48 HOURS IN TOKYO DURING SAKURA SEASON: PART 1 (Tokyo, Japan)

If I were asked to explain the Japanese spirit,
 I would say it is wild cherry blossoms glowing in the morning sun!
- Motoori Norinaga

Ever since we moved in South Korea, we planned to check Japan off our list. Since, its only a 2 hour flight from Incheon, we decided to see Japan in all its glory during Spring. One of the best time of the year to visit Japan is during Sakura (cherry blossoms) Season. Hanami (flower viewing) has been a Japanese tradition dating back from centuries ago. Spring brings promise of new hope and a new beginning. This season crowns the whole country with flowering pink and white cherry blossom trees. After the long, cold and dreary winter, people tend to go out and enjoy hanami. Hanami is best enjoyed picnicking under cherry blossom trees with family and friends. 

HOW TO GET AROUND TOKYO?

It is important to know that trains/metro are operated by different companies in Japan. We decided to purchase a Suica Card for the JR line (for more information, click here). This is a commuter's pass that you can use in all JR Lines, subway and the Haneda Express Monorail from Haneda Airport. We paid 2,000 yen each (500 yen is for the deposit and the remaining 1,500 yen can be used to get around Tokyo). The card can be purchased at the airport and load credits at convenience stores or kiosks at the station. Upon buying, you present your passport and foreigners gets discounted rates.  At the end of your trip in Japan, you can surrender your card and get the deposit back. If you plan to come back to Japan, keep it, the card is valid for 10 years. (Note: Haneda Airport is just 20-30 minutes train ride to the city while Narita International Airport takes more than 1-hour to go to the city by train. If you have a choice which airport to choose, Haneda Airport is better than landing in Narita International Airport, especially if you're landing late night. On a side note, Haneda Airport is only open to few international flights.) 

We decided to purchase the JR Suica Card since the hotel we chose is just 5 minutes walking distance from Hamamatsucho Station. Hamamatsucho Station is the last station on the Haneda Express Monorail that takes you to Tokyo. This is where you also change lines to go to other neighborhoods. Hamamatsucho Station is conveniently included on the JR Yamanote Line. JR Yamanote Line (green line) loops to all the places we want to see (click here if you want to see the stops on the JR Yamanote Line). A complete circle is 35km and takes about 60 minutes while visiting 29 stations (source: Tokyo Moob).

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO?

One of the most popular things to do in Tokyo is to stay in a capsule hotel. However, these hotels caters to mostly men, which could complicate an itinerary. If you are claustrophobic, you are going to have a hard time in finding a suitable hotel room without breaking the bank. Remember, you are in Asia, even rooms at nice hotels are going to be smaller than you anticipated. We also tried to book a traditional ryokan but since its peak season, we weren't able to do so. 

Like in every city, we suggest for you to do is to make sure that your hotel is in close proximity to train and subway stations. This will make your life very easy in navigating the largest metropolis in the world, no matter which neighborhood you choose. 

For us, we wanted to have ease in bringing our luggage from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to Tokyo Station. Since we planned to take the shinkansen (bullet) train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto, we made sure that the area of the hotel is very convenient to get around the city. Hamamatsucho Station is just one stop away from Tokyo Station. This way, we do not feel the need to rush to get to the station to catch the shinakansen train, especially they leave on the dot.  However, because Tokyo's so well connected by rail, staying outside of the city center is a viable option that will save you money.  

PLANNING THE ITINERARY

Since we only have 48 hours in Tokyo, we carefully planned the sights we want to see from the proximity of our hotel, so we can maximize our time. Thanks to Tripomatic, we were able to plan to see the sights strategically. You can also do this using the Metro Map, as most of the sites are in close proximity to a train or metro station. Tripomatic allows you to build your itinerary by selecting attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. on a map.  In this way, you can see your route and plan loosely your itinerary on this website/app.  It also provides you directions if you are connected to the internet. However, we find Google Maps easier and quicker to use. (Note: It is always convenient to have internet on your phone. You can always rent at the airport or download an app that tells you where you can connect for free wifi.) 

Here's our two cents how to enjoy your 48 hours in Tokyo during spring time:

SAY HELLO TO HACHIKO IN SHIBUYA 

In all corners of the globe, the story of this loyal dog, named Hachiko has been heard. Thanks to Richard Gere's movie about the undying loyalty of this dog to his master. It is Japan's most iconic dog and in commemoration for his unwavering loyalty, a statue was built for him under a cherry blossom tree. 

CROSS THE BUSIEST INTERSECTION IN THE WORLD

Doesn't matter where you go, there would be a mass of people in front and behind you crossing this busy street, no matter what time of the day it is. For the best view for people watching, we suggest to go and sit down at the L'occitane Cafe in Shibuya. Enjoy their wonderful desserts and watch this controlled chaos pass you by. If you also like to go shopping, this will be a good spot for you to do that. 

HAVE A HOT BOWL OF RAMEN

Have a warm welcome in Japan by eating a hot bowl of ramen. Make sure to make it a point to stop by at Tokyo Ramen Street at Tokyo Station. Confused which restaurant to choose? Follow where the line is! You will quickly learn that a restaurant is good in Japan, if locals are lining up for it. At some point of your journey, you will stop at Tokyo Station and if you have extra time, navigate this humungous place. You can buy souvenirs, gifts (omiyage) or snacks here. You can also find different types of restaurants at this station. 

VISIT MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

Located in Harajuku, this shinto shrine is one of the most popular in Tokyo and it is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Shinto is an indigenous religion in Japan dating back from the 8th century. They worship nature spirits and ancestors. They also believe in sacred power of things.

ENJOY HANAMI AT YOYOGI PARK 

While still in Harajuku, especially during sakura season, visit Yoyogi Park and enjoy hanami at its best. Friends and family gathering under the tree, eating and drinking. For you to best enjoy the park like locals, bring a small mat you can sit on. (Note: You can always use the hotel towel, if you didn't bring one!) You can have your very own picnic, sit under the cherry blossom trees and marvel its beauty. Grab a bento box or two at a convenience store on your way here. Mind you, those to-go bento boxes look really good!  

WHAT-THE-HECK! PASS BY TAKESHITA STREET ANYWAY

Since you are already in Harajuku area because of Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, pass by Takeshita Dori or Takeshita Street and check what the fuss is about. You will see a very crowded pedestrian lane full of teenagers. The street is filled with trendy shops peddling the latest fads. We were brave and fought the chaos on this street for a block before turning around.

GO TO MEMORY LANE/ PISS ALLEY AND EAT YOUR HEART OUT! 

Located in Shinjuku area, near the metro, eat at the Yakitori alley. Yakitori means skewered food grilled to its barbecued goodness! Narrow stall restaurants line this proportionally narrow alley. The restaurants seats only a few people. Its one of those places that makes feel like you step back in time. As you approach the entrance, you begin to smell charcoal and meat on fire, as if its inviting you to sit down and eat ASAP! The menu is simple and some have English menu. You don't have to really understand what you want to eat because the skewers are all laid out on display. We ate all pork innards and pork belly charred to perfection. It is simply the best thing on earth! We also made sure to stop by at Kabuto, this particular restaurant serves only eel meat. This would be one of the best barbecued eel you will ever taste and the most memorable experience we had on our first 24 hours in Tokyo. 

Kabuto Yakitori Restaurant. Notice the charcoaled lamp - still standing after 60 years!

This is only the first part of the "48 Hours in Tokyo" series. The first 24 hours was tiring and using the public transportation system in Tokyo took a little time in getting used to. You really have to plan your itinerary to maximize your time, so you can see and feel this megapolis of a city, that is Tokyo. 

Read 48 Hours in Tokyo: Part 2, here. 

Categories: Asia, Japan, Food Adventures, Travel Tips