My husband and I will be travelling from Taiwan to Tokyo over Chinese New Year. He's been there frequently for work, but never been a tourist there. And I've never been at all! I read in the NY Times about a service called Tokyo Free Guides -- has anyone used them? Comments?

Thanks!

I haven't tried using them (or the Goodwill Guides) but it probably would be a lot of fun. I wanted to, in Nara, but it required arranging it a day in advance, which was not an option.

Here is some more info about guides. There is info about professional guides, but you might just want to click on the link to the List of Volunteer Guides.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/es...deservice.html

Maybe this link would be better for you:
http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~sgg/

Hi

I have not used them but in general it sounds like a great idea. It is always a good idea to get a tour from the locals. We went to Tokyo in May a couple of years back (see trip report http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_tokyo.htm ) and we took a couple of tours with Sunrise Tours and that was OK. Have a great trip

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thanks for the trip report and info - would still love to know if anyone has actually used Tokyo Free Guides!

Also, any ideas on where I could buy an obi? I seem to recall reading that you can buy used ones at fairs or markets. Was I dreaming? Or, where?

Bonjour jgmc,

You can buy used obi and kimono at fleamarkets (there are many regular markets all over Tokyo, some on a weekly, some on a monthly basis), and at several antiques shops.

A good place if you don't have much time is the Oriental Bazar on Omotesando (Harajuku JR station or Omotesando Subway station). In the same street, there's an interesting Antiques mall with several good shops under the Hanae Mori building.

New obis at discounted prices can also be found in Asakusa, in the shops along and around Nakamise.

I know two stores both near Harajuku/Oriental Bazaar that specialises in used kimono/obi. Ichinokura has very good price and good quality (bette quality ones are downstairs). It's on a very narrow alleyway near Takeshita dori--I accidentally found it when I got lost. Maybe your hotel concierge can find locate the store.
Chicago's is on Takeshita dori closer to the JR station side. They sell funky Tshirts also made with kimono fabrics (more cotton than silk), but I also spotted ornate wedding kimonos.
Also try Matsuya department store branch in Asakusa--they have a corner selling used kimonos & obis.

jgmc, sorry to "highjack" the thread, but I'll be in Taiwan later this month for business, never been there before. A colleague warned me it takes 1.5hrs from the airport to downtown--is it true? I presume the weather is warm there?

"used obis at fairs and markets"... Try Nogi Shrine antique markets on the first Sundays, Togo Shrine market near Harajuku on Sundays, or Meguro Fudosan market (Fudomon station is a few stops on Tokyu line out of Meguro) on alternate Sundays.

Wow -- good tips. Thanks all.

W9London: no, it does not take 1.5 hours from the airport to downtown. Traffic can get heavy, but the trip is closer to 50 minutes (on a good day). And you should not count on the weather being warm. Taipei has its own version of winter, a damp and rainy season, that often feels colder than the temp indicates. Not Japan cold, or NY cold, but chilly.

Of course, we could have unexpected days of spring weather, but pack for cooler temps.

Try to see the National Palace Museum - a most impressive collection of Chinese art.

Thanks very much for reassuring information, jgmc. May have to skip National Palace Museum this time as my days will be filled with the meetings, I'm afraid. I'll try to post my experience after I come back in February.

You may have to skip the museum this time, but you're bound to eat well. I hope your colleagues take you out -- food here is quite good.