Must Do's and buy's in Tokyo
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 270
Must Do's and buy's in Tokyo
Following this thread which started in 2004, I'd like to start another one with more updated info. (Original thread got a little strange near the end...)
My wife and I will have 2 full days to spend in Tokyo before we head back home to Chicago. I've been to Tokyo once before, she hasn't.
We're definately going to hit the fish market. I skipped this last time, and really regret it now. I also want to take my wife to the bottom of the department stores. Do you have any department stores we should hit in particular?
Also, I noticed that in the above mentioned thread, somebody recommended the New York Bar atop the Park Hyatt. Per the Hyatt website, there is a Y2,000- cover charge for Monday - Saturday after 8pm and Y2,500- cover charge on Sunday after 7pm. There is also another bar in the same hotel, but I can't tell if that's at the base of the hotel or high above the city.
Any other suggestions are also appreciated.
My wife and I will have 2 full days to spend in Tokyo before we head back home to Chicago. I've been to Tokyo once before, she hasn't.
We're definately going to hit the fish market. I skipped this last time, and really regret it now. I also want to take my wife to the bottom of the department stores. Do you have any department stores we should hit in particular?
Also, I noticed that in the above mentioned thread, somebody recommended the New York Bar atop the Park Hyatt. Per the Hyatt website, there is a Y2,000- cover charge for Monday - Saturday after 8pm and Y2,500- cover charge on Sunday after 7pm. There is also another bar in the same hotel, but I can't tell if that's at the base of the hotel or high above the city.
Any other suggestions are also appreciated.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2009
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The basement of Tokyu called the Tokyu Food Show in Shibuya is my favourite. You can find a lot of nice things down there and food. Always very lively and busy.. If you take the Ginza line, it actually stops inside Tokyu.. on the 3rd floor or something.. pretty cool
#3
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Also, I noticed that in the above mentioned thread, somebody recommended the New York Bar atop the Park Hyatt. Per the Hyatt website, there is a Y2,000- cover charge for Monday - Saturday after 8pm and Y2,500- cover charge on Sunday after 7pm. There is also another bar in the same hotel, but I can't tell if that's at the base of the hotel or high above the city.
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,455
The alternative bar is called "The Peak Bar" (or The Peak Lounge) and is on the 41st floor. I'm not aware of any supplement here. Other regulars on this forum know it much better than I do.
http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/ho...nges/index.jsp
Although I've visited many of the 'depachika' (basement food halls at department stores) in Tokyo, I'm not sure if there is one that is 'better' than the rest, it's all down to preference and needs. Mitsukoshi may offer one of the most 'polished' of the depachika, but I tend to gravitate towards the Isetan stores for my own requirements.
This is one of the few areas where a tour might make the experience more worthwhile.
The local government offer a free depachika tour here:
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/en...e/guide_2.html
#5
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#6
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Sanosuke!
Last edited by Sanosuke; Aug 16, 2009 at 5:42 pm
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
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'The Peak Bar' or 'The New York Bar'?
(You've mentioned before it was The New York Bar where you had your non-alcoholic cocktail and fruit bowl). This is the Bar that has the hefty cover charge. ChiTownAbs is enquiring about The Peak Bar.
#8
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,869
He was referring to the New York Bar. Most nights there is a live jazz singer and accompanist doing sets here too so the door charge is partially for that.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 270
I have fond memories of walking Akihabara the day the Sony PSP (December 2004) was launched. We'll definately hit that up as well.
I also recommended to my wife that we pop in "Lost In Translation" before we leave.
Any other "must see and do" suggestions are greatly appreciated.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 270
The local government offer a free depachika tour here:
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/en...e/guide_2.html
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/en...e/guide_2.html
#11
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 170
check out ranKing ranQueen, locations all over Tokyo. Basically, they sell the top 3/5/10 ranking items in Japan - candy, cosmetics, CDs, etc, totally random stuff. It's an interesting cultural experience. I picked up some funny gifts there. Try the one in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
I like the Mitsukoshi depachika.
An amusing thing in Tokyo is the Harajuku girls in and around Takeshita-dori. The gothic lolita fashion is really something to see. The shopping around Omotesando is far more interesting to me than any department store, plus the architecture is amazing. Check out in particular the Prada store in Aoyama designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
The Meiji Shrine. SecState Clinton visited earlier this year.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2006
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ranKing, ranQueen is pretty cool - and a big thumbs up on the architecture around Omotesando in Aoyama - the Prada store is breathtaking - and there are several other very cool buildings in the area (and an easy walk from Harajuku - but the girls are really out on Sundays, less so during the week, we found).
If you go to Tokyu for the food hall - step outside and visit the Starbucks - seating on the 2nd floor lets you watch the crowds cross in a rhythmic mayhem.
As for scenic bars - check out the bar at the Mandarin Oriental - on the 38th floor, nice views of the city - but the real cool feature is the bathroom - floor to ceiling windows. The men's urinals face the windows, the women's sink is at the window - its really an awesome experience.
Roppongi Hills is pretty cool as well - again, fantastic architecture - a city of tomorrow, today.
Have a great time! We can't wait to go back.
If you go to Tokyu for the food hall - step outside and visit the Starbucks - seating on the 2nd floor lets you watch the crowds cross in a rhythmic mayhem.
As for scenic bars - check out the bar at the Mandarin Oriental - on the 38th floor, nice views of the city - but the real cool feature is the bathroom - floor to ceiling windows. The men's urinals face the windows, the women's sink is at the window - its really an awesome experience.
Roppongi Hills is pretty cool as well - again, fantastic architecture - a city of tomorrow, today.
Have a great time! We can't wait to go back.
#13
Join Date: Feb 2009
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Since you already know the time. There is very little else to know except 1) there is a lineup to get in - mostly foreigners (not long in terms of wait time) 2) no camera flash - but it is not dark in there, if you use no flash with ISO 400 - it's good enough 3) Don't touch the fish.. There must be at least 10 signs saying no flashes and the guards there tell you prior to you entering, but I can't understand why so many dumb people still have their flashes on.. And these guards speak perfect English too.. And yes the signs are in ENGLISH! And why do some people must have the urge to touch a frozen fish?? It's frozen!! Go touch a rock or something...Haha.. No wonder the Japanese thinks we're all nuts..
#14
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 170
Since you already know the time. There is very little else to know except 1) there is a lineup to get in - mostly foreigners (not long in terms of wait time) 2) no camera flash - but it is not dark in there, if you use no flash with ISO 400 - it's good enough 3) Don't touch the fish.. There must be at least 10 signs saying no flashes and the guards there tell you prior to you entering, but I can't understand why so many dumb people still have their flashes on.. And these guards speak perfect English too.. And yes the signs are in ENGLISH! And why do some people must have the urge to touch a frozen fish?? It's frozen!! Go touch a rock or something...Haha.. No wonder the Japanese thinks we're all nuts..
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 270
check out ranKing ranQueen, locations all over Tokyo. Basically, they sell the top 3/5/10 ranking items in Japan - candy, cosmetics, CDs, etc, totally random stuff. It's an interesting cultural experience. I picked up some funny gifts there. Try the one in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
edit:
found this