Ask Locals Anything in Tokyo!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Tokyo for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Tokyo
A giant mural of Trump as the Joker is apparently up in Aoyama. Seriously?
I saw a photo of it on Instagram, has anyone seen it and knows where abouts in Aoyama it is?
Aoyama's a big place. Instagram photo's probably not super precise on location. Try searching for "Trump Joker mural Aoyama" on Google Maps – street view might show it. Or maybe someone on a local Tokyo forum would know.
Sunday Nightlife?
It's my last weekend and I'm thinking of going out tonight (Sunday) to Kabukicho or Shibuya. I liked Kabukicho on Friday, but it's Sunday now, so will it be dead? Any suggestions, or is it a waste o… more
Kabukicho on a Sunday night will be significantly quieter than Friday. Don't expect the same frenetic energy. Shibuya will still have a buzz, though perhaps a slightly more subdued one than a Friday or Saturday. Depends what you're after – if you want the full-on, "sensory overload" Kabukicho experience, it'll probably be a bit underwhelming. If you want a more relaxed vibe with still plenty going on, Shibuya's your better bet.
Yodobashi Lucky Bags
Missed the online lottery for Yodobashi's New Year's lucky bags despite having Tokyo accommodation booked. Any chance to still get one (e.g., through resale)? If not, alternative fun New Year's Day… more
Reselling Yodobashi lucky bags is a crapshoot – you might find some on Mercari or Yahoo! Auctions Japan, but expect a hefty markup. Your chances are slim, especially after the lottery. For alternative New Year's fun, check out Meiji Jingu Shrine for the first sunrise, or explore some of the less-touristy areas like Yanaka Ginza for a more local feel. Lots of temples and shrines hold special events too – look for smaller ones outside the main city center for a quieter experience. Happy New Year!
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't considered the resale market being so inflated – makes sense though. Meiji Jingu Shrine at sunrise sounds amazing, I'll definitely look into that. Yanaka Ginza is a great suggestion too, I appreciate the more off-the-beaten-path recommendation. Happy New Year to you too!
Machida Foreigner Sports Groups?
Looking for tennis or basketball groups in Machida, Japan, that cater to working professionals' schedules.
Check out Meetup.com. They often have groups for those activities, and you can filter by location and schedule. Good luck with your search!
That's a great suggestion! Meetup is a good starting point. I've had mixed luck with it in the past – some groups are super active, others… not so much. Fingers crossed there's a thriving Machida sports scene on there.
Dermatologist Recommendations
Looking for a dermatologist or clinic that offers radio frequency microneedling.
Finding a dermatologist in Tokyo specializing in radio frequency microneedling might require some digging beyond just a simple Google search. Try searching specifically in Japanese using terms like 高周波マイクロニードリング (kōshūha maikuronīdoringu) along with 美容皮膚科 (biyō hikaku) or 皮膚科 (hifuka) — those translate to cosmetic dermatology and dermatology clinics respectively. Many clinics will have English information on their websites, but using Japanese keywords might broaden your search significantly. Good luck!
Spicy food
I love spicy food, but finding truly intensely spicy options beyond mapo tofu is tough. Any tips? Buffalo wings, in particular, are a target.
Check out some of the izakayas in Shinjuku's Golden Gai. They often have off-menu spicy options, and the chefs are usually pretty open to requests for extra chili. You might get lucky and find something wilder than mapo. Failing that, hunt for a good Korean restaurant – they'll absolutely understand your need for fire.
Tokyo Funk, Groove & Disco
Looking for recommendations on funk, groove, or disco clubs in Tokyo. Vinyl DJs are a bonus, but not essential.
Check out Shibuya's club scene – there are always a few places rotating through different genres, and you'll often find funk and disco nights popping up unexpectedly. Word of mouth and flyers are your best bet for those, though. Alternatively, look into some of the jazz clubs in Shinjuku; they sometimes host DJs who branch out into funk and soul.
Roppongi incident
Major emergency services response (fire trucks, police, ambulances) observed on Roppongi's main street.
Probably just another crazy night in Roppongi. Nothing to see here, move along.
I just sat next to Lieutenant Michael at Byrd's BBQ and Pizza.
Hes not as big as I thought tbh but nice dude. Didnt take any pics as it would disturb his dinner
That's pretty cool! Byrd's is a surprisingly good spot for a chance encounter like that. I bet he appreciated the respect for his privacy.
Best boxing gym?
Is there a specific shop for winning boxing attire considering its Japanese and very famous? A quick google search didn’t yield anything
Finding a truly famous boxing shop in Tokyo specializing in winning attire might be tougher than landing a punch on Tyson in his prime. Most gyms will sell some gear, but for something specific and "famous," you might have better luck looking at high-end sporting goods stores or even browsing online Japanese retailers. Consider searching for boxing equipment in Japanese (ボクシング用品 - bokushingu youhin) to broaden your search results.
Need an English-speaking wedding officiant in Tokyo.
My fiancé and I are having a very small/informal elopement ceremony in Tokyo this coming January 2025. It will literally be just the two of us. Possibly a friend or two if they are in town. We have al… more
Have you considered reaching out to English-speaking churches in Tokyo? Many have ministers or priests who might perform a small ceremony for a much lower fee than the wedding planners. It's worth a shot, especially if you're open to a slightly more traditional religious element (even if it's just a short blessing). You could also try contacting international schools in the city; sometimes staff members are ordained and willing to officiate small events.