Some Tokyo Questions:

DodgeBlan · July 2008

Hello again Penny Arcade

2 weeks ago I posted some tourist questions about Osaka, and one of those suggestions turned out to be really awesome. Also the gundam arcade game was pretty interesting. So now I`m in Tokyo and I was hoping some people with experience around here would give me some suggestions.

Some questions:
1. what are some suggestions for live music in Tokyo? Like I can google a listing of bands, but I really have no idea what is good and what is not. Dance and alternative are both of interest.

2. What are some worthwhile tourist destinations that i might not have heard of? Is the Gibli Museum worth visiting?

3. Where is Tokyo`s best arcade? Maybe not just the cutting edge, but some of the classics too.

4. I found an awesome classic games shop in akhibara today called super potato. It had basically every old game in existence, a retro arcade and lots of gaming paraphenilia. Does anyone know of any more places like this around? Specifiically somewhere that might sell posters?

5. Would it be in my interest to see some japanese pro-wrestling? How would I find out about this?

Mim · July 2008

http://www.metropolis.co.jp/default.asp

I think this might help with questions 1-4. They distribute the magazine on military bases, but I'm not sure about off base. We used to pick them up every Friday to gaggle at.

It's probably already been recommended to you, but if you go to Kamakura there are a plethora of temples there. Ones for relationships, school (the stairs are KILLER), work, etc.

This might not be worth your time but I'm thinking about it and I figured I should mention in Yokohama (the stop for the ferris wheel I believe, I can't remember what its called) there is a mall, and inside they sell these Australian cookies called Tim Tams. If you're looking to bring something home to relatives or anything, these would be amazing. As an American I must say these are the best damn cookies period. Australia has our asses beat.

I read about vintage game shops in EGM...I'll look to see if I can find the issue today while I clean out my room.

Moobly · July 2008

The Yokohama park is Cosmo World and the nearest station to the mall you're looking for is Sakuragicho Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi , Tokyu-Toyoko and Yokohama Municipal Subway lines. If you're looking for train directions in english I'd suggest Hyperdia.com, then click on the tab that says English on the left hand side. It'll give you prices, train starting times, and ETA's.

And 3 cheers for Tim Tams.

As for the wrestling, depending on your tastes and when you're going to be here, I'd suggest catching a k-1 set. It's amazing stuff.

descolada · July 2008

Thirded on the Tim Tams. Never heard of them until I came here, but I'm always temted to buy them when I see them, especially the dark chocolate ones. An eating suggestion: Pour a glass of milk. Bite both ends off a Tim Tam and use it like a straw to drink the milk. Eat the softened goodness. It's like the first time I discovered Oreos as a kid.

I only spent a little time in Akiba, but I remember that there were some pretty informative maps available for free near the train station. At least one of them had a large listing of shops, with some basic information about the types of goods that they carried. I don't know how much Japnese you can read, but I'd suggest taking a look at those first. It might not get you to the exact shop you want at first, but at least you won't end up at the models only store or the crazy porn store. At least not by accident.

Moobly · July 2008

I don't know if you've heard of it, and what you're in to but for a nice day trip Mt. Takao is pretty cool. If you get off the Chuo line at Takao station then head to Takao-San Guchi station, you'll pretty much be at the base of the mountain. It's fairly cheap, I spent about 2000 yen on the day(don't know about the train costs, I use my Suica everywhere), and the trails to the top only take about 2 hours. If you don't feel like climbing they have lift chairs as well. Additionally depending on the trails you take there is a Monkey "park", a temple, shrine, and some amazing scenery, including a nice waterfall. If this is your cup of tea, I'd suggest going mid-week rather than the weekend as it's very busy.

edit: Also check out this site for a list of the ongoing festivals. They're always an interesting cultural experience.

DodgeBlan · July 2008

Thanks for the tips guys.

Unfortunately as an Australian I`ve already experienced Tim Tams.

That website is good, and the mountain sounds interesting. Mims if you find out about the vintage shops, please let me know.

DodgeBlan · July 2008

also, that festival list is pretty excellent.

hellobuddy · July 2008

UENO ZOO!UENO ZOO!

If you like animals that is. Its located on the battleground where they fight the last battle The last Samuari and is huge and awesome and has awesome animals. Like pandas.

Moobly · July 2008

On that note, avoid Tama Zoo unless you're closer and don't have much time to make Ueno. It's cheaper than Ueno, only 500 to get in, but it's been under construction forever. Some of the animals are frequently taken off exhibit for "improvements" to the shelter. Then 2 weeks later, the animal will be back in the same structure, unchanged, as before.

MoSiAc · July 2008

Gilbi is fun but you need really early reservations, I don't think they just let anyone in the door, you can make reservations at a Lawsons though. It's pretty fun but you wouldn't spend a whole day there or anything.

You could goto Niko its pretty close to Tokyo and is the burial ground of Tokugawa his burial ground combined with two others around Tokyo form a 'spiritual' protection triangle around the city to ward off evil spirits (interesting thing I learned last night from a Japanese friend).

Super Potato I think is the best at one it does and there is hardly any kind of competition.

Arcades goto Taito Station if you'll be in around the 18th. You'll get to play street fighter 4 or well wait in line to play street fighter 4 hehe.

ED! · July 2008

If you want a side trip, hit up Hakone. Day trip with time to spare. Also Odaiba is worth it for the photo opps alone. Love that place.

DodgeBlan · July 2008

Mosaic, which Taitio station is that?

cogell · July 2008

ED! wrote: »

If you want a side trip, hit up Hakone. Day trip with time to spare. Also Odaiba is worth it for the photo opps alone. Love that place.

Hakone is absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunrise/sunset. Definitely worth a visit.

MoSiAc · July 2008

DodgeBlan wrote: »

Mosaic, which Taitio station is that?

All Taito Station's in the Tokyo area are suppoed to have street fighter 4 on release day.

There is a big one in Aki, theres a smaller one but big enough in Shinjuki, and I think theres one in Ueno but don't quote me on that.

The name is in English but if you're feeling a little rushed by the crowds of people just lookf or the big read buildings with space invaders on them.

Sadly my flight home for summer vacation is the same day and thusly I will not get to try out street fighter 4 on release day.

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