The unexplainable fashion of Tokyo, the capital city of Japan

A trip to Japan is told in a few lines but it is especially difficult to describe the emotions that a land so distant and so different from our traditions, lets you inside. I'm back in Italy with a sense of emptiness, sadness that I have rarely felt after a trip. Are those feelings you've accumulated during your stay to make you think, during the nearly 15-hour flight that will bring you home "but because I got on this plane?"
We take the position, or where does the trip to Japan. From a curiosity to see people so particular charm that the peoples of Asia have always resulted in us the will to see if modernity and tradition can co-exist really.
We have one week off and then we decide to limit our adventure in Tokyo and maybe devote some excursion.
Travel. Disembark, transfer
Ready on. We are at the gate at Fiumicino airport to board the Alitalia flight AZ784 to Tokyo Narita airport. Departure at 15.00 and arrival at 10.20 the next day after nearly 15 hours of night flying. At the gate, a strange silence reigns. Missing a handful of minutes before the boarding gates and no entrance. The Japanese are religiously sit and wait for the boarding call staff after which they get up and do not pile up like animals but respectfully make a sign to move forward. Unbelievable. The flight is unfortunately quite busy especially during the first 2-3 hours due to some disturbance when we sballottolati a lot. Time passes slowly, a few reading and watching a few movies (on individual screens and multilingual Alitalia B777 in economy class). We arrive at Narita not before you have completed the entry model in Japan (such as features and style of questions as to what we found for flights to the USA). A Narita formalities are quick and within minutes we are out of Terminal 1. We have read the Limousine Bus to go to the city, but unfortunately these do not coincide and we should wait over 2 hours to get it. Nothing to do then we opt for the Narita Express train from Terminal 1 and take that takes you directly to the Ikebukuro station, where you will find our hotel, the Metropolitan Hotel. The train ticket is quick to remind us that we are in Japan and that the service is very expensive (but worth every yen spent!). The trip costs 3,100 yen or about € 30 each. About Let's talk about: we faced the worst journey in the euro area (of course) and change the airport was about 108 yen per 1 €. It 's the best rate we could find: the hotel is that banks that (few) banks that exchange money exchange was the worst (107, 106). So my personal suggestion: change at the airport. The airport is about 70 km from the city and the train takes about 1.5 hours to reach the final destination, whereas during the trip made a few stops. The train is equipped with wi-fi for internet browsing but require you to purchase cards or subscriptions. The ticket for the Narita Express also provides for the compulsory reservation of the seat on board and then ask what is the row and the place reserved for you (not very easy because the instructions on the ticket are only in Japanese).
Language
We have read many stories about language difficulties and I can confirm, but I assure you that this will not be no problem for your vacation. In most cases people will not be able to understand or, more likely, to explain in English. Let him see the name of place / attraction you are looking for written in Japanese and surely you will understand how to get there somehow. In the metro stations or trains (JR) will find the ticket office staff who always speaks English at least, no problems. In restaurants and Japanese locales it may be more difficult but in 90% or you will find menus in English (translated evil but certainly better than nothing) or, more likely, photos of the food that will give a big hand. If you freeze a Japanese street that will give you guidance and thank him because he hardly go away (for education and why eroded by feelings of guilt) will go away. Managers in suits always go to 100 per hour but are those who might know the language better, even if a halt during rush hour becomes, quite rightly, an enterprise! In any case you are smiling and friendly and will not have any problem.
Metro
Certainly, the impact is not the best. It's not really easy to figure it out especially in the automatic machines. In fact, the fare varies depending on the distance of the stop you want to achieve and then to get the final price, indicate your destination. The problem is that the map that is above the machines is in Japanese but yours is definitely in English (even if you have one in Japanese will want to check the accuracy of the ideograms!). The machines are self but also in English, except those of the trains (JR Green, in my opinion are easier to use because the name of the component you destination in Western characters, others require you to specify a price range of destination. In short, a mess. In any case, it may take two techniques:
1. You always pay the lowest price (130 yen, or almost € 1.3) and then before you pay the difference out of the machines placed near the exit. You will see that many Japanese in fact pay the difference because for them it is not easy to navigate with those megatabelloni
2. Possibility number two: day pass that allows you to save money for me and above all time. He slips into the machine and wherever you go ... that's it!
As for the subway that is served by two major corporations:
1. Tokyo Metro line. 9 are lines that run throughout Tokyo. The day pass costs 710 yen (just over € 7). There are weekly but monthly subscriptions. This subscription does not allow you to travel but also on four routes served by the second transport company:
2. Toei line. There are four lines where you have to pay a ticket or take a supplement daily subscription including the two "lines" for 1,000 yen per day.
In addition to these two companies there are also other lines of rail transport the most important of which is served by the JR Japan Railways Railways or the Japanese. The trunk line called Yamanote Line and is a sort of ring road that circles the Railways mega center of Tokyo. If you want a day pass which also includes this line you have to pull out 1,580 yen per day.
In addition to these lines there are also four other private for which I do not hesitate to have seen that a subscription integrated with the other (but I could not understand us very much!). These private lines are used to go, for example, or in the Odaiba district of Tokyo Bay. We have resigned and we paid the additional ticket.

 

Story

Inside the station, close to the machines, we are comfortable where they distributed leaflets and display folder of each type of course and very comfortable underground maps. Just get one now to familiarize yourself with the Tokyo Subway
The cost of tickets is quite high: on private lines to make 4-5 stops will pay about 4 € and that costs less is the JR train village, which is the Yamanote Line. Personally I was fine with the day of the Tokyo Metro only because my hotel was very well served by these lines. For the rest we paid the supplement but we have seen that expenditure on transport will weigh more than a little on your budget total.
The metro opened in the morning at 5 am and close around 24.30. the particulars of the stops are always in two languages even within the cars, we have not ever lost. The only thing that is rather difficult to understand why the exit from the train stations are often located in shopping centers rather large so you need to locate well the nearest exit to your destination. A help in this respect comes from a brochure that you will find inside the subway stations is called "Welcome to Tokyo Handy Guide" is orange. For each attraction shows you the output (eg the Meiji Jingu Temple indicates station C03 (C station, then take line 3) on the Chiyoda Line Output 1 / 2. In any case, near the exit there is always a large map the area to help you figure out the right exit. Do not worry because you will find many Japanese in difficulty, perhaps even worse than you.
Caution at rush hour because the situation gets really hot, the crowd becomes increasingly important, even if very neat: the escalator is always kept his left hand and on the ground are always indicated with arrows to keep the lines running to avoid clashing with other people. On the platform are made of ground signs to indicate the door of the wagon train and the line of entry. They are very neat, and then you will instinctively put behind the last in line and wait your turn (no file funnel typical Italian and even some bright boy Europe in general). The meters are fast, punctual, frequent and clean, no writing and / or street vendors and musicians. There are many machines that sell everything and clean bathrooms like the ones at home.
Important note: do not throw your ticket once climbed on the subway because you will need to come out!
Food
Well, here is little to say. We talk about Japanese food but in fact forget the myth that the Japanese eat only sushi and sashimi. It is certainly not the case. However, there are many sushi bar where you can eat excellent sushi (or fish in general) with a score of euro. Rather say affordable. The things that struck me most, however, are the tempura shrimp and vegetables, much lighter and more good compared to what I had eaten in Rome. Among the dishes that we wanted to point out there are or the tonkatsu cutlets breaded with crumbs of bread and sometimes very tender offers stuffed with cheese. Sometimes the pork chops are served in a dish of rice and are called katsudon. The thing I liked least were the words of soba buckwheat noodles served in broth very cold. I prefer them as true to the Chinese noodles served with maybe the tempura shrimp (udon). But the thing that you will find anywhere in the proposal are as many variations ramen a veritable institution in Japan. There are bowls of hot broth in which noodles are made and served in classic shades: shio (salt only) shoyu (with soy) and tonkotsu (with pork broth). Inside the bowl there are fresh soybeans, corn, slices of a sort of roast pork and there are also variants with hard-boiled egg or fried. I must tell you that the look is not appealing but the taste is not bad and if I were you try them without hesitation. The places to eat ramen are classics by local salary man or frequented by Japanese employees at the end of the day (long) work. They are often places where there are small tables and a counter more often single (type sushi bar) and where the order is made with an automatic machine placed outside the space. You shove the money you press the corresponding button takes the ticket and any other entering and hands it back to you room. Within minutes you get served the dish required. What pretty though, especially in local non-luxury, is the greeting at the entrance and exit to the venue staff is all together all'avventore entering or leaving. Incredible song that is made in choir all while still cooking, washing, cleaning, etc.. etc.. The locals seem to be very clean, well maintained and we have not had any intestinal problem. Each plate (or almost all have the option to add) is accompanied by rice and bread ever. The rice is still rather sticky, and this can very easily take it with chopsticks (otherwise would be really good if it were ginned pain!) Usually drink par excellence is that green tea in some places is given for free while the water is free and strictly tap (always served with ice). If you prefer bottled water you buy it separately. The other is the traditional drink beer which is not exactly cheap at a cost of between € 4.5 and 6 but I have seen that there are places where it is offered at a lower price if it is associated in some menus. If desired, especially in sushi bar, you can drink sake, but even this at a cost of around € 6 for 180 ml. Note folklore: do not use forks! Then work out in Chinese restaurants in your town before you leave because the shock would be strong! I must tell you that after the initial embarrassment and copying your neighbor (or asking him for help!) It is quite natural and even if you do not arrive at their level (they do some incredible things with chopsticks) and surely the caverete pretty decent and without making bad pictures! In any case out of almost every room is a showcase with the mock-up (or reproductions in wax or plastic) that are offered within the food (they are fixed with visual communication) and even the menus are always accompanied Explanatory photographs and then sort is really quite simple. Incredibles are the places frequented by the younger they are offered any kind of ice cream and crepes again reproduced in detail from these reproductions. If you avoid the classic restaurant but go to places that normal people attended the place to eat a dozen euro, I'd say the price is quite affordable, and then I would say that food is one of the things that you will find cheaper in Tokyo.

Hours
Compared to the rigidity of some European countries, the Japanese seem to be an exception, there was almost a night life in Tokyo to meet. You can safely eat up to 22 in all areas but of course those with the highest concentration of people and in a few days of the week you can eat until late. I am talking about areas of Shibuya, Takeshita Dori and Kabukicho. If you can not find anything then open the fast food will be your salvation because many are open 24 hour period, such as some supermarkets. The shops generally close between 21 and 22 and are closed on Monday morning. At lunch there is no fixed time from 12 onwards you can eat until dinner.
Hotel
As I said we stayed at the Metropolitan Hotel located 100 meters from the subway station and train station Ikebukuro. Truly enviable location, convenient supermarket H24 also a short walk away allowing you to buy food and drinks even in odd hours. We opted for the Economy room without breakfast. The price, not insignificant, was 100 € per night and we booked directly on booking.com. We have done much research on the hotel to try to understand the congenial neighborhood and price ... the end we realized that the important thing was the location close to public transport and the price. In fact, the city has no real center as we are unable to understand us and so there is an area planned as the "central" although in the reference guide is the Palazzo Reale. In reality the hotels around that area are very expensive and perhaps the area is what the evening was less intensive services such as restaurants, bars and nightlife. We evaluated the Ginza area but in the end we (thankfully) rejected by the price and the fear (confirmed) all around the area had the prohibitive prices (at least for our pockets). But let's get to the hotel. It is located in a building of nearly 30 stories. On the ground floor over the reception area is where you breakfast, a candy store (which unfortunately does not open before 10 am), some souvenir shops, jewelry and clothing. First observation: will not be easy to find the postcards around Tokyo, the Japanese seem to love them very much. So the shop is a valuable place in the hotel if you need to send postcards to friends and relatives because they provided. The stamps can instead take them to the hotel reception that will take care of even send them directly (that service). only negative was the arrival because they do not check in before 14.00 and are very strict about this. Thus, a diligent person takes care of your luggage and you like zombies groping for the time zone to try to pass the time before they come into possession of the coveted and deserved your room. Check in very quick: reading the reviews of this hotel I noticed that many visitors have complained because the staff does not speak English. To me, this has not happened, even I have to say that the staff is efficient and always have a duty manager who will give you information on time and always in impeccable English. Also, and very useful, if you book any trip organized will do it for you by removing the language problem associated with a phone call. Come into our room located on the 7th floor of the hotel. The room is not very large and spacious (brace yourself, because in Japan you will not have much space, in all the places you visit!). There is a bed attached to a wall (so who is sleeping on the side of the wall to get to override the other), a small desk with a chair and a coffee table. It makes it difficult to move around the room in two, I must admit. There is also a small cabinet which is mounted on a stylish LCD TV. At first glance the problem is where the guests' belongings and clothes. Indeed there is no physical space to put your luggage (we then had only two carry-on). The closet is really small and there is only room for 4-5 crutches and there is a small cassette ria (such as Office). In short, we tried to settle the best but there is no doubt that it is rather sacrificing, so much so that we have not fully unpacked the suitcases because we did not know where to put your clothes. With regard to the equipment room in addition to LCD TV (with all local channels except CNN and BBC), there is a minibar (empty just to put your things), a daily supply of coffee with green tea (no charge), air readily controlled and rather quiet (at least this one!), alarm clock radio with built-in cabinet next to the bed. There's also free Internet access but no wi-fi so you can navigate just using your laptop connected to the network physically. Let the bathroom mini but perhaps bigger and spacious room. Sink decent with all the necessaire provided by the hotel: razor, shaving cream, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc.. etc.. also shower with soap, shampoo and conditioner and then the shiseido the grand finale: the water. Hyper with bidet and built differently for men and women (with a digital keyboard with drawings of private parts!) Fantastic! Although not very practical at the end ... also sitting on the tablet comes into Fuzion suffered a jet of water that cools the unit. ... Every now and then if you sit for a while 'the cast is renewed again but this time also accompanied by a sanitizing Spai ... so when you sit under you, there will be any kind of noise that just will not let you stay in total relaxation! Grand Final: tablet, and then heated nien trauma session. Complete bathroom including a hair dryer wall. Changing towels and sheets on your specific request using a special card to be used according to instructions (easy) in English. Ah, I forgot that every morning you put a newspaper under the door in English. On each floor distributor of alcoholic drinks and even ice (this is free). On the ground floor near the reception desk, there is a business center that is nothing but a room with workstations for web visitors. Is accessed by opening the card room but there are only 3 stations in operation and a photocopier. The cost is 1 € per 10 minutes (you pay with coins but there is a machine that changes the notes) or you can opt for the newspaper subscription for about 12 €. The breakfast costs about 25 € per person per day and a buffet. To us it seemed an exaggeration, and then we bought breakfast bars / bakeries and then we are done in the room with the tea. The hotel also has a pool and a gym but have to pay (I can not say how much they cost because we did not go and we have not even interested).

Onsen
Japan is famous for its onsen, or the SPA. The Japanese territory is volcanic and there are numerous hot springs scattered not only the country but also within the city of Tokyo. It 'an experience that I recommend because it certainly will come out hardened and relaxed. We tried an onsen Oedo Onsen Monogatari is called (www.oedoonsen.jp) and is located in the bay area of Odaiba in Tokyo. It 's open H24 (no kidding!) But two hours in the morning from 9 to 11. The baths, however, are strictly separated for men and women because the rule is that you dive strictly bare (you can not even wear the costume). Once you enter the Onsen you take off your shoes and a girl in kimono will take you to the checkout and after you have paid you will choose the kimono called yukata and point you towards the dressing room. Once you have changed and have only worn the yukata in the area of the tanks will go to your bathroom. The entry has a variable cost by time: up to 18.00 costs 2,900 yen after the 18 and up costs 2,000 yen to 02.00 from 2.00 to 7.00 and costs 3,700 yen. The price allows you access to the pools and over the yukata includes the towel. If you want treatments like mud, sand, paths for walking or another then there are the additional costs to be paid. If you do not want to separate you from your partner or do not want to bathe in a tub naked with a stranger / a then you should be prepared to pay extra to go to the paradise of the Onsen. This is a real apartment with a lot of Japanese-style tatami mats, low table with tv and needed for the green and a huge water whirlpool spa just for you. Depending on the size allowed in up to 4 people. Our apartment was about 60 square meters and costs, including the entry, 8,000 yen for an hour and a half (thanks to our timidity and inexperience have become two because the person at the counter was that we were moved from Rome to Onsen them!). It 's really a thing to do: bathe in this tank so hyper on a terrace with a shower, Shiseido products and then you have the need for your hair with lotions, creams, jellies, etc.. etc.. In short, a treatment for a number of gentlemen who would say affordable. Inside the onsen of course you can eat, make small Acquired rest (there are rooms available), to assist the small shows. Everything inside is made of Edo style and although a little 'kitsch I must say that is quite characteristic. It almost seems to live in un'latra epic with all the people in Yukata and strictly barefoot running smiling and happy. To reach this paradise you can take the metro line is called Private Yurikamome and get off at Telecom Center. The line takes the subway in Tokyo at bus stops or Shimashi Toyusu.
Climate
There was his favor. In one week we had a day and a half of sun and rain and the rest of time covered. It 's always rather ventilated, especially during the day. The temperature was quite acceptable with daytime temperatures around 25 ° C and night around 18 ° C. The humidity is quite important and then the heat becomes unbearable, and now even during rainy days have never suffered from the cold. We were told that June and September are the wettest months with the coming of the monsoon in April and October, and certainly the most lenient.
Tokyo area
We had the luck and the perseverance to run and touch all the districts and major attractions in Tokyo and so I highlight them to you to separate areas. I hope to please!
Odaiba
It 's the most picturesque part of Tokyo because you can admire the magnificent city skyline. To get there take the Yurikamone or Rinkai Line subway. In the district there is to try the Oedo Onsens or go for a walk on the Rainbow Bridge, which crosses Tokyo Bay, 918 meters long. To walk on the deck (granted every day from 9 to 21) you can get off at Yurikamone Line U6. A few steps away is the beach area, Odaiba Marine Park, where you can walk on the sand or take a boat with red lanterns that allow you to dine in the evening in a spectacular and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend a walk on the bridge, it takes about 25 minutes to cross it, because you can take great photos of the city skyline. Obviously the hours of sunset and evening are the most fascinating. In the area of marine ask passersby how to get to the Statue of Liberty: No, I was wrong with New York. Ask and then you will be amazed by this (again) playing the famous American Landmark around the world.
Shiba
Definitely see the Tokyo Tower, an impressive 333 meters high tower built in 1958 for television broadcasts. It 'very similar to the Eiffel Tower (weird no?) And you can climb near the summit to admire the panorama (about 9 € up to 22.00). Honestly the best show is down because the whole structure is illuminated with iridescent color effects, charming and undoubtedly the best that you can enjoy the view from above (for which we refer to other sites)
Rappongi
It 's the new part of Tokyo where there are huge multi-functional centers and in particular deserves a mention in Rappongi Hills. A total of 230 shops, restaurants, cinemas, hotels, homes, an art museum and an observatory. In particular, the observatory is the main attraction for tourists, the Tokyo City View or the ability to have a view of Tokyo from the top of the tallest building in Rappongi. The cost for the climb is 1500 yen (15 € approx) and can go up to 23.00 (midnight on weekends).
Shibuya
It 's definitely one of the most popular areas of Tokyo. The exit of Shibuya subway takes you right in front of the statue of the most famous dog in Japan (and after the film with Richard Gere would say even more) that is Hachiko. For 10 years the dog has been waiting for the return of his master to Shibuya station, waiting useless because the owner had died of a heart attack during a lecture at the University of Tokyo. It is also important that you find the intersection in front of the subway station, one of the largest in the city and taken up by all the newscasts and documentaries that respect: through it with thousands of people is a unique experience that you absolutely must try. The area of Shibuya but it is also known for other attractions:
1. Yoyogi park. Beautifully landscaped city park that houses a temple sacred to the Shinto Meiji Jingu was built in 1920. I recommend a visit during the weekend because they certainly will witness many marriages and baptisms in full Japanese style. Beautiful clear that the couple rented the wedding kimono and then make the traditional photos in a set pre-established in the park. Paradoxically than the amount of people who usually live in Japan, wedding processions seem to be very interesting attraction, the number of sent is much lower than what we see regularly in our country. It is not possible, unless you are sent to attend the religious ceremony but it is certainly

2. Omotesando. And 'one of the busiest streets by shoppers "in" where there are known and emerging designers, antique shops and clothes for young people. It 's a very big street with trees reminiscent of a French and then the Champs Elysees that would not look in comparison. There are several bars in many places to eat and where to get ice cream or crepes.
3. Takeshita Dori. This is one of the craziest streets of the city where there are thousands of crazed teenagers who are attracted to rub the colors, sounds and screams of jobs that draw their attention to promising offers, discounts and 3x2. There are also many guys who go around by advertising sandwich shop and directions. It 's a real show, these teenagers are dressed like crazy: oxygen and girls all made with mini dizzy, white patent leather boots to mid-thigh, rigged to perfection ... we've nicknamed "little dolls" because they actually are real dolls you stop to watch it for hours only to see the details in all their perfect style. Coordinates to perfection goes even beyond belief to have the ciuccetti your phone to match the shoes and bag. If you do not see them do not believe it!
4. Harajuko. This is the bridge linking the Yoyogi park with Omotesando. Every Sunday morning the best but the show goes on until the afternoon, though rainy as in our case, dozens of girls give birth to the spectacle of cosplay-zoku or groups in gaudy costumes. It is not an event but a spontaneous collective that adolescent girls who take part are said to have socialization problems and we can identify with a fictional character from achieving independence psychological otherwise difficult to obtain. That is why you see girls dressed in the most unlikely, an astronaut from the Star Trek character, manga (of course), from dark and the character that goes for the more goth-loli gothic lolita ie. You will also see teenagers dressed as nurses with eyes that cry blood (fake) who wear platform shoes and white plastic of several tens of centimeters in height. All of course free to be photographed the girls are right there for that: we have seen that there are no problems but it is better if you ask them directly. There will be no waste, and above all you can do even a souvenir photo with them (although I must say that the show after ten minutes it becomes rather sad and wistful, like a carnival out of season)
5. Shibuya Center Town. After crossing the intersection of Shibuya will be catapulted into a triangle of mega stores selling clothes and gadgets for teenagers. The mall's most famous (7 floors) that I strongly suggest you visit is the Shibuya 109. It 'a concentration of consumerist teenagers committed to the extreme with truccatissime screaming and trying to attract customers into its stores. Prices for designer dresses are really not very high and our pockets are really prohibitive. But it is clear that the spending for the Japanese is certainly higher than ours, and all come with envelopes full of trophies to wear.
6. Love Hotel. A Shibuya is the largest concentration of Love Hotel or the famous Japanese love hotel. There are hotels that rent rooms for hours to give some 'intimate young couples in love. I'm pretty kitsch, and many are similar to others of the Gothic castles of the rooms with heart-shaped beds while others are hi tech. Everything can be taken for a few hours or a whole day and the prices are quite in line with normal, about 80-120 € for a full night.
Ginza
It 's the part that struck me personally or less, although I had great expectations. And 'the neighborhood flock to the major names in world fashion and where the international brands have their headquarters. Ginza is also home to Sony with an imperious skyscraper that can also be visited. If you want to take away the whim quietly let a tour of the area and see the windows but do not fall into error on our part or to stop for coffee because the rain and exhausted by fatigue. Sitting in a coffee bar for two (good) it cost € 7 each! I guess it might cost a night in a hotel or dinner at a trendy restaurant of the place.
Fish Market
The Tsukiji Market is one of the most popular place in the city since it is the fish market in Tokyo, which is located in the Ginza district. The place is famous for the temples of the bluefin tuna used for sushi and sashimi, but because of stupid tourists this place is no longer open to the public. To watch the tuna auctions there is a limit of 140 visitors per day divided by 70 people on two shifts: the first round at 4.15 am, the second at 5.00. The auction lasts 45 minutes and there is the view of bargaining followed by a sort of tutor (it seems that some idiot has tried to intervene by influencing the price in the auction). For those not able to enter (or get up at 3 am), however, should go to the fish market around 9:00 when it is allowed access to the public in the area (huge) in the market of wholesalers. You can not buy retail but you can stroll through the stalls full of ice and fish browsing and taking photos. Beware of forklifts that run at breakneck speed in the classroom and that trumpet to warn the unwary visitors distracted by not taking them down. It 'really strong emotion to see these people who work the fish with a remarkable skill but above all are marked by the harshness of life of the fisherman. Assist with devout respect and no one will say anything rather someone could even smile when you shoot dozens of pictures in the heads of bluefin tuna as large as half calf. Within the market there are many sushi bar where you can enjoy sushi and sashimi in a lot of variations of course fresh and really ridiculous prices compared to Italy. If you do not want to stay in the market I suggest you take a ride in the adjacent retail market where you can enjoy sushi and sashimi in a slightly larger and definitely more comfortable. With 15 € you can enjoy a feast of sushi and you'll pay the scent of the sea under your teeth. If you can sit the bench because the show is the preparation of sushi, in my opinion, far more interesting than the finished product.
Marunouchi
It 's the area of the imperial palace, and then definitely worth a visit. The Palace (nijubashi) is not open to the public and is barely visible from the outside. In fact, the access (free) is only allowed in the gardens very well kept and very beautiful. A nice walk is definitely a blessing after the chaos of the city but certainly if you expect a visit style "Buckingham Palace" will be disappointed because there is nothing real in all that you will visit (except the crows that have a size close to that of a medium-sized dog!)

Akinhabara
This area is stuck with us for the famous area called and known as "electric city". In fact there is a large concentration of electronics stores with some really impressive 7 floors of all the latest news from the camcorder to the TV cameras LCD HD robots. Obviously everything is ipercolorato and fascinating as the neon signs that advertise all the latest advances in video games for PSP, Sega and more. To deal with this experience and take the subway a few stops to Akinhabara and head north. Many are Chinese shops with gadgets of all kinds some other really stupid most interesting. There are also many stores dedicated entirely to the world of manga comic books, DVDs and life-size dolls. It's like being inside a big game but in reality you are in the neighborhood of Electric City in Tokyo. Within this area there is also an important Shinto temple called Kanda Myojin dating back to 730. Very impressive at night when there are some small ceremonies that you can watch without disturbing the people of course.
Uena
This area not do much because we enjoyed the rain prevented us from fully appreciate the area's major attractions or parks. Ueno Onshi Park is definitely the most beautiful in a sunny day with its lakes and the possibility to rent small rowing boats to go for a romantic trip. Unfortunately none of this was possible and there remained only then Ueno in the heart.
Asakusa
E 'is the area where the most famous temple in the city or the Sensoji Temple. This is the city's oldest temple in Tokyo built in 628. It 's definitely impressive though is pretty crowded with people (many schools) that of tourists. Kaminarimon the door is made entirely of wood and the mega-lantern "is attached to the entry is a real landmark. Also interesting is the way that leads to the temple which is called Nakamise where more than 90 shops selling souvenirs of the Edo and numerous kiosks to eat sweets. Exit of the subway will also find discrete Akakus guys who will offer tours of risk (rather expensive on the 20 € for 15 minutes). In this area I want to point out two interesting things:
1. Asahi Breweries. It is a palace built on the banks of the river Sumidagawa they say looks like a glass of beer with a golden mustache on top. It 'difficult to understand that this is a glass of beer but it's certainly one way to approach the river in order to make the next round
2. Sumidagawa River. Right near the metro station there are boats departing for a tour on the river Sumidagawa. I'm pretty nice to be done especially in the late afternoon (be careful because the last part to 17.30) and reaching the port of Shiodome Hinode (near the U4 underground station). The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and costs around 8 €. If you take the first race of the 17 you can also choose to stop at the first or the Hama Rikyu and admire the beautiful gardens but we obviously did not know it and we took the last race ....

Ikebukuro
It 's the area where we had the hotel but paradoxically is what we found at the end of our holiday. The area is very elegant and tranquil and I must say that the choice for our hotel was really good. The Metropolitan Business Center is a mega mall also quite useful to buy anything that you need. Two things that we think are worthy of mention:
1. U n the Toyota dealer that exhibits more than 200 vehicles and is high 7 Plans
2. The Sunshine City which is a mega mall (where there is the Toyota dealer in the above) and the observatory where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Tokyo paying about € 7 (having no row whereas normally the outside the traditional tourist circuits). Very beautiful young ladies who will accompany you to the observatory all dressed in style late '50s Doris Day

Shinjuku
This is another stepping stone to a Tokyo neighborhood that undoubtedly will take away many of your energy into it is interesting to visit because it's also quite large and deserves to be seen at different times of day. Interesting to see what we have seen in the most eccentric and varied in Tokyo:
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It 's the town hall of Tokyo and is the place that we believe should be preferred to see Tokyo from above except that it's free! In fact, as all public facilities including City Hall does not provide for the payment of an entrance fee and then you can get ranging up to the 45th floor of the skyscraper to admire Tokyo. The towers are open until 23.30 and you have to wait a little bit because obviously there is a row not a lot really. To get there the quarry is much more problematic in 15 minutes we found the descent where we waited patiently for about half an hour. There are also some security checks and you must be diligent and nice to see two police officers the contents of your bags and backpacks. On the top floor you can admire the panorama you can enjoy a nice drink or eat at a restaurant or shopping for souvenirs in the many kiosks set up (of course lots of gadgets and manga cartoons in general). In addition there is the possibility of putting a special stamp on your memory cards commemorating its City Hall in Tokyo
2. Kabukicho. This is certainly the most discussed and controversial area of the city. We have considered some of the local guides are the entertainment area of Tokyo where you can dance, eat late, drink and sing karaoke or see to many a strip show. The Lonely Planet is listed as the red light district of Tokyo and dangerous in the hands of the notorious local mafia, the Yakuza. We had absolutely no feeling of discomfort or distress and is far from the red light district of Amsterdam or Brussels. There is no misery there is no problem. In addition, several throws in that they are off the premises there never bothered because they do not know how to communicate with you and only you if you ask the kind of show or simply information that will be sent to enter. In my opinion it is nothing special but worth a visit at night just to see the youth of the spot price of 30 € to go to karaoke (not that we should not pay anyone!)
3. Electric Street. Electric City after here is the variant "street." It 's a much smaller area that is located just opposite the station Shinjiuku but very interesting are some shops that are true landmark of the city as Sakuraya, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera obviously specialize in all types of digital camera and camcorders last generation. Even in this case deserves a walk because the variety of products is almost endless. In addition to electric street around there are so many interesting cafes to eat including some really nice sushi bar. So you can combine business with pleasure!

Conclusions
Beautiful city but most people are wonderful. Tokyo seemed like an East New York much cleaner and certainly more secure. People have been fantastic to take it all in the heart and a special thanks to the girl in the subway that took us to the train line as he went in the opposite direction ... quickly! Too bad for the time found but is obviously part of the risks of trips and we can only take what comes. We hope to return one day with a little more time and the opportunity to taste the wonders of nature in Japan. Sayonara!