So I know how it is.
You go anywhere in Tokyo and you’ll end up having to spend a bunch not only on transportation, but on food and whatever cool nick knacks you find.
I will now introduce you to my cheapest and favorite pass time in Japan.
Shisha!
Yes…I do indeed speak of hookah or the water tobacco. Guess what… it is dirt cheap and good. You get your own hookah for 400 yen and you are expected to buy a drink from around 200 yen. All in all, it’s a really cheap way to spend a couple hours. I used to go here about once a week. They also offer free mixes. My personal favorite flavors are: Honey and Rose/Vanilla mix. This place is literally a hole in the wall and super tiny. Still a great place with great people though.
(Warning: whoever said hookah is better for you than cigarettes was lying. I am telling you up front that it is like smoking 100 cigarettes. You have been warned…Also, water tobacco isn’t legal in Japan…but they get away with calling themselves something herbal. Just an FYI.. You aren’t going to get deported or anything, so no worries)
It is located in a place very close to my heart… Shimokitazawa(下北沢)
Shimokitazawa is a great spot for cheap dining and shopping and very much has a culture of it’s own. It reminded me of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco. In fact, there is a store called Haight Ashbury! This is not covered in a lot of tourist books so it’s tourist free. Only people who have stayed in Tokyo for a while know of this place. It’s also a great place to meet other cool international people.
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS WITH PHOTOS
Step 1: Trains
You can take a train from Shinjuku or Shibuya. I normally ride from from Shibuya on Keio. Shinjuku and Odakyuu still confuses the hell out of me. So save yourself the heartache and take the Keio Line in Shibuya toward Meidaemae (train map). If you are taking local, it is 4 stops; rapid is only 1 stop.
Step 2: Do you see this sign? If you don’t, you are at the wrong station!
Step 3: It is a little tricky and maze like but you can do it! Just makes sure you are heading toward this sign. You want to go North. Once you arrive at the gate, go right and head toward North exit.
Step 4: Turn left when you exit. You should see the Mizuho bank.
Step 5: Walk up the parked bikes. You will have no choice but to turn right.
Step 6: When you reach the T intersection the right again. (This use to be a Isetan…not sure what it’ll be now)
Step 7:keep walking. You will walk a few more blocks. You’ll pass a “freshness burger” and Starbucks. You’ll eventually walk down a small decline and see a Lawons on your right.
Step 8: Turn left at the Lawsons and walk a block or two.You will pas under the shimokitazawa ichibangai sign. you will reach a T intersection and smell the wonderful sheesha. Next to the hookah shop is the a french restaurant.
