beachbum

Yeah, that's right: one day. It's sounds like a ridiculous question even as I'm writing this, but what would you do with one day in Tokyo?

KMLoke

depends on what you are interested in really. what time does your day start and end?

J_Correa

Not so silly a question. I am pondering the same thing - we are planning a trip to Singapore this summer and have to fly through Tokyo to get there, so we are contemplating a stopover. We figure that since we will be going through Tokyo anyway, we might as well stop for a little bit and get a taste.

beachbum

Except that I'll be carrying a camera, KMLoke, I have nothing specific in mind. Like J_Correa, I'd just like to get a taste of what Tokyo is like. Maybe a couple of the major sightseeing attractions, the Ginza... I really don't know. That's one of the reasons I feel stupid about asking.

The other question I have is whether or not someone who doesn't speak or read Japanese can get around the city. And how: subway, taxi, bus?

I'll have the whole day of January 12, which I understand is sort of a holiday weekend there. I can start and end the day whenever I choose.

Thanks for any advice!

kja

Hi, beachbum -

Getting around Tokyo by subway if you don't speak Japanese is in some ways very easy, and in other ways, mind-boggling! It is easy in that most stations have clear English signage. It is mind-boggling in that any one station may link multiple different train and subway lines and may have numerous exits that won't necessarily make sense to you. The good news is that if you know where you are going, what train or subway you want, and which exit to use, it can be very, very easy and convenient.

One of the descriptions of how to get around Tokyo that I found most useful in planning my trip there was:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...085020015.html

For more information about the layout of the city, see:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...085020015.html

For more information about Tokyo, including which trains and subways stations are near particular places, see:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

Hope that helps!

Haruna

Consider just taking a Hato Bus Tour. Full and half day tours are available and they take you to the typical tourist places in Tokyo.

http://www.hatobus.com/tour/index.html