Off to Explore Tokyo – A Brief Itinerary
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As you’re reading this I’m somewhere in Tokyo. Hopefully I know where I am.
My girlfriend arrived in Japan on Saturday. She will be temporarily moving in with me as we try to find her a job at an English school. The plan is to have her stay for a year or two but she needs to be sponsored by a company to get a work visa. It’s difficult for Americans trying to find work in Japan and she will only have three months to find a job and get her visa changed. Thankfully with a large English-speaking community in the area we have some leads and can hopefully find her something soon. More updates are sure to come.
This long weekend we will forget about work and visa issues and enjoy four days in Tokyo. Her arrival timed up perfectly with Silver Week so I have three days off school and can pick her up. This will be my third time to Tokyo and I’m still excited and anxious to get there. Adding to the excitement is the fact that it’s my girlfriend’s first trip overseas so I have to play tour guide and show her why I like this country so much.
Tokyo is difficult to digest at first. The city is split into multiple downtowns which all could be considered large cities by themselves. My girlfriend and I both enjoy people watching and big cities so we didn’t set many plans. Instead, we’re going to explore the different sections of the city and let ourselves wonder and get lost in the hysteria. I can’t wait!
I made a short list of places I’d like us to visit. If you’re unfamiliar with Tokyo, consider this Tokyo 101 in two minutes!
Tsukiji Fish Market
This is my one plan for our entire visit. It has evaded me the last two times, but I will definitely be waking up at 4:30 a.m. and making my way to Tsukiji to watch the bidding process for huge tuna and other seafood. All of the boats come in at dawn and the spectacle of wholesale fish bidding begins. This is also a chance to get some of the freshest sushi in Japan. I can taste it already.
Shibuya
Watching Lost in Translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson was one of my first introductions to how cool Japan was. The infamous scene where Scarlett Johannson’s character walks across the crosswalk with umbrellas everywhere is still one of my favorite scenes. Shibuya is my favorite area of Japan. The world’s busiest crosswalk is located in Shibuya and it feels like you’re in a movie scene the minute you step foot in the area. The shops also keep you enthralled for hours with crazy fashion and trinkets. There is always something crazy or interesting to look at in Tokyo and Shibuya is no different.
The Rainbow Bridge
My first time in Tokyo I walked across the 570 meter long bridge and was treated to some of the best shots of the city. The city provides a nice walkway and the views of the Tokyo Bay are not to be missed. This was my favorite moment from any Tokyo experience and I can’t wait to get back.
Ghibli Museum
Tim Ferriss at the 4-Hour Work Week called this the best museum he’s ever been to. After doing a Google image search and checking out the trippy anime themed museum of Studio Ghibli I can see why. Every area, room, and decoration looks like a dream sequence and I’m expecting my jaw to be to the floor the entire time.
I’ll be back later this week with a new roommate and some great stories. Have a good week!
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Hi, I'm Austin Morgan. I live in Japan, teach English, and write about personal finance. I hope you enjoy FF and feel free to 
I hope you made your plans to go to Studio Ghibli in advance! You have to get the tickets at a Lawson. But anyways, have a great time out there! I miss Tokyo.
[Reply]
Austin Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
We didn’t get a chance to head to Studio Ghibli after all. I guess there is another reason to go back! Tsukiji was unbelievable. I’m assuming you made it over there during your extended visit?
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