Travel: The Basic Tokyo tourist Guide (Day Two)

Every Tokyo tourists have to visit these places in order to be able to proudly say they have visited and experienced Tokyo. Without further ado, here is the Day Two itinerary for the Basic Tokyo Tourist.

Basic Tokyo Tourist itinerary

Tsukiji Fish Market - Yoyogi Park - Harajuku - Tokyo Station - Imperial Palace - Yokohama/Sunshine City

0230    - (1 hour) On my Day One guide, I advised the Basic Tourist to get an early night's rest. The reason is because they will have to wake up early the next day at around 2.30am. Wash up, and pack your stuff for the day. I would have left the comforts of National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre when the sky is still dark and hailed a cab/ Uber to Tsukiji Fish market.

0330    - (3 hours) The reason one has to arrive at the Tsukiji Fish Market early is because only 120 people are allowed to attend the famous Tuna Auction at 5.30am and 5.50am on every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thus, people start to queue as early as 1am! Honestly, it is best to get help from a Japanese local here, for they will know ways and the time to procure a spot for the auction. You can also get some fresh seafood breakfast here.

There are plans to move the Tsukiji Market to a different location but words have it that there are underground politics which prevents the move from taking place. If the market were to move, it is wise to visit it first!

0630    - (1 hour) Exit Tsukiji Market and head back towards National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre to get some sleep, you will need energy for the whole day today.

0730    - (2 hours) Rest. (Optional)

0930    - (15 mins) Get up and head towards Yoyogi Park just to the left of the Centre.

0945    - (45 mins) Yoyogi Park is a beautifully manicured park at the heart of Tokyo consisting of bridges, fountains, viewing platforms and Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. I came during the Autumn cherry blossom period and the park was beautiful. Take an early morning stroll and enjoy the aesthetic scenery of the park. Online guides mention that sometimes, people come here in cosplay costumes although I did not see any during my visit. It is still a beautiful and relaxing park to start off the day.

Entrance to Yoyogi Park

A bench

Too early for cherry blossoms perhaps

Aesthetic Japan

Fountains

Beautiful artificial rivers

It's a really huge park!

1030     - (15 mins) Exit the park and make your way to Harajuku in Shibuya. Harajuku is only about a 15 mins walk from Yoyogi Park and you can enjoy the morning environment of a laidback Tokyo.

10.45     - (2 hours) A live DJ from a radio station greets you at the entrance of the famous Harajuku Street. Harajuku is a must-go for cosplay enthusiasts and those who wishes to experience this quirky (in the eyes of the uninitiated) hobby. Along the streets, you will find people dressed fully or partially in various costumes derived from Japanese animes. The shopping street sells all kinds of merchandise for cosplay but it also sells gifts and souvenirs and fashionable clothes which are catered for a younger audience. Harajuku is also famous for their delicious crepes which costs around Y400-Y800 (SGD 4 - 8~). Do try them as you explore the street. near the entrance, there is also a large Daiso store, a store which specialises in selling goods at a standard low price. If you are on a tight budget to buy gifts for friends, you may want to buy them here because there are really no other cheaper places to buy souvenirs than here.

The street of Harajuku! (At night)

It was close to closing time, thus there are a lot less people then.

An absolute must try, Harajuku crepes

An owl and cat café... not something I'd find any other day.

12.45      -  (30 mins) Head towards Tokyo Station located in the official business and government district of Tokyo. You can take the Chiyoda Line from the Meijijingu-mae Station and drop off at Nijubashi-mae Station. Head towards JP Tower.

13.15      - (45 mins) JP Tower, located next to the impressive Tokyo Station, is both an office building and mall. There are a wide selection of restaurants and eateries at the basement and floors above although they may be slightly pricier than elsewhere. You can, of course, dine at Harajuku too where a Yoshinoya outlet there cost half the price here, around Y600 (SGD 7~) a meal compared to >Y900 (SGD 9~) here.

A cheap Oishi Yoshinoya meal

In a restaurant in JP Tower

An expensively good meal!

14.00    - (30 mins) Cross the street towards the direction of Tokyo Station and then turn to your right. Look for the HATO Bus Tour sign. It is hard not to miss because they occupy a long stretch of the street and their characteristic yellow bus can be seen from afar. Book a tour ride for 2.30pm. Now, you can choose to look around the impressive Tokyo Station. The Station is majestic from the inside with a domed ceiling stretching high above. People walk across the expansive marble floor in all directions.

The domed ceiling of Tokyo Station

Right outside Tokyo Station

Head back towards JP Tower. There is a very impressive museum called the Museum Intermediatheque on the 2nd floor. The museum consists of two levels with permanent as well as temporary galleries. Among the displays are a very wide collection of taxidermy animal collection, including rare species of mammals and sea creatures, portraits of famous college professors and a contemporary Japanese art collection. The museum is free to enter and visit.

Museum Intermediatheque:   Opening hours: 11am-6pm    I     Tel: +81 (0)3-5777-8600
Website: http://www.intermediatheque.jp/en

Entrance to Museum Intermediatheque.

No pictures allowed, so here is a poster from outside

From outside the impressive museum

14.30    - (1 hour) Don't miss the HATO Bus Tour or you will have to wait another 30 minutes. The bus tour enables you to see the sights and sounds and the layout of Tokyo city in the space of an hour. it costs Y1800 (SGD 22~) for an adult. You get to sit on an open bus top with a tour guide who will be explaining about the famous landmark as you pass them by. You will also be provided with an electronic gadget earpiece which provides an English translation of the tour. The bus is a good experience because you get to see the famous sights which you otherwise may not have time to visit such as the Rainbow Bridge, the (overrated) Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Ginza district (an upper class district similar to Singapore's Orchard Road) and the Kabuki-za Theatre. It may get very cold in the winter-autumn period but the Bus Tour provides heat packs and a raincoat for rainy weather.

HATO Bus Tour:    Departure times: 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 19:00      I     Tel: +81 03-3435-6081
Website: https://www.hatobus.co.jp/dom/feature/tomodachi/english/

Ms Pasita aboard the HATO Bus

The writer beneath the Tokyo Tower

Kabu-zi Theatre

Beneath the Rainbow Bridge arches

Thank God for the English translation

Aesthetic Japanese streets

15.30   - (1 hour) Take a short walk towards the Japanese Imperial Palace. You should be able to know the direction of the palace after the tour! ;) Personally, I have not entered the Palace because I came after the closing time (last entrance visit was at 4.30pm) but there are still many beautiful places to take pictures even from the outside. Take your time taking pictures and strolling the beautiful gardens and lakes. Do note that some days are closed so do find out when they are closed too! If they close early, as in Winter and Autumn period, it is wise to take an earlier HATO bus tour.

Imperial Palace:   Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (Last entry 4pm-4.30pm) I    Tel: +81 3-3213-1111
Website: http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-event/higashigyoen02.html

Outside the Imperial Palace

Near the East Entrance to the Imperial Palace

Instagram worthy

Instagram worthy bridge

A bird on the moat.

You now have a choice to either visit Yokohama, a well-known sub-district of Tokyo, or visit the Sunshine City, a new exciting destination.

Plan A - Yokohama (For the romantic thrill seeker)

16.30     - (1 hour) Take the Tozai Line from Takebashi Station about a 10 mins walk from the Palace and transfer at Nihombashi Station to the Asakusa Line. 10 stops later, you will reach Yokohama Station.

17.30    - (2-3 hours) There are many places to visit and things to do in Yokohama City because this is the so-called entertainment city of Tokyo, something like the Sentosa of Singapore. if you come earlier, you may try the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum located just across a bridge from the train station. Admission is free and there is a Japanese guided tour around the impressive little museum which seeks to explain a different aspect of Japanese history, the history of migrations. The museum closes at 6pm.

A Japanese Farmer's parade

At the restaurant at the Museum

There is a free petting zoo with a large collection of animals about a 30 minutes walk from the station called the Nogeyama Zoo. There you can go up close to many cute animals to take pictures or to pet them. However, it closes early at 4.30pm. 

The entrance to Nogeyama Zoo

An alternative place to visit is the famous Yokohama Cosmo World, an amusement park which is often associated with the Yokohama skyline. Even from far, just looking at the roller coaster rides provides a thrill as to what it could offer. There is no entrance fee to the amusement park but the rides are on a per ride basis from Y100 (SGD 1~) for small games in the arcade to Y700 (SGD 8~) for a ride on the 112m landmark Ferris Wheel or the massive and fast roller coaster.

Yokohama Cosmo World at a distance

Yokohama also boasts beautiful piers, parks, bridges and walkways. A particularly memorable stroll brought me next to the river across a wooden walkway with music coming off speakers hidden along the walkway. Usually, people who go to Yokohama would also choose to simply stroll around the area, shop and nearby shops and AEON Mall or dine at fancy restaurants and bars overlooking the river. It is really a place almost tailor-made for couples.

Japanese Overseas Migration Museum:    Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm   I   Tel: +81 45-663-3257
Yokohama Cosmo World:    Operating Hours: 11am-10pm        I        Tel: +81 45-641-6591

The view along the river

Walking around Hazawa Seibu Community in Yokohama

A casual stroll through scenic villages

19.30/ 20.30     - (45 mins) After a full day of visiting these must-go places in Tokyo, you can head back to Shinjuku for dinner or to continue shopping. Of course, you may also have your dinner in Yokohama, especially so if you come here with your Special One because the atmosphere in Yokohama is very idyllic and romantic. Shinjuku, on the other hand, is for those who prefer a wider variety of food options and late night shopping convenience. As mentioned before, almost all train lines lead to Shinjuku Station.

20.15 / 21.15      - (45 mins) Late dinner. If you are a Muslim traveller, there are few Halal eateries you may find in the area around Shinjuku. One is called Bosphorus Hasan Shinjuku. You can ask for specific directions from the Tourist Information Centre and you will have to walk for about 15 mins to get to the restaurant from Shinjuku Station. The Turkish cuisine served is exquisite and delicious but also very pricey. It costs around SGD 20~ for a decent meal.

Menu at Bosphorus Hasan Shinjuku

Another much cheaper place which I frequented was the Nasco Food Court but you will need to take the Yamanato Line and ride one station away to the Shin-Okubo Station. The food here is good and fulfilling and they serve Indian cuisines such as Briyani Rice which costs about Y800 (SGD 10~) for a full meal. The street where the restaurant lie in is actually a halal food street owned by Muslim migrants, thus you can stock up on food snacks and ingredients from the shops and kosher supermarket to last your stay here.

Nasco Food Court

Really affordable oishi meal!

A signboard outside the restaurant

A simply designed interior

Nasco Food Court:          Tel: +81 80-4086-8631
Bosphorus Hasan Shinjuku:  Opening hours: 11:30-14:30 , 17:00-23:30     I    Tel: +81 03-3354-7947

21.00/ 22.00      - (15 mins) Head back to National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre to rest.

Plan B - Sunshine City (For the nostalgic Pokémon trainers who gotta catch 'em all and the indoor thrill seekers)

16.30       - (45 mins) Exit the gardens of the Imperial Palace and head towards Takebashi Station along the Tozai Line. Take two stops to Lidabashi Station and transfer to Yarukucho Line. Three stops later and you will reach Higashi-Ikebukuro Station. Here is the tricky part. Sunshine City is actually a development project by one of Japan's large corporations. It encompass several buildings and a large underground network. I got lost trying to locate the Pokémon Center, only to found out the GPS intended for me to go underground. The Center is located on the top most floor of the shopping centre, Sunshine City Alpa.

Welcome to Sunshine City!

It feels almost like Akihabara

17.15       - (1 hour) After all the trouble of finding the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, go nuts exploring the entire outlet filled with Pokémon merchandise! All kinds of merchandise on the nostalgic icon are sold here from soft toys to trading cards to stationery sets and bags. Pikachu features the most here and there are several collector's editions a collector might want to purchase and collect. However, do note that the prices of the items here are not cheap (as is most of Tokyo) hence many visitors actually saved their pennies to have a spending spree here. The queue at the counter is long but it is really worth the wait. I bought a Bulbasaur soft toy the size of two palms for the cost of Y2000 (SGD 24~), a gachapon capsule rubber toy for Y300 (SGD 3.5~) and bath bomb with a keychain inside for Y200 (SGD 2.5~) amongst many other things. The bath bomb was the most worth it item, in my opinion. The price of soft toys also appears to follow how popular the Pokémon character are. For example, first generation Pokémon such as Charmander, Bulbasaur, Cubone and Machop were clearly priced higher than the more newer Pokémon despite how complicated the new Pokémon may look like. The soft toys are sold anywhere from Y1500-Y2500 for a palm sized version. There are several large statues of the Pokémon around the store and you can take pictures with them.

The anticipation!

Can you name them all?

I don't even know its name!

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo:    Opening Hours: 10am - 8pm   I    Tel: +81 3-5927-9290

18.15       - (1 hour) Head to J World Tokyo an indoor theme park in Sunshine City Alpa. Prices to try all the attraction is at Y1800 (SGD 22~) after 5pm. personally I have not been here due to my limited time in Japan (I visited Sunshine City Alpa on my way back to Narita Airport ^^) but I do hear rave reviews on this place. The theme park includes rides and attractions from famous animes and manga such as One Piece, Naruto and Dragon Ball Z. They also have a themed restaurant inside with reasonably priced themed food galore from cakes to pasta. A gist of what to expect can be found in their website or in vlogs found on YouTube.

J World Tokyo:Operating Hours: 10am - 10pm I Website: http://www.namco.co.jp/tp/j-world/en/about/

19.15      - (45 mins) You must be hungry after a long day. There are numerous restaurants and eateries located in Sunshine City Alpa, you will be spoilt for choice. Otherwise, you may also choose to dine at J World Tokyo or at the next attraction, Sky Circus.

20.00      - (1 hour 15mins) This is a place which you simply HAVE to try, Sky Circus. The admission is Y1200 (SGD 15~). However, there are attractions inside which are on an additional per ride basis. For example there is the Tokyo Bullet Flight (Y600, SGD 7~), Swing Coaster (Y400, SGD 5~) and Sky Escape (Y500, SGD 6~). The place is a sort of theme park with the theme being a fantasy world located in the clouds or the sky with dazzling usage of optical illusions, elaborate setting and intriguing attractions. Incidentally, Sky Circus is located at the 60th floor of Sunshine 60.

Sky Circus:   Operating Hour: 10am - 10pm (Last ticket: 8.50pm)   I  Tel: +81 03-3989-3457
Website: http://www.skycircus.jp/english/about/

21.15      - (30 mins) Exit Sunshine City and head back towards National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre to rest.

Thus is a two day rough guide of all the must go places if one is to visit Tokyo. There are many other places you can visit in Tokyo such as UENO Park, NHK Broadcasting Centre or the Japanese Diet (Parliament Building), but essentially, the places mentioned is a Basic Tourist guide to massive Tokyo. I hope this guide have been and may be useful and easy to follow for the traveller who simply wishes to experience Tokyo. You may wish to experience more Japanese experiences while you are in Tokyo and I really do encourage you to try them all!

Some of my to-do list in Tokyo, which I have not yet done, is to stay in a Capsule Hotel. However, for those of you who intends to experience what a Japanese onsen (public bath) feels like, you may be surprised that most public establishments such as the Youth Centre I recommended to stay in and hotels have them.
If you are planning to head to Tokyo, I wish you all the fun and adventure you can have and thank you for reading! :)

Travel: The Basic Tokyo tourist Guide (Day One)

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. With an area of a massive 2188km², Tokyo consists of several districts each as interesting as the other. A complex train network connects to every part of Tokyo such that it is possible to reach most attractions in Tokyo simply by commuting via train. My sojourn around the city brought me to most of the main attractions tourists simply have to go to experience Tokyo. Most of my plan was helped crafted by a Japanese friend, Yuta-san, whom I met during a short exchange to Chiba University. Without much ado, here is a comprehensive 2 day itinerary for a first timer in Tokyo, Japan.

The Basic Tokyo tourist itinerary

Tokyo Day 1
Meiji Shrine - Asakusa - Akihabara - Shinjuku

0700       -  (30 mins) Wake up, rise and shine. I woke up in the comfort of National Olympic Memorial Youth Center, a youth hostel located conveniently between Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Prices per night is inexpensive and about the same cost as a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo. Wash up, pack your bag and head down for breakfast.

NOMY Centre: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/en/                             I               Inquiry: +81-3-3469-2525

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center

Wide beautiful campus with Central Building in background

0730       -  (45 mins) Eat breakfast at the hostel’s cafeteria, Cafeteria Fuji, at Central Building or the hostel’s convenience store at Block D. Breakfast at the cafeteria is a buffet style and is really value for money at ~Y500+ (SGD 6~).

               

Cafeteria Fuji

Fulfilling Buffet breakfast

0815       -  (15 mins) Take a 15 mins walk to Meiji Shrine to the right of the Olympic Center.

0830       -  (2 hours) Meiji Shrine. The shrine is located inside a large beautiful park. A huge torii (traditional Japanese gate) marks the entrance to the park. Several routes leads to the shrine, the most commonly trodden being the main one leading straight to the shrine, but I would recommend taking a less walked route. A route to the left will take you through a bamboo forest and then an open ground with a view of Tokyo city at a distant. Around this time, there are almost close to no visitors. Enter the impressive shrine. There is a traditional ablution well one can try at the entrance of the shrine. In the shrine, admire the architecture of this Shinto temple dedicated to the divine spirit of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Write prayers and goodwill on letters and wooden boards provided and take in the calm and pleasant atmosphere.

Explore the forest park surrounding Meiji Shrine. I ventured around the park and chanced upon Homotsuden, the treasure museum located near Meiji Shrine. From the outside, it does look impressive but it was closed due to reconstruction due to damage caused by a recent earthquake. A little more exploration uncovered a gem for me as I chanced upon a Shiseikan, a traditional Japanese training hall, where I got to observe students practicing Kyudo (Japanese archery).

Meiji Shrine: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/about/1.html                               I              

Meiji Shrine

Ablution Area

Prayers and goodwill

Kyudo in the Shiseikan

Early morning meditation

Inside Meiji Shrine

Writer on one of many routes in the park

1030       - (1 hour 30 mins) Travelling. Exit Meiji Shrine and start to make your way towards Asakusa. There are several train routes one can take to get to Asakusa. I took the Chuo-Sobu line to Asakusabashi Station, got lost while transferring to the Asakusa Line which is underground and on a separate train station, and then took another train to Asakusa Station.

1200       - (45 mins) Asakusa. The beautiful district that houses the massive and impressive Sensoji Temple. The day in which I visited was incidentally during the Honzon Jigen e, held round 18 May, hence there were innumerable fascinating activities and parades being put up. I would recommend  coming on one of the festival days because it is such a wonderful and interesting experience. On other days I would recommend heading to find a restaurant to have your lunch first before proceeding to see the attractions because there are a lot of things to see and do here. There are many food outlets to choose from in the Sensoji Temple vicinity itself.

 

A parade as part of the Honzon Jigen e Festival

Some booths erected for the Honzon Jigen e Festival

Other performances during the Honzon Jigen e Festival

I touched the dragon which is said to bring good luck (according to a shopkeeper I conversed with) at the Honzon Jigen e Festival.

On the way, you will first have to pass the great Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). Then, you will get to pass the Nakamise Shopping Street filled with interesting and amazing gifts, snacks and souvenirs. Among the stores I found was a Ninja- Samurai Specialty store tended by ninjas. You will pass here again on the way back and will definitely want to stop by again, so try not to spend too much time here first and head for lunch!

The beautiful Nakamise Shopping Street

Welcome to Nakamise Street!

My kagebunshin on the right

Postcard-worthy Nakamise Street

Some interesting items on display

Pass the numerous temples and shrines, and housed in what looked like a shopping arcade, is the Naritaya Halal Ramen Store. Owned by a very friendly chef and assisted by a Malay speaking lady, this was where I ate my first chicken Ramen noodles and it was oishi! (delicious!) The price is quite affordable, around Y700 (SGD 8~), but the ramen is so rich and flavourful it makes my mouth water just remembering it. I also bought some roasted potato croutons, Y300 (SGD 3~) a packet, to munch on as I explore Asakusa. There is a quaint dining room at the second floor which gives you a view of the activities in the shopping arcade such as the famous Kagetudo Bakery and a fish massage shop.

 Naritaya Halal Ramen Store:     Opening hours: 10am-9pm         I         Inquiry: +81 3-4285-9806 

Entrance to Naritaya Halal Ramen Store

Oishi Chicken Ramen meal!

View from the second floor

12.45     - There is an option for visitors to don traditional kimonos from kimono rental shops found around the complex at a price of around Y3000 (SGD 36~)  per day. Tourists and locals alike don them to take beautiful pictures of themselves amid the great temple structures. Full and energised, it is time to explore Asakusa.

(10 mins) Coming from the back entrance of the temple complex, I found my way to a less trodden shrine, the Hikan Inari Shrine. At the time I visited, there was a lady performing a ritual at the shrine with an elaborate set and music surrounding her. A crowd of spectator respectfully observed her as she appeared to sing and play a musical instrument.

An intriguing activity at the Hikan Inari Shrine

12.55     -  (35 mins) A short distance across the pebbled surface is the Sensoji Temple itself. Other than taking pictures with the huge and imposing temple structure, one can also engage is several rituals. There is a pagoda of sorts at the foot of the stairs filled with smoke from joss sticks. You can purchase a set of joss sticks for around Y150 (SGD 2~). The smoke is believed to be able to cure anything except for asthma, so I heard. Thus, you can try breathing in the smoke or like many, wave it to parts of your body. Nearby, there are several self-help fortune telling stations. There is no one manning the stations but you are required to donate Y100 (SGD 1~) to try them. I tried one and a Vietnamese friend of mine, Trang, whom I bumped into explained to me the steps to trying it. There is a round wooden box containing marked sticks where one roll it over and over until a stick falls out naturally from a hole at the base of the box. The stick contains a mark which corresponds to the mark on drawers found at the station itself. One then opens the corresponding drawer and retrieve a slip of paper which contains one’s fortune. Mine indicated something like “Regular Fortune. Everything will be alright in the end.” Nearby are several booths selling amulets and charms. These charms are said to contain spirits which will help the user according to the purpose of the charm. One example is the “Education Charm” (ironically labelled “Edoication Charm”) and “Romance Charm”. Personally, I think the charms here are expensive as compared to those found at Kotoku-in at Kamakura. Here, it costs about an average of Y1000 (SGD 12~) per amulet.

Sensoji Temple:    Opening Hours: 6am - 5pm (Main Hall)   I    24 hours (Temple Ground)

The famous Sensoji Temple

Amulets and Charms for sale

One of many varied fortune telling booths

13.30     - (30 mins) You can visit several other Buddhist temples located next to one another. I visited the Mutsimune Shrine which was quite separated from the others and is found next to a mini  koi pond. I didn’t understand what people were doing in the shrine and it appears they bought some bookmark or prayer book which was stamped and offered at a praying spot. Outside, a local lady clad in ordinary office wear was performing a ritual with a joss stick. Spend your time exploring or taking pictures around the majestic Sensoji Temple vicinity.

Mitsumene Shrine

Koi Pond

Lady performing a ritual

14.00     - (30mins) Exit the Sensoji Temple compound and explore the streets of Asakusa. To the exit at the back lies the oldest amusement parks in Tokyo, the Hanayashiki, with rides on a per ride basis. (Y1000 for admission, Y2300 for unlimited rides) To the right from the direction heading to the train line is a Don Quijote outlet selling an outrageous assortment of products but don't visit this outlet for there is a bigger one in Shinjuku. Exploring the streets further, I came across bookstores, vintage shops, promoters for a zoo and the oldest gaming arcade store in Tokyo which apparently only has one retro arcade game where players try to ping a ball through holes which has different points. Each alley and row of shops you explore brings about a wealth of sights and sound. You may of course return to Nakamise Street to explore again to buy souvenirs or gifts on offer.

Nakamise Shopping Street:           Opening Hours: 10.30am - 5pm
Hanayashiki:  Operating Hours: 10am - 6pm  /   Tel: 03-3842-8780 /  Website: http://www.hanayashiki.net/en

Inside Japan's oldest "arcade"

A bookstore

An owl on the streets!

One of several gates

Explore the streets of Asakusa

14.30     - (30 mins) Head back to the Ginza Line and head for manga city, Akihabara. The journey is a short one and in fact, you can drop at several stations because Akihabara is quite a big place. I dropped at Suiherochi Station and decided to start exploring as I head towards the centre of Akihabara.

15.00    - (2 hours) Akihabara is a must-go for any Tokyo tourists because it is a one of a kind experience to enjoy. The city lives and breathes of anime and manga and although one may not be familiar with the newer animes or mangas, they will still not be left out for there are surely some of these Japanese icons which have pervaded their childhood. For example, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dragonball Z, One Piece, Naruto, Mario Bros, Ultraman and Power Rangers are some of more globally known icons featured extensively here. Akihabara consists of rows and rows of buildings and shophouses selling iconic anime goods such as keychains, toys or accessories in such quantity that it may take weeks to visit and see all the products available. But not only that, they also sell game cartridges for the old Nintendo machines and all kinds of trading collectible cards such as Duel Masters. There are gachapon shops spinning out an incredible variety of capsuled merchandise. There are cheap electronic stores selling all kinds of gadgets and game consoles and manga stores are thronged by Japanese school kids. Dotting almost every row of shophouses are the famous maid cafes, if ever one wishes to visit. In fact, the 2 hours of allocated time is a very generous one indeed if one truly wants to scour for some of the merchandises of their childhood. There are no clear boundaries to the city of Akihabara but I took the advise from an online blogger to continue exploring and walking and only once I found myself in an area without an anime product in sight, I know I have left Akihabara. I never did found the boundary. (You don't have to be confined to what other traveller's guide tells you to go because then you would waste time finding these "special" places. Personally, there are just too much places to see and go, you should just walk around and uncover the city yourself :) ) Around this time, in the Winter-Autumn period, the lights starts to come out and you will be dazzled by the colourful lights of the city.

Manga City, Akihabara

When the light starts to come up

A crowded manga store

Anime galore!

A gachapon machine shop

Old Gameboy cartridges

Remember Tamagotchi?

17.00    - (45 mins) Try one of many maid cafes around Akihabara. There is also a Gundam Café themed after the famous Gundam Speed series and there is also a AKB48 café themed after the famous J-Pop group. For Muslim travellers, there are some mobile stalls near the middle of Akihabara that sells Halal kebabs.

Gundam Café : Opening Hours: 10am - 10.30pm  I   Tel: +81 3-3251-0078
Website: http://g-cafe.jp/en/
AKB48 café and shop:  Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm   I  Tel: +81 3-5297-4848
Website: http://akb48cafeshops.com/akihabara/english

Gundam Café

AKB48 café and shop

17.45    - (30 mins) Head back towards Akihabara Station and find your way to Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is the largest (and most complex) of train stations in Tokyo and may take several days to understand its intricate train network. Almost all the train networks lead to Shinjuku Station, thus, it is hard not to miss it. Some people say Shinjuku is the heart of Tokyo and it is hard not to argue once you experience the city.

Right outside Shinjuku Station

18.15    - (30 mins) It may be hard to navigate around Shinjuku at first because of the complexity of the building structures and the fact that most signs are in Japanese. However, there are numerous ways to assist you in finding your bearings. Many Japanese know a smattering of English, especially the officers at the train station. There are two Tourists Information centres one located just outside of the station and one at the bus loading bay area and the tourist ambassadors there are extremely helpful, so as all of Japanese people, in providing directions and even suggestions to visit or eat. An important phrase Yuka-san and Sachi-san taught me was “Sumi mase._____ wa doko deska?” (Translation: Excuse me. Where is ____?) and these phrases had helped me immensely in my time exploring Tokyo. Head towards the world famous Shinjuku Crossing. This crossing is the hallmark of Japan where hundreds of people cross the traffic light each time a green man flashes and it is best to cross (and take pictures, of course) at night and if you want a vantage viewpoint, there are some overhead bridges and shopping malls nearby to get a nice view of people crossing at the crossing.

Shinjuku Tourist Information Centres:               Opening Hours: 9.30am - 6.30pm

Vantage view of Shinjuku Crossing

Amongst hundreds of people

18.45     - (1 hour) It cannot be considered a Japanese tourist experience until one visits a Don Quijote. Don Quijote is a chain of stores in Japan which sells almost everything from bags to wallets to assortments of food, gifts and electronics. From vintage second hand goods to dildos and cosplay shirts. Not only does the variety of goods make it such an interesting place to shop, but it is also exciting to uncover the many weird products for sale. The store at Shinjuku is said to be the largest, comprising 5 levels and the good thing about Don Quijotes is the fact that they are open 24 hours.

Don Quijote Shinjuku East Exit:       Opening hours: 24 hours       I        Tel: +81 3-5291-9211

Don Quijote Shinjuku

The huge variety of products one can find here

What in the world...

And this was just the first level

19.45    - (1 hour 15 mins) Explore Shinjuku. You may need more time to explore Don Quijote and I actually found myself coming here three times during my ten day stay here. Just next to Don Quijote Shinjuku, on the same walking street, is the area of Kabukicho, the red light district of Shinjuku. As you look up the street, up above is the famous Godzilla statue crashing out of a building straight ahead. Along this street, you will find shops selling gifts and tickets to attractions and also restaurants. There are even shops which allows you to hire social escorts. Once you reach the end of this street, to the right is the actual red light district but be wary though if you are to walk these streets because there are many African men who prowl these streets and continue to insist to try the many services on offer such as something called Soapland. Along these streets, there are also some Pachinko stores (gambling casinos), bars and clubs. There is also a Robot Restaurant, which is actually a robot-themed strip club which offers food and entertainment during select timings. It cost about Y8000 (SGD100~) for a show. I even found a Batting Centre to those who wishes to bat in the city at a cost of Y300 (SGD 4~) for a game of 28 balls. I did not try the experiences on offer, though I did find the prices for them (Expensive, but so is everything in Tokyo). In my opinion, the clubs there are small and seems to be visited by only foreigners, thus it would be best to avoid.

Robot Restaurant:      Opening Hours: 4pm-11pm       I       Show times: Check when buying tickets
Website: http://www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/system.php?lng=en
Shinjuku Batting Centre:     Operating Hours: 10am - 4am    I    Tel: +81 3-3200-2478  

Honestly, these crane machines is a money burner

Outside the Robot Restaurant

Shin Godzilla?! Why is no one panicking?

21.00    - (0-1 hour) Shinjuku is a very large place to be confined to these places. Explore the many shopping malls. Head to Mosaic Street, a quaint and beautiful shopping alley in the middle of Odakyu department store. For those that came with company, they may wind down the day with some Karaoke and try to sing the Japanese anime intro songs available. If you wish, you can even take a train ride to Shibuya which, in my opinion is a smaller version of Shinjuku. But try to head back early and get some sleep because the next day, you will want to wake up early for a very basic Tokyo tourist experience.

Mosaic Street:    Opening hours: 10am -9pm    I    Tel: :+81 3-3349-5611

Entrance to Mosaic Street

Tokyu Hands (Which is kind of very pricey)

21.30/ 22.30    - (30 mins) Head back to rest at National Olympic Memorial Youth Centre.