City Overview, Tokyo

Favorite thing: Odaiba-meaning 'fort', a man-made island at the eastern end of the Rainbow Bridge being construct to protect against attacks from the sea in history. Among the attractions of Odaiba are several shopping and entertainment centers, theme parks and museums.To get there, walk across the Rainbow bridge, take a water bus from Hinode Pier, or ride the Yurikamome monorail and get off at the Daiba stop.

Fondest memory: Odaiba Seaside Park – This park has a real beach where kids can play in the water or build their own shogun sand castles.

Favorite thing: Tokyo has over 12 million people or 10% of Japan population.

Many of the buildings are low in height due to the seismic consideration. There are several more stable parts of Tokyo which allow skyscrappers to be built.

Tokyo has over 23 wards each run as a small municipality. Together with other neigboring towns in the Kanto plain, Greater Tokyo is the unrivalled place of choice of place to live for many young Japanese professionals. The commute hours can be as long as 2-3 hours one way by a combination of train, bus, bicycles or walking.

Tokyo is the place to be.

Favorite thing: Please note that all information written here is valid for September 2011. Due to the events of the major Earthquake roughly 200-300km north of Tokyo and the problems with the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant 240km north of Tokyo, Tokyo had experienced several effects. This is a 5th and hopefully final revision. I will probably remove this page by the end of the year.

All information is for September 2011. Things should only get better.

Trains:

JR Lines: All lines are running normally. There are occasional strong aftershocks that still affect the east cost, but that is between Fukushima and Iwate. Tokyo has had no disruptions due to any aftershocks. The Shinkansen may be affected, but they are short disruptions that will cause only minor affects.

General Train Info: Virtually all trains have returned to regular service (September 9). Due to the summer energy saving efforts, train service was reduced in the summer, but that has been suspended. There shouldn't be any problems with regular train service.

Power:

While there was a huge power saving campaign in Japan during the hot summer months, the supply of power has returned to a stable rate. No one should be affected by power saving measures, although some areas may still be a little dark at night.

Food:

There were problems with food supply problems immediately after the earthquake, however that has stopped. There has been concerns with radiation in the food supply. Meat from northern Japan had been suspended, however they have resumed that supply. There can be concerns with food however the government has said that they are testing the food and continue to monitor the food supply for any changes. It is up to the individual to decide if they feel the food supply is safe or not.

Shopping:

Shopping has returned to normal. No shops are affected by power problems or infrastructure problems. (Note: There may be a few exceptions, but it is very rare)

Nightlife:

Nightlife is normal. All shops are back to their regular operating hours

Summary:

Having lived in Tokyo since the earthquake, I have to say that I feel safe here. I still have concerns over the food supply but I choose to trust the government.

To specifically answer the question of, is Tokyo safe? In terms of radiation, that is a personal choice. In terms of being able to get around and enjoy yourself, yes. Tokyo is no longer experiencing any problems related to the earthquake.

Favorite thing: Let me confuse you a little bit with regards to finding an address in Tokyo. If you venture out anywhere from the city's main district, don't count on finding an address from the address given. This is the main reason, that directions given by the extremely helpful Japanese people, are very difficult to follow..

Addresses have their own system. First is the name of the "ward". There are 23 wards in Tokyo. In the ward there are many "districts". The district name would be next. Lots of them have the same name so they add a number. Then to find a "block" within the district. This can be difficult. Many of them have no name at all. And if this was not confusing enough, - if you actually find the block, then you have to find the house/building. They are not numbered like you are used to. They are numbered according to when they were built. So number 1 can be in the middle of a block, number 2 down on the corner and 3, up the block three quartes of the way in the other direction.

Do not let this discourage you. Rest assured you will have a great time finding your way around.....d;o)

Fondest memory: I once got on a train in Tokyo, with the intent of getting lost. I stayed on the train for 40 minutes and then simply got off. I was working in the Entertainment Staff on a cruise ship for Chandris Lines at the time. It took me two wonderful days to find my way back. The gentle and enthusiastic helpulness of the Japanese people was astounding. I asked one person for help, who would then ask another person, and pretty soon I had 20 people, all talking at the same time, trying to direct me. A family insisted I spend the night at their house, which was wonderful in it self. It was surreal and exhilerating at the same time. Needless to say, I missed the ship, and had to take the Bullet Train to Osaka to catch up. The experience was worth all the yelling I received from the Captain of my ship.

Favorite thing: A vending machine is around every corner of Tokyo selling just about everything you need!

It was very convenient when you are sight seeing to grab a drink from the vending machine. Saved going into a shop! The coffee from the vending machines was actually nice!

Favorite thing: Tokyo is not only the high skyscrapers of Shinjuku. It is a picture you often see when it is about Tokyo, high skyscrapers. But even though the ones in Shinjuku are impressive, we preferred the areas where the buildings are a little lower. The small and winding streets with the colorfull lights, or the hidden temples.

Favorite thing: visit Shinjuku, Ginza and Roppongi. These are all centers of nightlife. Shinjuku is where the average Japanese person goes to have fun; there are tons of low-class dives in Kabuki-cho. Ginza is for high-class romping; bring lots of money. Roppongi is the gaijin (foreigner) center; you will find many bars and the premier dance club, Velfarre (sp?). I also like Hiro'o, which also has a ton of gaijin since it's near the embassies, but isn't as decadent as Roppongi. Other important spots are: Toranomon, Asakusa, Akasaka Mitsuke, Akihabara, Odaiba, Kichijoji.

Fondest memory: all-night karaoke, late-night ramen, snacks, izakaya, sashimi

Favorite thing: Unlike in the US, the Japanese do not have the concept of personal space. Bumping while in busy places like Shinjuku and Shibuya is common and not an "Act of war". If you are accidentally bumped, a simple "Sumimasen" will do and just go about your business. Just be prepared for a lot of bumping.

Favorite thing: Stay a few weeks! This megalopolis is bigger then big and not for nothing the largest city in the world. It's agglomerations counts 30 million people and according to the landmass that it's one, the people must be packed in boxes (which sometimes indeed is like that. Still the business of Tokyo makes it's littel secrets even more special. The parks, the temples and some other places where you can find a miracelous peacefullness. The city kept it's balance, which on it's own can be considered to be a miracle.

Fondest memory: A drive over rainbowbridge at night gives you a breathtaking view of the million lights of Tokyo.

Favorite thing: Contrary to popular belief it is possible to see a lot of Tokyo and not spend much money. I spent a whole day in Tokyo and didn't spend a dime on any attractions. I found the free things and soaked up the atmosphere! You will probably have to pay for train fares but these are pretty inexpensive compared to the rest of Japan. Be careful about where you go to eat also. Buying a bento at the convenience store will fill you up and save money. One of the more interesting places I discovered on my trek around the city was Harajuku (pictured)... go and see for yourself!