Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers,
but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms.
- Ikku Sojun
but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms.
- Ikku Sojun
As much as we want to have a long vacation, its just not always possible. Sometimes, you just have to make due with the time you have. We have discussed on the previous post on how to get around Tokyo, and its really important to really carefully plan your itinerary so you can maximize your stay. We continued our urban escape and hanami viewing around Tokyo on day 2 of our trip. (Note: This is the second part of "48 Hours in Tokyo" series, read Part 1 here.)
Here's the second half of our recommendations on what to do in Tokyo in just 48 hours:
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EAT SUSHI FOR BREAKFAST AT TSUKIJI MARKET
What? Sushi for breakfast? It doesn't sound right but while you are in Japan, eat the freshest sushi for breakfast at the market that supplies the world with high quality seafood. Tsukiji Market will soon move in a different location, so better visit now and experience the rusticness of this market. Tsukiji Market has been an icon of Tokyo tourism and has been an institution for the last 80 years.
If you are an early riser, try to catch the tuna auctions at 4:00 in the morning. We just opted to eat an early morning breakfast at around 7:00 at one of the sushi restaurants. Since we only have 48 hours in Tokyo, sadly, we did not have time to wait at the world famous Sushi Dai (only seats 12, that is why the service is slow and the line is long - 3 hours won't be enough). Same is true with Sushi Daiwa, the queue was just as long. We opted to eat at Iso-sushi instead. We noticed that Japanese locals are eating there versus the other spots that is swarmed by just tourist.
We trusted our instinct and waited a few minutes to get in. Lucky enough, we got really good sushi and the best value for our money, a nigiri set that only cost us $30.00. We were lucky to be seated with two Japanese women and they told us that Iso-sushi also offers specialty items, like a sushi set only for women.
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The nigiri set was so filling and we had the best sea urchin sushi and otoro (fattiest cut) tuna, we ever had in our life! Don't fret if you can't get in at Sushi Dai, but instead go here at Iso-sushi, you won't be disappointed. Overall, we had a great Tsukiji-shijo vibe sushi, without the wait, and they serve quality sushi with the best value for your money. We gladly took it as a win!
PEEK AT THE IMPERIAL PALACE
Located at the Maranouchi area, the Imperial Palace is the home of the Imperial Family of Japan. Take a peek and stroll around the beautiful East Garden. You can also see cherry trees around the palace, stroll and enjoy the view.
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HANAMI VIEWING AT UENO PARK
Everywhere in Japan, cherry trees are scattered around crowning the whole country with blossoming cherry trees, but there are some places that stands out from the rest. Ueno Park is a must-see for any visitor who wants to see sakura season in Japan. The park is so crowded and hard to take a good picture, but just enjoy the view of the cherry trees and forget the rest.
The locals way of enjoying hanami - picnic at the park.
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HAVE A GLIMPSE OF TOKYO SKYTREE TOWER
We did not include Tokyo Skytree Tower on our itinerary but we were able to have a glimpse of it while on our way to visit Nakamikase Street and Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. It is a broadcasting tower with an observation deck and restaurant. It is one of the tallest structure in Japan.
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FIGHT THE CROWDS AT NAKAMIKASE STREET
Near Asakusa Station, you can visit Nakamikase Street. Walk your way there, stop and look at the shops. They have more than 150 stores that caters to visiting crowds. Make sure to enjoy the food that is famous to the Asakusa area. They also have food stalls that offers local specialties, traditional dishes and snacks, to name a few - senbei rice crackers, kaminari-okoshi (a crispy snacked made of popped sweet rice), handmade noodles and many more. As you can see on the picture below, Nakamikase Street is so crowded but do not turn your back, just fight the crowds or go to a side street, with lesser crowds. The walk here was really pretty since the trees are towering with pink and white flowers.
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VISIT AN ANCIENT BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Since you are already in Asakusa, visit Senso-ji temple. It is Tokyo's most significant temple and also the oldest. The main entrance is marked with the symbol of Asakusa and entire Tokyo - the Kaminari-mon or the Thunder Gate. The gate is decorated with a gigantic red paper lantern with statues of the god of thunder and god of wind. The main hall of this temple has very huge and distinctive roof. You can see worshippers and visitors in this temple grounds. Wander this grounds with amazement, but also don't forget to visit the other halls.
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MEANDER THE STREETS OF ASAKUSA
For just a relaxing stroll, don't be afraid to walk around here, get lost and stumble upon hidden gems. Feel this old neighborhood of Tokyo.
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SEE THE ICONIC TOKYO TOWER
If you are talking about Tokyo's skyline, this tower would probably be the first one that comes to mind. Not only Paris has a world famous tower but at the far eastern side of the world, Japan has one too! Though, this tower is modelled after the Eiffel Tower, it wasn't just built just as a tourist attraction. It also serves as a broadcasting tower. On its observation deck, you can see the hustle and bustle of the city as well as Mt. Fuji. The light also changes depends on what celebrations or monthly awareness they want to do, like the Empire State Building in New York City.
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EAT AT A MONJAYAKI RESTAURANT AT TSUKISHIMA
Go here and you won't regret it. Eat and enjoy monjayaki here at this famous street that has at least 75 restaurants that offer only one thing. Monjayaki is a runny pancake, much more wetter than okonomiyaki cooked on a teppan grill. It usually has different ingredients from seafood to meats plus vegetables mixed in a batter. There is nothing wrong with that.. Nothing is more comforting than having a taste of Tokyo's best.
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EXPERIENCE TOKYO AT NIGHT
If you are still feeling energetic after a days full of sight seeing. Go out and experience Tokyo at night, whatever neighborhood it is. From Shinjuku's red light district, or Roponggi's bars and perhaps shopping in the Ginza district, we are pretty sure you will have a colorful night. For the best view of Tokyo's skyline at night, you might want to visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, it is free for all. The observation deck will provide you panoramic views of Japan's colorful skyline.
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On this trip, we opted not to see other neighborhoods like Akihabara, where you can find tons of different electronics or Shinjuku, where you can experience Tokyo's red light district and Tokyo's newest neighbourhood - Odaiba. Odaiba is where you can find futuristic/modern buildings and the Rainbow Bridge. On a side note, the area where we stayed at (Hamamatsucho) is a good base to go visit Mt. Fuji. During winter is the best time to see her, where you can see its snow capped peak without the bothering clouds covering her beauty. Sadly, we did not have time to do a day trip to see Mt. Fuji. We will probably save that on our next vacation in Japan.
It doesn't mean that if you only have 2 days, you won't really feel this city. You have to go with the right plan in mind to maximize your stay. The last 48 hours has been packed with a lot of things to see in Japan. It's fast and tiring but extremely worth it. Tokyo is truly the New York City of Asia, with its colorful night lights, the hustle and bustle of a megapolis but with a hint of old world charm. If you are looking for the perfect urban escape, Tokyo is waiting for you.
It doesn't mean that if you only have 2 days, you won't really feel this city. You have to go with the right plan in mind to maximize your stay. The last 48 hours has been packed with a lot of things to see in Japan. It's fast and tiring but extremely worth it. Tokyo is truly the New York City of Asia, with its colorful night lights, the hustle and bustle of a megapolis but with a hint of old world charm. If you are looking for the perfect urban escape, Tokyo is waiting for you.
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