Sushi- Tokyo related

[kpol]

We're heading to Tokyo tomorrow for the long weekend. We've got a few things planned but thought you might have some suggestions as well. So far we have: Takeshita St, Shibuya, Sky Tree, and possibly a stop a Disney to see a friend. This was a total last minute decision and it's going to be a PITA getting there (KTX to Busan at 0550, flight out of Busan to Tokyo at 11) but our way home will be much easier.

Their subway system looks slightly intimidating but I think I've got it figured out for the most part. 

[sushi]

You'll be fine. I think the subway is similar to Seoul. The only hitch is that there are 2 companies, so you can't transfer from one line to the other (todei? and, um, something else?). However, I think the day passes cover both lines. They're an excellent deal. If not, the suica card is similar to the t-card.

Are you guys staying at the New Sanno? If so, I have a couple nearby restaurant recs. I'm assuming not, though, since it's last minute. So, what area are you staying in?

I have no idea what sky tree is, so obviously it isn't on my must-see list

Speaking of sushi, do you have any desire to go to tsukiji market? It's impressive, but maybe not worth it to people who've seen Asian fish markets. Great fresh sushi, though! It's good for a breakfast plan if you have nothing else to do at that time.

Are you flying into Haneda? I'm assuming so, which gives you more transportation options.

Our trips to Tokyo were mostly about getting western (and Indian) food and getting a bit of cosmopolitan experience and decent beer. So, L'Atelier was on the hit list. As was Roti at Akasaka. Mmmmm, great Indian. Seoul has mostly shitty Indian, despite having that one section that begins with a D (it's late, I forget, is it dondaemun?). We found 1 good place in gangnam, literally less than a month before I left. There's a Delirium bar in Akasaka, too.

For tourism, I think you should at a minimum hit Asakusa for the buddhist shrine and some really cool old shops. There's a water taxi to get you there if you're killing time, but you can easily skip it if you want to be more efficient. One shop has hand screenprinted dishtowels that are intended for framing. They make up a lot of our artwork for relatively cheap. Or, they're great souvenirs for family. It's in lonely planet.

Also, you should do the harajuku (takeshita st) plus the Meiji shinto shrine walking route. I usually recommend starting at omotesando station and walking down the hill, getting some great italian food along the way. There's a shop called Oriental Bazaar, but it's probably overpriced compared to what you find where you live. Then ogling the girls and shops of Harajuku, then getting the peace at the shrine. If it's a Sunday, continue through Yoyogi park and see all the chaos of bands and performers.

You only need to see scramble crossing at the actual scramble. Go to the starbucks, up to the 2nd floor, and watch for awhile. Then get back on the subway.

For shopping, you already have uniqlo in Korea which is my favorite. You don't have Loft, though. It's worthwhile if you're wanting some relatively inexpensive and relatively western wear. Keyword: relative

So, other questions sparked by that? I'm tired and a little scattered. Sorry. I'm in Texas, not Hawaii, at the moment.

[kpol]

New Sanno is booked every weekend until this summer so that was totally out. We're staying in Akasaka so some of your recs in that area will serve us well. We are not interested in the fish market, since we can see something similar here and went to L'Atelier in Hong Kong, although I'd go back again!

We're also flying into Narita which seems like a pain (or just longer) to get into the city, but I think I have it pretty well figured out. There is a foreigner pass Keisei Skyliner and a 2-day metro pass that I'm looking to get.

I'll the Meiji Shrine walking route sounds interesting, I'll have to check that out since we're planning to be in that area anyway. Did you ever go to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden? It looks beautiful but I'm not sure if that's true for this time of year. It's supposed to rain Friday, but clear and 45-50 the rest of the days.

Side note: I've yet to find anything at uniqlo and always get overwhelmed going in there! Maybe I should try a different store than the one in Myeongdong. It's always crazy in there.

Thanks for all the help. I knew you would be a wealth of knowledge on this topic!

[sushi]

I'm a really basic shopper, so basic clothes in good colors makes me happy. I actually wore uniqlo today. Myeongdong is crazy, though. Even Narita is better. The trip from Narita is really easy on the NEX (25 min?) but isn't on the pass. Whatever is on the pass you can only buy at the airport and is only a slight amount longer. I actually looked it up a few weeks ago for a high school friend, so if your google-fu doesn't work, let me know.

L'Atelier in HK is very different than Tokyo. I prefer Tokyo by a legion. In a nearby area is a restaurant called Lauderdale (where I'm from) which had the most amazing breakfast souffles I've ever had.

If you're staying in Akasaka (I won't ask specifically, but we usually stayed at the prince), Roti is excellent and across the street from the little shopping mall. In the mall is the delirium bar. There's also some western food shop we stopped out.

I honestly can't give you info on the passes any better than google. Same goes for the garden as I never went there.