I'm going to Japan for the first time.

[シェリー]

:worried: I'm going to Japan for the first time in late June.
I'm kinda nervous about it too. I was wondering if
anyone can give me same information, recommendations,
helpful hints, etc. about Tokyo.

Also I'm a huge Daisuke Asakura fan.
Does anyone now ny good DA places to go to?

[ArmandV]

Check this thread: http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23103

[Matthew Ota]

You need not be nervous just look at it as a big adventure. I went in 1989 alone and had a great time. I am hapa and everybody new I was "gaijin" right away. If you ar full nikkei you need to show your "Americaness" by wearing a flag or something or you can really confuse the Nihonjin (especially outsideo of Tokyo). I have bad habit of mixing up english with Japnese and that also confuses them.

Matthew Ota

[Hyokano]

I'm pretty sure you'll love it. In general, Japanese people like foreign people and try so hard to communicate. It's like you don't need to do much while you're there, especially if you're around the tourist-populated areas. The problem is that most people don't speak English, so knowing the language would definitely come in handy when you're walking around alone. But when in doubt, there's likely to be another tourist or English native speaker near-by, so don't be too affraid to ask.

Personally, if you were going to do some sight-seeing, I'd recommend places like Odaiba. They have a TV station there (Channel 8 Fuji TV) with the most funny looking architecture of a building. Great for shopping, and if you're Japanese celebrity savvy, you might see some. You can actually see inside the studio, and if you're lucky, they'll be shooting for a TV show. But other than that of course, the view is absolutely perfect. From Odaiba, you can see the rest of Tokyo. Beyond the Rainbow Bridge, you see Can see Tokyo Tower accross the bay. Go there during night or day.

If you want to go shopping on the other hand, Shibuya and Harajuku are some nice places. Just wander off somewhere, walk around. Just remember which direction you came from. If you get lost, there's always a train staition near by in Tokyo (subways or ground level, they're everywhere), and they'll likely have maps to show you where you're at. Other shopping area's would include Shinjuku, or around Tokyo Dome (which also has an amusement park) in Suidobashi. Ueno and Akihabara aren't bad either.

The city of Tokyo is a pretty dense place, so you're bound to find something anywhere you go. Walking is pretty much the only way around, and the place is just SO crowded on weekdays, so just beware of that in some places and when you're making plans.

For more quieter places, get out of the city.

[ArmandV]

Also, don't forget to visit Asakusa, especially Nakamise Street. Lots of great shops!

[Ewok85]

You juuuuust missed the Sanja Matsuri, was on last weekend. Best time of year to go to Asakusa!

[GroglovesJapan]

I just got Bach from a month long trip about 2 months ago, and I must say, im definatly going back, possibly to work but I still need to get somthing organised.
When you first start off, the subway system seems so confusing, but you very quickly get used to it.
Asakusa is a good place to, if staying the night there, try the Tokyo asakusu annex hostel, cheap and friendly plus in a great location.
Also, a local bar an Asakusa(ask about it at the annex) Bar 23, Is a nice cosy local bar.
Harajuku is great too, I recomend Yoyogi park, its absolutly amazing! shinjuku is worth the visit, I went to one of the government buildings and when at the top, was an excellent view, even though it was misty.
Shibuya is worth at least 1 visit too, altough very large crowds, but easier to navigate that you may expect.

Have a Great trip!

[GroglovesJapan]

Also if you can, I recomend a food called 'Yakitori'
Chicken and leek cooked on a skewer (3 sticks generally)
with a sauce marinated over them
plus a bowl of rice.

http://japanesefood.about.com/cs/chickendishes/a/yakitori.htm