Travel Japan - Tokyo

As you travel Japan, you will find that Tokyo is a diverse city with some interesting areas to visit along the looped JR Yamanote Railway Line.  First, get a map of Tokyo.  This writer normally stays in the Shinagawa area just across the street from the Shinagawa station, so my start is from that spot.  From Shinagawa station, which is a Shinkansen stop, a left loop stop is Shibuya, a very trendy area for the young and fashion-conscious, with large department stores such as Tokyu, Seibu, Marui, and Parco, including Shibuya 109 with 10 floors established there.  Be sure to take a photo at the Hachiko statue in tribute to a loyal Akita dog that waited for his master daily at the spot, even after his master passed away. 
Nearby is Aoyama and Omotesando, a nice tree-lined street where the more affluent shop, and is full of designer brands and excellent restaurants.  Notable here is the Oriental Bazaar, where you can pick up your souvenirs, including Japan clothing like kimono, yukata, pearls, etc. Aoyama is accessible by Tokyo subway.
Next is Harajuku, where the young Japan school girls gather to play and display their Tokyo street fashion along the Takeshita-dori.  There is a large Daiso100 Yen shop there where you can find very inexpensive gifts to bring home, most of which are priced at a mere 100 Yen. 
Next stop along the loop is Shinjuku a Shinkansen station, where there are many tall buildings, and where many of the government offices are located.  Large department stores located here include Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, Isetan,  Marui, Keio, and Odakyu.   Shinjuku is known for its excitingTokyo nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
In the middle of the loop is Akasaka, with some large hotels and is also known for its nightlife.
Roppongi is home to a very large shopping and residential complex called Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Hills Mori Tower with its great Tokyo city view, and its many shops and restaurants.  It is also home to TV Asahi.
Further along the loop is Ikebukuro, with its large department stores Seibu, Tobu,  Marui, Parco, and Don Quijote, and also know for its Otome Road, where female otaku(fans) shop.
At the upper right side of the loop is Ueno station, where just outside of the station exit is Ueno Park.  Going left from there down the street and under the train tracks is Ameyokocho, where there is a large shopping area where you can buy discount items from food to clothing, including kimono. 
Further east of Ueno is Asakusa, most famous for the Sensoji Temple and the much photographed Kaminari Mon (gate) with its large red lanterns.  You will find a long line of souvenir shops along the walk to the temple. 
Next along the right loop is Akihabara (Electric Town) where you can find the latest in electronics, including TVs, computers, cell phones, digital cameras, just to mention a few.  Big here are Yodobashi Japan Camera, and Laox.  Before you buy any electronics be sure to check prices at home first, it might be cheaper at home, and be sure to tell the clerk that you're looking for an export model(example US) because Japanese electronics will not always work back home.
Next is Tokyo station, the main hub of the Yamanote Line and major Shinkansen station.  Tokyo station is close to the Imperial Palace, residence of the imperial family, where you can tour some of the grounds, namely the East Garden. 
Next stop is Ginza, where the most expensive shops are located.  Department stores include Mitsukoshi, Printemps,  Matsuya,  Hankyu, Wako, Matsuzakaya, and Seibu. 
Close by is Tsukiji, home to the Tsukiji Fish Market, world famous and one of the largest fish markets in the world.  Stop by to see the market and have a breakfast of sushi from one of the many sushi restaurants in the market.  You won't get fish any fresher at this Tokyo fish market unless you caught it yourself.  Near Tsukiji is the Hama Rikyu Japanese Garden, surrrounded by ponds where you can observe ducks and other birds, and tea houses.  You can even catch a ride on a ferry which will give you a nice view of the city as it cruises to Asakusa.
A nice side trip from the Shimbashi station on the Yurikamome line to Odaiba and the Telecom Center station will bring you to the Oedo Onsen Monogatari hot springs, complete with rotemburo (outdoor bath), indoor baths, a foot bath where small fish nibble at your toes, jacuzzi, massage, restaurants and souvenir shops.
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