My friend and I are flying into Narita on the 22nd of July. We still haven't found a place to stay, at least for the first couple of nights. My friend has an Uncle with a restauarnt in Ikebukuro, so we're trying to find someplace near that since staying with his Uncle seems to be out of the question. ANyone have any suggestions?

Tokyo House Ikebukuro was our first choice, but it seems like they're booked up. We've got hostel membership cards, anyone have any experience with the hostels in Tokyo?

Also, can anyone suggest some general not-so-touristy things to do in Tokyo or Japan in general? Looking for ideas for stuff that's off the beaten path.

I always recommend the Taito Ryokan. It's closer to Ueno (closest station is Tawaramachi on the Ginza line) than Ikebukuro, but it's a quick trip to Ikebukuro on the Yamanote. Only 3,000 yen per night, per person. Best deal (other than free ) that I know of for staying in Tokyo.

If your poor tryhttp://sakura-hotel.co.jp/
Its in Jimbocho 1 subway change away from Ike
Beware of the othr guests though, i live oposite the hotel, and it attracts the very Fuked of Gaijin

Try Tama Ryokan

The closest station is Takadanobaba. Which is only two stops on the Yamanote to either Shinjuku or Ikebukero..

It is really cheap but often booked up as there are only three rooms. It is operated by a completely FG...

Please check the site for the deal with this place - it may not be for you.

HTH

Kimi ryokan, it is close to the station there in ikebukuro and not expensive but very nice. Hope this helps you.

Tooshi

My friends usually stay at Kimi too.

First you could try riding a rush hour train on the Shintamagawa line and see how many stations you can go talking loudly in Spanish (or some other non-English language) on your cell phone before totally pissing off everyone around you. I suspect that something interesting and not-so-touristy would be likely to occur, and thus lead to a great Japan tale to take back home with you.

Another not so common tour might be to try some food at a stand at one of the many upcoming summer festivals. Go to the dude selling corn, or octopus balls or whateve while feigning a massive 'I'm a silly foreigner who doesn't know shit about this place' routine. Put your chosen food into your mouth and then screw up your face or spit it out. Then ask the poor dude how to say 'disgusting' or 'horrible taste' in Japanese. Again, this is likely to lead to a wonderous, and atypical Japan story to share with friends back home.

Anyway, just some suggestions...

Rumor has it the owner's really cute daughter likes to walk around Kimi Ryokan in her underwear at strange hours of the night. =)

Thanks for the responses guys, my friend and I are looking into a couple of places as I write.

Does anyone have any experienced with capsule hotels? Seems like those might be our backup plan if other plans fall through.

Be sure to take taxis everywhere. I have heard that gang rape is rampant.source

capsule inns are cool. it's definitely a strange experience you'll never forget. i suggest you try it one night EVEN if you don't actually NEED to.

2 things though: you need to put all your stuff in a locker at the entrance, so (if you can) leave all your valuables at a friend's place or something. and tattoos are usually forbidden in any form or shape, so in case you have some, buy some big band aid to cover them before you go to the public bath.

don't forget to buy a white shirt in the vending machine as a souvenir...

NeoNecroNomiCron wrote:Engrish word of the day: hinky-pinky

Engrish? As I said before, "Ya can't beat the original masters."
Here ya go: hinky-pinky