1st time traveling to Japan...

[Alex Ma]

Hi,
I'm traveling to Tokyo from Malaysia on the 26th of January. Going to be a 8 days 7 nights trip. This is my very 1st trip to Japan so like any1 else would be, I'm seriously excited. I already booked my ticket and it cost me around USD350 for a return ticket so thats actually really cheap. I guess its due to the Earth Quake in March or smth. Im gona travel together with my bro so i decieded to book a twin room in the Weekly Mansion Tokiwadai which cost me a lil below USD500 for the whole week. The places i wana visit are Disneyland Tokyo, Ikebukuro(Near My Hotel), Akihabara, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Odaiba, Ueno and if i have enough time travel to Yokohama. Since it's my first ever visit to Japan i was wondering if my selections of places to visit is appropriate. Is there any place that i missed which is a must visit place? Do i have enough time to visit it all? Should i get a pass or just go for the ticket machine because i'll pretty much be using the trains and buses? Do most of the Japanese in Japan speak English because seriously my Japanese which i learned from watching anime just don't cut it lol. Im thinking of bringing USD1500 for spending money which excludes air ticket and accommodation. Is it enough? We're not the shopping type prolly just a few small souvenirs but for food we're just gonna eat everything lol. Because i,m staying at that particular hotel for 7 nights straight and i know its in the suburbs area will i be able to find some food stalls nearby? What time does all the trains stop running because i would like to visit some of the clubs in Tokyo. Oh god i think i asked to much questions. Sorry about that. If u guys see something wrong or have any advices for me just let me know. It'll be tons of help. Thanks.

 

[Glenski]

There is no "appropriate" in your selection of places to see, because it's your choice and totally subjective. If you want to see fish markets in Disneyland, that would not be appropriate!

"Must visit" places all depend on what interests you, so tell us, and someone can make a recommendation. (I can also suggest asking on the Thorntree discussion forum for travelers at Thorn Tree travel forum - Lonely Planet .)

Most Japanese adults have gone through junior high and high school with English classes, yet they are still extremely weak in conversation ability. Speak very slowly and clearly, have pencil and paper available, and expect many to be helpful but still very shy in communicating in English. You shouldn't have much trouble in Tokyo with local transportation, though, since it's mostly in Japanese and English.

US$1,500 for 8 days means almost US$200 per day for food and transportation and souvenirs and entrance fees. Should be plenty.

i,m staying at that particular hotel for 7 nights straight and i know its in the suburbs area will i be able to find some food stalls nearby?

What are "food stalls"? Should be plenty of places to eat in the area. Train stations will have (inside or very nearby) tiny shops or vendors with cheap meals like udon or soba, if that's what you mean.

 

[undrentide]

As for the "food stalls", if you're talking about something similar to those found in the residential area in Malaysia and Singapore, no.
In residential area in Japan, people cook and eat at home, and buy or eat meals at food stalls are not common here especially breakfast.
Such stalls are found in the busy area and shopping malls and mainly in the evening. They are called "food court" and open all day in case of shopping malls.

But as Glenski mentioned, there are plenty of shops and restaurants (including small diners and chain fastfood type restaurants), you can also buy various food from convenience stores which you'll find almost everywhere.

Enjoy your visit to Tokyo

 

[Alex Ma]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate ur help. Do you know what time the rails stop running? Im scared that i might get late and get stuck at the station lol. Hey if any1 is in Tokyo and would like to come out for dinner ur welcomed just letmme know when ur free ^^... again thanks for the info guys...

 

[Davey]

most trains stop running between 12 and 12.30 so if you make it too late you should get a taxi (not sure about the busses in Tokyo).

You could check this website for the train times:
Welcome to Jorudan Co.,Ltd.