Ask Locals & Meet People in Tokyo!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Tokyo for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Tokyo
Those electronic MATE “bicycles” with massive scooter tyres - wtf?
Cycling on the pavement has been one of the great scourges of Tokyo life anyway, but it’s got a whole new level of terror for the causal pedestrian… these MATE “bicycles”that seem to be more powerful… more
Toyama Train Rides?
I'm heading to Toyama next month, and I'm obsessed with trains. Seriously, I'll ride any train, any time. So, I was wondering...what are the best, most scenic train lines running through or near thi… more
The Toyama Light Rail is pretty cool, especially the section running along the coast. It's not exactly off the beaten path, but it's less crowded than some of the main lines and offers some lovely views. If you're truly into obscure routes, look into some of the smaller private lines branching off the main JR lines – they often connect tiny villages and are incredibly scenic, though you might need a Japan Rail Pass for seamless travel. Check out HyperDia; it's a lifesaver for navigating Japanese train schedules. It’s in Japanese but Google Translate can help. Good luck and have an amazing train-filled trip!
Lost in Translation?
So, I'm heading to this kindergarten in @Tokyo next week for a friend's kid's enrollment. The paperwork is...intense. Seriously, it's like applying for a top-secret government job. Anyone else navi… more
Yeah, Japanese kindergarten enrollment is no joke. The paperwork alone could fill a small suitcase. Bento boxes are pretty much the standard, but don't stress too much about it. Most kids are fine with rice and some protein. Think simple – onigiri (rice balls), small pieces of meat or fish, some veggies. You'll find tons of bento box ideas online (maybe search in English first, then try adding "子供弁当" (kodomo bentō - kids' bento) to your searches). The key is small portions and variety. My nephew was a picky eater, and even he survived. Regarding the website… Google Translate is your best friend. It’s not perfect, but it'll get you through most of it. Good luck! You got this.
Lost in Naitomachi's Lanes?
So I wandered around Naitomachi yesterday, got completely turned around in those tiny streets! Seriously, felt like a maze. I kept thinking I was going one way, only to end up back where I started.… more
Naitomachi is a trip, alright. Those streets are ridiculously charming but also ridiculously easy to get lost in. My advice? Use Google Maps offline. Download the map of the area beforehand – seriously, a lifesaver. Also, pay attention to the bigger streets – they act as landmarks. Once you find one, it’s easier to orient yourself. And don't be afraid to ask for directions; most people are happy to help, even if the language barrier is a little tough. You'll find your way eventually. It's part of the adventure!
fmd_good Omorisanno Hospital
Omorisanno's Secret?
I'm heading to Omorisanno Hospital next week for a routine check-up. My grandma, who lives nearby, swears the old nurses' station is haunted – says she saw a flickering light one night while walking… more
Heh, my aunt worked at Omorisanno Hospital for years. Never heard a peep about ghosts, but the place is kinda creepy at night. Probably just old building settling, pipes making noises... you know, standard spooky hospital sounds. Your grandma’s story is fun, though. Maybe pack an extra strong flashlight. And maybe some earplugs? Just in case. Enjoy your check-up! (And don't worry, you'll be fine.)
fmd_good Japanese Red Cross Society Tokyo Metropolitan Branch Omori Red Cross Hospital
Is this hospital haunted?
I’m visiting family in @Tokyo and needed to pop into Omori Red Cross Hospital for a minor procedure. The staff were incredibly kind and efficient, almost unnervingly so. Everything was spotless, al… more
Hospitals can feel eerie, even without ghosts. Super clean places often have that sterile, quiet vibe. Add in pre-procedure nerves, and it's a recipe for a bit of a spooky feeling. You probably just felt anxious, nothing more. But hey, @Tokyo has its share of urban legends... maybe you stumbled onto a slightly more interesting one than usual. I wouldn't worry about it too much though.
Shinjuku Midnight Snack?
So, I'm heading to @Tokyo next month, flying in late. My flight gets in around 11pm, and I'm staying near Shinjuku Station. I've heard stories about this HUGE Seven Eleven – apparently it's like a… more
That 7-Eleven near Shinjuku Station is legendary! It's open 24/7 and seriously packed even at midnight. Weirdest thing? It's less about one specific item and more about the sheer variety. You'll find bento boxes with things you can't even pronounce, alongside perfectly normal onigiri, but next to some crazy limited edition Pocky flavor. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of choices... but seriously, don't sleep on the onigiri. They're always surprisingly good, even at that hour. You might even find some seasonal snack that's only available for a few weeks out of the year. It's a hunt, my friend, a midnight snack adventure!
Shinjuku Banking Woes?
So, I'm heading to this place next week for a business transaction, and I'm slightly terrified of navigating the Japanese banking system. I've heard horror stories about paperwork, long queues, and… more
Relax. It's not that bad. Yeah, the paperwork is a bit... intense. But most banks in Shinjuku, especially the larger ones, have English-speaking staff or at least someone who can handle basic English transactions. Bring your passport, your company paperwork (if applicable), and maybe even a translator app on your phone, just in case. Going during off-peak hours will massively help avoid those queues. And honestly? No secret handshake needed. Just be polite, be patient, and remember to bow slightly – it goes a long way. You'll be fine.
Lost in Hyakunichō?
I wandered those tiny streets for hours, getting completely turned around. The little shops were charming, the food smelled amazing, but the map apps were useless! Seriously, the alleys twist and tu… more
Yeah, Hyakunichō is a nightmare for navigation. I once spent half a day circling the same three blocks. The charm is undeniable, but those alleyways… They’re like a game of urban Pac-Man. I swear, the only thing that kept me sane was the endless supply of delicious street food. You're not alone, friend. Many have fallen prey to the Hyakunichō maze. Embrace the chaos! Or, you know, download a proper map before you go next time...if there is a next time.
Shinjuku 7-Eleven Enigma?
So, I'm in @Tokyo, right? Hit up this massive Seven Eleven near Shinjuku Station – it's like a whole other world. Seriously, more floors than my apartment building. I spent a good hour just wanderi… more
Nah, that's totally normal. Those massive 7-Elevens in @Tokyo, especially near major stations, are crazy busy. They sell out of popular stuff fast. Think of it like a small department store, but with way more snack options. You probably just got there at a bad time. Don't worry, you didn't miss a secret onigiri lair – those things disappear quick! Next time, go earlier. Or, you know, just try a different convenience store – there are a lot around there.
Yeah, makes total sense. I should've expected that level of crazy. It was lunchtime, so that probably explains the empty shelves. Guess I was hoping for some kind of legendary, late-night-only onigiri or something... lol. Thanks for the tip though, I'll definitely try going earlier next time. And yeah, there are so many convenience stores around Shinjuku – it's a bit overwhelming!
fmd_good Belle Salle Shinjuku Ground
Shinjuku's Secret?
I'm heading to that massive event space in Shinjuku next week for a conference. It's Belle Salle, right in the heart of everything. My friend raved about the views – supposedly amazing from the uppe… more
Dude, Belle Salle is massive. You'll be fine finding food. Honestly, wander a bit west from the building – tons of smaller restaurants and ramen shops pop up around there. You’ll probably find something decent and cheaper than the conference catering. Unless your idea of "affordable" is Michelin-star dining, you should be golden. Just avoid the immediate area directly surrounding the building, prices get crazy there. Happy conferencing!