A Tokyo Gaijin Survival Guide
Hi everybody!
It's your favorite TUJ alum, a bit misty-eyed at knowing that her good friend will be leaving for Japan tomorrow. I know a few people stumble onto the website from time to time, so maybe someone will read this Tokyo Survival Guide?
I'll try to update as I think of things and if you have any questions just ask or feel free to browse the rest of the blog!! Dozo!
1. The Metro is your friend. The first thing I did on the plane was memorize the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote maps. It's the best thing I did, because it allowed me to hit the ground running, so to speak. The subway signs and maps are the best English you will see in Tokyo too, so it's comforting. You can even download it to your video iPod now. Awesome. Don't plan on taking a taxi ever as they are incredibly expensive.
2. Don't spend every night in Roppongi. Seriously. Don't. Roppongi can be nice on occasion. The beer tastes familiar, there are Western style eateries, you'll see a lot of Caucasian faces. But is this why you came to Japan? There are plenty of fun things to do in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meguro, Gotanda, and so on. Yes, it's close to TUJ, but you'll be missing out on the izakayas and punk clubs in favor of the seedy bars populated by Aussie expats and Russian prostitutes. Some of the most interesting nights I spent were those in which I spoke with locals: not your classmates and certainly not those gross, horny white businessmen.
3. Tokyo doesn't need to be THAT expensive. The combinis are the best deals in Tokyo. You can buy some udon or soba, cut up some bok choy and carrots (that they also sell there), scramble some eggs, pour on some hot sauce, and make a perfectly good meal. It's best to eat your big meal at lunch, since most restaurants offer good set deals and a ton of food that will cost at least three times as much at dinner. Temples are free to visit, and the best part of Tokyo, walking around and window shopping, etc. is free. If you buy your beer in the combini, it's also much much much cheaper than going out to a bar. Save your money to travel. If you run out of money and have to nix that trip to Kyoto? Gah!
4. Watch out for the mayonnaise. That goopy stuff on your chicken. Yum. Looks like cream sauce. It's mayonnaise. Want some pizza with a tasty white sauce? Nope, mayonnaise. With corn. Delish. The little surprises baked in the middle of things can be fun, but can also be like having some Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
5. Eat Japanese Food! It's delicious. The Shabu Shabu place they take you on your first night of TUJ is gross. Do yourself a favor and get some good shabu shabu. And some okonomiyaki. And sushi at Tsukiji. Anmitsu in Asakusa. Department stores also have good restaurants on their top floors. Try it all. You'll miss it when you're back home.
6. Spread out your sightseeing. Don't run all around Tokyo at once. Save some trips for later on so that you have something to do later on in the semester. I made that determination earlier on in the semester, and it was one of the best that I made. I did the biggies first: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and then saved trips to Asakusa, Tokyo Station, Ueno, and others until later. It definitely made things a lot more interesting.
7. Take advantage of the TUJ language courses. The most upsetting thing was how many people paid for and then subsequently dropped out of the language courses at TUJ. People don't speak as much English as you might expect in Japan, and the more phrases you learn, the better off you'll be and the more respectful you will appear to Japanese people. I learned more from my erudite roommate and the TUJ language courses than in most of the law classes. Sorry! It's true!
Also, you might be approached by students hoping to improve their English by speaking with you. Usually, they're harmless. You might get a free meal out of it if you're willing.
8. ATMs. Most ATMs will not work with foreign cards. You can use the Citibank ATMs and the ATMS at the yuubin kyoku (post offices). Plan accordingly! Also, most restaurants and even some stores will not take credit cards. Japan is not a credit card culture like in the States.
9. Experience the culture. Go to a ryokan. Go to a sento or onsen. Watch the terebi, even if you don't understand. Don't be a Ropponger. The kawaii-ness might freak you out a bit at first, but it'll grow on you. Rejoice in the bizarre!
10. Clerks in Japan are way more attentive than in the States. Enjoy it and try not to be freaked out like I was. Irashaimassseeeeeeeeeeeee!
11. You might be stared at. Especially if you have breasts or blonde hair. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but usually it's harmless. Just try to look away and if it continues, a few choice phrases can usually throw them off.
12. Grab the ads! Free tissues! Yay!
13. Combini culture. You will bring a meal over to them. They will say something to you in Japanese. They're asking whether you want it heated. Then they'll ask if you need hashi (chopsticks). The donburi and onigiri are good. You just need to figure out which ones are full of sea urchin and which ones have good things like salmon and tuna. It's almost always usually cheaper to go to the combini than a full-fledged supermarket. The produce is less expensive at specialized fruit shops as well. Have your family ship peanut butter and other goods from the States if you need them. They are SO much more expensive than the Japanese brands.
It's your favorite TUJ alum, a bit misty-eyed at knowing that her good friend will be leaving for Japan tomorrow. I know a few people stumble onto the website from time to time, so maybe someone will read this Tokyo Survival Guide?
I'll try to update as I think of things and if you have any questions just ask or feel free to browse the rest of the blog!! Dozo!
1. The Metro is your friend. The first thing I did on the plane was memorize the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote maps. It's the best thing I did, because it allowed me to hit the ground running, so to speak. The subway signs and maps are the best English you will see in Tokyo too, so it's comforting. You can even download it to your video iPod now. Awesome. Don't plan on taking a taxi ever as they are incredibly expensive.
2. Don't spend every night in Roppongi. Seriously. Don't. Roppongi can be nice on occasion. The beer tastes familiar, there are Western style eateries, you'll see a lot of Caucasian faces. But is this why you came to Japan? There are plenty of fun things to do in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meguro, Gotanda, and so on. Yes, it's close to TUJ, but you'll be missing out on the izakayas and punk clubs in favor of the seedy bars populated by Aussie expats and Russian prostitutes. Some of the most interesting nights I spent were those in which I spoke with locals: not your classmates and certainly not those gross, horny white businessmen.
3. Tokyo doesn't need to be THAT expensive. The combinis are the best deals in Tokyo. You can buy some udon or soba, cut up some bok choy and carrots (that they also sell there), scramble some eggs, pour on some hot sauce, and make a perfectly good meal. It's best to eat your big meal at lunch, since most restaurants offer good set deals and a ton of food that will cost at least three times as much at dinner. Temples are free to visit, and the best part of Tokyo, walking around and window shopping, etc. is free. If you buy your beer in the combini, it's also much much much cheaper than going out to a bar. Save your money to travel. If you run out of money and have to nix that trip to Kyoto? Gah!
4. Watch out for the mayonnaise. That goopy stuff on your chicken. Yum. Looks like cream sauce. It's mayonnaise. Want some pizza with a tasty white sauce? Nope, mayonnaise. With corn. Delish. The little surprises baked in the middle of things can be fun, but can also be like having some Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
5. Eat Japanese Food! It's delicious. The Shabu Shabu place they take you on your first night of TUJ is gross. Do yourself a favor and get some good shabu shabu. And some okonomiyaki. And sushi at Tsukiji. Anmitsu in Asakusa. Department stores also have good restaurants on their top floors. Try it all. You'll miss it when you're back home.
6. Spread out your sightseeing. Don't run all around Tokyo at once. Save some trips for later on so that you have something to do later on in the semester. I made that determination earlier on in the semester, and it was one of the best that I made. I did the biggies first: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and then saved trips to Asakusa, Tokyo Station, Ueno, and others until later. It definitely made things a lot more interesting.
7. Take advantage of the TUJ language courses. The most upsetting thing was how many people paid for and then subsequently dropped out of the language courses at TUJ. People don't speak as much English as you might expect in Japan, and the more phrases you learn, the better off you'll be and the more respectful you will appear to Japanese people. I learned more from my erudite roommate and the TUJ language courses than in most of the law classes. Sorry! It's true!
Also, you might be approached by students hoping to improve their English by speaking with you. Usually, they're harmless. You might get a free meal out of it if you're willing.
8. ATMs. Most ATMs will not work with foreign cards. You can use the Citibank ATMs and the ATMS at the yuubin kyoku (post offices). Plan accordingly! Also, most restaurants and even some stores will not take credit cards. Japan is not a credit card culture like in the States.
9. Experience the culture. Go to a ryokan. Go to a sento or onsen. Watch the terebi, even if you don't understand. Don't be a Ropponger. The kawaii-ness might freak you out a bit at first, but it'll grow on you. Rejoice in the bizarre!
10. Clerks in Japan are way more attentive than in the States. Enjoy it and try not to be freaked out like I was. Irashaimassseeeeeeeeeeeee!
11. You might be stared at. Especially if you have breasts or blonde hair. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but usually it's harmless. Just try to look away and if it continues, a few choice phrases can usually throw them off.
12. Grab the ads! Free tissues! Yay!
13. Combini culture. You will bring a meal over to them. They will say something to you in Japanese. They're asking whether you want it heated. Then they'll ask if you need hashi (chopsticks). The donburi and onigiri are good. You just need to figure out which ones are full of sea urchin and which ones have good things like salmon and tuna. It's almost always usually cheaper to go to the combini than a full-fledged supermarket. The produce is less expensive at specialized fruit shops as well. Have your family ship peanut butter and other goods from the States if you need them. They are SO much more expensive than the Japanese brands.
Labels: Lists
posted by Wicked Words at 8:17 AM
2 Comments:
Thank you, Kristina-san! As soon as I can, I'm printing this out!!!
Hello Kristina!
My name is Kiera and I'm attending TUJ in the fall. I stumbled across your blog while I was trying to find more info on the school. It sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'm really excited to go myself. I was hoping if you had a bit of free time you could answer these few questions I have about Japan and TUJ.
1. You recommended using Citibank ATMs and ATMs located in post offices. Are they the only places to get cash and do you have and other getting money tips?
2. I've heard and read that the morning commute on the train is a nightmare in Japan. I'm used to rush hour train traffic on the subways in D.C., Baltimore, and New York but it sounds worse then any of these. I'm now hesitant to plan for morning classes earlier then 10am. When exactly are the crazy rush hours and is it worth dealing with for classes?
3. Which building would you recommend for housing?
4. Are there any classes or teachers that you would recommend that I take or stay way from?
5. I was also curious what the guy to girl ratio looked like. Is it 50/50 or it there more of one gender then the other?
You're journal has been really helpful.
Thank you so much!
~Kiera
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