Japan Advice and Information (TT.TT)

If you havn't used Tripadvisor website before then I would wholeheartedly reccommend going there for advice on where to go, what to see and other tourists "honest" opinions about their experiences in Japan. Not the usual standard crap you see in holiday brochures found in travel agents. I used the website myself for info on my hotel and places to visit nearby. Link is here - http://www.tripadvisor.com/

As far as my favorite places to go in Tokyo are concerned I fell in love with Odaiba island. The views from there looking out to Tokyo bay and Rainbow bridge during the nighttime were amazing.

If you want breathtaking views of the whole city for photo opportunities then take a trip to the Roppongi district and the Roppongi Hills Tower building which I believe is the tallest building in Japan. The viewing deck allows for amazing panoramic views of Tokyo. Also try the Metropolitian Government Building in Shinjuku as their viewing floors are free and still give stunning views of the city.

The Asakusa Kannon Temple (Buddhist Temple) in Asakusa district is a good landmark although I can imagine during new years it would be difficult to pay a visit. When I was there I got some great pics and was able to pray and draw my fortune while there.

Oh and good places to buy models/figures for me was pretty easy as they were all door-to-door in Akihabara lol. I particularly liked Sofmap as a store but I know it isn't the cheapest place. Sadly the places which I believe were good value for money I can't remember the names for anymore ><. But they were in Akiba for sure, go exploring^^

If you want any other suggestions or advice, hit me a PM and i'll be delighted to help out. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!

Shinjuku is a place that you can find otakus ^^

Also, LOVE Statue is in front of Hilton Hotel, near Shinjuku Station: GoogleMaps - http://bit.ly/5I8bdG

Lucky you... I'd love to go there this time of year, even though the summer time was fun.

I honestly didn't know what to do when I got there other than try to go to as many spots in Tokyo as I could in four days.

Oh, and the hentai thing; I found out the more stories you go up in a store or the lower under the ground you get: the more clothes people start losing. It was funny, since some stores I walked in to I didn't expect anything remotely adult oriented but then there it was live action La Blue Girl playing on the TV in front of me.

I definitely recommend Shibuya, especially around the time when night just falls.

If you are looking for something in particular in Akihabara, there is a good chance multiple stores will have it, so you have a chance to do some price checking. I only bought a few things and one was a Dualshock 3 controller from Gamers.

Also, linking off of dazza: Asakusa Temple is a popular place to go, and if you don't get lucky enough to find a festival; Asakusa will be close enough. That is another thing I would have loed to check out, a festival of some sorts; I just googled "[insert city name] festivals" and was able to find a few lists of various festivals... None being around the times I was in the actual cities, though. :(

well i only went to tokyo once but i think that theres a few Ramen stores around Nishi-ikebukro(its near the JR station)

and i got most of my anime stuff in Akihabara

also as u know tokyo tower is also a good sight(its very pretty at night)
if u want japanese seafood go to Ueno,they sell alot of seafood

Have a nice trip

There are a few Volks stores in Tokyo. You can see them listed here: http://www.volks.co.jp/en/volks/nest/index_nest.aspx
Since you're going to Akihabara, you can find one of their stores in the Radio Kaikan building just outside the Electric Town exit of the station. There's lots of other interesting shops in the same building, so it's worth visiting.

I found that the best way to find good deals on figures etc. in Akihabara is just to explore - go to as many places as possible (especially the smaller shops which often have better deals than the larger ones) and keep an eye on the prices. Don't be too quick to buy something, because you might find it cheaper elsewhere.

Have a good trip!

I would also recommend checking out Ikebukuro. On the East side there's quite a few ramen shops around the station and it's also the home of Otome Road, so it's a pretty good otaku location as well. Also on the east side there's Sunshine City, which is a huge underground mall extending into and above ground mall which has a 60 story building with an observatory (I believe the tallest in Tokyo), planetarium and aquarium, so it's a good family friendly place.

Ueno is also really good as it has a gigantic park you can explore for a while as well as some interesting back streets that have some great sushi.

I hope this will help some. Have a great trip man, I know you'll love it there!

Akiba is made for wandering so start at one end and work your way down and then back on the other side. For everything else, get a copy of the Tokyo City Guide by Lonely Planet. Best guide I've used for all my trips and it has an itinerary planner to assist you.

>>>Are there any Animation/Figure studios/museums in the Tokyo area?
For anime studios, yes. To name a few: DEEN, Pierrot, 4°C, Khara, Xebec, and A-1 Pictures. Interestingly, the first three are all located in Kichijoji, an industry hotspot. You'll definitely be able to tour their artifices but going inside like a museum would be a tad much. Another Tokyo anime locale worth investigating might be the Ghibli Museum in Inokashira Park, towards the south. The only prominent figure museum I'm aware of is Kaiyodo's in Nagahama Shiga Prefecture. There are display floors for figures in various shops but Kaiyodo's is rather official.

>>>Where can I find a Volks store?
Selidor already provided that one.

>>>Other than Nanako broadway and Akiba, what are the other Otaku hotspots?
Though its in Ikebukuro, Otome Road; you know, if you're into that.

>>>stores in Akihabara?
Gamers Main Branch, Various Toranoana locations, and SofMap.

>>>GSC/MF/Koto/Alter, HLJ/HS/AmiAmi
That'd be a question for Danny. These are businesses, not playgrounds but they might offer tours or something along those lines. Although I know HLJ isn't located in Tokyo, you might try stopping by AmiAmi.

>>>Comiket:
>>>What's the difference between the three days?
The first two days are dedicated to parody works while the final day is for original material. The majority of ero-doujinshi is available on the third day but you'll be able to find a supply throughout Comiket's run; it isn't SO strict.

>>>is browsing freely recommended?
Recommended? No. Allowed? Yes. It's a good idea to plan out the booths you want to visit, what you plan on buying and the like prior to browsing, simply for logistical reasons. Things tend to sell quickly and if you move at your leisure or without any rhyme or reason, you'll either miss out or lose out. This is why a Comiket Catalogue is released before the convention. That being said, if you're just interested to soak in the atmosphere or meet your favorite artists, then there's no need for expediency.

>>>Is going to all 3 days recommended?
Again, its all a matter of what you're trying to accomplish.

>>>What are the locations of the industry/famous booths?
They're located in the Business Pavilion. It'd probably be best to get a map.

>>>From experience, what's the best time to go?
Early. Just to wait in line.

>>>..yes, I don't have the catalogue...
You might want to try and get that...

>>>Are there a ton of Hentai/Ero Doujinshi stores in Akihabara?
There are quite a few. Toranoana branches, etc.

>>>Is bringing your family recommended? (^.^;)
It depends on how much respect they have left for you.