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Should you’re fortunate sufficient to journey to Tokyo in some unspecified time in the future, it’s doubtless that you simply’ll depart with a unique feeling than you’d anticipate. Little did I do know the biggest metro metropolis on the earth would educate me to decelerate, savor the second, and reside with much less. I boarded the airplane house with a deep reverence for the Japanese tradition and lifestyle. Their skill to steadiness custom and modernity, a respect for and a want to reside in concord with nature, and an emphasis on politeness and moderation. Any time I’ve had the possibility to journey to one of many world’s main cities like New York Metropolis or Paris, I’ve witnessed the hustle and residing life at full throttle. I discovered that I returned to Austin with a definite sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Tokyo Journey Information: 3 Days to Savor and Discover
Regardless of being probably the most densely populated metropolis on the earth, Tokyo marches to the beat of its personal drum. (While you see pork cutlets paired with a yogurt parfait, you’ll know what I imply.) When it comes to know-how, transportation, and tendencies, Japan feels leaps and bounds forward of the remainder of the world.
Little did I do know the biggest metro metropolis on the earth would educate me to decelerate, savor the second, and reside with much less.
I left understanding I’d barely scratched the floor of this huge metropolis. It’s laborious to do Tokyo justice in a single journey information, however forward, I’m sharing the sights, eats, and actions we loved plus suggestions from trusted mates that we’re saving for subsequent time.
Suggestions for Visiting Tokyo for the First Time
As newbies, we have been shocked to search out that Tokyo was pretty straightforward to navigate. Whereas only a few individuals exterior the lodge spoke English, most of the indicators and menus had English translations. The neighborhoods are additionally straightforward to recollect as a result of all of them have their very own distinct ethos.
Listed below are a couple of suggestions for achievement in the event you’re headed to Tokyo for the primary time.
- Obtain Google Translate. Whereas there was loads of English signage and we have been in a position to navigate town pretty simply, Google Translate got here in helpful once we exterior the lodge. Particularly the power to add images of menus, indicators, and many others.
- Carry money for cabs, eating places, and many others. Bank cards usually are not accepted in lots of locations. It may be troublesome to search out ATMs, however most 7-Elevens and CitiBanks have them.
- Keep away from consuming and consuming on the go. It’s thought of rude to devour meals or drinks whereas strolling the streets. Plus, there aren’t any trashcans on the streets so that you’ll want to carry onto any trash.
- Go away time in your itinerary to wander. We stumbled throughout our favourite spots once we had time to only discover and uncover. Decide a cool neighborhood to take a look at and see the place the wind takes you.
- Tipping is just not customary in Japan. Some eating places will embody a service cost on the invoice.
- The taxi door will shut routinely whenever you get out. You don’t want to close the door your self. I had a tough time breaking this behavior.
When to Go to Tokyo
- Spring (March to Could). That is the most well-liked time to go to Tokyo when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the climate is delicate and sunny.
- Summer time (June to August). Summer time is sizzling and humid in Tokyo, however in the event you’re not afraid of the warmth this can be a nice time to benefit from the metropolis exterior the busy season.
- Fall (September to November). Whereas September continues to be fairly sizzling and humid, the climate begins to dip on the finish of the month and the leaves will start to show.
- Winter (December to February). Winter in Tokyo might be chilly, however I might love to return to absorb the vacation season and hit up a close-by ski mountain.
Attending to Tokyo
Tokyo has two main airports: Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Whereas Narita is the primary worldwide airport within the metropolis, Haneda is nearer to town middle. Each airports are well-connected to downtown Tokyo by practice, bus, and taxi.
Coming from Austin, we determined to fly out and in of LAX, after which fly on to Tokyo. As soon as we received to LA, we took the direct in a single day flight to Haneda. Our flight took off at 12:50 am PST (which was nearly 3 within the morning Austin time), however our greatest wager was to remain up till we might go out on the airplane. This was troublesome however price it as a result of as soon as we landed, it was simpler to regulate to the time zone.
The place to Keep: Greatest Tokyo Accommodations
Similar to any main metropolis, there isn’t any scarcity of fantastic inns in Tokyo. Relying in your funds and preferences, it’s possible you’ll need to begin by determining what neighborhood you need to be your property base and analysis inns round there. Should you’re searching for a extra luxurious expertise, think about staying within the Ginza or Shinjuku districts. Should you’re searching for one thing on the extra hipster/fashionable facet, the Shibuya and Asakusa districts have nice lodge choices.
Peninsula Resort Tokyo
Centrally situated and solely a five-minute taxi trip from the Tokyo Central Practice Station, the Peninsula Resort was the perfect house base for our keep. The employees was extremely heat and pleasant, and the 23-story lodge boasts unimaginable views of Ginza and the imperial palace. The rooms are adorned in a mixture of conventional Japanese and fashionable types mirroring the old-meets-new vibe of Tokyo itself.
Highlights of our keep included the expansive indoor swimming pool, health middle, and opulent spa, and the each day breakfast is a can’t-miss. We have been grateful to spend our first journey to town at such an iconic Tokyo establishment.
Trunk Resort
This lodge got here extremely beneficial by so many mates, and once we stopped by for a espresso we might see why. The foyer is fashionable and buzzing with individuals working and hanging out. It’s situated conveniently in Shibuya so that you’re steps away from a number of the most wonderful eating places and purchasing in all of Tokyo.
Aman Resort Tokyo
Should you’re in a position to splurge, this lodge was fairly spectacular. Buddies of ours who had stayed there mentioned it was an over-the-top expertise. We stopped by for afternoon tea and have been blown away by the glossy, fashionable interiors and unimaginable service. It’s situated within the Otemachi district and close to all main metro traces.
The place to Eat in Tokyo
Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise, and it’s powerful to slim down the restaurant choices when you might have tons of of 1000’s of world-class eating places to select from. Undoubtedly attempt to plan forward and make reservations when you may, as a result of lots of the very best eating places are small and might solely accommodate a couple of tables. You probably have entry to a lodge concierge, they’re an incredible useful resource for recommending spots and serving to navigate reservations.
Eating places
Seirinkan and Savoy. Didn’t look forward to finding the very best pizza of your life in Japan? Neither did we. These two pizza eating places are world-renowned and for good purpose.
Eatrip. This place might be difficult to search out however serves contemporary farm-to-table dishes in an ingenious method. The menu adjustments frequently primarily based on what’s in season.
Ol by Oslo Brewing Firm. While you’ve had sufficient Japanese meals and your taco cravings hit, this tiny brewery within the coronary heart of Shibuya has an unimaginable taco truck exterior that even we Austinites have been impressed with. Plus, the beers on draft are refreshing after a day of strolling round within the solar.
Narukiyo. Should you’re searching for enjoyable, hilarious vibes, and nice Japanese meals, that is your spot. There isn’t a menu at this restaurant and the meals is served Omakase type, so that they’ll preserve bringing it out till you inform them you’re performed. The very best factor we ate was the grilled Wagyu beef.
Yakumo Saryo. Once we requested a pal who’s traveled to Tokyo many occasions what her favourite restaurant was, this was her reply. Beforehand a personal membership, this restaurant was reservation-only and Omakase type. Most of the dishes are ready proper subsequent to the desk and the interiors are stunning.
Sushi Ginza Onodera. We didn’t get an opportunity to eat right here however we heard this can be a great place for a number of the highest-quality sushi in all of Ginza. It’s open for each lunch and dinner however reservations are required.
Tsukiji Fish Market. A worldwide hub for seafood, that is the place all the sushi cooks and five-star inns come to supply their fish. It’s one of many largest and busiest fish markets on the earth and the outside space is claimed to be an incredible place to purchase contemporary seafood, produce and different Japanese items.
Fuku. Positioned in Shibuya, this Michelin-starred restaurant is constantly ranked as top-of-the-line in Tokyo. We didn’t get to eat right here however I’ve heard nice issues about their progressive dishes just like the foie gras and wagyu beef tataki.
Kondo. One other Michelin-star restaurant serving a number of the finest sushi and tempura round. The restaurant solely has 10 seats and each visitor is served by the pinnacle chef himself.
Yakumo. This restaurant within the Aoyama district is a good choice in the event you’re trying to take pleasure in conventional Japanese meals together with sushi and kaiseki delicacies.
Maisen Aoyama. This restaurant was beneficial for its high-quality tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlets).
Cafés and Treats
Banana Juice. After loads of Japanese meals, I used to be craving a smoothie—and banana juice was the closest factor. Cease by this tiny store tucked into an alleyway in Ginza and order considered one of their banana-based blended concoctions for a wholesome milkshake-like deal with.
Path. A French café that serves espresso and pastries throughout the day and scrumptious European-inspired delicacies at night time. Camille beloved the croissants at this little café and the girl is aware of her croissants.
Chatei Hatou. A comfy café with espresso and pastries that provides off an old-world vibe. Come right here for the slow-drip espresso and nostalgia.
Camelback. Tiny take-out café with Brooklyn vibes and the MOST unimaginable sandwiches and occasional.
7-Eleven. Belief us. The 7-Elevens in Japan are spectacular. You will discover some wonderful steals whenever you peruse the aisles.
What to Do in Tokyo: The Sights
Artwork Galleries
Mori Artwork Museum. A up to date artwork museum with rotating exhibitions. It is a good one to dip your toes into the trendy artwork scene in Tokyo and might be explored in 1-2 hours.
Nationwide Museum of Trendy Artwork. Based in 1952, this museum holds a formidable 100,000+ works of latest artwork. Should you’re an artwork lover this can be a must-stop.
TeamLab Planets. Should you’re searching for a extra immersive artwork expertise, TeamLab Planets is a digital artwork museum that’s enjoyable for any age. My husband and I received to expertise artwork in an entire new method at this museum. Attempt strolling by means of the rainbow water barefoot or wading your method by means of a room fully made of froth.
Temples and Shrines
Meiji Shrine: Whereas Tokyo is a contemporary metropolis, it’s nonetheless full of wealthy historical past and historic websites. The Meiji Shrine is likely one of the hottest and lies in a forest within the coronary heart of town. It was accomplished in 1920 and the grounds cowl over 170 acres with stunning strolling trails. It’s the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
Go to a Sumo Event
One among my greatest regrets from the journey was not attending the Sumo nationwide championship event that was happening whereas we have been in Tokyo. I’ve heard from mates that that is an unforgettable expertise and I plan on attending one subsequent time.
Go to Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is likely one of the busiest intersections on the earth and lies in the midst of one of the well-liked purchasing districts. At any level, you may see 1000’s of individuals crossing the crosswalks without delay. It’s a bit chaotic at occasions however a good way to expertise the vitality and pleasure of town.
Buying
Daikanyama T-Website. It is a store to get misplaced in. It’s additionally an architectural gem with gorgeous design, a beautiful café, and rooms lined with books, stationery, kitchenware, and extra. I might have spent hours on this retailer.
Beams. This Japanese clothes retailer is full of gorgeous males’s and girls’s choices. Camille and Adam each discovered nice items right here.
Ginza. This neighborhood is understood for high-end purchasing and luxurious items. You will discover every part from designer garments and purses to effective artwork and jewellery.
Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. Come across classic purchasing, streetwear, and classy cafés and eating places.
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