Lecture Notes: Exploring Tokyo

Overview

• Tokyo as Favorite City: Speaker has traveled to almost 50 countries, and Tokyo is now their favorite city.
• Timeframe: Spent 5 days exploring Tokyo, following a 5-day snowboarding trip in Hokkaido.

Key Experiences in Tokyo

1. Shinjuku

• Description: Entertainment capital of Tokyo.
• Highlights:
  • Took a 10-minute train from Shibuya to Shinjuku.
  • Famous for its neon lights and 3D billboard.
• Piss Alley:
  • Known for yakitori (chicken skewers) and retro vibe.
  • Historical reason for the name: lack of bathrooms post-WWII.
• Golden Gai:
  • Collection of over 200 themed bars.
  • Recommended Ramen Nagi for ramen tasting.
• Bar Experience:
  • Visited "Open Book" bar, tried sake sour, Japanese whiskey.

2. Tokyo Sky Tree

• Significance: Tallest tower in the world, third tallest structure on Earth.
• Experience:
  • Best time to visit is at sunset for views of Mount Fuji.
  • Scheduled tickets from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • 360° views from the 350m and 450m decks.

3. Sensoji Temple

• Background: Oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo, dating back to 628.
• Features:
  • Free to visit; close to Tokyo Sky Tree.
  • Known for Thunder Gate and five-story pagoda.
• Cultural Practice:
  • Fortune-telling activity with good/bad fortune paper.

4. Sumo Show

• Cultural Insight: Japan's national sport, with clubs available for visitors.
• Experience:
  • Attended a show at Saka Sumo club.
  • Included interactive audience participation.

5. Shibuya

• Description: Lively area; known for Shibuya Crossing.
• Accommodations:
  • Stayed in a capsule hotel called The Millennials.
• Activities:
  • Explored Pokemon Center and local stores.

6. Takeshita Street

• Location: Between Shibuya and Shinjuku.
• Attractions:
  • Vintage clothing on Cat Street.
  • Caution against animal cafes.

7. Japanese Dance Cabaret

• Cultural Show: A 2-hour performance with impactful storytelling.

8. TeamLab Planets

• Art Installation: Popular immersive experience in Tokyo.
• Sections:
  • Water, Garden, Open Air.
  • Features reflection rooms, mirrored spaces.

9. Kappabashi Street

• Known as: Kitchen Town.
• Shopping:
  • Focus on kitchenware and Japanese knives.

10. Sky Lounge Rooftop Bar

• Experience: Views from the Prince Park Tower Hotel's rooftop lounge.

11. Mount Fuji Day Trip

• Recommendation: Only visit on clear days due to weather patterns.
• Activities: Shrine visits, scenic views.

12. Snowboarding in Hokkaido

• Location: Kiroro Resort in Hokkaido.
• Conditions: Known for having the most snowfall in the world.
• Experience: Affordable lift tickets and rental gear.

Additional Information

• GetYourGuide: Sponsor of the video, a platform for booking travel experiences.
• Tips:
  • Bring passport for tax-free shopping.
  • Booking recommendations through QR codes provided in video.