Tokyo. Anyone been?
 

Wife and I know zero Japanese. Are we screwed? Spending a long time with in laws in Taipei Taiwan and on a whim bought a flight into Tokyo. For a week. The dollar exchange seemed okay and giving the inlaws a break from me seemed like a good idea. We almost flipped a coin on Korea vs Japan. A flight from here was easy. We walked to the airport.

We whipped up a quick itinerary.
Japan looks like blast. I'll barely have enough warm clothing. Not my best planning Kung fu, but the adventure seemed like a good idea.

Tips?

Expensive, prices are nothing like Taiwan. That was 16 years ago, I am sure its more now. You will like Tokyo i ts a fun place, but I like Kyoto much better. The train ride from Tokyo was pretty fun as well. Osaka is near by with plenty to do. Gotta to see the Osaka Castle.

I was there 23 years ago... It was expensive then so I can't imagine anything has changed.

BUT It is one of the most fantastic places on the planet. You'll have a great time by default and a lot of Japanese people speak English.
You shouldn't have any real issues although obviously being Asian they may assume you're Japanese.
The cops can be a bit funny. Just be polite if you have contact with them (don't ask). Actually, be polite with anybody you have contact with.

Picked a perfect time to go as far as exchange rate goes!

Been there 3 X in the last 10 years.
Within the central city area of Tokyo you don't need to speak Japanese.

Tokyo - City Guide
I still haven't been to Tokyo, ridden the shinkansen(bullet train), or stayed in a capsule motel.
I do love those kaiten sushi places though.

The only japanese you probably need to know on the street:
"Sumimasen" (small bow) = excuse me
--Place--
"Doko Desu ka?" = where is?
"Domo Arigato" = thank you mr roboto

I was just there a few weeks ago. Awesome city! Not too expensive at all, if you do a little legwork. Not speaking Japanese is not a problem. People are extraordinarily polite and respectful. Make sure to visit all the various "districts": freak, geek, red light, etc. Visit the temples. You'll have a great time.

And go to the Robot Restaurant!

Yeah, that looks like fun. :D

I moved to Okayama (western Japan with my wife four years ago) Tokyo is like another country in comparison. It's much more international and English friendly. The exchange rate is great for the dollar right now. Eating out is pretty reasonable. Shopping is nothing special but the experience is great. Check out Tokyo station and Kitte shopping mall in a nearby converted post office.
Ghibli museum if you're into anime is super fun. You will love it. Skytree is the new tallest tower but it's a long wait you can get good views from other places. 20 million people. Avoid rush hour!
Cosplay in harajuku.

Tokyo. Anyone been?
 

On the list!

Just stumbled into a noodle joint. Pointed at what I wanted and the guy spoke English. Cool dude. He helped me memorize some good phrases.

Beer is expensive. Wife hit it out of the park as far as hotels. We are in the middle of it for sure. Thanks!

Effen freezing here!

What part of town is your hotel? Beer pretty much everywhere in the world is $5 a bottle or more these days. Sucks, but it is what it is.

And don't forget Shibuya Crossing and Tsukiji fish market.

been trying to get some reception on that place for decades!!

I'm in shinjuku.

Gonna sign up fr a cycling tour. Joes crash has me second guessing it.
This place is ridicules. Hitting the. Red light tomorrow night. Get my karaoke on!

I found if needed help the best option was to ask a young woman. They really want to speak English. I made the mistake of asking a young guy for directions and got totally lost. Then I asked a young woman and she stopped what she was going and walked with me to the bus station 20 minutes away and helped me buy my ticket. Super nice seems to fall short of describing the Japanese.

Probably not an issue...but...
Some of those bars are owned by the tatooed types.
The dinner tab will show $200 beers and be collected by muscular gentlemen who skipped breakfast.
A couple japanese people I was with did not want to get near them.

Not if you buy it out of the hotel vending machine!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1418665000.jpg

If you run across some Hitachino Nest beer, try it out. It's awesome!

Well. Now I need to put my eyes on a diet. Fun show!

And apparently, I look. like I need love. Every person asked if I needed a Japanese hooker.