Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with tokyo

What's it like to work as a foreign hostess in Japan?

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:32 -0800

What's it like to work as a foreign hostess in Japan? Really. I have an opportunity to be a hostess in Japan. I'm interested because I'm pretty attractive, I long to get out of the country and I'm struggling to find employment as a writer (surprise). Yes, I've read many word of mouth horror stories about it on the internet, but I haven't read many 'real life accounts'. Most of the information out there seems to be from 2002-20005 too.

Have you or someone you know worked as a hostess in Japan? What's the dress code? How far does it really go? Bonus points for more recent experiences... Or perhaps there's a blog you've seen?

Traveling near Tokyo in December?

destrius — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:45:44 -0800

Some last minute business brings my girlfriend and I to Tokyo this December, and we'll be spending a week's vacation there as well. We've been to Tokyo before, so what can a couple do out of the city (but nearby) during winter? We'll be there from December 11th-17th. We'll probably just spend the weekend in the city, and are thinking of venturing farther afield during the remaining weekdays. Does anybody have any suggestions of good places to visit and things to do, keeping in mind the weather?

I'm not inclined to travel too far away, so somewhere about 1-2 hours train away from Tokyo would be best. We've already been to Nikko so that's out. Skiing is also out as we don't ski.

Our current ideas are:

1. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region to look at Mt Fuji and relax in an onsen.

2. Head to the Izu Peninsula and wander around (and also relax in an onsen).

Thing is, I'm not really sure what there is to do besides relax in an onsen; will the towns be interesting to walk around and explore, will the scenery be good? A lot of the info I'm finding seems geared for summer travel.

Another issue with onsens is that most are divided by gender, and we don't really want to spend most of the trip separated like that. I know private (family) baths exist, but they're harder to find, more expensive, and usually attached to a ryokan. And they're probably not outdoors too.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Visiting Tokyo over the new year.

aladfar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:27:09 -0800

I'll be visiting Tokyo for the first time over the new year. I arrive on 12/30 and plan to return to the states on 1/06. Looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do (I understand most shops and attractions will be closed on and around the new year).

Help me find a winter coat in Tokyo!

Athelthral — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:27:36 -0800

I'll be in Tokyo in a few weeks, and I want to buy a new winter coat while I'm there. Budget: $250ish. I'm looking for something fairly simple, classic and durable. I'm not going to have too much time for shopping, so I'd like suggestions of specific shops I could visit, and if possible, links to online stores so that I can have an idea of what to expect. If it helps, I'm looking for a grey wool coat, of about knee length or shorter (on a short person): maybe something like this, though I'd prefer if it were single-breasted and had a higher wool content.

It doesn't have to be something that can only be found in Japan - I live in the tropics and there isn't much of a selection over here, so this trip is my best chance to find a replacement for my current coat.

Thanks in advance!

Free WiFi in Tokyo and the rest of Japan?

teem — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:39:56 -0800

How widespread is free, open WiFi in Japan (Tokyo especially)? I've had good success using free WiFi in malls and such with my iPod Touch when I'm in unfamiliar major cities. It's great for accessing Google maps, looking up addresses, etc.

Will I be able to do this when I'm in Tokyo next year? What about when I'm in smaller rural cities? Are there any potential technologic or legal worries I need to consider or things I should prepare before going?

Best gadget and toys from Tokyo?

joewandy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:17:53 -0800

I would be visiting Tokyo in three week's time. Can you tell me about any must-buy weird, cool or geeky gadgets that I could get during my time there, and where to get it ? Bonus point if it's easy to figure out even if it's in japanese, or if it has english interface, and not too expensive.

Translate the Razzleberry Jam?

slowcat — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:05:08 -0800

Can someone translate the Japanese in this song for me: The Razzleberry Jam, the theme song of the Razzleberry frozen yogurt franchise in Tokyo. If you don't already have it, you can download it here: http://razzleberry.jp/ Under Special Download near the bottom. Thanks!

How do you cook Japanese?

johanze — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:23:56 -0800

Cooking classes in Tokyo in October. I'm off to Tokyo (and Kyoto) for a break from the 16th of October for a week. I don't mind me a bit of cooking, and would love to attend a cooking class while I'm there. What I'd love even more is a class that took in a trip to a local market to get produce, and then back to the kitchen to cook up a feast. Does anyone know of a Gaijin friendly class at all?

Halloween in Tokyo or elsewhere?

FlamingBore — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:16:14 -0800

US citizen seeks weekend adventure from Seoul to ?? Tokyo? Elsewhere? I'm going to Seoul on business at the end of October and would like to spend Halloween weekend somewhere interesting before coming back to the states.

I've been thinking Tokyo because a) it's Tokyo, b) the extra stop barely adds anything to the airfare and c) duh, it's Tokyo. But perhaps there's some where else I should consider?

Assuming Tokyo makes sense for a long weekend (Friday to Monday, 10/30 to 11/2) then what part of Tokyo should I stay in? I'm a bit of a hotel snob on a budget. I've found a handful of places on hotels.com that are 4 star for under $200 during that time - is that a good idea?

I'll be traveling alone. I'm a woman of androgynous/queer appearance. Any suggestions for activities, cautions, etc would be great.

'kodomo no shiro' (national children's castle) - good for western children?

thermonuclear.jive.turkey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:40:15 -0800

Is going to the 'kodomo no shiro' (national children's castle) in Tokyo a worthwhile experience for non-japanese-speaking elementary school-aged children? I'd like to ask if any MeFi associates have taken their elementary-school-aged children to the kodomo no shiro (national children's castle) in Tokyo, and did your children feel it was a worthwhile experience?

In particular, I am interested in the experiences where the children did not speak japanese.

(if your children speak japanese and did go, I'd still be interested in your opinion whether non-japanese children would have fun there or not).

In case you're wondering, this is it.

Yes I know I can read Frommer's, Lonely Planet etc. But I want the input of someone who's actually been there...

Cheapest way from Tokyo to Kumamoto?

0bvious — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:09:56 -0800

Last minute Japan travel: after making an error with timing I need to arrange one-way travel from Tokyo to Kumamoto quite quickly. What are the cheapest options? I have looked into flights and trains (for the 17th of August) and both seem expensive (about £200-£250 a ticket). I am in the UK at the moment. Would it be worth waiting until we arrive in Japan? Perhaps trying to get last minute flights at the airport? Information on this site suggests cheap train travel, but has no links to buy: frommers.com

Air travel is looking pricey: farecompare.com or skyscanner.net

Is it possible to book overnight traisn from the UK? what re the other cheap-cheap train options?

Any help or advice you have would be much appreciated

Live music venues in Tokyo?

carnival of animals — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:34:11 -0800

Can you recommend any live music venues in Tokyo? I'm interested in seeing local bands, particularly instrumental 'post-rock' and electronic music. At the moment I'm not really into disco, trance, reggae, or j-pop.

Everyone I've asked so far has directed me to neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa, or to Metropolis. While that helps, I'd really appreciate a couple of specific venue recommendations.

Also, I can speak and vaguely read Japanese, so if there is any Japanese-language street press/websites I should be checking on, I'd love to know about them too!

Back walk massage in Tokyo?

avocade — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:03:28 -0800

I've got a bad back and neck from playing piano and double-bass a large part of my life, and lately working a lot at the computer. Since I'm in Tokyo for another couple of days or so, I thought I'd ask around for the absolute best massage in town, that also won't break the bank. (It's a pretty sizable traveler's bank, but I'm not rich.) I've seen the (in?)famous massage where a woman (men are too heavy me guess) walks on the back and cracks the joints. Is that something recommended? Looks darn cool! :)

Buy Yukata and calligraphy (shodo) set in Tokyo

avocade — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:56:43 -0800

Buy Yukata and calligraphy (shodo) set in Tokyo. I usually don't buy souvenirs on my trips, ever, but if they can be considered tools or clothing, I might go for it. I _really_ enjoyed wearing the Yukata and wooden shoes and walking out at night in Takayama; extremely refreshing compared to my jeans and shirt. I also got an incredible (but short) shodo lesson with brush, ink and japanese paper from the owner of the hotel I stayed at (Park City Hotel in Takayama, both town and hotel are highly recommended, btw).

So, those are the two things I want to take with me from Japan when I leave August 5th; a good quality Yukata, and brush, ink and some paper. I know I should have bought all this while in Kyoto, Kanazawa or Takayama... but I just didn't, OK? :) Now I'm in Tokyo for around 10 more days, so where should I go? (Secret, insider-tip back-street shops preferred.)

PS. I'm also looking for a shodo and character-learning lesson (one-day or multi-day), so tips on that would be great too.

Help me Hivemind: spending money and eating veggie in Japan.

Kirn — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:55:40 -0800

How much spending money do I need for 10 days in Japan? And: help me eat vegetarian while I'm there. I'll be visiting Japan for 10 days from the 8th of June. That's 3 days in Tokyo, 4 days in Kyoto (with a day trip to Nara and possibly another one to Osaka, and a few hours spent in Nagoya), 2 days in Hiroshima (with a day trip to Miyajima island) and finally 1 day in Narita.

I'm trying to get an idea of how much spending money I should take. Flights, hotels and JR pass are all booked already, but I'll pay to get around Tokyo for the first 3 days (subway or trains) and from Narita Airport->Tokyo, as the JR pass is only for the last 7 days. I won't be looking to eat anywhere that expensive, though doing so by accident is quite possible. I'll be looking to take some souvenirs home, but I'm not after anything specific (and unlikely to go for expensive electronics etc.) and travelling carry-on only so space is limited. I'm travelling with friends so we'll probably want to go out drinking some nights, but not clubbing. No specific tourist destinations in mind but we'll be going to see temples, maybe a couple of museums etc.

So: how much spending money should I take?

And... I'd like to make an appeal for advice on eating vegetarian in Japan. I get that this will be difficult and that there's fish stock/flakes in everything - I'm ok with the fish stock/flakes but would like to avoid meat/fish flesh/seafood.

So my second question is: are there any common vegetarian dishes (with or without fish flakes but ideally without) that I can look for in restaurants? Something I can learn the name of and be sure (or at least relatively sure) that I'm getting something flesh-free? (What about convenience stores etc.?)

And finally: if I learn phrases for 'do you have anything without meat, fish or seafood?' and 'can you make it without meat/fish/seafood?', what kind of response am I likely to get in typical eateries? Refusal/bewilderment/misunderstanding/annoyance? (I won't be able to carry on a conversation as I only know a few basic words and phrases, though I will occasionally be accompanied by a fluent Japanese speaker.)

Thanks very much in advance everyone, and sorry for the many sprawling questions - I'm trying to get the most out of my weekly questions before I go! For what it's worth, I'm a 24-year old male from the UK, travelling with 2-3 guys and 1 girl of similar ages.

Help my brain...in Japan!

Griffinlb — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:32:53 -0800

Looking for some advice on how to cope with long-standing psychological issues - except...I'm studying in Tokyo for the next month, which adds some unique twists. I'm studying Japanese here in Tokyo for the next month, and I'm feeling relatively isolated - by the language, by the living arrangements, but mostly by myself. While I expected to have a fresh outlook, and leave my old mindset back in the states, all of the issues I've been dealing with for the past few years followed me here with a vengeance.

I realize I need a therapist, and I had one in the past, but the prospects of seeing one here in Tokyo are both complicated and probably expensive...and I'm only here until the end of June.

So, now for some background info:

I'll try to be as concise as I can, but it's very hard to break down logically. I'm sorry if this gets obtuse - or if I leave out anything pertinent.

I'm 18. I grew up with a (mildly) bipolar father & both my parents were relatively young. I've always (since a very young age) had issues with anxiety - since I was 7 or 8 I have never had any lasting period of contentedness. A few years ago, however, things took a turn for the worse.

During the summer a few years back I had a traumatic breakup with my girlfriend - I made a lot of reprehensible decisions and dealt with shame, guilt and self-hate for the subsequent year. Without getting too detailed, I had a period of total confusion following the breakup, (I was reading crime & punishment which didn't help), and I came out of it feeling like my brain had been dipped in battery acid.

I suffer from low to...less-low anxiety constantly, but generally it feels a little bit more like depression. My anxious tendencies have a lot to do with control - over my life, my environment, my self. More importantly though, I have deep issues with self worth - and beneath the surface I feel constantly evaluated/judged in everything I do. I also have come to realize I have difficulty connecting with other people in a healthy way.

So.

Now I'm in Japan. In the past, all of these issues seemed to subside when my circumstances changed. Sadly, they've shown no signs of going away. I guess these things truly do come from within...shucks.

I'm attending a language school where there are mostly Korean and Chinese students. I feel like I do not know enough Japanese to strike up meaningful friendships with my non-english-speaking peers, and it's even harder to communicate with native-Japanese-speakers. On the other hand I feel like I do not connect with my US peers, and I find the few friendships I have un-fulfilling. I would like to be happy without needing a peer group I connect with, but I've come to realize I rely heavily on the approval of others - and even when I receive it, my own negativity renders it meaningless.

In combination with the feelings of isolation, I feel demotivated, often depressed, and lackadaisical. I know a fair amount of Japanese grammar, so I have little motivation to study for my class. I've tried my best to practice independently using some nifty websites I found, but lately I haven't been keeping up with that - I'm dying to improve my Japanese, but I'm not confident that studying from a textbook is the best way to do it. I also feel constantly anxious that I am not taking advantage of my time here in a place that has inspired me since childhood. I have been sketching every day, which feels like the only thing that has kept me going.

Here are some technical factors: 1 - I have a limited budget from my parents (and I feel often guilty about 'wasting' their money). 2 - I have class from 1- 5 with a 45min-1hr train ride there and back, which breaks up the day inconveniently. 3 - Because my dorm is so far away, (and allows male guests only, and only until 9pm), it is hard to find any activities that do not require copious amounts of money. 4) I often feel compelled to take advantage of the meal plan and go home for dinner, which leaves me trapped in a (very) boring town.

Right now things are a little better, but as always my feelings are day to day with me. The past two nights I've stayed up late drinking alone and drawing, which feels liberating, but probably isn't such a good thing. Today I slept until 3, and didn't go to class for the first time.

Well, this is certainly obtuse. I'm sure that's more than enough information...

I'm just looking on some advice on how to turn things around, feel more confident and alive here in Japan. I would love to be jazzed about being here, and motivated to do things every day - without feeling like I need people that I connect to. (For me, 'people that I connect to' is code for 'girls that I adore' - in case that helps at all)

Any advice that goes above and beyond my stay in Japan is more than welcome.

I'm sorry that this turned out so long and complicated. It probably didn't need to be.

Thank you Hive Mind, for taking the time. I really appreciate any advice, comments etc.

Hotel or Ryokan (or both) in Tokyo for four nights in July?

dubitable — Sun, 10 May 2009 20:34:20 -0800

Hotel or Ryokan (or both) in Tokyo for four nights in July? Which is it? We are trying to figure out if we should stay in a hotel or a ryokan, or some combination of both (one night in a ryokan for the experience?) for the short time we are in Tokyo this early July. Our price range is probably hovering around 10000 yen a night or so (we can go a bit above that, but not too much).

Our considerations: we want an "authentic" Japanese experience (yes, I know, hahaha), so if we are just getting some silly approximation for western tourists, we'd rather stay in a hotel, 'cause at least we'd get our own bathroom with a toilet with a remote control and one of those deep tubs (that seems just as "authentically" Japanese to me, but what do I know). We are probably going to want to eat out most nights, so it may be a waste to stay in a ryokan where dinner is served, not to mention the curfew restriction we've heard most ryokans have. We are also aware that July is not necessarily the most comfortable month to be staying in Tokyo, so a place with good A/C is probably a must.

I guess it's probably clear we are leaning towards a hotel, but I want some second opinions:

Why would you stay in one or the other? What would we be missing out on if we stayed in one vs. the other? Is it worth it to stay in a ryokan for one night, just to experience that, or is it silly to try in Tokyo? While we're at it, any particular places of either type you recommend?

Thanks!

C A P S, CAPS CAPS CAPS

zephyr_words — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:17:39 -0800

Tokyo, NHL hockey, and nightlife. I planned a trip to Tokyo months ago. I'll be there from the 18th to the 25th.
I'm also a Capitals season ticket holder and when the schedule was released this week for the playoffs my heart sunk seeing that I'd be missing home games 2&5 by about 12 hours.

Does anyone have any advice on where to go to watch NHL playoff games?
There used to be this place called the Maple Leaf but I think that's closed.
I'm hoping someone here has some firsthand sports bar experiences that have a place won't shun me for not wanting to watch futball.

My days are going to be pretty packed but I'm going to try to have some wicked fun nightlife while I'm there. Any advice on that would be good too.

How unpleasantly hot and humid is Japan's rainy season, and what can I do to prepare?

Kirn — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:57:59 -0800

How unpleasantly hot and humid is Japan's rainy season, and what can I do to prepare? I'm going to Japan on holiday for about 10 days during the middle of June this year, which as I understand it is right in the middle of tsuyu, the rainy season. (No possibility of changing dates. I'll be in Tokyo for maybe half the time, and various other places around Japan as yet undetermined.)

Everything I read keeps telling me about how horrible the heat and humidity are during this time. I live in Britain and don't enjoy very hot weather, so I'm probably even less used to this than visitors from other countries might be, and am a little concerned about it. (The rain itself doesn't bother me at all, just the heat and humidity.)

How unpleasant am I going to find this weather? Is it going to seriously affect my holiday? Does it get worse the more it rains? Does it get better at night? Do most places have air-conditioning?

And, any and all suggestions as to what I can do to lessen the effects are very welcome. Thanks!

Fat man flying to Japan

quibx — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:28:42 -0800

If given the choice to fly coach from Boston to Tokyo (Narita), which of the following airlines would you choose and why: Continental, Delta, American, JAL or ANA. FYI, i'm 300 pounds and 6'1. Legroom is a primary concern, but any tips appreciated. I've flown AA to Tokyo twice before, and that was fine, but I wanted to know if other airlines offer more legroom, amenities, or a general more pleasant flying experience.

Ttickets to see a live taping of a Japanese game show

babysingsing — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:00:19 -0800

How do I get tickets to see a live taping of a Japanese game show? My husband and I will be in Tokyo in April. The stranger the show and its premise, the better.

Tokyo sublets?

rsk — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:46:46 -0800

Looking to sublet my apartment in Tokyo at short notice. Are there any good resources (websites or otherwise) tailored to short term rentals in Tokyo? I'm moving somewhat unexpected and have a month left on my lease in my current Tokyo apartment. I'd like to sublet it if it all possible. I've tried the usual suspects (craigslist, gaijinpot) but I haven't had much luck. Are there any other sites out there I should be trying?

Obama Inauguration events in Tokyo?

malaprohibita — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:33:08 -0800

Obama Inauguration events in Tokyo? As it happens, I'm going to be in Tokyo during Obama's inauguration, and I'm interested in watching it with a crowd. A quick search found this event, but I'd like to find out if any others are planned.

Help me travel SE Asia as cheaply and amazingly as possible, please

saul wright — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:27:43 -0800

So I'm going to be going over to SE Asia for the first time in a couple weeks and I'd love some advice on where to go and what to do... I've read previous questions here on metafilter but would love some more advice.

I will be spending time in Seoul and around Toyama, Japan to start with. I have friends and family in these places, so they should be able to tell me what's good to do. However, suggestions for things to do around these places are definitely welcome. I will then be traveling with my father and brother for January 22 - February 1st. (Tentatively Shanghai, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam.) I will then go off on my own, traveling by myself for about 2 weeks. I will then be in Seoul for about 10 days before I head home.

Questions:

1. I will have two days in Tokyo, one after I fly in, before I take the overnight bus to Toyama and another, after the bus from Toyama, before I fly out (Fri Jan 9th and Mon Jan 19th.) What to do in Tokyo during the day?

2. Where should I go when traveling on my own? I want to travel as cheaply as possible, so I reckon I will be taking buses. I'm thinking about Laos and Thailand (where to go within Thailand?) but I've heard now might now be a good time to go there. Can anyone tell me if it is a serious bad idea to go to Thailand now or is it just people being paranoid?

3. I will have some free time in Seoul (feb 18th - 21st) after my dad leaves. My brother will be there but he will be working during the day. I will have already done a lot of the main, typical things to do in Seoul with my dad. Any suggestions on what to do in Seoul? I'm not against travelin, but thinking about stickin around Seoul since I'll have a place to stay for free. I'll be in downtown by seoul station and city hall. I've checked out these previous questions.

4. Suggestions on packing? I'm a low maintenance kinda guy and will be taking just one moderately sized backpack. I've read onebag and these threads but those seem to be about the warmer season. I would love any more suggestions. I'm going to try and play it real light, guessing I can get pretty much anything I need when I'm there. Also, is it going to be crazy cold?

5. This will be my first time in Asia and my first time out of North America besides a week in Italy when I was in high school. Also, my first time doing serious traveling alone. I'm not foreseeing any problems but still, any general culture/travel advice?

6. If I am in a place where I can stay somewhere for real cheap, I will get a room. Otherwise, I'm going to try couchsurfing. Any suggestions for ways a broke stranger can say thank you for letting him stay on your couch? I'd love to cook a meal or draw some beautiful picture but I'm not much of a cook or artist.

Caveats:

1. While I won't be quite broke, I won't have very much money so the cheaper, the better. I don't get grossed out or uncomfortable easily.

2. I understand that it's impossible to see everything in just a few weeks but I am leaning more toward staying in each place just a couple days and moving on, to see as much as possible (without going crazy) as opposed to really getting to know one or two areas.

3. Anywhere I go when traveling on my own, I will have to get back the Vietnam-area (most likely Saigon) to fly back to Seoul so I can fly back to the US. Round trip tickets...

Any general travel advice is great too.

Sorry for the many questions and thanks so much in advance!

Yoshida & Co. retailer in NYC?

davidriley — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:55:39 -0800

Where can I buy Yoshida & Co. Porter bags in New York City?