http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32778
Try the traditional-style Nakamise Market in Asakusa for reasonably priced souvenirs, and the Harajuku district for off-the-wall fashion. The vast department stores in Shinjuku and Shibuya are great for designer accessories, and often have basement food halls that are a feast for the senses. They are also one of the best places to buy kimonos - usually cheaper than those in souvenir shops. The noisy, garish electronics district, Akihabara, is worth a visit even if you aren’t buying. However, be aware that some goods are exclusively for the domestic market, so check voltages etc. To experience the latest innovations in technology, check out the Sony Building in Ginza.

The power of the yen means that bargains are hard to find - but try the ‘100 yen’ shops, where you can pick up cheap souvenirs such as chopsticks, kites and fans.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32778 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30917 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30917 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23382
Nearby there are a number of museums (not the stuffy kind) to choose from as well as a huge game center Joypolis and Toyota Megaweb. This is an all-in-one day out in Tokyo.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23382 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22825 This fashion avenue has stores such as Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Dior and many more.
A walk down Omotesando is like a compressed tour in contemporary architecture. All the designer label stores compete whose store is the most lavish, and up to date.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22825 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22823 It is very amusing to see rebellious Tokyo teens dressed as Gothic Lolita, "fruits" or Anima characters.
They are just hanging out with friends, hoping their picture will be taken by one of the many magazine photographers in the crowd.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22823 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20099 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20099 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20097 Take advantage too of the constant free samples…]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20098 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20098 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17692 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17692 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2792
Don't miss it!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2792 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2790
The first floor offers an eclectic mix of fancy dress gear, watches and accessories. The second floor features a fabulous array of stuffed animals, while the third floor concentrates of American characters such as Barbie and Spiderman. The fourth floor is geared towards pre-school kids and toddlers, and the fifth is full of games and gadgets. With such a fantastic range of toys, this Tokyo institution will win over even the most jaded of shoppers.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2790 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2704 Head down the nameless side streets that lead off the touristy Nakamise dori at Asakusa temple to discover high-class kimono parlours and discreet booths selling slender hand-painted bamboo fans, delicate tortoiseshell hair ornamentations, 10-inch-high ‘geta’ sandals and the white face make-up for which geisha are famed.

With a bit of luck you’ll also see a hooded rickshaw and black-clad puller with his distinctive wide brimmed hat and split-toed tabi shoes transporting one of these ethereal women to a nearby theatre or discreet teahouse. Squint your eyes and it looks like a scene from the 17th century.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2704 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2703 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2703 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2695
It is recommended we remember our manners in return, best to keep your irritations and road rage at home, it does not have any standing here.

We have lived here for 6 years and I have met 3 rude Japanese people compared to the useless attitude I experience when I come back each year to Britain.

I have walked home late at night after a Girls Night Out in Roppongi and never encountered any loud mouth louts, I could not do that anywhere in Scotland.

Tokyo is a wonderful place for those with a heart for adventure, we love it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2695 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2677 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2677 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2661 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2661 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2659 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2659 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2643
Always busy and noisy with the calls of the sales staff touting their wares, they give an insight into the astonishing variety and sophistication of Japanese cuisine. Also, they also frequently offer tantalising titbits to passers-by.

On an upper-floor, there is usually also a selection of reasonably-priced restaurants offering a variety of different styles of Japanese cuisine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2632