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Eat, Sleep, Play - Japan (Tokyo)

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Truth is, there is no way I could afford to travel to Tokyo on my ticket, but at the invitation of my Accountant, who has been living in Tokyo for seven months with his wife, I could not refuse. Staying in their sweet apartment in Omato-sando, it’s safe to say that without their generous support, I wouldn’t have been able to visit half these places, much less Tokyo itself.

EAT

Tokyo

The food is outstanding in Tokyo, but you pay out your retirement fund for it, and deciphering menus can be a struggle. Lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner, and bento boxes from the incredible food malls are great value. Sushi is everywhere, and can be good value at some of the conveyer belt spots. We missioned to an Israeli Restaurant called Shemaim, which was delicious, and also chowed down at the Lion Beer Hallin Ginsu, which still keeps it’s mosaic decor from 1934. For something totally Tokyo, try the theme fantasty restaurants like Alice (T:03.3574.6980) or Vampire Cafe, although good luck finding them. Otherwise, if you’re tired of the Asian flavour, I struggled to finish one of the best burgers I’ve ever had at Kua’aina, a Hawaian burger chain that know how to lay on the avocado.

PLAY

Tokyo

Rippongi - As a geijin (foreigner) your options of finding bars and clubs where you will be welcomed and understood are primarily found in the buzzing Rippongi district. We got turned away for being non-Japanese at just about everywhere in Ginzu. Rippongi has bars and clubs and strip joints, and you’re most likely see other geijins like yourself wondering about trying to make sense of it all. Geronimos is a tiny little hole in the wall good for a shot, strip clubs like Tantric and Private Eyes are expensive and full of men in suits and half naked dancers from Israel and Eastern Europe, while hostess bars like One Eyed Jacks could only be found in Japan - basically you pay $100 an hour to buy pretty girls pricey drinks and they talk to you, that’s it. Budget, em, the price of a small car for a good night out. Shibuya is also a happening district, great for a date as its close to dozens of “Love Hotels” which can be rented for 90 minutes a pop, including karaoke.
The Sights - Don’t miss the Harajuku girls on Sunday, the Imperial Gardens, Ginzu on the weekend, Sensoji Temple, The Tsukiji Fish Market (get there before 5:30am), Ueno Park, Shibuya crossing and shopping district…and getting squashed during rush hour on the subway.
Joker Bar - If you actually manage to find this place, it’s a tiny room bar where the bartenders do magic. It’s good quality but exhorbitant entertainment, so make sure your bonus arrives first.



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