Wheelsatc From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 111 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (8 years 4 months 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 745 times:
Hey, also returned from Japan on 7th Jan and I am going again on 10th March. I have been a number of times so feel free to contact me with your questions.
Flybyguy From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 1791 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (8 years 4 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 688 times:
I went in June of last year. Wonderful place with mostly friendly people... they love foreigners! The people my age are a bit on the wild side when it comes to fashion and hair styles. You must go to Ginza and the Tokyo Fish Market (forget the Japanese name for it, but it's huge and is lined with restaurants that sell fully prepared seafood meals to businessmen). I took a picture of myself with a giant tuna head! At one of those restaurants, my friends tricked me into eating soup with a shrimp head in it.
There are 4 taxicab companies (I think), orange, green, white and black with slightly different fares. The neat part about them is that they have automatic doors... so watch your fingers!
If you plan on using the subway lines alot... I suggest that you use the Japan Rail Pass. However, I think there are several rail companies which serve Tokyo so your choices in destination may be limited. However, it is quite convenient, not to mention cheap to use if you plan on traveling to other cities like Osaka or Kyoto via Shinkansen (A really, really awesome ride... it's like a jet on the ground and it is very comfortable even when you're not in a Green Car). I highly recommend Kyoto due to it's many, many beautiful temples and it's a great place to pick up some traditional mementos (pottery, swords etc.) Tokyo may be a bit more pricy and tacky when it comes to souvenirs. If you do decide to take a sword home remind your store clerk to write you a replica authentication form for the Japanese airport customs. They will not let you leave the country with a real, sharpened sword unless you apply for a government permit (but real swords are really expensive 90,000 yen or so) Replicas are cheaper and easier to take out of the country.
That's all I can think of for now...
"Are you a pretender... or a thoroughbred?!" - Professor Matt Miller
Swissgabe From Switzerland, joined Jan 2000, 5265 posts, RR: 36 Reply 5, posted (8 years 4 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 636 times:
Came back on the 13th from another trip to Tokyo. Have been there several times and it is a great place, not only for spotting.
Have been at NRT, HND, ITM, KIX, FUK & KOJ for spotting so far.
Would say ITM is one of the best places as you have view on the runway quite good. HND is fun too. KOJ is also a nice place, especially because you see lots of small planes (mainly JAC).
If you need any details on Tokyo (where to stay and how to travel around) check out my travel forum on my website.
cheers
Smooth as silk - Royal Orchid Service /// Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens - Springbok
use that link for all the spotting info, when staying at NRT use the Marroad Hotel, it overlooks the main runway, just ask for a high room with airport view.
tokyo is great, been a few times and love it, though you will find that it is not a touristy city, it's very much business orientated and it's a very tiring city to say the least. go to Tokyo Tower and just have a look at how massive the city really is!
Tsukiji fish market is great, but you need to get up at 4am for the real action! Shibuya is crazy as is Roppongi.
much to do in all of Japan, just buy yourself a guide book and good look around.
a true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else believes the smile on your face.
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