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