When visiting Tokyo, please make sure of the following:

1. Visit the Yasukuni Jinja and the Yushukan Museum on its grounds. This is where Japan honors its war dead (they have the names, birthplaces, and place of death for every Japanese soldier that died in battle since the Meiji Restoration began). Powerful stuff, even for a foreigner like myself.
2. Fodor’s has it wrong; the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is closed both on Mondays and Fridays, not just Mondays.
3. Otemachi station will get you just about anywhere, but be prepared to walk. A lot.
4. JR stations have the Daily Yomiuri in English. Subway (Eikan or Toei) stations do not.
5. Asashoryu is the baddest man presently alive.
6. When travelling with another person, “Futatsu” is the most useful word for communication after “Sumimasen”.
7. The Tobu line really is the best way to get to Nikko. Cheap + Fast == Good.
8. If it’s a shrine or temple, it is probably closed by 4pm.
9. Never hesitate to rely on the friendliness of the Japanese public. Their hospitality and willingness to help out confused Gaijin appears to know no bounds. That being said, if you get directions of how to go some place, confirm with a second source. Friendliness does not ensure accuracy.
10. Aboveground transportation (eg. JR lines) really are a better way to see the city. Subways get you there fast, but all you see are sleeping Japanese and tunnel walls.
11. There’s an absolutely outstanding Yakitori restaurant up the street from the Nezu Station (near Toudai). You won’t be able to tell that its name is “Matsuyoshi,” but if you see a really quite attractive yakitori place on Shinobazu Dori, go in. They open at 5pm
12. Most public restrooms in Tokyo have a western-style toilet. Depending upon your urgency and the nature of your need, it may be worth a check. Also, bring your own hand towel; very few public restrooms have hand-driers or paper towels. Shops sell them around here for about ¥300.
13. Main streets are easier to locate yourself on using maps, but the narrow side streets are where the cool stuff is.

Once photos are available, more useful information will be included with the pertinent pictures.