For all the travelers I met and visited in Tokyo, walking was their most unforgettable experience. Why? Who gets to walk in a day for more than 20,000 steps? Yet, in our own country, we used to ride cars or any mode of transportation to be comfortable. But being in Japan, Tokyo in particular, walking is a must. This is the cheapest way to see the city.

As for me, my 2^nd time in Tokyo, walking is necessary to explore the city and cut off some money and use it for shopping and food. You can never experience Tokyo if you will not walk for more than 10k steps. On that day, I managed to walk 27,000 steps!

Where did I get around the city?

Aside from the momentous walking, my primary mode is the subway. I bought an unlimited subway pass in Klook that is valid for 3 days. I used it when I went to the Harry Potter Studio and Tokyo Dome too!

The train in Tokyo is very comfortable to ride. You may be confused with the NUMEROUS train stations but following the signs is the key. As long as you get familiar with the train stations and routes, it will be just a piece of cake on your next rides. 

Where are the places I travelled to?

Tokyo Skytree

Entrance Fee: I was just outside so I did not pay for anything 😁

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. It was my 2^nd time seeing the Tokyo Skytree as it was also part of my itinerary last year.

However, it is also my 2^nd time not to enter the Tokyo Skytree. For me, the entrance fee was expensive and it was not of my interest to see a city from up above. I enjoyed most is to see the Skytree from below.

Aside that the Tokyo Skytree is near to my hotel, the shopping area was also fun and relaxing to see. 🤩

Sensō-ji Temple

Entrance Fee: Free

The Sensō-ji Temple is in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is an ancient Buddhist temple and Tokyo’s oldest-established temple. The temple was completed in 645 and said to be originated by two brothers who finished a statue of Kannon or the goddess of mercy. The statue was built out of the Sumida River.

Upon entering the temple complex, you will be welcomed by a giant red lantern called chochin. The lantern is at the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate. It is one of the most photographic part of the temple. The lantern has a dragon sculpture at the bottom part as the base of lantern.

Before I entered the actual temple, a long road with food and souvenir shops were lined up. From different varieties of local snacks to shirts and caps, everything was almost in that road. The road to the temple can be crowded most of the time.

Outside the temple, there was this area where you can check what is your fortune. I tried to check what was mine. You need to pay ¥ 100, shake an aluminum jar and get a stick. You have to match that stick with a little wooden drawer. As for me who do not know Japanese, lucky me, a man pointed out which drawer I will open.

Upon opening the drawer, I got a paper with writings about my fortune. And viola! I got number 78 which is the highest, excellent fortune! I do not know if its true, but I was happy to get it! 🥳

After checking my fortune, I decided to be closer to the temple but the crowd was too much. And since I was tired of seeing temples from all of my travels, I just stayed outside and walk around the temple complex. I took time to take photos of the temple while overlooking the Tokyo Skytree.

Akihabara

Entrance Fee: Free

The buzzing shopping hub famous for electronics, video games, anime and manga. It was my 2^nd time to visit Akihabara to buy my Manager’s collection – One Piece. I intended to visit Akihabara at night as I find it livelier that time even I was so tired from all the walking.

After searching for the One Piece items, my luggage was more than 3 boxes heavier than before! It was really cheap to buy toys in Akihabara. Also, you will be very engaged to the place as it was very colorful and bright.

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Entrance Fee: Free

Returning to Japan is not complete if you do not visit Shibuya and Hachiko. This place still amazed me every time I was there. The crowd, the lights, the roads, it was really Tokyo! Shibuya was really something else in attracting locals and tourists at the same time.

And who will not love the most loyal dog, Hachiko. It was Hachiko who made Shibuya more famous. I am not a dog lover but I am a movie fanatic who became a fan of Hachiko’s loyalty. A true man’s best friend. Hachiko’s story will live on for many more years to

come, dog lovers or not. 🥰

Don Quijote in Asakusa and Shibuya

Entrance Fee: Free

These places made my walking in Tokyo more painful. But as I said, walking for shopping is a blessing. I got to visit two famous Donki stores in Tokyo to buy pasalubong to my family and friends. The first was after visiting Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa.

After my shopping in Asakusa, I decided to return to my hotel to drop my shopping bags. I got some time to relax before hitting the road again and visit Shibuya again.

While crossing the Shibuya road and seeing Hachiko, I realized that I need to buy more pasalubong, so I searched for Donki in Shibuya. This one was massive!!! Maybe that is why it called Mega Donki. As what we all expect in all tax-free shops, crowd here was undeniably shopaholic! After completing my shopping list, I returned to my hotel in Nihombashi.

It was tiring yet fun day in Tokyo. Though my feet ached that time, the wonders of being in the city was just amazing! Imagine all the lights and colors, it was a perfect day.

But enough with all of the Tokyo wonders, I was in Tokyo to join Taylor Swift in her Era’s Tour! So, see you, Tay! 💜

Travel Date: February 8, 2024