Tokyo Rundown

I love how organized Japan is, especially the train stations. It is also amusing how many Japanese people complain about how ‘confusing’ the Tokyo metro is. This is because there are about 3 different companies running trains through Tokyo, but it is still a million times more easy to navigate than the DC or NY metro, trust me.

See, easy.

Tokyo is pretty easy to get a lot of Japanese experiences in a short period of time. I'm not sure what this guy is talking about though. He has some good advice on Tokyo site seeing but with the exception of the Kansai Gaidai campus, Tokyo was the easiest place to find English speakers. You could live there for years and never have to learn Japanese. This is why many folks who apply for JET and get places in the middle of nowhere are actually able to speak some Japanese when they return.

If you are going to get some truly Japanese experiences though, you have to hit up places other than tourist traps. The busy streets of Japan can provide you with many opportunities to experience Japan without paying a single yen. Keep an eye out for hole in the wall ramen shops and try to be at the train stations at night. The stations are a good place to check out local artists.

The opportunity to have a nervous breakdown AND catch swine flu only comes once in a blue moon (青天のへきれき)

If you are interested in seeing all the freaks in Tokyo, look no further than the Jingu Bridge. This place is home of all the visual kei and other cosplay kids. I haven't found any places like this outside of Tokyo, so be sure to check this out if you're in Japan's capitol. Also be sure to check out how the sky tree is coming along.

Tokyo is truly a great city. Best in the world according to this! My favorite reasons include more Michelin stars than anywhere else, there are oodles of noodles, and the most bars per square meter. If you get nothing else from this post, remember that Japan makes eating and drinking yourself stupid incredibly easy, SO ENJOY!

That's my 2 yen, more to come.