Tokyo, Japan 5

Tokyo is a rad place that has its unique flaws -much like any other place on this great planet. Having lived there for a year the one I identify most with is the seperation between Japanese society and the foreigners. If someone complains that the people are like zombies - they have to be - born and raised in ny, I know that there is no better way to overcome the overstimulus than look down at the pavement and bustle with the crowds. Also, if you have a penchant for drinking, you will see that Tokyoites play it cool until they are a few beers in. (and their clubs are unbelievable!)
But I mentioned a flaw - and this is one that really purtains to people who stay for an extended period of time: you can never be Japanese. Learning the language, learning the city, and mastering the culture only to forever be considered a foreigner made for some tough times and life-changing events, but I will move on to more relevant things...
A lot of people slam Tokyo for being expensive, but spending some time there I have learned to eat meals for under 500 yen (less than 5 bucks when I was there, about 7 now). However, succumbing to homesickness and getting Western food can be pricy, so be adventurous!
There are also some consumer issues that Americans may find odd - for example, a small beer will be slightly cheaper and twice the size of a small soda. Japanese fashion is brilliant, but almost unwearable by mainstream america in both its size and flamboyance. (But this makes people watching in Tokyo an amazing source of free entertainment.)
Hotels run the gammut, but there exist a cheap type of hotel: love hotels. As the name suggests they cater to couples and, as seedy as this concept may sound, they run excellent and clean rooms. During the weekdays the price is around 50$ a night and for cheap weekends look no further than business hotels, which cost similar rates on weekends (which obviously is their off time)
Here is my brief synopsis of major places:
Ueno= museums, shopping, fish markets
Akihabara= cheap electronics, nerds, and anime culture
Harajuku= fabulously extreme fashion, boutiques, and on weekends Gothic Lolita's, Rockabillys, and random clowns hang around inbetween Harajuku and Yoyogi Station - you have not been to Tokyo if you don't enjoy this free treat
Shibuya=clubs, bars, lights
Shinjuku=clubs, bars, lights, mobsters
Ikebukoro= bars, shops, lights, mobsters
...
etc.
if you want more info just hit me up