Experience in Tokyo, Japan by Roger

What is it like to live in Tokyo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Tokyo is a sprawling mass of a city. Only 8% of it is public open space. Washington DC in the states, on the other hand, is almost 40% public open space and is littered with lots of parks and the like. Tokyo is literally one mass of concrete with millions of people all packed like sardines. Living in Tokyo can be as tough and impersonal as living in any other big city, but if you don't speak Japanese then life will be even tougher. I find the people in Tokyo to be very courteous; there again, this appears to be almost part of their DNA. It is very hard to make Japanese friends, and foreigners always remain outsiders, or gaijin as they say. Tokyo is an extremely safe city in terms of crime, which is very, very low compared to other advanced economies. Tokyo is not that expensive if you live your life more like a Japanese person does. On balance, I would only recommend living in Tokyo if you are serious about Japanese culture. I would, however, recommend a visit. There is no other city quite like it and you will be pretty amazed at every turn!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Tokyo?

I am a professor of English in Tokyo. I do not teach many foreign students that come to Japan, but I have talked to many over the years. On balance, most are very positive about coming to Japan to study. Some, however, are surprised by a certain degree of apathy amongst many Japanese students to their studies, and find it difficult to understand how they can be so passive in class, often finding it hard to express their own opinions.

How much does it cost to live in Tokyo?

Tokyo can be the most expensive city in the world if you want to live like a foreigner! Live more like a Japanese person and it is not that bad. Rent on a small one room apartment is about 800, 1000 USD a month equivalent. Utilities come to around 100 USD a month. Grocery bill will be about 100 USD a month. Eating out varies from just 10 USD to 100 USD. Consumption tax at the moment is on everything and is 8%.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tokyo? Is there any advice you can give?

Accommodation can be tricky to find. Craig's list Tokyo often has some excellent listings and quite cheap options, but usually it is in a shared house with lots of other people. Not many real estate agents are that friendly towards Gaijin, but several can be found on Craig's list, too.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Eating out at most places is average to fairly good. To find a good restaurant with excellent food at cheap prices is a challenge. For a Japanese experience, I recommend going to what they call a Izakaya; Tsubohachi is a good chain with a large menu with photos.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Tokyo?

• Shinjuku Gyoen.
• Harajuku.
• Roppongi for the night life.
• Ueno Zoo.
• Tocho government building in Shinjuku (free to go up to the 52nd floor and get views across Tokyo).
• Sensoji temple and shrine in Asakusa - fabulous place.
• Akihabara for all your electrical goods.

Is it good to eat out in Tokyo? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My favourite restaurant is the Glass Court in the Keio Plaza Hotel. It is a fairly expensive buffet; Japanese/Western fusion food concept.

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Is the nightlife good in Tokyo? Where is good to go?

I don't participate that much in nightlife, but Roppongi seems to be the main hang out. Just be careful down there of Nigerian door men and workers. Tokyo is safe, but parts of Roppongi is getting a bad reputation. There are loads of nightclubs there and always buzzing with action.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tokyo?

If you have no idea about Japan, it will be a massive culture shock. The biggest advice I can give you is to brush up your Japanese skills. A fairly competent level of Japanese will make your experience in the land of the rising sun much more memorable.