JAPAN TRAVEL: TOKYO GUIDE

Undoubtedly, Tokyo is the epitome of a modern global powerhouse and home of groundbreaking technology – with their unfathomable culture and tradition firmly intact. This city will offer you unlimited access to shoppings, entertainment, rich history, and breathtaking views of skyscrapers. The lively and bustling neon city will be revealed in this travel guide. So, lets get the ball rolling!

The famous Shibuya Crossing at night

After experiencing my first winter wonderland in Hokkaido, we headed straight to Tokyo – the capital city of Japan. Since it's still November, Autumn is the current season. There's slight chill in the air, but the weather is often idyllic, and you will enjoy the peak of autumn foliage while exploring the city. This is still part of my DIY (do-it-yourself) itinerary which I'm excited to share it with you guys. 

Narita Airport to Shinjuku

By late afternoon, we arrived at Narita airport. We were supposed to ride a train bound to Shinjuku station, only to find out that there's no direct train from the airport to Shinjuku. You will need to switch lines at some point and it's too much of a hassle if we push through with the ride. Luckily, we've found out that there's a low cost bus service called Be-Transse Acess Narita that is just outside arrival area. It offers ride going to Ginza & Tokyo Station. It's cheap, comfortable, and hassle-free bus service. 

• Terminal 1 : Bus stop no. 2
• Terminal 2 : Bus stop no. 2 & 19
• Terminal 3 : Bus stop no. 31
• No need to buy a ticket in advance, just line up and pay the driver.
• 1,000 yen. Travel time: 1 hour. 

We arrived at Tokyo-Yaesu drop off area which is 5 minute walk from Tokyo Station. First thing we did is to buy our Suica Card at the station. You will need this card for all of your activities in Tokyo, because you will be using JR (Japan Rail) lines most of the time. You can also use this in convenient stores, buses, taxis, and even vending machines. Just tap it and you're good to go!

Around 7pm when we arrived at Shinjuku station. Our hotel is just 10 to 15 minute walk from the station, so we decided to walked out there and enjoy the weather.

Tokyo-Yaesu drop off area and the Suica Card.

I highly recommend you to stay in Shinjuku area, specially for Japan first-timers, since it's very accessible and close to many tourist attractions. Also, you can easily find cheap hotels and good choice of restaurants, that some of which are open 24/7. Not to mention the wide selection of malls around it. You know, shop till you drop!

Shinjuku station is quite big. It is used by an average of 3.6 million people per day, making it, by far, the world's busiest transport hub in the world. So, make sure you do your research.

Here's a sample map of Shinjuku station that might help you.

• From Tokyo Station, take Chuo line going to Shinjuku station (4th stop bound to Takao). It's a rapid line that only stop at Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Ochanomizu, Kanada and Tokyo station, while local trains stops at all station.
• You can buy Suica card at all station. Find a Suica machine, select english and choose "Purchase New Suica". Insert 2000 yen to create a new Suica. Load it up and off you go!
• Touch your card to the ticket gate and the fare is automatically deducted from your Suica. 
• When inside the train, be mindful of their train etiquette. Everyone uses their mobile phones, send messages, listen to music, read online books, and play mobile games, but no one talks on the phone. Since you're a tourist, you can talk to each other but tone it down.

MEIJI SHRINE

 The giant Tori shrine gate.

On our first day, before we started our activities, we met up with our good friend Kat at Shinjuku station, who have been living and studying in Japan for quite some time now. We headed straight to Meiji Shrine – a large Shinto shrine in the heart of Tokyo, built in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Surrounded by the huge Yoyogi park that is sheltered by 700,000 square-meter forest of around 120,000 trees of 365 different species, donated by locals from all regions of Japan. It's my 2nd time in Yoyogi park, but first on this area. 

With Katrina at Meiji shrine rounds

Once you get into the shrine grounds, the busy city life and sounds of Tokyo are replaced by the peaceful and tranquil forest, that's why most of time, people come here to relax. It's like you're entering a sacred place and leaving behind the everyday.

Meiji Jingu Sake Barrels

You will see lots of sake barrels in Meiji Shrine grounds, some of them are stacked up 6 barrels high. Don't worry, they're not full of rice wine. In the physical, the barrels are empty and they are called Kazaridaru, meaning "decoration barrels". These bright and colorful barrels are on display to give honor to their gods. Normally, every year people of Japan donates sake barrels to their gods, but there's a quota or limit in donating, some of them donates empty barrels. What's important is the gesture, because too much rice wine will be wasteful, and it is against to tradition and to their gods.

The people celebrate festivals and they are given rice wine drink. Meiji sake barrels are symbol of happiness, prosperity, and success. 

• From Shinjuku station, take Yamanote line going to Harajuku station ( 2nd stop bound to Shibuya & Shinagawa station)
• From Harajuku station, it's 3 to 5-minute walk to the entrance.
• Open from sunrise to sunset. There are no closing days.
• Free of entrance, except from the inner garden. Entrance fee is 500 yen.

Harajuku District 

After strolling around Meiji shrine grounds, we headed straight to the famous Harajuku district – Tokyo's most established center of street fashion. Just right across Harajuku station (Yamanote line) is the Takeshita Dori street, which reveals what Harajuku is famous for. Name it, this street has it all in terms of fashion. From the youthful vibes, vibrant colors, different kinds of trendy & bizarre clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. So prepare and pamper your inner fashionista baby! 

Daniel and Kat

Harajuku is the district where crepes, and other trends started. Every weekend, it's nice to see Japanese youth gathers here and dress in victorian doll gothic, Japanese punks, sweet lolita, and cosplay to look like their favorite rock stars or anime characters. Some of them wears flamboyance and accessories from head to toe, decorating themselves with toys and jewelries. 

Part of our itinerary in Takeshita Dori is to find this famous cotton candy shop. Totti Candy Factory is famous for its extravagant cotton candy that comes with 5 flavors. Sugar overload! 

rainbow cotton candy

Totti Candy Factory is at the 2nd floor of a building, in the center of Takeshita Dori. It's a small shop and when it's busy, you need to take a card and wait for almost an hour to claim. Luckily, when we get there, there's only few of us.  

• From Shinjuku station, take Yamanote line going to Harajuku station ( 2nd stop bound to Shibuya & Shinagawa station)
• Right across the street is the famous Takeshita Dori street.

Waseda University

After Takeshita Dori, we headed straight to Waseda University, since Kat is currently taking up her masters there and she had a class by late afternoon. So, Daniel and I decided to wait for her and just stroll around the university.

Waseda University is a private higher education institution located in the urban metropolis of Tokyo. It offers courses and programs like bachelor degrees, post graduate, and doctorate in several areas of study. Also, the institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance exams. The admission rate range is 0-10%, making Waseda on of the most selective institution in Japan. So, Katrina being part of this University is something Daniel and I are really proud of. Well, every since Kat is a living testimony of beauty and brains. Naks! lol

• From Harajuku station, take Yamanote line and go back to Shinjuku station, go down to Takadanobaba station (2 stops after Shinjuku station). 
• There's buses in Takadanobaba that can bring you to the campus. 
• Going to Waseda University is optional, we're just there because of our friend. ;)

Shibuya

The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing at night

After a quick side trip in Waseda University, we headed straight to Shibuya for dinner. Your travel to Tokyo will not be completed and it's a shame if you don't walk to this world's busiest intersection, the Shibuya's Scramble Crossing. When the traffic stops, the pedestrians surge from every directions. They all meet in the center, bumping, side stepping, and swerving around each other to get to their desired destination. You can observe this perfect chaos from Shibuya station or Starbucks in Shibuya109 mall. 

Aside from Scramble Crossing, Shibuya district is famous for its youthful vibe, restaurants, bars, night clubs and live music along the streets. This neon city is full of life and it's fun to walk around.

We had our dinner in one of the local restaurant that Kat recommended. The restaurant is full that night, since Japanese usually go out for a drink and have fun with their colleagues, after a tiring day at work, so we had to wait for our turn.

Hachiko

Of course aside from experiencing the Shibuya's Scramble Crossing, you can't miss this opportunity to meet and pay respect to the most loved dog and the symbol of loyalty in Japan, Hachiko. The Akita dog is famous for being loyal to his owner, who is a professor at Tokyo University, and will always greet him at Shibuya station every single day. Until in May 1925, when professor did not return. The professor had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, while he was giving a lecture, and died without ever returning to the station, but Hachiko kept on coming to the station until his own death 10 years later. 

It's my 2nd time to visit the statue of this legendary dog. Say hi to Hachiko! The statue is just outside Shibuya station, you won't get lost. 

• If you're coming from Shinjuku station, take Yamanote line going to Shibuya station.
• Shibuya's Scrumble Crossing and Hachiko is just outside the station.

Mt. Fuji / Hakone 

When planning a trip to Tokyo, you need to allot at least a day to visit Mt. Fuji. Hakone is a town in Ashigarashimo district, that is located at the foot of magnificent Mount Fuji. This town is famous for its hot springs, natural beauty, and the majestic view of Mount Fuji. So, treat yourself and enjoy the scenery by boarding the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise in lake Ashi or while bathing in a hot spring. 

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

There's also other attractions like an Open Air Museum for people who likes artsy fartsy, Hakone Shrine that stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi, or go for a hike! 


With the Romance Car of Odakayu Limited Express, Hakone is just 85 minutes away from Shinjuku station. Just look for the ticket center and buy the round trip Hakone Free Pass that provides unlimited use of buses, trains, boats, cablecars, and ropeways in the Hakone area.

 Romance Car/Hakone Free Pass + Map. Find the english version of this map, because I go the Japanese one. lol

• Hakone Free Pass is only available at Shinjuku station. 
• Find the Romance Car ticket counter and get your Hakone Free Pass.
• Romance Car and Hakone Free Pass are combined into one ticket. Just present this when riding  trains, boats, cablecars, and ropeways.   
• I highly recommend getting Romance Car ticket compared to the regular one, since you'll save a hefty amount of time. 
• There's free Hakone maps there, get one, so that you can track your daily activities.
• Be mindful of your train schedule, specially when going back to Shinjuku. Riding a cable car and ropeway will eat your time, trust me. So, allot at least 2 hours when going back to catch your train schedule.

Romance Car ticket counter

 Imperial Palace

 Imperial Palace Grounds

Situated in the center of Tokyo, is where the imperial family resides. Surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, with serene lush gardens that will surely take your breathe away. A precious taste of nature in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world. 

We decided just to walk around and idle in the east garden area of the palace. Enjoying the serene view, taking photos, selfies, talk about goals, priorities, dreams, and frustrations in life. It's really nice to be reunited with your high school best friends, since we live in different places now. You know, it's hard to be adults. lol

• From Shinjuku station, take Toei Line going to Otemachi station.
• Walk a few minutes until you reached the Imperial Garden entrance. 
• The inner grounds of the palace are generally not open to the public. 

Odaiba

If Shibuya shopping district is still not enough for you, well, Odaiba will surely satisfy your shopping needs. It is a large artificial island in Tokyo bay, which were built around the Endo Period to protect Tokyo against possible attacks from the sea. It is now a popular multi-entertainment district, that attracts tourist, local and foreign. It's a good place to go in the evening and watch Tokyo's city lights. 

This is one of the reason why we wanted to visit Odaiba, the Rainbow Bridge. It connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo. The two story bridge is an iconic symbol of the bay and it's beautiful during its nightly illumination.

At DiversCity Tokyo Plaza, you will see the large Gundam Statue that features infront of the building. Currently, the statue was removed and they will erect a new one this coming Autumn. 

• From Tokyo station, take Yamanote line to Osaki station. Transfer to Rinkai line and go down to Tokyo Teleport station (this is the nearest station to Odaiba).
• It's around 10-minute to reach the Odaiba proper. 

Omoide Yokocho/ Memory Lane / Piss Alley

Tokyo is the epitome of a modern global power house. However, if you step beyond the busiest and popular streets, a totally different world awaits, the world of Yokocho. Located on the west side of Shinjuku station – lies a less glitzy collection of small eateries and bars knows as memory lane. In early years, when it was a shady destination for criminals  to get their drink on. Now, hungry commuters and passers-by will fill-up everything from soba noodles to dirt cheap yakitori. Pay visit to the alley's infamous restos!

• Memory lane is located just right across on the western side of Shinjuku station.
• Just walk in the pedestrian under the railway lines and you will see the entrance of Omoide Yokocho.

Tokyo Tower

Standing 333 meters high in the center of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. It was the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012, when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree.

There are two observatory at the tower that offers spectacular view of the city. It also has a souvenir shops and a cafe if decided to dine in.

Visited this orange tower during my 1st trip in Tokyo last 2014. Unfortunately, due to lack of time, we weren't able to visit again. But for first timers, it's a must! So, make sure you put this one on your itinerary!

• From Shinjuku station, take Oedo line and go down to Akabanebashi station.
• Once you go out of the station, you will see the tower already.
• Just follow the tower and walk for a few minutes.

Asakusa

Sensoji Temple

Another tourist spot you can't miss is the Asakusa district. It is the center of Tokyo's shitamachi (low city), where an atmosphere of the past decades of Tokyo survives.

Asakusa's main attraction is the Sensoji, a popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. Before you entered the temple vicinity, you'll passed by a shopping street called Nakamise, that provides variety of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs.

 My first encounter with Sakura during Spring in 2014

Japan is truly a mind blowing country, with its rich ancient culture and tradition firmly intact, that also blends with their ground breaking technology. It will surely leaves you speechless and wanting for more. 

This is the last part of my Japan Travel Guide. I hope this DIY Itinerary will help you in your future travel escapade in Japan!

Thank you and happy trip!