Tokyo Warnings or Dangers

by dennisKL
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7am

In any situation, please try to avoid getting any transport to the Tokyo city on the peak office hours from 7-9am and 5-7pm. If lucky, you may only get stuck in the traffic an hour plus, else 2-3hours is usual happen. Taking the subway will be better but you will be stuck in the coach like a sardin.


	Local Customs: Fugue Fish	Tip Rating:

By Wild_Orchid

on December 9, 2004

by Wild_Orchid
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Fugue Fish

There is an element of flirting with danger when eating this fish. The fugue fish is highly poisonous and a few people have been known to have died eating it. In Japan, only a few selected establishments with a fully trained chef are allowed to serve this fugue fish. The poison cut out from parts of the fish is then kept under lock and key, until it is disposed off properly. The fish is served as sashimi and also in a nabe, (hot pot). Apparently, in the unlikely event that you are poisoned, you will start to feel a kind of numbness around your mouth. I've not tried it, but when I watched an Anthony Bordain show which featured Japanese culinary cuisine, he commented that the fish was fleshy and tasted quite bland, and well, pretty normal. If you want to flirt with danger and live dangerously, then please go ahead to try this!


	Be prepared to wait - there are long queues	Tip Rating:

By Wild_Orchid

on September 8, 2004

by Wild_Orchid
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waiting in line for Ramen

I found that on the weekends, the restaurants at all the shopping malls were FULL and there were long queues of people waiting to get into some of the more popular outlets (such as the Ramen Outlet at the foodcourt in Aqua City Mall which is pictured. This was snapped at after 2.00pm and we were indeed very hungry). If you or your kids are the types that can't wait or suffer from gastric, try to bring along some snacks. The other option is to go earlier, to beat the peak lunch and dinner hours. Don't say that you were not warned!


	Traffic / Transportation: Transportation Pass	Tip Rating:

By o00o

on August 23, 2004

by o00o
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Where will it leads?

Ticket for day trip are divided into few type, basically it divided into JR, City Subway and Public Subway. All of them using different tickets and system, The service doesn't combine, so you must make sure that your destination and direction very clear then buy ticket. Otherwise you may end up with buying 3 to 4 types of tickets. JP Pass for long distance basically is convenience, please do not forget to bring your passport a long for necessary verification.


	Cash / Money: Get a Haircut or Colour your Hair in Ginza	Tip Rating:

By Wild_Orchid

on September 8, 2004

by Wild_Orchid
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How much for a hair-cut?

Not sure if tip belongs here as a Warning or Danger, because as a smart traveller, you'd already know how expensive Tokyo is. I actually took a photo of this salon La Piece in Ginza to remind myself of how much everything costs and also to make a comparison with Kuala Lumpur prices. Cut including shampoo & blow Y6,300 Perm & Cut Y12,600 Colour Y6,300 Shampoo & Blow Y2,620 Actually, the prices were only 2-4 times higher than in KL, which is not too bad considering everything.


	Nature / Weather: Flight Cancellation	Tip Rating:

Updated By o00o

on August 23, 2004

July to November is Typhoon season, you flight and schedule might be changed simply by the strong winds and rain happen. Besides, train and other transportation might stop as well. Make sure that you have some loose schedule before and after your journey to Japan.


	People to Avoid: Prostitutes and Gigolos	Tip Rating:

By o00o

on August 23, 2004

by o00o
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$mile with money

There are a lot of prostitutes from the local and foreign country. Basically all of them will use their smile to exchange the money from your pocket. They can be very nice to you as long you are they sugar daddy. For female, male gigolo industry is getting popular from day to day, their target is to senior rich madam whom their husband always busying on work.


	Law / Rule: Mobile Killer?	Tip Rating:

By o00o

on August 23, 2004

by o00o
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you will be in trouble...?

In Japan, we are not allowed to use our mobile in the subway and train. No punishment once caught. The main reason passenger not encourage to use the mobile is, there are increasing of patient of heart attack in Japan, and all of them use a pacemaker to control their blood circulation. The usage of a mobile may disturb the counting and this may give the patient a hard time.


	Cash / Money: Currency	Tip Rating:

By o00o

on August 23, 2004

Money changer kiosk in Tokyo is NONE, basically you have to go to the back between 08:30-15:00, or you can withdraw with your cash card from any back with a high service charge. If possible try to solve the money problem before your arrival in Japan or at least before stepping out of Tokyo International Airport to Tokyo.


	Equipments / Products: Once sold are not returnable	Tip Rating:

By o00o

on August 23, 2004

In Japan, there are 3 thing can be concluded the cheapest in the world. Electronically things, Cameras and Automobiles. Most of the traveler bought a large numbers of electronically thing to their friends and family, but please remember, the guarantee period is only for 1 year and some of the electrical voltage is for Japan use only. 120V in Tokyo and 110 in Osaka Area. Must check before you buy.