Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps
Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, with a population of over 13 million people. It is also one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, offering a rich variety of attractions, experiences, and cultures. Whether you are looking for history, culture, entertainment, shopping, or cuisine, Tokyo has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the aspects that make Tokyo the city that never sleeps.
Accommodation
Tokyo has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the best place to stay in Tokyo. Here are some of the most famous and cheapest hotels in Tokyo:
Park Hyatt Tokyo: This is a five-star hotel located in the Shinjuku district, famous for its stunning views of the city and Mount Fuji. It was also featured in the movie Lost in Translation. The average price per night is around $500 USD.
The Tokyo Station Hote: This is a historic hotel that was built in 1915 and is located inside the Tokyo Station building. It offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as easy access to the train network. The average price per night is around $300 USD.
Capsule Hotel Shinjuku : This is a capsule hotel that offers small, cozy, and futuristic pods for sleeping. It is ideal for solo travelers who want to save money and experience a unique way of staying in Tokyo. The average price per night is around $20 USD.
Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro: This is a hostel that offers dormitory and private rooms, as well as a cafe and a lounge. It is located in the Ikebukuro district, which is a lively and convenient area for shopping and dining. The average price per night is around $15 USD.
Transportation
Tokyo has an excellent public transportation system, consisting of trains, subways, buses, and taxis. The most convenient and efficient way to get around Tokyo is by using the train or subway network, which covers most areas of the city. You can use a prepaid card, such as Suica or Pasmo, to pay for your fares and avoid buying tickets every time. Here are some of the types and prices of transportation in Tokyo:
JR Yamanote Line: This is a circular train line that connects many of the major areas and attractions in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ueno, and Akihabara. The fare depends on the distance, but the average price is around $1.5 USD per ride.
Tokyo Metro: This is the subway system that operates lines and covers most of the central and eastern parts of Tokyo. The fare also depends on the distance, but the average price is around $1.7 USD per ride.
Toei Subway: This is another subway system that operates lines and covers some of the western and southern parts of Tokyo. The fare is similar to the Tokyo Metro, but you can use a Toei One-day Pass for unlimited rides for $7 USD.
Bus: There are many bus routes that run throughout Tokyo, especially in areas that are not well served by the train or subway network. The fare is usually $2 USD per ride, but you can use a Toei Bus One-day Pass for unlimited rides for $4.5 USD.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Tokyo, but they are also the most expensive mode of transportation. The fare starts from $6.5 USD for the first 2 km, and then increases by $0.9 USD for every 280 m. There is also a surcharge of 20% between 10 pm and 5 am.
Restaurants
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects the local and international influences. You can find anything from traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi, ramen, and tempura, to modern fusion and ethnic cuisines, such as French, Italian, and Indian. Here are some of the luxury and popular restaurants in Tokyo:
Sukiyabashi Jiro: This is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant that is run by the legendary chef Jiro Ono, who is considered to be the best sushi master in the world. The restaurant only has 10 seats and serves a set menu of 20 pieces of sushi for $300 USD per person. You need to make a reservation months in advance to get a chance to dine here.
Narisawa: This is another Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in innovative and creative cuisine that combines Japanese and French elements. The chef, Yoshihiro Narisawa, uses seasonal and organic ingredients to create dishes that are inspired by nature and the environment. The restaurant offers a tasting menu for $250 USD per person.
Ichiran: This is a popular ramen chain that is famous for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, which you can customize according to your preferences. The restaurant has individual booths for each customer, where you can order and eat your ramen in privacy. The average price per bowl is around $8 USD.
Gonpachi: This is a casual and lively izakaya (Japanese pub) that serves a variety of dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), soba (buckwheat noodles), and sushi. The restaurant is also known for being the location of the famous fight scene in the movie Kill Bill. The average price per person is around $30 USD.
Nightclubs
Tokyo has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with many nightclubs, bars, and lounges that cater to different tastes and moods. You can find anything from techno, hip hop, and rock, to jazz, reggae, and karaoke. Here are some of the nightclubs in Tokyo:
Womb: This is one of the most famous and popular nightclubs in Tokyo, located in the Shibuya district. It has four floors, each with a different music genre and atmosphere. The main floor has a huge disco ball and a powerful sound system that plays techno and house music. The entrance fee is around $25 USD.
Ageha: This is another famous and popular nightclub in Tokyo, located in the Koto district. It is the largest nightclub in Tokyo, with a capacity of 5,000 people. It has four dance floors, three bars, a pool, and a garden. It plays various music genres, such as trance, electro, and R&B. The entrance fee is around $30 USD.
Roppongi Hills Club: This is a luxury and exclusive nightclub in Tokyo, located in the Roppongi Hills complex. It is a members-only club, but you can also enter as a guest of a member or by making a reservation. It has seven restaurants, two bars, and a lounge, with a stunning view of the city. The entrance fee is around $50 USD.
Karaoke Kan: This is a popular and fun karaoke chain in Tokyo, with branches in many areas, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza. It offers private rooms for groups of various sizes, where you can sing your favorite songs and order drinks and snacks. The average price per person is around $10 USD per hour.