Stop over in Tokyo

[kaya]

I have the possibility of stopping over in Tokyo for 3-4 days this July on my way to Europe. That will cut my European trip by a few days but I guess it will be nice to break the journey and see something on the way.
I take it is not the best time of the year to travel there due to the humidity and perhaps rain... but surely it can't be too bad.

For those that have been, tell me your favourite things of this city.

[mei]

July will be hot, but it shouldn't be rainy. Rainy season is in June mostly.

and what to do... there's so much!
Harajuku/Omotesando, have a look at the Ota museum for some ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Meiji Jingu of course.
Shibuya - easily walkable from Harajuku.
food! and karaoke!
a day to Kamakura or Nikko (I think I prefer Kamakura, though Nikko is more impressive as a building)
ceramics shopping at Kappabashidori
see if there's a sumo tournament on - though come to think of it I don't think it's in Tokyo at that time of the year
discovering some of the smaller, quirkier neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa, Ebisu, Nakameguro
sushi at Tsukiji fish market

uhm, there's more but this is what pops into my mind now.

Oh, the big spider at Roppongi Hills (I think/Mori Tower - the art musuem up on the top floor has interesting exhibitions apparently). Also, Design Site 21 was really cool, and the new Tokyo National Art museum is in a pretty stunning building (though I haven't been inside).

have a look at Time Out Tokyo too for what's on when you are there.

[kaya]

Thanks Mei!
Some great tips!
Just booked my flights this week so getting very excited!

[mei]

nice, enjoy the pre-fun! If you have some more specific questions closer to when you go let me know. I might be able to help. am hoping to be in Tokyo in april or may myself for a week or so

[kaya]

April must be gorgeous in Tokyo! Hopefully you get to see the cherry blossoms.
Have you spent a lot of time there in the past?

[mei]

yes, april/may is a great time - though i'm hoping for cheap tickets so doubt I'll catch the cherry blossoms

I lived in Japan for 2,5 years of which 6 months in Tokyo (and visits during those other 2 years + occasional visits to Japan at other times). the next trip is for work - but it'll still be very good to be back again and I'll get some opportunity to see my friends there.

[watsoff]

Hajaruku to Yoyogi Park, Tsukiji Fish Market is fascinating, but you have to register by 5:30 AM to see the auctioning as they only allow 70 people in for that, then the market opens to the public at 9 AM, Shinjuku is interesting to walk around, Hama Rikyu Gardens is a peaceful break, Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Shrine in Asukasa, then farther away, Kamakura and Odawara Castle - probably too much for only a few days so take your pick. One of my favourites is the Tsukiji Fish Market. And the food!! But July will be very hot and steamy; I was there last September and October and the temperature hovered around 30C for most of my stay and only dropped to a sane 25C two days before I flew home. Everyone said it it's been getting hotter over the past 3 years and it's worse in the summer months. Very high humidity as well. But worth a trip at any time, no matter how hot and humid.

[kaya]

Thanks watsoff! great tips too :-)
Will definitely try to go to the fish market, was thinking that would probably be fascinating to visit.
And yes, I know it will be very hot and humid but that is ok, I am used to traveling in South East Asia so accustomed to humidity. Shame I only have 4 days, but I am sure I can go back some other time again and spend more time visiting the rest of the country too

[watsoff]

I'm sure you'll have a terrific trip kaya! I envy you, I'm already drooling over the thought of the seafood, like scallops the size of fists, no kidding.

Little tip, always walk on the left (especially in the fish market) and stand &/or walk on the left on escalators as well. I kept forgetting and causing people-jams, I'm from the "right" side of the world.

I'm also used to tropical heat, but found Tokyo a tad warmer because of all the concrete and buildings. The temperature and relative humidity was neck-in-neck with Honiara, Solomon Islands, but with no tall buildings and only one or two paved roads, as well as being by the sea, Honiara feels less oppressive. Still, only daunting to anyone who doesn't love the heat, so if you're used to it it won't be a problem. On the upside, the temperature drops a bit more at night than it does in the tropics.

Happy Trails