Tokyo
Tokyo is located in the Kanto region of Japan, and is the nations capital. Population varies between day and night, with around 12 million residents.
However, by day approximately 20 million people are living and working in the city. Although the population of expats is high in number, 1 million in Japan in total, as a percentage of the total population it is very low.
It is a bustling, fast moving city, with the main stations of Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya handling up to 4m passengers per day.
Theres plenty to see and do in Tokyo and its environs, from ancient buddhist temples and shinto shrines to modern museums and art galleries. Tokyo caters for all.
Living
Tokyo has numerous ethnic restaurants, from Irish bars (latest count 35) to Brazilian, Turkish, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Italian and many more. There’s something to cater for every pallet.
The excellent transport system makes it very easy to travel around, although this can be quite expensive. A basic 2km taxi journey will cost in the region of 5-6 euro, with a 15-20 minute journey costing around 30 euro. Tokyo was this year once again named the most expensive city in the world, and it certainly isn’t easy on the pocket. However, there are many markets and 100 yen shops (equivalent of the Irish pound shop) which offer many good bargains.
There are also numerous sporting organizations, from Gaa, Soccer, Baseball, Martial arts. Again - if there’s a sport or hobby you want to take up in Tokyo, chances are you can find a club or group to hang out with.
Japan GAA is the GAA club, predominantly based in Tokyo, but with members scattered across Japan now totaling over 150. If you’re interested in getting involved info@japangaa.com is the contact email.
Kanto Celts FC is the Irish soccer team in Tokyo. Each year the Celts represent Ireland at the Izumo Ireland friendship week, and participate in a number of leagues and tournaments in Tokyo and its surrounding environments kantoceltsfc@yahoo.com for more information.
Japanese people have a high regards for Irish sport, having witnessed first hand the Ireland supporters during the 2002 World Cup. This year the Irish rugby team visited Tokyo and Osaka, the Japanese Union using the occasion to promote Japans candidacy for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The Japanese people as a whole are very friendly, and will try and help you out wherever possible. However there is still some distrust of foreigners by many, so its best to try and get along. Although not essential, a basic grasp of the Japanese language would make life much easier, all round, from travelling to simply buying something in the grocery store. Being able to say please and thank you can take you a long way.
Although the middle-older generation would have only a basic grasp, if any, of English many of the younger generation are studying ethusiastically and can help out when required.
Temperature in Tokyo in Summer is extremely hot, with typical temperatures in low to mid 30's However the humidity is extremely unpleasant.
Rainy season is from June to beginning of July, however, with global warming and other environmental factors, this seems to be changing and the 2004 rainy season failed to materialize. Winter in Tokyo is similiar to Ireland, with occasional snowfall. within 2 hours on the shinkansen or "bullet" train are many mountains and ski resorts. The ski season typically lasts until end of february/beginning of march.
JR rail company organizes package tours to a variety of destinations around Japan.
Everyday Life
To drive in Japan an International drivers licence is required, along with your national licence. However, to drive, especially on the motor-ways can prove too be very expensive. In these cases sometimes it’s better to use public transport.
For a developed country Japan has some areas that take a bit of getting used to For example, during national holiday periods of o-shogatsu (new year) and Golden week (1st week in May) Almost all of the main stored etc are closed. Even more bizarre however is that the ATMs also shut down, resulting in large queues at ATMs in the days before the shut down.
Convenience stores are generally open 24 hours and most include ATMs, but these can be expensive charging 1.50 - 2 euro per transaction.
Earthquakes - Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, with tremors an almost everyday occurence, although most go unnoticed - Tokyo can generally take a quake of magnitude of 6-6.5 on the richter scale without sustaining much damage. Japan does have a Tsunami warning system, which can send warning signals to the emergency authorities in case of danger.
Entertainment
There is much to keep you entertained in Tokyo, from sports clubs to cinema, pubs and clubs, concerts and much more. If you require a reliable source of information, Metropolis magazine or Japan Guide will have all the news on upcoming gigs.
Each year the main music events are Fuji Rock, which draws bands from all over the world for a weekend festival, and Summer Sonic, both drawing people in their thousands.
The area of Roppongi is the main foreigner area for pubs and clubs, and most congregate here at the weekend. Prices are pretty much the norm for Tokyo, if not a little bit more expensive. Typically a local beer would be 10-15% cheaper than imported beer.
Shibuya is very much the area where the younger Japanese generation like to hang out. Cinemas, Coffee Shops and designer fashion outlets a-plenty, Shibuya is a hive of activity day or night.
If you like shopping, Tokyo is the place to be, with every label having its own outlet store. The main shopping areas are Ginza and Omote Sando, however be warned, everything is very,very expensive
The most popular sports in Tokyo are baseball and soccer with many teams in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. If you want something more traditional, Sumo has 5 Grand Tournaments around Japan every year, at least 2 of which happen in Tokyo.
K1 is another major sport, it’s a cross between boxing and kick-boxing, be warned though, its pretty brutal and not for the faint-hearted.
If running is your sport, the Tokyo marathon goes on every September/October.
The main Irish support group in Japan is Irish Network Japan
This is a groups of Irish and Japanese volunteers who promote Irish cultural events.
They are also the principal organizers of the Annual Tokyo St.Patricks Day Parade, which this year was attended by Uachtaran na hEireann, Mary McAleese.