Tokyo's hidden gems

[Samurai_Jerk]

Don't be like all the other tourists. Explore those out-of-the way spots only the locals know like Azabu Juban, Roppongi, and Omotesando.

TOKYO’S HIDDEN NEIGHBORHOODS: A LOCALS’ GUIDE

Tokyo isn’t one homogenized city—it’s a whole cluster of neighborhoods, each with its own character and secret attractions known only to the locals dwelling within.

Who better to guide you through a city’s secret neighborhoods than the locals? We tracked down seven longtime Tokyo residents—from a French retailer to a Japanese designer and museum curator—and asked for their insider tips on what makes their piece of the city special. The answers may surprise you…

[J.A.F.O]

I've found some great little hole's in the wall when traveling about the mainland... I guess I'm not afraid to stick my nose into a place and see what's happening. Last place I found was called Jeff's bar in Kumamoto. It's owned by a professor at the local university. But the staff speak English well and they're pretty loose when it comes to refills on drinks. Had quite a few shots on the house.

[Samurai_Jerk]

I've found some great little hole's in the wall when traveling about the mainland... I guess I'm not afraid to stick my nose into a place and see what's happening. Last place I found was called Jeff's bar in Kumamoto. It's owned by a professor at the local university. But the staff speak English well and they're pretty loose when it comes to refills on drinks. Had quite a few shots on the house.

That's how I find cool places too. Even in places like Roppongi and Shibuya you can find some great little spots in the backstreets. But the title of the article is "Tokyo's Hidden Neighborhood" and it then goes on to list some of the most well-know areas for tourists.

[J.A.F.O]

So basically the article is just trying to advertise tokyo to people who have never been... everyone else already knows.

[Coligny]

Our method is to decide to go somewhere precise... then get irremediably lost on the way... give up all hopes and try to enjoy what's around... works everywhere... (almost)

[Samurai_Jerk]

So basically the article is just trying to advertise tokyo to people who have never been... everyone else already knows.

That I get but this is just relisting a number of places that would show up in any Tokyo travel guide.

[Grumpy Gramps]

... then get irremediably lost on the way... give up all hopes and try to enjoy what's around...

Unfortunately, this type of thing hasn't happend to us since we got navi. Those days, when I tried to navigate myself, the wifey, car and caravan through the smallest streets of Barcelona just with the help of the sun and a compass are long gone.

[wagyl]

So basically the article is just trying to advertise tokyo to people who have never been... everyone else already knows.

That I get but this is just relisting a number of places that would show up in any Tokyo travel guide.

Whereas Tyler Canadien knows that Tokyo is a master class in low-rise, leafy, pedestrian-friendly living.
https://vimeo.com/171080529 at 5:18.

[Coligny]

... then get irremediably lost on the way... give up all hopes and try to enjoy what's around...

Unfortunately, this type of thing hasn't happend to us since we got navi. Those days, when I tried to navigate myself, the wifey, car and caravan through the smallest streets of Barcelona just with the help of the sun and a compass are long gone.

Never used more a compass than in Paris... 90% of the time overcast never any way to find the south with the sun... at least all the metro station maps were drawn with the north on top... unlike here where finding the north on the map is the first issue...

[Grumpy Gramps]

Never used more a compass than in Paris...

But then, I would have a very hard time to find my way through the jumble of some of those four+ stories high motorway junction loops with the help of only a compass. I think, these entanglements are only possible, if the drivers have a proper navi.

Finding a drink in Roppongi otoh, is imho not all that demanding, even with them crooked Japanese maps with no north.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Whereas Tyler Canadien knows that Tokyo is a master class in low-rise, leafy, pedestrian-friendly living.
https://vimeo.com/171080529 at 5:18.

Seriously. Fuck that guy (No homo!).

[yanpa]

Never used more a compass than in Paris...

But then, I would have a very hard time to find my way through the jumble of some of those four+ stories high motorway junction loops with the help of only a compass. I think, these entanglements are only possible, if the drivers have a proper navi.

Finding a drink in Roppongi otoh, is imho not all that demanding, even with them crooked Japanese maps with no north.

The Tokyo Diversity Commission even goes to the trouble of employing nice gentleman from 3rd world countries to assist you with this.

[Samurai_Jerk]

The Tokyo Diversity Commission even goes to the trouble of employing nice gentleman from 3rd world countries to assist you with this.

Speaking of that, I was drinking in Roppongi a couple of weeks ago for the first time in a while and noticed something new (at least new to me). Minato-ku now has official security patrolling the streets in addition to cops. The group I saw was a very muscular Japanese guy who spoke English and two large Africans. All dressed in black like nightclub bouncers but wearing reflective vest that let you know they were employed by "Minato City." I guess it could be a volunteer thing but given the age and build of the guys, they were probably being paid.

Does anyone know when that started or why they feel the police aren't enough? I guess it makes sense to have someone on hand who can speak English and is physically intimidating.

[Grumpy Gramps]

The Tokyo Diversity Commission even goes to the trouble of employing nice gentleman from 3rd world countries to assist you with this.

Oh yes, these fine, hard-working African Americans are always so polite, friendly and helpful and they have no bad breath. The Japanese could learn a lot from them.

[Samurai_Jerk]

African Americans

I see you've been nampaed by a Nigerian before.

[Wage Slave]

African Americans

I see you've been nampaed by a Nigerian before.

Well, in West Africa, Nigerians are known as the Americans of Africa.

[Samurai_Jerk]

African Americans

I see you've been nampaed by a Nigerian before.

Well, in West Africa, Nigerians are known as the Americans of Africa.

Shouldn't that be Liberians?

[Wage Slave]

African Americans

I see you've been nampaed by a Nigerian before.

Well, in West Africa, Nigerians are known as the Americans of Africa.

Shouldn't that be Liberians?

No absolutely not, the Nigerians. For their demeanor and behavior, especially when they were flush with huge amounts of newly minted oil money.

As for Liberians - Always an odd case. Back in the day, the ruling class had strong connections to the US being primarily the descendants of freed slaves. But the average man was dirt poor, uneducated and never had any family connection to the US. Back in about '79 one of them took over in a bloody coup. Since then its's been back and forth between several factions. Needless to say the country has remained impoverished.

[Coligny]

... why they feel the police aren't enough? .

did you just make a funny ?

I'd be curious to know what real authority they have beside the right to go fuck themselves.

[Samurai_Jerk]

... why they feel the police aren't enough? .

did you just make a funny ?

I'd be curious to know what real authority they have beside the right to go fuck themselves.

Certainly more than part-time security and Roppongi is always crawling with cops.