Eat under the arches
Yurakucho food stalls are a fun way to eat in Tokyo. Located in the railway arches near Yurakucho train station, you will find lots of little places to eat under an overhead railway.These mini eateries are visited mostly by Japanese and not too many tourists find their way here. Most often you sit on little plastic beer crates outside in the street, but you can also sit inside.
From: Gorm E, pilot, SAS
Where: Corridor Street, Yurakucho Station
Make your yen go further
You can find bargains in Tokyo. Just visit one of the many 100 Yen Shops, the Japanese equivalent of a Pound Shop. I bought a pair of reading glasses for, guess what, only 100 yen!
From: Kerstin S, hostess, SAS
Check your emails for free
Marunouchi Cafe is a free-access space in the heart of Tokyo. It's open to the public and you can come here to rest, nap or check your email when you get tired of walking in the busy city.
It's a very cosy space, which offers 30 minutes of free internet access (you need your passport to show for this) and sells food and drink from various vending machines.
From: Junko S, Tokyo based crew, SAS
More information: www.marunouchicafe.com
Experience a steamy encounter
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari is a wonderful natural hot spring in the Tokyo Bay area. An onsen is a classic Japanese experience. The naturally hot water, rich in minerals, makes your skin smooth and silky and is said to promote well-being and healing.
The fun starts as soon as you arrive, when you get to chose from 19 different types of cotton bathrobe. If you go as a couple, be prepared to bathe naked in separate male and female areas.
From: Junko S, Tokyo based crew, SAS
More information: www.ooedoonsen.jp/higaeri
Visit a garlic lover's heaven
The idea of a restaurant that focuses its whole menu around garlic may not sound all that refreshing, but when I first went to Ninniku-ya, I never knew I liked garlic so much.
The next time you visit Tokyo and don't feel like eating traditional Japanese cuisine, this is a must-go-to restaurant. Everything on the menu at Ninniku-ya is deliciously garnished with garlic and is sure to leave you satisfied. I honestly believe the phrase “to die for” was coined for the eggplant with olive oil and garlic.
The restaurant is boisterous and the waiters are friendly. They do not take reservations so the wait may be long, but oh, is it worth the wait.
From: Queenie C, flight attendant, Air Canada
More information: www.ninniku-ya.com
Bag a cut-price kimino
Hayashi Kimono has a large selection of high quality kimonos, both silk and cotton, at very favourable prices. The cotton kimonos are also available with a fine lining, so they make wonderful dressing gowns.
From: Christine T, air purser, SAS
Where: 2-1-5 Yūrakuchō Chiyoda-ku near the Imperial Hotel
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) operates more flights to and from the UK than any other airline. The SAS Crew Guide is updated every year and is full of top travel tips from cabin crew and pilots. You can download it as a free app for your smart phone here.
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