I recently took a spur of the moment trip to Japan when i had 5 days spare. As a student i wanted to get the most out of the few days i was spending in Japan, but when i arrived i realised that Tokyo was only the beginning.
From the plane the terrain was incredible varying from beautiful mountaineous peaks to forests and rice fields. Then arriving in Narita Aiport, (60Km from centre of Tokyo) I realised i would have to go back.
On a budget the best way to get into Tokyo i have been told was the Narita Express which takes you from the Airport directly to Tokyo. I did not use this route however and instead used the train (Rapid - Sobu Line) which took over an hour, but gave an insight into the countryside between the town of Narita and Tokyo. I decided once in Tokyo to split up my travel into 3 sections and spent Day 1 in Central Tokyo, Day 2 in
Western Tokyo and Day 3 in Northern Tokyo.
Day 1 - Central Tokyo At the top of my list was the ImperialPalace Gardens as I was concerned about the lack of culture i would experience being in a commercial city (although the longer i was there the more quickly i realised it was all part and parcel of the magic of Tokyo). The gardens are definitely worth a vist, there is no admissions charge and a free museum of artifacts from the palace, which is very interesting. I would then recommend you use the Central Train Station as a mark point to explore Central Tokyo around. In this area is Tokyo Central Forum which is worth a visit - if nothing else for a great photo! I would also recommend taking the elevator to one of the top floors of the many skyscrapers in this area. They offer a great view of the city. Then the famous Ginza, it offers many delights for those shopaholics - personally i looked only at Gucci from across the street - and spent most of my time in the Sony Showroom experimenting with many gadgets that are not yet available on the market. It is only a short walk from the Sanai Buliding - made completely of glass and facing the Ginza yon chrome crossing. There is also the Kabuki za theatre and if you're feeling particularly adventorous take a stroll down to the Tsujiki Fish Market between 5am - noon. In central Tokyo is also the Jinbbocho district where i was staying, if you're in this area a visit to the Tokyo Dome would not go astray as it is an electric and vibrant area with many opportunites for shopping and eating out with a few particurly good Sushi Restaurants on Hakusan Dori.
Central Tokyo was perhaps one of my favourite areas, although mostly impressive by its skyscrapers and shopping so if this is not your cup of tea then perhaps Northen Tokyo is the area for you.
Day 2 - I spent in Western Tokyo. Using a map i managed to walk there however i would not recommend this as it seemed to take forever. I walked towards the Tokyo Tower which was fairly expensive and decided not to do this. From here i walked to Ropongi - this is an interesting area, filled with nightclubs, bars and western cafes and restaurants, Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Romas being the first to spring to mind. It offers busy nightlife and i would recommend this area for Karaoke Bars rather than the central areas of Tokyo. I then walked to Shibuya - a district revolving around the teen market for clothes, food and music. You are bound to find a bargain here and it is good for cheap trainers i noticed. I eventually then discovered Yoyogi Park and the Olympic stadium being my main reasons for wanting to visit Shibuya. The park is especially impressive with the main Shrine and beautiful grounds it is definitely also worth a visit.
The Buildings in shinjuku are also impressive especially the Tokyo Metropolitan Government offices. I went too one of the top floors of the Sumitomo Building for a free observatory. The sheer size of Shinjuku Train Station is a daunting experience but well worth just watching the hussle and bussle of the two million people who pass through each day.
Day 3 - Northern Tokyo
Asakusa and Ryogoku district are on offer in Northen Tokyo. The best aspect without question being the Senso Ji Temple and the beautiful row of trinkets and souvenirs that is definitely worth a visit. There is no admission fee and is clustered with shops and temples. Nearby is the strange Ueno Park that in some ways is very industrial but has some beautiful scenery. And across the street the black markets that have since become less black and more of a frenzy of traders but still worth a visit if you enjoy the colourful nature of Asian Markets.
Tokyo is an amazing city with so much diversity it is hard to write it all down in a review like this, however each area has something different to offer and there is something for everybody in Tokyo.
a random 5 days to spare, how spontaneous. i love, LOVE, japanese culture. i want to go there in my gap year between uni years. it sounds cheap, although, i'm scared to go on my own. i'm soo jealous
Rachey 03.03.2004 13:44
Hello, Welcome to ciao.Nice start......I really dream of visiting the far east one day
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Mar 3rd, 2004
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