Tokyo is the biggest and most populated city in Japan and the entire world. You will be welcomed by trains, luggage, 7/11 stores and Japanese that walks very fast! 😀
It was my first time in Japan and in Tokyo. I arrived in Narita International Airport on the 8th of March, 2023. It was a cold night almost spring time weather. Once I landed in Japan, I was amazed on how their transportation system runs through! It was insane! First, I do not know how to use the Skyliner train ticket I bought plus I do not know if I am reading all the signs correctly! 😀
With the pre-booked train tickets I had and hotel accommodation, my first night in Tokyo was a bit confusing yet fun! Though I had a hard time to use my train tickets and find my hostel, it was like getting to know Tokyo more. Chaos yet fun! Very too Tokyo!
Trains are the primary transportation vehicle that you can avail in Tokyo. With more than 100 train stations, prepare your feet, legs and back for all the walking, climbing of stairs and sometimes running to meet your train schedules.
With all the basic essentials I packed for Japan considering it was my first time, it was very difficult yet satisfying! I spent 4 days in Tokyo and it seems it was not enough! All the walking and lost of routes for me, I needed more days! 😀 However, the places I went to in and nearby Tokyo was very much of achievement knowing that I had lesser time to plan.
Where are the places I traveled?
Shibuya Crossing
Entrance Fee: Free
Known as the busiest street crossing in the world, I visited Shibuya Crossing on a Thursday morning. I had to cross the streets multiple times just to experience how busy it was. Indeed, there were too many locals and foreigners visiting this place. It was a good way to introduce Tokyo to me! 🙂
Hachiko Statue
Entrance Fee: Free
It was not Shibuya if you will not see the famous statue of the dog Hachiko. Hachi is the most famous dog in Japan and was introduced to the world as the most loyal dog to his owner Professor Ueno. Hachiko Statue is very iconic in Tokyo and to all of his visitors of any age so am I! ❤
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010. Surrounding Tokyo Skytree are shopping centers and restaurants. When I arrived there, there were also an ice-skating rink outside.
If you want to visit inside the Tokyo Skytree, you may pay an entrance fee. As for me, I just walked outside the tower and visited some cool shops inside the mall.
Ueno Park
Entrance Fee: Free
Ueno Park is one of Japan’s five oldest public parks. It’s best known for Ueno Zoo, museums, and spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring, perfect for the hanami. The park opened to the public in 1873 and from then on, it was one of the most iconic places in Tokyo.
Nearby to Ueno train station, I arrived here after visiting Shibuya. It was a bit crowded. I was happy to be welcomed by two full bloomed cherry blossom trees. It was not yet the cherry blossoms season when I arrived in Japan so it was a surprised for me to see real cherry blossoms in full bloom!
As I walked inside the park, I was astonished how big it was! Plus, there are spots that you need to take stairs making it more bigger.
There were shrines and temples as well inside Ueno Park and one of it that I visited was the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. A perfect place to sit down for a moment to breath and relax.
As I want to experience and just gaze the cherry blossoms, I went back to the trees. ❤ I was lucky as well to spot a pre-nup wedding photoshoot with this couple! ❤
Imperial Palace
Entrance Fee: Free
The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.
I arrived at the Imperial Palace by 4:30 PM. The garden will be closed by 5PM thus I had a little time to explore it. The Imperial Palace Garden was huge! I just entered the East Gate and walking for less than 15 minutes make you feel unwanted by all living things! 😀 It was tiring! The staff announced that they will close the gates by 5PM so I was in a hurry to return to the East Gate. However, seeing the façade of the Palace, really introduced how grand the royal family of Japan is.
Akihabara
Entrance Fee: Free
A famous part of Tokyo for all the electronic gadgets and anime staffs. I arrived at Akihabara at night as I intended to visit it to see all the lights.
Indeed, Akihabara do not disappoint if you are an anime fan! There are too many stores to shop for your favorite actions figures. As for me, as my feet were too tired, I was just happy to see all the posters and billboards. Very Tokyo!
Tokyo Disneyland
Entrance Fee: Php 3,384.00
On the next day, even my feet was very much tired (thank God for the gel patches!), I visited Tokyo Disneyland. Prior to my flight, I bought my one-day pass in Klook. Since I know that will be walking more inside the park, I opted to hire a cab. From my hostel to Disneyland, it was a 20-minute drive.
When I arrived, there were crowds lined up to enter the park. It might have a mistake to schedule my visit in Disneyland on a Friday nevertheless I had the feeling that I will enjoy my first visit in Disneyland even I am an adult and alone. 😀
Indeed, it was a first that I will never forget! To know more about my adventure in Disneyland, click here!
Nearby Tokyo, was the most iconic symbol of Japan – Mt. Fuji. I never missed the chance to visit Fuji-san while in Tokyo and I was very blessed to see it very clear! ❤
To know more about my travel tour in Mt. Fuji, follow this blog.
Though Tokyo greeted me with sore feet and legs, I will never ever forget my fist travel here. It thought me more the value of time (train schedules specifically 😀 ) but definitely it was a fun first! Too tiring yet too fun, too Tokyo! ❤
To follow my adventure to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, click the links! ❤
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