Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [76]
JTB (Japan Travel Bureau); Akasaka (Map; 3580-4253; 2-14-2 Nagatachō, Chiyoda-ku; 10.30am-7pm Mon-Fri; Ginza & Marunouchi lines to Akasaka-mitsuke, Belle Vie exit); Marunouchi (Map; 3283-1320; www.jtb.co.jp/shop/tl-kokusaiforum, in Japanese; 1st fl, C Bldg, Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 10.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, 12.30-6pm Sat; JR Yamanote line to Yūrakuchō) Can arrange domestic travel; the Marunouchi branch is more reliably staffed with English speakers.
No 1 Travel Ikebukuro (Map; 3986-4690; www.no1-travel.com; 4th fl, Daini Mikasa Bldg, 1-16-10 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-3.30pm Sat; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, west exit) Just across from the west exit of Ikebukuro JR station, along Azalea-dōri; Shibuya (Map; 3770-1381; 6th fl, Osawa Bldg, 1-20-1 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku; 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4.30pm Sat; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) Walk north up Jingū-dōri and turn right after Tower Records; Shinjuku (Map; 3205-6073; 7th fl, Don Quixote Bldg, 1-16-5 Kabukichō, Shinjuku-ku; 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4.30pm Sat; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, east exit)
STA Travel (Map; 5391-2922; www.statravel.co.jp; 7th fl, Nukariya Bldg, 1-16-20 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, south exit)
Useful Organisations & Services
There are innumerable associations for foreign residents and travellers. For the one most suited to your needs and interests, we recommend checking the listings sections of Metropolis and Tokyo Journal.
Several useful telephone services offer information and support for foreigners in Tokyo.
Foreign Residents’ Advisory Center (5320-7744; 9.30am-noon & 1-5pm Mon-Fri) For general information.
Japan Helpline (0120-461-997; 24hr) A nationwide emergency support number.
JR English Information (050-2016-1603; 10am-6pm) Offers information on train schedules and fares.
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL; 5774-0992; www.telljp.com; 9am-11pm) Can help with information and counselling.
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Tokyo can be annoying at times but it is rarely dangerous. If possible, avoid the rail network during peak hours – around 8am to 9.30am and 5pm to 7pm – when the surging crowds would try anyone’s patience. Chikan (gropers) can be a problem, but before you cry chikan, be sure it’s not just a crowded car.
Some travellers may also be disturbed by the overtly sexual nature of some of the signs and sights in Tokyo’s red-light districts, like Shinjuku’s Kabukichō and parts of Ikebukuro. Those venturing into hostess clubs should be prepared to spend liberally and to watch their drinks carefully, as both drinks and credit cards of the unwary may be corrupted.
Earthquakes
Check the locations of emergency exits in your hotel and be aware of earthquake safety procedures (Click here). If an earthquake occurs, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) will broadcast information and instructions in English on all its TV and radio networks. Tune to channel 1 on your TV, or to NHK (693AM), AFN (810AM) or InterFM (76.1FM) on your radio.
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SIGHTS
Hopping on and off the JR Yamanote loop and criss-crossing town on the metro lines, you can easily catch the major sights from wherever you’re based in Tokyo.
Kanda & Tokyo Station
IMPERIAL PALACE
The Imperial Palace (Kōkyo; Map) occupies the site of the castle Edo-jō, from which the Tokugawa shōgunate ruled Japan. In its heyday the castle was the largest in the world, though little remains of it today apart from the moat and walls. The present palace, completed in 1968, replaced the palace built in 1888 that was destroyed during WWII.
As it’s the home of Japan’s emperor and imperial family, the palace is closed to the public for all but two days of the year, 2 January and 23 December (the emperor’s birthday). Though you can’t enter the palace itself, you can wander around its outskirts and visit the gardens.
It’s an easy walk from Tokyo station, or from Hibiya or Nijū-bashi-mae subway