Tokyo City Guide

Tokyo: A Last Minute City Guide

posted in: last-minute-city-guide  |  posted by: Jennifer Gregory on July 25, 2009  |  No Comments

The city of Tokyo is one of the most dynamic in all of Asia. The city, always changing, represents a distinct blend of old-world culture and modern tradition. Only in Tokyo will you find youth respecting the traditions long held by their elders while setting trends that those around the rest of the world want to follow. Life is about change, and the city of Tokyo is ready to lead the way.


Image Credit: Guwashi999

WHEN TO VISIT TOKYO

When you think of Tokyo, think of the east coast of the United States. The weather patterns are eerily similar, making the best times to visit Tokyo during the Spring and Fall months. The weather during these seasons is moderate, with warm days and cool evenings. The spring months are beautiful, especially as the plum and cherry blossoms begin to appear (usually in March), and the fall season results in beautiful foliage as well.

Image Credit: Yoshikazu

The summer months in Tokyo are incredibly hot. This is due in part to what is known as the “heat island effect” caused by the exhaust from the buildings in the center of the city. The heat and humidity, combined with the excessive rains in July and August, make these months a great time to avoid Tokyo altogether. The winter months do receive snow and are often cold and dreary.

TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT TOKYO

As with any other major city, not all Tokyo neighborhoods are safe to walk through. You will, however, find that the subway system in Tokyo is safe, fast, and much cheaper than taking a cab to get around.

While the subway system is rather large, it is not difficult to navigate. Most of the stations have ticket centers with English signs and all of the announcements and signs are written in both Japanese and English. As long as you plan your trips and know where you need to get on and off you’ll find the subway to be rather pleasant. The only time you need to avoid it is during rush hour, when it’s uncomfortably packed with commuters.

DINING ETIQUETTE IN TOKYO

There are a few Japanese dining customs you should familiarize yourself with before leaving for Tokyo. The first is the use of chopsticks. Make sure you never use the chopsticks you are eating with to take food from a common dish. Never gesture with your chopsticks and avoid sticking them upright in your bowl at all costs. When eating soup or rice, pick the bowl up with your left hand and use the chopsticks with your right hand. It is customary to pick up your bowl rather than lean over the table.

When drinking, never fill your own glass. Fill the glass of your friend and he or she will do the same in return for you.  When eating, do not pour sauce directly onto your food. The Japanese use sauce for light dipping – never pouring it directly onto their dishes.

Eating in public is also frowned upon. If you go to a fast food restaurant (yes, there are McDonald’s in Tokyo) make sure you eat your food in the restaurant or upon reaching your next destination. You’ll attract unwanted attention if you eat on the train or in a public place.

TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Tipping for services is not customary in Japan. In some cases, you may feel as though someone really deserves to be rewarded for good services. If this happens you should place the money inside an envelope before attempting to hand it over. In most places they will graciously accept your offer but if you are one of the beautiful hotels in Tokyoyou’ll find that the staff is trained to politely refuse your gift. Never, ever take money right out of your pocket and try to hand it to someone as a tip – this gesture is considered rude.

LEARNING A FEW JAPANESE PHRASES

Before you leave for Tokyo you should learn at least a few Japanese phrases. Doing so will help you to break the language barrier and your efforts to speak the language will endear you to those who might be able to help you find your way.  Here are a few simple phrases to get you started:

• Kon-nichi-wa : Hello
• Sayonara : Goodbye
• Arigato : Thank you
• Dozo : Please
• Eigo wo hanasi masu ka? : Do you speak English?
• Hai/iie : Yes/No
• Sumimasen : I’m sorry or excuse me

There are, of course, many other phrases you should learn. We highly recommend taking a short course or grabbing a book or CD to help accelerate the learning process.

The city of Tokyo is bustling with activity. Its old-world tradition coupled with modern technology and excitement will ensure you never run out of things to do and explore.