Going to Tokyo, have two days to be a tourist.

[TheSarcasticFringehead]

I'm going to Tokyo for work purposes. I've done a lot of research but none of it is tourist slanted. It's for nine days, and I have two free days. I will have seen the fish market, Meiji shrine and the national garden by then. I would like something quite relaxed but still interesting. Any ideas?

We spent a few days in Tokyo and there is quite a lot to do. We loved the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park for the sheer beauty of Japanese Art. The shops in Ginza are interesting and the department stores have reasonably priced restaurants on the top floors. The Tokyo International Forum building is a superb modern building nearish to Ginza. We also did a river trip and got on the boat at the Hama Rikyu Garden (Hama Detached Palace Garden) which is near the Fish Market. Although we did not have time to go, the Electric District looked interesting. You can visit the Sony Building and the Muji shop was good for Japanese housewares. One of the best things we did was a fantastic day trip via the Shonan monorail and The Enoden Line to Kamakura and Kita Kamakura. The Enoden line runs very close to houses, has old carriages and engines, and is a real treat as are the temples at Kamakura (Hase Dera Temple and the Great Buddha) and Kita Kamakura. Check out Japan by Rail book for details. You must go on some sort of railway in Japan!

We felt we just scratched the surface if Japan and would love to go back. Also, it was not too expensive, unless you go to the very best restaurants and bars. Eating out was a real pleasure. Have fun!

That all sounds amazing! The Tokyo National Museum and the river trip, the Enoden line and the Kamakura and Kita Kamakura temples especially! Thanks so much

Try and get hold of the Japan by Rail book - secondhand would do - so you can plan the rail journey part. I think they are classed as private railways so the Japan Rail Card was not valid. The cost was ok though and it was a fabulous day! Except we missed our station on the way back so had to retrace our journey! I loved Japan!

Visit the Tokyo Skytree and try and go at night if at all possible. Ueno as an area is also nice as is Aoyama (if you do visit the zoo wear insect repellent). Harajuku is also great to visit on the weekend.

Shinjuku is a good area to visit and has lots of department stores and good restaurants. You must visit the foodhalls located in the basement; they are really quite something. Like Milly has said, there are many good and well priced restaurants on the top floors.

Check out opening times of museums before visiting; a lot of them are closed on Mondays.

The Tokyo metro system has signage in English; if you get stuck look at the line and number of the station. If you use the metro ensure that you know the correct exit number before you leave because if you do not you could be a long way from where you need to be.

Kamakura is a nice town and well worth a visit, particularly the Great Buddha. Sunrise tours do a nice day trip out to this town.