Look at Tokyo today and you will see what the Tokyo- jin (meaning Tokyo people in japanese) have that we don’t have in our cities- bustling streets with thousands of people waiting to cross the roads, giantic television screens on the sides of buildings, high school students roaming the streets of shibuya after school and fashion statements made everywhere you go! It never cease to amaze travellers in Tokyo at the amount of things all happening all the same time, and most are often left dazzled by everything they see.
So, what can you do in Tokyo when you are there? (provided you are not “paralysed”, dazed and standing in the middle of the street).
What can you do there: Many things..
But before you have fun getting lost in a foreign land without no knowledge, how about learning how the train works for a start? That’s a good start, if you are intending to use public transport, and you can probably pick up the rest from there.
Some quick points..
1) Trains are called JR (Japan Rail) and there are many trains stations all over japan. The whole system of train routes and stops is a massive spider web and it takes some understanding of the sytem to get from point A to point B in Tokyo.
2) To get to most tourist spots in Tokyo, you only need to know about Yamanote train travel. Learn to get on to Yamanote train travel from your local train station and the rest is easy.
3) If you are going to travel intensively by train, it’s advisable to get a unlimited JR train ticket from major state train stations like Tokyo and Osaka train stations- costs savings overall.
Things to do:
Using JR trains, you can just about get to anywhere you want in Japan. There’s also a shinkansen (bullet-train) to get from state to state but it’s rather expensive for a ride. Places like Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Ginza and Harajyuku are places you should look out for as they are the main tourists spots with heaps of Japanese culture and attractions.
Ueno (pronounced as “ooo-a-no”) – famous park and zoo
Shibuya- hotspot for young people, high school kids and accessories
Shinjuku- business center but lots of shopping and interesting things about
Akihabara- computer, electronics and gadgets town
Ikebukuro- accessories, trendy clothes and more shopping
Harajuku- fashion, large variety of shops and roppon-ni (bars)
Ginza- trendy and expensive shopping area
There are so many things and places that you see in Tokyo; entertainment, traditional, cultural, food, shopping and tourist spots, and I will only spoil the fun of adventure to tell you about everything in Japan or Tokyo like guide books do. 
You easily find help and tourist information along your way, if you get lost in the bubbly Tokyo. Now that you know how to get around Tokyo using trains, why not take up the challenge and explore Tokyo on your own?
By Adrian Curtin
If you are heading to Tokyo in the coming weeks and have no time to read or even buy a thick travel guide, no worries. I have prepared for you a concise, must-see list of recommendations that you can squeeze in during your trip. So, print this out, stick it in your pocket, and go!
1. Harajuku:
Known for its street youth sporting out-of-this world costumes, its great shopping and its proximity to the famous Meiji Shrine, Harajuku is eye candy for the intrepid traveler of any age. Walk around, shop a bit, or have lunch while you people watch. Directions: Take the Yama-no-te line and get off at Harajuku station.
2. Kamakura:
Okay, technically Kamakura is not in Tokyo at all and is actually about an hour outside of the city. But, as my absolutely favorite place to visit in Eastern Japan, I could not resist including it here. Kamakura is the place to go if you are hankering for a taste of old Japan – Buddhist temples and traditional food – but do not have time to go all the way to Kyoto or Nara in Western Japan. Visiting here feels like you are stepping back in time. Directions: Take the Shonan-Shinjuku line and get off at Kita Kamakura station.
3. Ginza:
For those who like flashy clothes, impressive architecture, clubs, and upscale shopping, Ginza is a fun place to spend time. Directions: Take the Tokyo Subway line and exit at Ginza station.
4. Tokyo Tower:
The Tokyo Tower was built in 1958, is red and white and is actually 13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. Its base and surrounding areas also offer fun activities for kids. Directions: Take the Mita line and exit at Onarimon or take the Oedo line and exit at Akabanebashi station.
5. Imperial Palace:
If you are in the mood for a look at the site of the famous ruling place of the Tokugawa Shoguns of the Edo period (lasting until about 140 years ago), visit the beautiful Imperial Palace. The place has a regal serenity which fires the imagination while pleasing architecture buffs. Directions: Take the Toei Mita line to Hibiya station.
6. Chinatown in Yokohama:
Chinatown in Yokoyama, like Kamakura, is technically not in Tokyo, but do not let that stop you from paying a visit. Stepping into China Town is like stepping into another world. From any of the ornate and colorful gates that greet you to the throngs of people and authentic Chinese food, China Town is a spectacle worth seeing. Directions: Take the Minato-Mirai line and get off at Motomachi-Chukagai station.
7: Shinjuku National Gardens:
Shinjuku National Garden, or Shinjuku Gyoen, was completed in 1906 on the site of a private mansion belonging to a Lord Naito. It was later designated as a national garden at the end of World War II. It covers 144 acres and features gardens of Formal French, Formal English, and Japanese styles. Directions: Take the Maru-no-uchi line and get off at Shinjuku Gyoen Mae station.
By Jed C. Jones Ph.D.
