What Is Public Transportation Like in Tokyo?

Photo by dat’ on Flickr

You’ve no doubt heard horror stories about masses of bodies being herded onto trains like cattle, often with the aid of oshiya (pushers), who stand on the platform and help to cram as many people as possible into already crowded cars. Or perhaps you’ve taken note of news stories detailing the advent of all-female cars on some trains thanks to rampant groping of female commuters (made possible by trains so densely packed that women can’t even turn around to see who might be molesting them). But let’s be clear: such incidents have been hyped by a media stuck in a 24-hour news cycle with little actual news to report. And while trains happen to be the main form of transportation used in Tokyo, any adverse conditions can be easily avoided by skipping peak travel times or simply using other forms of mass transit. So if you happen to be planning a trip to Tokyo and you’re wondering about the best ways to get around, here’s the 411 on public transportation.

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Tokyo Art Events in June 2012

Photo from LIXIL

Tokyo is the arts destination for anyone traveling throughout the country of Japan. Although there are events taking place throughout the year, you can find some of the best displays, showcases and exhibitions during the summer months, with June possibly proving the most promising. With many exciting events highlight the month of June, there is something for very one, so whether you enjoy art or are just looking for something to do, you need to check out the upcoming local events.

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Budget Backpackers Guide to Tokyo

If 30 million people can live in Tokyo, then a budget traveler should expect to find accommodation, entertainment and food suitable to their pocketbook. Don’t think twice about going if the city’s reputation as one of the more expensive global centers in the world is turning you off, because there are not only cheap options, but free ones as well.

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Recent Japan Earthquake

Photo Credits: BBC

Just a little over an hour ago, Japan was hit with an 9.0 earthquake (worst in 300 years) . And although little damage was done here in Osaka, it was still quite an experience.

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A Stroll Through Hama Rikyu Garden

Hama Rikyu Garden is found near the mouth of the Sumida River, and although it’s surrounded by the chaos that is Tokyo, it still remains one of Japan’s most famous gardens.

The garden was originally property of the Tokugawa Shogun and served as his personal hunting grounds. Today the park hosts many beautiful features including a tidal pool, moon-viewing pavilions, as well as several teahouses.

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Cute Places to Visit in Japan

Please welcome my wife Stacey to I Heart Japan! She’s got a keen eye for all things cute and she’ll be running down the latest trends in kawaii and Japanese crafts.

It doesn’t get much cuter than Hello Kitty. Did you know there is a theme park in Japan dedicated to Hello Kitty! How can you not visit it? (I guess pretty easily, if you didn’t find out about it until you were back home, like me.)

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Tokyo Fireworks – July 25, 2009

If you’re going to be in Tokyo at the end of July, you’ll definitely want to check out the Tokyo fireworks that are held every year on the last Saturday of of the month.

Over a million people usually turn out to watch the approximately 22,000 fireworks lighting up the sky over a period of 1 and a half hours.

For directions and information check out the TokyoTopia web site.

Tokyo Trendspotting

No matter where you live, the economic downturn has effected tourism. Here in Canada I’ve been seeing a lot more advertising encouraging Canadians to stay at home this summer and tour Canada. Japan, however, is taking a different route.

Trend tourism is one of the newer ideas that has taken hold of Tokyo. The premise is to encourage business and individuals to check out what’s new on the technology horizon, from cell phones to toilets.

BBC just posted a 10 minute spot on how Tokyo is using its art and technology to attract the next generation of tourists.

What’s coming down the pipes for cell phone and RFID technology is both remarkable and somewhat scary.

Giant Robot Statues Attack Japan!

A guy just doesn’t get to write enough headlines like that.

By now you’ve probably heard about the giant 18 meter high Gundam statue that has taken over Tokyo recently. Not to be outdone, Kobe has started work on their own giant robot.

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Places to Stay in Tokyo – Meguro Gajoen Ryokan

Akihabara News just posted a great video on one of the oldest Ryokans (Japanese style hotel) in Tokyo, the Meguo Gajoen.

Tokyo Gajoen is your ordinary modern luxury Hotel, it is still possible however to visit the Historic part of this hotel, with a dedicated tour guide where you will learned how guest in the Past were treated in a gorgeous traditional wooden Ryokan.

For more information, be sure to check out the Meguro Gajoen web site or the reviews over at Trip Advisor.