Heading to Japan at the beginning of July spending 2-3 days/nights in Tokyo then 6 days in Hiroshima. Since we’re going to be in Tokyo for such a short period and have never been before what neighborhood would yall recommend staying in? (Open to any/all recommendations in either city or for day trips from Hiroshima).
Asia Tokyo
- Thread starter seedavid
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Mr Gundam
an expert on Eggnog Mousse Parfait sours
What do you want to do in Tokyo? We always stay in Nippori/Yanaka which is right on the Yamanote line and has fun stuff for when you’re done for the day, but not nearly as large and overcrowded like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, etc.
I’ve only been to Hiroshima once and we stayed overnight on Miyajima. It’s not a crazy long Shinkansen ride from there to Osaka and Kyoto. And Kobe but I’ve never been there.
If possible see sumo. Otherwise eat & drink, and my better half will want to (window) shop. Her boss asked her to attend a conference in his place which is why the week in Hiroshima/the last minute planning but I know very little about either city. Over the years I’ve marked a few cocktail bars in Tokyo where I want to go but they seem to be concentrated in Shinjuku and Ginza. For such a short time there is it better to stay more central or are those areas too much like time square/touristy? How quick/easy is it to get from Yanaka to other parts of the city especially if the metro stops at midnight?
Mr Gundam
an expert on Eggnog Mousse Parfait sours
They’re all technically central. The Yamanote is a circular train line that goes around the city and stops in the larger wards. Shinjuku and Ginza are definitely Times Squaresy but if you’re ok with that it’s fine to stay there.
If you’ve got three days…
Eat at Kikanbo in Kanda (my favorite ramen) and then head to Akihabara. There is a craft market underneath the JR station and a few blocks down is the Hitachino Distillery where you can try their beer AND their whisky.
Walk through Yanaka Ginza (my wife’s favorite tea shop in the world is on this street) and then stop in at Beer Pub Ishii, Buzzed Lamb Brewing (get the lamb gyoza) and Night Kiosk. Get a bowl of black sesame tantanmen at Bazoku. They’re open super late.
If you find yourself in Ebisu, Bar Tram is a cool cocktail bar. I love Watering Hole right near Yoyogi station.
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BigFrank
Forbidden Chicharron
I will have my 19 year-old and 17 year-old sons with me. I see the drinking age is 20 and a lot of places are particular about it. I know these guys are gonna try to get out and enjoy some beverages on their own. Any advice as to what to tell them? I don’t want them doing anything stupid.
Mr Gundam
an expert on Eggnog Mousse Parfait sours
Don’t do anything stupid is all I can say. As white foreigners the older one might get away with it, but:
1. Getting in trouble with Japanese law enforcement as a foreigner is a very bad idea as they can hold you without cause for as long as they want. Again, likelihood is nothing will happen but is that a risk they’re willing to take, and it will come back to you as their parent. There’s a pretty strong anti-foreigner vibe right now, too. FYI.
2. I don’t want to encourage bad behavior.
3. You gotta be chill and not act stupid. Don’t make a scene and be quiet. Foreign tourists are constantly doing stupid shit and ruining it for the rest of us. People live in Tokyo so as much as it might seem like a magical silly land of weird shit, it’s their home.
If they wanna drink, grab them some cans at a conbini and chill at the place you’re staying. Or order them a beer while you’re out as a family. Much greater likelihood when you’re all out. And as long as the 17 year old doesn’t look super young.
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Mr Gundam
an expert on Eggnog Mousse Parfait sours
And don’t let them near Kabukicho/Golden Gai/Omoide Yokocho on their own. The African touts will do their damndest to take advantage of them. Those guys are relentless so just ignore them and keep walking.
July basho is in Nagoya from July 12-26th, which is basically in between Tokyo and Hiroshima. Best you could probably do in Tokyo was walk around the Kokugikan.