Top 10 Phrases You’ll Need In Tokyo
March 7, 2008
1.Domo arigato gozaimasu (Thank you so much) – The people in Tokyo are surprisingly friendly and helpful for such a big city place. And it’s not hard to find somebody who speaks English really. But everybody needs to know how to say “thanks,” right? A simple thanks is “domo.” A slight more respectful “Thank you” is “Arigato.” Save the full phrase for when you really, really mean it. Tip: Domo is also “hi” and “bye” It’s more of an acknowledgment than a thanks.
2.Doko desu-ka…(Where is…) — Best pronunciation: doh-koh dess-ka. Begin the question with the object of the question. For example: Where is the toilet? = Toilet-wa doko desu-ka? Btw, “toilet” is pronounced toh-ee-ray, and roll the “r” just a little bit, almost as if it’s an “L.”
3.Kudesai (Please) – Self-explanatory; use where appropriate. Or after extra-gaijin requests like asking for a fork: Kudesai, Foku-wa arimasuka? (Ah-ree-mas-kah). Literally: Please, fork is there? Japanese = talking like Yoda.
4.Gomenesai (I’m sorry) – When you step on somebody’s foot on the subway. (Also useful if you accidentally stroll in to a Yakuza joint.)
5.Daijobu (That’s okay) – When somebody apologizes to you, which may be unlikely.
6.Nama birru hitatsu (One draft beer) – The Japanese number system is crazy. There are different words for numbers, depending on whether you are numbering cylindrical things or flat things or bottles or rabbits or birds or fish…on and on and on. When ordering beer, stick with “hitatsu,” which is for bottles of beer. “Nama” means “raw” or “draft,” which really comes out of big bottle usually anyway. If you want two beers, the number is “futatsu.” Three is “mitsu.” Any more than that, just hold up the appropriate number of fingers and smile. They’ll get it. Tell them whether you want Sapporo, Asahi, or Kirin. They usually have Bud and/or Bud Light, and sometimes even Heinekin.
7.Nan-sai desu-ka (How old are you?) — This could come in handy. Age of consent is typically 20, so watch yourself. The word for “20” is “ni-ju,” or 2 x 10, so any age that begins in “ni-ju…” is fair game. Do not confuse it with ju-ni, or 10 plus 2.
8.Kimochi (Feels good) – Not for you to say, but to understand. If an attractive girl tugs on your arm and uses this word repeatedly, she is likely one of many different kinds of prostitutes—or a legitimate masseuse. Proceed at your own risk. If she says “Sen zuri,” she’s definitely a prostitute.
9.Ikura? (How much?) — This is in no way related to #8. You will need this for other things, too, you perv. If you ask in Japanese, though, be prepared to get a Japanese answer. The best way to handle this is to know your general numbers, ich, ni, san, shi, go…et cetera.
10.Shitsurei (Excuse me) – That’s pronounced sheets-oo-ray, potty mouth. (Though you can have fun with them by asking them to use the word “city,” hardee-har-har.) It’s a polite word, used mostly if you are interrupting someone or getting a strangers attention. If more casual or feel you are even footing with someone, “chotto,” works well, too. For example, you might ask a ni-ju sai woman “Chotto, chotto. Opai-pabu-wa, doko desu-ka?” Just kidding. Don’t ask that. If so, you just asked where the nudie-bar is.
Bonus: When leaving a restaurant, it’s traditional to bow a little to hosts and say “Go chiso sama desushita!” — go-chee-soh-sah-mah-desh-tah. It means, literally, “It was a feast!” A nice way of thanking them for their hard work.
Top 10 Hotels in Tokyo
November 20, 2007
Here we present you the top 10 most luxurious and elegant hotels in Tokyo!
1. Park Hyatt Tokyo
Location: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 163-1055
Telephone: 03-5322-1234
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo is considered one of the most elegant and convenient hotels located Japan. This hotel contains 154 rooms including 23 suites and has been awarded Conde Nast Award Winner and also rated Classic Luxury hotel. Park Hyatt Tokyo offers spectacular views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji from the top 14 floors of the 52-storey Shinjuku Park Tower and also offers a wide range of fine dinning options.
2. InterContinental Tokyo Bay
Location: 1-16-2, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-5404-2222
Combines urban convenience with expansive panoramas of one of the great city, InterContinental Tokyo Bay stands in the heart of the city near the famed Ginza shopping district. This Luxury hotel has 336 rooms including 8 suites. Here, you will be welcomed with the distinctive hospitality made famous at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts worldwide and also astonished with a spectacular view of the river or the bay. The hotel has elegant and luxurious for both business and personal visitors.
3. Ritz Carlton Tokyo
Location: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3423-8000
Ritz Carlton Tokyo opened its’ doors to guests for the first time on March 30th, 2007, and is considered one of the best hotel in Tokyo. This elegant hotel contains luxurious 248 rooms and also rated as a Classic Luxury hotel. The hotel has been designed with the combination of the modern architecture and ancient art and culture of the Japanese. Ritz Carlton Tokyo is one of the tallest buildings in Tokyo, where you can see the most amazing view from its magnificent sky lobby on 45th floor.
4. Hotel Seiyo Ginza
Location: 1-11-2 Ginza, Tokyo.
Telephone: 03-3535-1111
A Rosewood Hotel, Hotel Seiyo Ginza is located in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Ginza District. This hotel was built in 1987 and remodeled in 2001 and also rated as a Classic Luxury hotel. Hotel Seiyo Ginza contains many elegant and luxurious rooms and also offers the most spacious baths in Japan, featuring separate showers, vanity areas and walk-in closets. Therefore, this elegant 77 - stories accommodations is an ideal destination for both business and pleasure.
5. InterContinental Ana Tokyo
Location: 1-12-33 AKASAKA 107 0052 Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3505-1113
Located right in the heart of Tokyo in Ark Hills with Akasaka, Roppongi and Kasumigaseki close by, ANA InterContinental Tokyo is one of the most elegant hotels in Tokyo. This Hotel contains 867 rooms including 28 luxurious suites. With easy way to the airport, this hotel provides visitors convenient and luxury.
6. Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Location: 1-1, Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3504-1111
Recognized as a Leading Luxury Hotel in Japan, Imperial Hotel Tokyo a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”. Imperial Hotel Tokyo is believed to be the most elegant and luxurious hotel in Tokyo and has served Japan’s Unofficial Host to the visiting dignitaries, the traveling executives and first-time visitors. This hotel is also within walking distance of virtually all Tokyo’s landmarks such as the elegant Ginza, the central business district of marunouchi, the Government offices In Kasumigaseki, And of course, the Imperial Palace.
7. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Location: 4/F, Mitsui Main Building, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3270-8800
Remodeled in 2006, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo contains 157 rooms and 22 suites. Guests who are arriving at the Hotel will be ushered from a private entrance, whisked directly to the 38th floor Sky Lobby where a breathtaking view of the dramatic cityscape is presented. Although the hotel has been built in a modern style building, the Japanese style and decoration is still firmly present.
8. The Peninsula Tokyo
Location: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo
Telephone: 03-6270-2888
The newly opened hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo officially opened on September 1, 2007. The Peninsula Tokyo is situated in the business district of Marunouchi on Harumi-dori Avenue and Naka-dori Avenue. The Peninsula Tokyo has 315 guestrooms including 46 luxurious suites. On 24 floors, the hotel offers views of some of the city’s most notable landmark and in the Peninsula Lobby, finest breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served. Additionally, the three further restaurants are also offer Japanese and Chinese cuisine.
9. Hotel Okura Tokyo
Location: 2-10-4 Toranomon Minato-ku Tokyo
Telephone: 3-3582-0111
As one of the best business hotels in Tokyo, Hotel Okura Tokyo has become one of the most visited hotels in the capital city. This hotel was built in 1962 and Remodeled in 1988, and contains 857 rooms including 62 suites. Hotel Okura Tokyo offers a wide variety of exquisite restaurants and bars which are just steps away from the hotel. The outdoor swimming pool is open to guests for both fitness and recreational purposes in the summer. Additionally, views of the traditional Japanese garden from the Seventh and ninth floors are strongly recommended.
10. Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo
Location: 1-11-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo
Telephone: 3-5222-7222
Located in the Marunouchi Central Business District, Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo offers excellent rooms for every guest who are seeking for a luxurious hold. This hotel is rated Classic Luxury hotel and contains 57 rooms including 9 elegant suites. Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo was voted one of The Most Romantic Hotels in Tokyo and The Best Friendly hotels for children in Tokyo by The Five Star Alliance group. Therefore this is the perfect place for both couples and parents with kids.
