, which was an area not destroyed by the earthquake or WWII bombing. I’d also suggest visiting the shrines in Asakusa (go early) and Meiji shrine. Perhaps book a good tour of the fish market?

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Marie

Fish tour is at sunrise

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Brian

Pocket WiFi and Google Maps got me around Japan no problem. Conveyor Belt sushi is the way to go! Cheap and English menu. Don't even need to talk to anyone until you have to pay.

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Yoshimi

Fish market! They are supposed to move to the other location soon and it won't be the same...they have lots of small stores/restaurants around it too. http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm

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Ged

I recommend Tsukiji Fish Market too. Since you’ll have jet-lag anyway, go on ur first day, very early, it’s all over by 8/9am. To see the live Tuna auction, I think I lined up just after midnight, it’s so popular & restricted numbers allowed in.

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Madeline

Definitely try to see a Sumo match if there is one happening during your visit! And if you go elsewhere in Japan, Kyoto is magical.

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Jacob

I did
MariCar in Tokyo and had a blast, but you need to get your international driver's permit in advance. It's about $20 at BCAA and takes a few minutes to do the paperwork.

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Rebecca

Did MariCar from Shinagawa in Oct, so much fun!!

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Shawn

Maricar! Super fun!

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Matt

VR arcade

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Ming

Senso-ji Temple (Buddhist) and Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shinto).
Tsukiji Fish Market.
I suggest skipping the Skytree observation tower (long lines). If you want a panoramic view of the city, you can do the same thing at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (it's free, and the lines are much shorter).
I do recommend renting a portable wifi, or getting a local SIM card because public wifi is not readily available in Tokyo.
You shouldn't have too much difficulty with language. The vast majority of the locals I met in Tokyo had a reasonable working English vocabulary. Enough to get directions to where ever you need to go. If in doubt, look for a Police Koban (cubicle) and they will be quite happy to help.
If you are going to use a smart phone to navigate around the city, bring an external battery pack. I found I was draining the power in my cellphone in about 5-6 hours. Or find a McDonalds (many have wall sockets where you can recharge).

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Marlene

Pocket wifi the greatest. I was there in April. Solo senior female and had no problems getting around. The only time I used google translate was in a bakery or deli at lunch time to translate the signs. Japan is a wonderful destination

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Anthony

Ping Pong... that is all.

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Ted

Shinjuku

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Sherry

.*

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Shy

.

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Ted

I keep getting notifications about stars. What does a star mean? Rock star?

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Danza

People * ... to follow the conversation.. so anytime there is a comment they can follow

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Phil

People who are too lazy to follow a thread the proper way by opening the menu and turning on notifications.

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Phil

Judging from your profile pic, you may be a bit of a petrolhead, in which case I highly recommend the History Garage and Megaweb. It's been awhile since I was there, but it was interesting.

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Sandy

F

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Jay

Definitely Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. A true Tokyo experience! Also Shidax if you want to experience an epic karoake bar.

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Eric

Instead of pocket wifi I ordered a SIM card - http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/index.html or https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card (this one comes with a phone number). Less stuff to haul around with this option though it's less data.

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Andrew

Odaiba lost to see here including a hugh gangnam

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Ian

https://maricar.com/en/akihabara.html

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Lynne

Tokyo disney seas is an awesome day As is Disneyland

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Nathan

Toyota Headquarters in Odiba is free and definitely worth a look. There is also a test track if you have an international license.

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Ming

If you're in Tokyo in September, I might suggest catching a pro baseball game. It's a different fan experience than north american baseball. Especially if you can get seats near the cheering sections.
They have 5 pro teams in and around the Tokyo area
Tokyo Giants
Yakult Swallows
Lotte Marines
Seibu Lions
Yokohama BayStars

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Andrew

Giants Vs Tigers is wicked fun if they're in town. Go Tigers!

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Ged

For temples & shrines do the central Tokyo ones of Meiji-jingu & Senso-ji shrines but also day trips to Kamakura, Nikko(both can be done on JR’s Kanto area pass. For great less visited ones in the Kanto area, look up Narita-san & Mount Nokogiri.

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Charles

Golden Gai and the red light district of shinkuku on a early Friday evening

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Amy

Definitely the “Odaiba” , joypolis, Shinjuku , Tsukiji Fish Market is a must if you are a foodie !

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Amy

Kabuki

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Amy

Hats juju

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Amy

Tre dessert is awesome

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Rebecca

Tsukiji market, odaiba, Tokyo tower, Tokyo station, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Shibuya, harajuku, sensoji temple... https://www.japan-guide.com

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Shino

On the very first night, you probably wake up super early. If that happens, go to Tsukiji fish market. It opens very early in the morning. I've just done this with my family. There are several subway lines you could take.

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Amanda

There is so much to do but I recommend just finding some people, a couple of bars, and some serious all night karaoke. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of people.

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Mike

.

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Preston

Robot bar in Shinjuku, maricart (go cart around Tokyo)

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Sherry

maricart!! book the one in the afternoon so you can have daylight and night time experience. also , nissin cup noodle museum. too many things to list but have fun!!


A.I. says...

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Top Sights and Activities in Tokyo for Non-Japanese Visitors

Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and excitement. As two adult males planning a trip to Tokyo in September, you'll find a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. Here are some highlights worth considering:

Cultural Experiences

  • Sensoji Temple: This ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. Stroll through the bustling Nakamise shopping street, visit the main hall, and experience the traditional atmosphere.
  • Imperial Palace and East Gardens: The Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. While the palace itself is not open to the public, you can explore the beautiful East Gardens and gain insights into Japan's imperial history.
  • Meiji Shrine: Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, this Shinto shrine is a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and observe traditional rituals.

Modern Attractions

  • Tokyo Skytree: At 634 meters tall, the Tokyo Skytree is one of the world's tallest towers. Take in panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation decks or explore the nearby Asakusa district.
  • Shibuya Crossing: Witness the famous "scramble crossing" in Shibuya, where pedestrians from all directions converge in a choreographed dance when the lights turn green.
  • Akihabara: Also known as "Electric Town," Akihabara is a haven for tech enthusiasts, anime fans, and gamers. Explore the neon-lit streets, browse through the countless electronics and anime shops, and immerse yourself in Japan's pop culture.

Nightlife and Entertainment

  • Shinjuku Golden Gai: This maze-like area in Shinjuku is home to tiny bars and izakayas (Japanese pubs), each with its own unique atmosphere. Explore the narrow alleys and experience the local drinking culture.
  • Robot Restaurant: For an over-the-top and quirky experience, check out the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. This unique show features dazzling lights, music, and performers dressed as robots and monsters.
  • Karaoke: No trip to Japan is complete without trying karaoke. Rent a private room with your friend and belt out your favorite tunes while enjoying drinks and snacks.

While language barriers may present some challenges, Tokyo is a relatively tourist-friendly city, and many attractions and restaurants cater to international visitors. Don't be afraid to ask for help or use translation apps when needed. Embrace the cultural differences, keep an open mind, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the vibrant city of Tokyo.









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