Has anyone been to Tokyo?

I went to Japan about 7 years ago and spent a couple of days in Tokyo. It was fantastic. As we flew into Tokyo we spent our time getting used to the noise & busy world that is Japan (and we live in London ?)

We bought train passes that enabled us to travel round Japan on the bullet train, so we covered lots of places (Kyoto, Beppu, Hiroshima to name a few). You have to buy the train passes in the UK though as they are only for foreign travellers

We went in September and the first week was really hot, the second was much cooler. Apparantly Autumn starts in the 2nd week of September (you know this as you get given a hot towel after your meal as oppsed to a cold one ?)

I would really recommend visiting a thermal bath, or even better, be buried in hot healing sand in Beppu (the most surreal experience and all you're allowed to hide your modesty is a small flannel. It's up to you which bits you cover!)

Tokyo is a city I am so pleased to have visited - it really is a different world. I think I would have loved to receive flights there for my 21st.

I went last year for a couple of days on the way to a wedding in Korea

I got some great advise on here

We had a lovely time

Studied in Tokyo for a year. If you have never been to the Far East, it will blow you a way (in a good way!). If you're still picking which month to go, I suggest avoid the summer - it gets really hot over there (could be up to 40 degrees). Would be nice to go to a hot spring town nearby - Hakone, Atami etc. and experience a Japanese style inn, it's great.

Happy to offer further suggestions if required ?

Thank you, guys.

I think I am going to do some research re flights/hotels and book for September. They have recently returned from 5 days in Prague and Jake is off to Germany with his girlfriend for a week at the beginning of July, so maybe early September will be better-and a "final fling" before uni resumes!

Any further tips re hotels, things to do etc would be greatfully received.

The tokyo games show is held in september, 24th-27th this year, if you could afford a ticket to that as well I bet he'd love it

we went in 03 and it was amazing

Just had a look through old bookmarks and found I still have the link to where we stayed

http://www.libertyhouse.gr.jp/

it's a small place - more like a backpackers hostel tbh, but very reasonable and in a great location.

this is the rail pass they'll be needing too http://www.japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass.html

Stayed in Park Hotel Tokyo in the Shiodome area. It's on the east side of the city but it has really good transport links to the major shopping areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. The hotels in the shopping areas tend to be more expensive, and Park Hotel is also very foreigner friendly.

What to do - shop! Try out Japanese food. Go to Tsukiji fish market for a sushi breakfast (if it's not closed down by then?). Visit Meiji Jingu near Harajuku station for a bit of culture. Or just ogling at the weirdly dressed people in Harajuku generally.

Also the Asakusa Temple and the market next to it is a good tourist attraction.