Tokyo

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Tokyo Trip

A May 1999 trip to Tokyo by retirejapan

A combination business and pleasure trip to Japan. Learn how to survive the culture shock and how to get around if you do not speak Japanese.

  • 5 reviews

Tokyo TripBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Sumo Wrestling
Tokyo Disneyland
Visit to the Kodokan

Quick Tips:

Take business cards from anywhere that you might want to return to. They will be in both Japanese and English. You can then show them to a cab driver and he/she can take you there.

Always have pen and paper with you - most Japanese can read/write English but are afraid to speak it. If you write it down, they will write down an answer.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the best. The trains are great, but you need to plan, as almost all signs are in Kanji. Cabs work great too!

Keio Plaza Hotel TokyoBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Keio Plaza Hotel"

The accommodations were excellent. The hotel is close to Shinjuku station and the busy area around there. There are many small Japanese pubs and other places to eat nearby, as well as lots of shopping. The Shinjuku station is a central place for the train system in Japan - you can get anywhere from there.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by retirejapan on April 14, 2004

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
2-2-1 Nishi-Shin juku Tokyo, Japan 160-8330
+81 (3) 3344-0111

Keio Plaza HotelBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Keio Plaza Hotel has a fine restaurant located at the bottom level. The Kobe steak is excellent! The usual high quality of Japanese restaurants is maintained here.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by retirejapan on April 14, 2004

Keio Plaza Hotel
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku Tokyo, Japan
81-3-3344-0111

Sumo WrestlingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sumo is a very popular sport in Japan. I was very fortunate to get tickets. There are no seats, but cushioned areas that are set up in squares all around the floor. I had one of a few seats that is set up as a triangle due to the building setup. This was like having two seats. Families come and sit in their square, which has four cushions, often with more than four people. The day starts off with the lighter wrestlers and as it goes on, heavier and heavier contestants appear. Also, the crowds come later in the day for the final matches; it is fairly empty early in the day. You can have your picture taken with one of the wrestlers if you want. It was an excellent time!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by retirejapan on April 14, 2004

Sumo Wrestling
Sumo Pavilion Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo DisneylandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tokyo Disneyland is a lot like Disneyland in California. The setup is almost exactly the same and it's the same high quality as well! Lots of fun for all ages.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by retirejapan on April 14, 2004

Tokyo Disneyland
1-1 Maihama Tokyo, Japan 279-8511
+81 (45) 683 3777

About the Writer

retirejapan
retirejapan
Boston, Massachusetts

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