I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan this past winter holiday. I had a great time and wanted to share a bit from the experience. I’ll keep the writing brief and let the pictures tell the story.
I. The Flight
Great flight. Connected through Chicago, tons of time to read; but most impressed with the excellent quality of service of ANA NIPPON AIRWAYS.
II. The Plan
In order to make the most of the 18-day trip, Vickie and I built out a daily schedule. Each day was dedicated to exploring 1 specific neighbourhood and had a highlight or a main attraction to see; followed by a suggested list of possible activities.
Click the photo to see more details!
Alberto and Vickie’s JaPlan!
III. The Neighbourhoods
Neighbourhoods explored:
- Denenchofu
- Jyugaoka
- Harajuku
- Asakusa
- Ginza
- Shambashi
- Akihabara
- Ikebukuro
- Shibuya
- Shinjuku
- Kyoto
- Mitaka
- Atami
—
Denenchofu
Highlight: Walking to Tamagawa River
Sights of the Day:
- Denenchofu Station
- Horai Park
- Tamagawa River
- Maruko Bridge
- Shinmaruko
- 7/11
- Ramen House
Denenchofu Station
Horai Park
—
Harajuku
Highlight: Meiji-Jingu Shrine
Sights of the Day:
- Omotesando Street
- Omotesando Hills
- Kiddy Land
- Takeshita Dori
- Togi Shrine
- Yoyogi park
- Meiji-Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine
—
Roppongi
Highlight: Tokyo City View
Sights of the Day:
- Roppongi Hills
- Tokyo City View
- Mori Art Museum
- Tokyo Midtown + Uniqlo
- Noodles with Akiko
- Don Quijote (Store)
Tokyo City View
Roppongi Alley
—
Asakusa
Highlight: Sensoji Temple
Sights of the Day:
- Kaminarimon Gate
- Sensoji Temple
- Five Storied Pagoda
- Nakamise Street
- Asakusa Shrine
- Japanese Candy
- Tokyo Skytree
- Sumida River
- Asahi Beer Tower
Nakamise Street
Kaminarimon Gate
—
Ginza
Highlight: Tsukiji Fish Market!
Sights of the Day:
- Ginza Wako Clock Tower
- Kabukiza Theater
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Tsukiji Hongan-Ji (Temple)
- Department Store Basement Food Court Market
—
Akihabara
Highlight: Sega Store!
Sights of the Day:
- Sega Arcade
- Race Car w/ Akiko
- Sofmap (Videogames)
- Bic Camera (Electronics)
- Tokyo Station
- Imperial East Garden
Akihabara
—
Shinjuku
Highlight: Ramen and Drinks with Jose Chen!
Sights of the Day:
- Ichiran Ramen
- Kabukichu
- Sasuke @Golden Gai
- Torikizoku Izakaya
Godzilla Alley
Ichiran Ramen
—
Shibuya
Highlight: Kaiten Sushi
Sights of the Day:
- Hachiko Statue
- Shibuya Crossing
- Center Gai + Koen Dori
- Kaiten Sushi (belt + tablet)
- Torikizuko w/ Jose Chen
New Year’s Hachiko
Kaiten Sushi
Shibuya Crossing
—
Kyoto
Highlight: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Sights of the Day:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari-taisha)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Sannenzaka
- Ninenzaka
- Yasaka Hokanji
- Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion)
- Ryoanji Temple (Rock Garden)
- Ninnaji Temple (Heian House)
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizudera
Sannenzaka Street
Zen Rock Garden
—
III. Highlights
We Got Engaged!
Drinks with friends!
Sasuke @Golden Gai
Drinks @Ginza
Shyukaen Yunohana Zen Ryokan
Ryokan Dining Table
Ryokan Room
Ryokan Rotenburo (Hot Spring Tub)
Studio Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum
Shuji (Caligraphy) with Obachama
Alberto
Obachama
- Victoria
The Train System
Japanese Train Routes
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji
Vending Machines
Vending Machines with both Hot & Cold Beverages
Electric Toilets
Electric Toilet
Bowls and Bowls of Food
Highlight of the trip: Family Time!
I just want to appreciate the opportunity to spend time with Vickie’s family and learn about her family’s Japanese heritage. Tokyo is a fascinating place to explore and the food in Japan is incredible.
That’s it for now. Cheers till next time!
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