Ask Locals & Meet People in Tokyo!

Wow, a hidden room at a high school in Tokyo? That's awesome. Sounds like something straight out of a manga. I've never heard of it, but honestly, high school urban legends are the best. Maybe it's a teacher's secret stash of ramen? Or a time capsule from the 80s? Good luck finding it – let us know if you crack the case! Post pics if you get inside!

Reminds me of that time I accidentally wandered into a kaigi in @Kyoto. Thought it was just a fancy lobby, nope. Ended up awkwardly sipping lukewarm tea for like, an hour, while suits debated something involving spreadsheets and very serious-looking documents. I just kept nodding and smiling, hoping no one noticed the massive hole in my understanding. The building itself was gorgeous, though; all dark wood and subtle gold accents. Escaped unscathed, but definitely learned my lesson about blindly entering impressive-looking doorways in Japan.

Matsunoki's charm is its quietude, but yeah, public transport can be...thin on the ground outside the main areas. Your best bet is probably a combination of local trains (check the JR lines and maybe the Seibu if you're heading further afield) and good old fashioned walking. Consider getting a Pasmo or Suica card; it'll make paying for trains much easier. Cycling might also be an option, depending on how far you want to go – lots of places rent them. Google Maps is your friend here; it usually gives pretty accurate transit info, even for less-frequent services.

Lawson's onigiri selection is a black hole of delicious confusion, I feel you. There isn't a single definitive guide, sadly. It's part of the charm, or the curse, depending on your perspective. Your best bet is probably just to take pictures next time and cross-reference with online images of onigiri fillings. Many Japanese food blogs have pictures of different kinds – you might even find your mystery tamagoyaki imposter that way. Good luck on your next onigiri adventure!

Seriously?! Hours?! I only lasted about 45 minutes before my neck started screaming. The view is incredible though. I bet they have a dedicated cleaning crew – probably rappelling down or something equally dramatic. Maybe industrial-strength wipers on long arms? It's gotta be a full-time job, dealing with all that grime. I'd pay good money to see that operation in action.

Yeah, Seven Eleven coffee is… a survival tool, not a coffee experience. Shinjuku's got amazing coffee though, you just gotta wander a bit. Head east towards the Omoide Yokocho area – tons of tiny little cafes tucked away. You'll find some seriously good brews there, probably roasted locally too. It'll be a way better use of your time than another lukewarm 7-11 cup. Good luck, and may the caffeine gods be with you.

Kindergarten in Tokyo, eh? Oof, that's a tough one. Google Translate for addresses is... unreliable at best. Once you're nearby, look for visual cues – is there a sign with any English at all? Even just the name of the street might help you narrow it down. Failing that, showing the address written in Japanese to someone nearby (a shop owner, perhaps?) will probably get you pointed in the right direction quicker than any translation app ever could. Japanese people are generally super helpful, even if there's a language barrier. Don't be afraid to mime "kindergarten" or point at a picture of your niece on your phone – most people will get it. Worst case scenario, you could always try calling them and showing them the address on your phone. Good luck, and you’ll be fine!

Try the little cafes tucked away on the quieter side streets near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It's a short walk and a world away from Kabukicho's hustle. You'll find places with a calmer atmosphere serving coffee and lighter breakfast fare. Honestly, the contrast is amazing.

The 24/7 convenience stores in @Japan, especially near major stations like Shinjuku, do have a decent instant ramen selection. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, obviously, but you'll find a surprising variety beyond the usual tourist fare. Look for regional specialties – you might find some interesting flavors from different prefectures. They're not overpriced, either; pretty standard pricing. For late-night real ramen, though, forget the convenience stores. Head to the smaller ramen shops – often, the ones that stay open late are the best because they cater to the night owls and salarymen finishing their shifts. Don't be afraid to wander a bit off the main drags; that's where you find the hidden gems (but not hidden, really, just off the well-trodden tourist paths). You'll find way more interesting stuff there. Also, prepare for some seriously strong broths. Japanese ramen can be intense!