K8tgry
Blue Mountains
shhquietdown
New York City
I’m actually a big fan of Disney Sea, just because it’s so different from the Disneyland we have out here in CA. A lot of people think it’s boring, but I think it’s gorgeous. It’s a lot more adult-centric than kid-centric, and for that reason I like it better than Disneyland. Plus they just opened (last fall) an amazingly huge new Tower of Terror ride (and I’ve never ridden the one here in the US). For me it was definitely worth it for the different experience, but you may want to see if you can find some pictures of it online first to see if it’s something you might find interesting. Tokyo Disneyland is pretty much a replica (mirror image, actually) of the Disneyland in CA with a few minor differences, and it’s got a lot in common with the one in Fla, so if you haven’t been to either, that might be a good choice, otherwise it’s a little redundant. (Even all the signage is in English, so it absolutely doesn’t feel like you’re in Japan at all.)
If you want to go to a good club, stay out of Roppongi unless you want to hang out with a bunch of foreigners. Shibuya and Shinjuku (but careful of the red light district) have some neat places, but I can’t remember any offhand.
When I took my uncle on a 1 day tour of Tokyo I showed him Akihabara (for the shelves of cell phones—he’s in the business—and the Jyangara Ramen) and Shibuya (for the crowds and the city feel…I tend to prefer it to Shinjuku). I’m a big nerd, though, so Akihabara may not interest you at all. Shinjuku’s another must, Ueno can be good (Ameyokocho, the old black market-turned-shopping arcade, is interesting), Harajuku has some really great youth culture, and if you go the opposite direction once you get to Harajuku station (instead of walking down the big street you head towards the big forest that is Meiji shrine) you’ll find Yoyogi park, which on sundays is surrounded by bands competing for attention, plus across the street from the park there’s a big amphitheater where you can find a neat flea market. The Harajuku/Yoyogi park area is really great for getting a feel for the youth culture in general, plus it’s nice to relax in the park if you’ve been fighting the crowds in the cities for a while.
Tokyo is so full of great restaurants I can’t even begin to come up with a list of names. Basically, if you like Japanese food you’ll be happy just about anywhere you go. If you’re looking for something more classy, I can’t really help you. If you’re looking for something REALLY classy and kind of fun, try Ninja in Akasaka. They have English menus if you need them, and the whole thing is Ninja-themed. Very cool interior, very good food, but kind of pricey. A great experience, though. If you like Ramen, try Jyangara ramen in Akihabara or Harajuku (near the top of that long street that starts near the station, I think). You get your pick of toppings, the noodles are great, the restaurant is cramped and awesome. I recommend the fatty pork over the cha-shu (unless you’re a vegetarian, then you can stick with the green onions and bamboo shoots). Also, if you go to Harajuku, don’t forget to take Takeshita Dori, the tiny street parallel to the main one at least once (it’s lined with banners with smiley faces on them, or at least it used to be, and it starts almost right across the street from the station).
TajLV
Las Vegas
I think Tokyo Disneyland is worth a visit even if you have been to Disneyland in Anaheim. It’s pretty much the same, which is to say it’s a lot of fun. I’ve been there maybe 20 times or more and never get tired of it. But I agree with the comment above that Disney Sea (which is right next door) is the adult version, with newer, fresher attractions. The evening “Fire and Water” show at the lagoon is spectacular. I’d suggest going to both if you have time. You can get passes (so-called passports) that allow you access to both theme parks over the course of a couple of days. And here’s one way to save a few yen: bring your own lunch. The parks have picnic areas and coin lockers to keep your food in till you are ready to eat.
Willow_The_Wysp
Miyagi
I am living in the north of Japan so a little far from Tokyo Disneyland and sadly i have not been there but there are two kinds of Disney here…Disneyland and DisneySea. I have been told that Disney Sea is pretty good and a lot of my students also travel all the way down to Tokyo to go to Disneyland..sorry i cant be much more help but I am sure you will have a great time whatever park you choose to go to:)
Tumerica
Ventura
Girl! I cannot even believe that anyone would go completely to the other side of the globe—ostensibly to learn about and enjoy the essential Japanese cultural experience—the differentness of it all—and would even dream of stopping in to Tokyo Disneyland for, what? Prefabricated American culture? Ick. It blows my mind. The Japanese phrase “neko ni koban” comes to mind. Gold coins for cats.
But hey, you’re the one with the moolah. If I had enough cash to go back to Japan, I sure as heck would be making a beeline for Kyoto, signing up for sumi-e classes, studying sushi-making, or Japanese raku pottery—or any of a thousand marvelous, mind-blowing, wholly Japanese flavas. Not to be missed are the wonderful ichi-ya, or flea markets, where you can pick up antique kimono or kokeshi dolls for cheap. But Mickey Mouse, he can just bite me.
lazysupper
Tokyo
Well… I went to Tokyo Disneyland last week. It’s no Disney World (Orlando), but it was a good time. A full day of entertainment for 6000 yen in Tokyo – not bad. However, if I was only visiting Tokyo for a short while I’d skip it, unless I was a die-hard Mickey or Pluto fan. Also… Space Mountain is closed until until April! And the Mickey-shaped burgers and chicken nuggets in Tomorrow Land taste like evil chemical death.
There are way more way better places to go. It’s Tokyo! Restaurants… too many to mention. But if you like ‘theme park’ type stuff, check out LOCKUP in Shinjuku (there are other locations, but this is the best). It’s a dungeon-horror-fest themed izakaya with mediocre food and mysterious drinks (they don’t tell u the booze) but lotsa fun with a group.
Also check out Tokyo Teleport and area… a mini Statue of Liberty, a giant ferris wheel, the ultra-modern FujiTV building, and a beautiful view of the lights of Tokyo and the Rainbow Bridge after sundown.