Ginza is definitely worth spending some time on your visit to see what’s on offer in the wild and zany world of Japanese consumerism. Japan is still a couple of years ahead of the U.S. when it comes to consumer electronics, so if you’re into gadgets, TVs or robots, you’ll be in paradise. Definitely hit one of the large department stores for a look around. My favorite thing to do was to go to the food marketplace that’s inevitably on the bottom level. I remember thinking that the Japanese must really prize perfectly shaped fruit, because why anyone would buy a velvet wrapped orange for $150 is beyond me.

If you’re hungry, not in the mood for fish and want to eat on the go, head back to Tokyo Station by walking on the streets next to the elevated rail tracks. You’ll find dozens of yakitori bars where you can eat all kinds of chicken and beef parts served on skewers. This is the salaryman’s Big Mac– fast, tasty and inexpensive. If you go around rush hour, just follow the crowds near the tracks.