Tokyo 2008 (I)
This is my first trip solo. I don't often travel when I was younger, so I kinda justify that with the constant travelling now. I don't know much about Tokyo but I had about 40 days to plan everything (that includes persuading my parents to allow me to go on this crazy trip, it wasn't easy). With the lower currency previously, my total budget amounts to about $2000SGD or about $1500USD. It could have been lesser as the accommodation takes up a lot of it.Little bit of info:
- its a 7 days trip during Hanami (cherry blossom season).
- 70% of planning was done thanks to the Lonely Planet's guide to Tokyo city.
- 20% of planning was done thanks to the Hardwarezone's Japan thread.
- 10% is by asking people I know personally.
Hence, my 7 days is covered by the recommended sights mentioned in the guide book. It was a bit rushing as I would like to cover as much as possible. I went to:
- Akihabara - Ueno
- Asakusa - Odaiba
- Zojoji Temple/Tokyo Tower - The Lion King musical (in Japanese)
- Shibuya/Roppongi - Shinjuku/Metropolitan Government Building
- Imperial Palace East Gardens/Ginza - Meiji Temple/Harajuku
I took North West Airlines (now, Delta Airlines) as it was the cheapest at that moment at about $850. I was advised to sit on the left side of the plan so that if the weather is good, Mt. Fuji will clearly be visible from the plane.
As recommended, I purchase the "NE'X" package to get into the city. For 3,500¥, you get a SUICA pass (just like our EZLink card) loaded with 2,000¥ and a 1-way trip into Tokyo city. NE'X is a fast-train, with lesser stops into the city. If you don't need a SUICA card, I would actually recommend you to just get the normal commuter train that ends at Ueno for 1000¥.
I stayed 10 mins away from Akihabara (by walking) and 20 mins away from Ueno park. Its very comfortable and had delicious breakfast too. The changing of the trains is fine but when I get to the stop, I got lost! I had to ask the policeman at the koban (a police box) - first try with asking at the convenience store wasn't successful. Hotel Edoya.
1st day:
After checking-in at the hotel, I decided to explore Akihabara. The famous area for electronic, gadgets and anime products. I was in awe with the colourful arrays and different types of handphone. There is also a Turkish food stall nearby. Reminder: Only the chicken meat is halal. A kebab is 400¥. While one with rice is 600¥.
Love the neon lights!
"Halal" Turkish kebab
2nd day:
Woke up early to have breakfast and walk to Ueno park. Ueno park is known to have about 1000 cherry blossoms tree and is famous when they are blooming. Its the first time I see trees looking totally "white" from the trees. But it was not full bloom yet. Though I did get to experience this as it happened 2-3 days later and I returned. Ueno park is very big. It contains the Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Zoo, a baseball park, a concert hall, a few shrines and the Shinobazu pond.
I had allocated myself till the evening here. I spent 4 hours in the Ueno Zoo (its big!) and only 2 hours in the National Science Museum (I gave myself 4 hours but I think due to the descriptions being in Japanese, I can't read much).
Ueno Zoo's entrance.
The geek in me visits the National Science Museum.
A human cell.
Roaarrr !!!
Sakura flavoured ice-cream after all that anyone?
After that I went to Shinjuku.
Pick a line, any line. O_O
Many recommend visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to have stunning views of the city at 45 storeys high - for free! Instead of paying for the over hyped Tokyo Tower, this is definitely an option. There are 2 towers that closed at different times. On a good weather day, you can even see Mt. Fuji!
A view of Tokyo Tower.
Security check before you can board that lift up.
Since I ended earlier than usual, I decided to walk around Shinjuku station - one of the biggest and more crowded (not to mention, easy to get lost in!). Oh yeah, I was in search of the "fabled" Krispy Kreme donuts! I had those previous year in Melbourne and it was good! (But definitely a health-killer) I found it, after walking much... and while queue-ing, they actually let the customers have free original donut each.
A silly story.. I had Starbucks before Krispy Kreme as I was really tired from all that walking and wanted to have a break. It was my first encounter with a glass door panel that would only open when you press this "black bar" on it. It was in Japanese I couldn't read.. I knew I had to do something in order for the door to open. So I pressed on it.. hard.. nothing happened.. three times! I was starting to look silly outside. Ok, "One last try!" I tell myself. This time, gently I pushed the button and.. voila! It opens! Grrr.. this door..
To be continued ...
Post a Comment