During our trip to Japan on April 2017, we've focused more on having daily trips around Tokyo, such as Nikko and Mouth Fuji, then visiting Kyoto. So when we went back to Italy after our trip, I felt like we didn't get the best of Tokyo and a part of me wasn't quite satisfied with it.
On July 2019, we were happy to head back to Tokyo for a conference. This time, we focused on getting more of Tokyo while attending the conference. Let me tell you, it was amazing to be back! We did some revisiting as much as discovering new places around and tasted new gems.
PLACES TO RE-VISIT
Muiji Jingu: Muiji Jingu was the most peaceful shrine we've been in Tokyo, and we couldn't get the best out of it the first time, because we went there right before the closing time and had to rush out. So, we revisited it and admired again how peaceful it feels to be there!
Senso-ji: Senso-ji was the other gorgeous shrine in the heart of Tokyo with an amazing shopping alley right in the entrance of it.
The last time we were there, the five store pagoda was covered with a piece of fabric because it was under construction, so we didn't see it at all. Being back to Tokyo was an amazing opportunity to catch up with it, so we did! I'm so much relieved now!
Akihabara: The last time I've been to Tokyo, we had the chance to pass from Akihabara and do some shopping only in the morning of a weekday, and unfortunately it was unbelievably quite, which was unexpected. This time, we checked it out again on a weekend afternoon - and I was right, it was a completely different experience!
Takeshita Dori: I love Tokyo style and this is where I've purchased my pink wing the last time I've visited. We headed back there to do some more shopping - and I was right, I found this cutest tote bag that I'm in love with!
Shibuya crossing: The first image that comes to mind about modern Tokyo is hundreds of people hitting the road to cross all at the same time, in Shibuya crossing. It's an amazing experience that I was dying to relive. This time, I managed to visit the crossing in the rush hours and managed to have even more fun than before! Furthermore, the crossing is surrounded with amazing shops, cafes and bookshops that you'll enjoy.
Shinjuku: Another landmark in Tokyo is the narrow streets around Shinjuku during the night. This is where crazy things happen under the colorful advertisement lights. I will never know whether Tokyo will be as charming as now if those advertisements were in English.
Tsukiji Fish Market: The last time I've been there, we could manage to reach the fish market right before the closure time, and I feel like I didn't get the best out of it. This is why, this time we went there earlier and had an amazing fish based breakfast. Japan is such a magical place to travel!
NEW PLACES TO VISIT
Tokyo National Museum: Tokyo National Museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 110,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any one time, about 4000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display. The museum itself is quite large, but the permanent exhibition about Japan takes about 1 hour to visit, and maybe another 1 hour for the Asian selection.
Ueno Park: I generally skip the parks when I travel, but this one in particular was quite nice, since it was home to 3 peaceful shrines. I had to pass it on my way to the National Museum, and ended up spending another hour walking around. I also got the best matcha latte here!
PS: Don't forget to skip the Ueno market once here! So colorful and lively for a little shopping around.
Yokahoma: I heard that Yokahoma is the Japanese version of broad walk, combining ocean side with an amusement park and coffee places. I had high hopes about it, but somehow it was just disappointing. There is an amusement park, the ocean and coffee places, but they are all separated from each other and doesn't feel fun at all.
Kamakura: I love traveling to the authentic side of Tokyo, so we decided to discover the little Kyoto in Tokyo, which is Kamakura! The real reason of us going is the big Buddha statue.
But then, since we were there, we did some souvenir shopping, food tasting and walked around Hasedera, just another amazing temple in the neighborhood.
Once here, don't forget to reach the beach. Unless the American side to the Pacific Ocean, the water here was amazingly warm and welcoming. We made up our mind about coming to Japan for beach vacation the next time :)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: This time, I headed to the Observation tower in the Metropolitan Government Building to see the panaromic view of Tokyo. I really liked it because the entrance is for free. There are two towers and provide a pretty good view of the city. On the down side, it's surrounded by huge parks, so the night view is not as great as Tokyo Tower.
teamlab Borderless digital art museum: I have no words to explain this experience! This museum has a few large rooms where they have different concepts of light illustrations. The light shows keep changing in each room and between the rooms and combined with the right music, it results with a jaw dropping experience. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance, since every hour, only a limited number of people is allowed to enter.
PS: You cannot skip the crowds, but partially reduce it by planning your visit at the opening or near closing hours. Also keep in mind that weekends are more crowded than the weekdays.
Labels: Highlights, Japan, Tokyo
