The Tokyo list

It's hard to believe that a few weeks ago we were traipsing through Tokyo, gorging on sushi and raiding our favourite convenience stores like nobody's business. It was a whirlwind tour but, as always, a pleasure.

Tokyo has got to be one of the best cities around - cute, organised chaos at it's finest. When I lived in Japan I was an hour and a bit out of Tokyo, so it was easy to pop in for the day. I loved how there was so much to stumble upon. So many 'You've got to be kidding me/ Only in Japan' moments to brighten the day.

Anyway, while it's fresh in my mind, and since Nadine is headed that way in February, I thought I'd create 'the Tokyo list'. It's hardly comprehensive, just some of the things I love about the city. If you have any additions, please comment!

Without further ado, the Tokyo list...

• Books that will make you think Japan is amazing: Lost Japan (don't read the author's other book, Dogs and Demons - that will make you hate Japan); Memoirs of a Geisha (of course); Shogun (though it's far too long and I never finished it, I still enjoyed reading it on a train trip across Japan).
  

• Neighbourhoods to wander around: Harajuku is always a winner, especially if you've never been before. It's good to go to Harajuku station, take the Takeshita Dori exit (yes, it is a funny name) and head through Takeshita Dori (street). There are tons of cute and absurd shops to look at, and strangely, many out of control creperies. Or you can take the other exit and check out the Meiji Jingu Koen. From there you can head to Omotesando. I'm not sure of the latest places, but there are usually fab cafes and bars springing up to explore. From Omotesando, go towards Shibuya through Aoyama. There are great back streets around here. In Shibuya I always go to Loft and Tokyu Hands department stores to stock up on art supplies.
  
• I haven't been, but I've heard Kichijoji is good for cafes and boutique shopping.
• If you're lucky enough to be in Tokyo in spring, it's essential to go to Ueno Park for a hanami - a cherry blossom viewing/ alcohol-fueled picnic, though you can drink whatever you fancy. Ueno also has some old-school back alleys worth wandering around.
  
• Asakasa has a huge temple and big red gate - great for pictures. It also feels really old world Japan and is good for souvenirs. There's this paper shop on one of the side streets that I love, but can't remember the exact coordinates, sorry!. Last time I was here was during a summer festival and had some delicious yakisoba off a street stall and some ice cold Asahi - amazing. From Asakasa you can catch a boat somewhere - not sure where, it's just nice to ride the boat. 
• Shinjuku is the crazy, bustling area that's worth a stroll. If it were in any other country you'd not want to walk here alone at night, but since it's Japan I always felt perfectly safe. Ignorance is also bliss.
  
• I've heard lots about the Tsukiiji fish market, but never quite made it, though not for lack of effort. Hint: make sure you confirm it's open on the day you decide to go.
• Dan recommends Yoyogi Park on a Sunday, when all the cos-play goth teenagers come out to play. 
  

• Essential Experiences:  The main things I miss about Japan, hands down, are karaoke and onsen. Please karaoke when in Japan, it's amazing. Also, onsen - or public hot spring baths - are so relaxing. The Japanese really know how to bathe, and although it can be strange getting naked with a bunch of strangers, get over it, ignore everyone else, and just enjoy your mineral bath.
  

• Favourite food groups:  Sushi is always what comes to mind when you think of Japan, but there's so much more to taste. I can't recommend any specific restaurants, but ask around for the best local places for okonomiyaki (seafood infused, savoury, kind-of pancake), yakitori, shabu-shabu (cook the meat, veg and tofu in boiling water on your own table) and yakiniku (cook the meat on the hot plate in the middle of your table). I also love convenience store food. Try the salmon onigiri (a triangle rice ball thing covered in seaweed - better than it sounds). Also, don't snub department store or train station building food. Some of the best restaurants are on the top floor of a train station!

• For a taste of Seattle (or just good coffee), head to Zoka's coffee shop.
  

• Accomodation: I've stayed at the Ryokan Kangetsu twice and have always been pleasantly surprised. It's budget, but peaceful, charming and clean budget. They also have a rooftop onsen for ladies that tips the scale in their favour.
  

• Good Tokyo guides: Time Out, Design sponge guide, Metropolis, Sunnypages

Well, it's a pretty vague guide, but hope it's a start. I'd really love to get other suggestions, so let me know what I'm missing...