Shopping In Tokyo

What follows are websites regarding tours within Japan.  While they may not interest everyone, they may be just your thing.  Enjoy.

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Metropolis

Yes, this one definitely deserves an entry of its own.  Absolutely indispensible entertainment information whether you are living in or visiting Japan.  They have a Visitor’s Guide, listings of events in every category imaginable.  News, classifieds… the list goes on and on.  This is a MUST to pour over before and during your time in Japan.

Yes, there is a world beyond all that is Otaku.  Below are some resources for shopping non-Otaku goods in Japan.  You may also wish to view the list of resources regarding Living in Japan for websites that will assist you with other shopping essentials.

This list below is geared a bit more towards visitors.

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I read many of these news sites quite a bit just before going so that I have a sense of the current socio, economic and political climate.  I also find them a comfort when I am missing Japan or have just returned from Japan and am in the throes of reverse culture shock.

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Keeping Pace in Japan

From the author: I keep an open mind. My experiences can be the same as yours when you arrive in Japan, or maybe they won’t be. Either way, despite everything you read on the Japan blogosphere, make your interpretation of Japan your own. I didn’t when I first arrived here, and I have no one to blame but myself for that. I am a runner in Japan. I am the adventurer. I am the thrill seeker. I want to meet people. I want to explore the wonders of this culture, and perhaps become a part of it myself. If you’re interested in an intelligent, fast-paced American perspective on Japan, look no further. Or do; it’s your choice.

Turner’s blog deserves special mention. First, he provides numerous excellent resources on his blog (scroll all the way down).

And secondly, he’s a great blogger.  No, he’s not Otaku, but his observations, commentary and writing are well worth reading!  Please enjoy.

I do not have the luxury of being able to live in Japan; so I visit.  However, there are many people who do wish to live in Japan or stay for as long as possible.  As a result of various conversations I’ve had with knowledgeable individuals over the years, the reality is that it is extremely difficult to work and live in Japan if you are a foreigner.

Yes, you can teach English in Japan (perhaps the most pursued manner of living and working in Japan), but you will unlikely have a choice as to where you will teach.  You could end up teaching in a remote town somewhere on the far edges of Japan.  So if your goal is to soak up the local Otaku life, you may be sorely disappointed.  If, on the other hand, you are looking for a cultural experience, you might have the best experience of your life so far.

Regardless, perform some research, do your homework, and ask yourself very seriously:  “Why do I want to live in Japan?”  If, after you learn as much about living in Japan as possible, your reason for wanting to live in Japan can be satisfied, then make your dream come true.

Some resources I have come across while searching out visiting Japan websites.  Hopefully these will give you a starting point.

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This is definitely not an exhaustive list of shops in Tokyo, but these are likely the main shop websites you may have a reason to view for store hours, locations etc. CuSO4’s Tokyo Anime/Manga Shopping Guide is definitely THE resource, however.

If you cannot decipher location and hours from the websites below, simply google the shop name and general location (i.e. K-books Akihabara) to obtain information someone else has compiled.  I am not the only insane otaku wishing to infect the masses.

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Below you will find websites to the airport, the limousine bus from the airport and the trains.  This will be useful to your planning both before you arrive and even after you arrive.

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I do not believe there is any place in the world where decorum and conduct are as important as in Japan.  I could be wrong, but it would certainly be in your best interest to learn about the culture, why the Japanese do the things they do, and how you can respect them.  Hopefully some of these websites will be helpful.

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Some suggested hotels and ryoken for your stay in Tokyo.  These are, of course, not the only ones available, but simply ones I have knowledge of.  Depending on your preferences, you will likely Google research until you find the accommodations that meet your needs.  I tend to be fairly utilitarian, using hotels as a base of operations and for sleep.

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