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:
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.
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.
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.