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If you’re fortunate sufficient to journey to Tokyo in some unspecified time in the future, it’s doubtless that you just’ll go away with a distinct feeling than you’d count on. Little did I do know the biggest metro metropolis on the planet would educate me to decelerate, savor the second, and stay with much less. I boarded the aircraft residence with a deep reverence for the Japanese tradition and lifestyle. Their skill to stability custom and modernity, a respect for and a want to stay in concord with nature, and an emphasis on politeness and moderation. Any time I’ve had the possibility to journey to one of many world’s main cities like New York City or Paris, I’ve witnessed the hustle and residing life at full throttle. I discovered that I returned to Austin with a definite sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Tokyo Travel Guide: 3 Days to Savor and Explore
Despite being probably the most densely populated metropolis on the planet, Tokyo marches to the beat of its personal drum. (When you see pork cutlets paired with a yogurt parfait, you’ll know what I imply.) In phrases of know-how, transportation, and tendencies, Japan feels leaps and bounds forward of the remainder of the world.
Little did I do know the biggest metro metropolis on the planet would educate me to decelerate, savor the second, and stay with much less.
I left understanding I’d barely scratched the floor of this large metropolis. It’s laborious to do Tokyo justice in a single journey information, however forward, I’m sharing the sights, eats, and actions we loved plus suggestions from trusted associates that we’re saving for subsequent time.
Tips for Visiting Tokyo for the First Time
As freshmen, we had been shocked to seek out that Tokyo was pretty straightforward to navigate. While only a few individuals outdoors the resort spoke English, lots of the indicators and menus had English translations. The neighborhoods are additionally straightforward to recollect as a result of all of them have their very own distinct ethos.
Here are a couple of suggestions for achievement should you’re headed to Tokyo for the primary time.
- Download Google Translate. While there was loads of English signage and we had been in a position to navigate the town pretty simply, Google Translate got here in helpful once we outdoors the resort. Especially the power to add pictures of menus, indicators, and many others.
- Bring money for cabs, eating places, and many others. Credit playing cards usually are not accepted in a number of locations. It may be tough to seek out ATMs, however most 7-Elevens and CitiBanks have them.
- Avoid consuming and consuming on the go. It’s thought-about rude to devour meals or drinks whereas strolling the streets. Plus, there aren’t any trashcans on the streets so that you’ll want to carry onto any trash.
- Leave time in your itinerary to wander. We stumbled throughout our favourite spots once we had time to only discover and uncover. Pick a cool neighborhood to take a look at and see the place the wind takes you.
- Tipping will not be customary in Japan. Some eating places will embody a service cost on the invoice.
- The taxi door will shut routinely while you get out. You don’t must shut the door your self. I had a tough time breaking this behavior.
When to Visit Tokyo
- Spring (March to May). This is the preferred time to go to Tokyo when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the climate is delicate and sunny.
- Summer (June to August). Summer is scorching and humid in Tokyo, however should you’re not afraid of the warmth this can be a nice time to benefit from the metropolis outdoors the busy season.
- Fall (September to November). While September continues to be fairly scorching and humid, the climate begins to dip on the finish of the month and the leaves will start to show.
- Winter (December to February). Winter in Tokyo may be chilly, however I’d love to return to take in the vacation season and hit up a close-by ski mountain.
Getting to Tokyo
Tokyo has two main airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). While Narita is the primary worldwide airport within the metropolis, Haneda is nearer to the town middle. Both airports are well-connected to downtown Tokyo by practice, bus, and taxi.
Coming from Austin, we determined to fly out and in of LAX, after which fly on to Tokyo. Once we received to LA, we took the direct in a single day flight to Haneda. Our flight took off at 12:50 am PST (which was nearly 3 within the morning Austin time), however our greatest guess was to remain up till we may move out on the aircraft. This was tough however price it as a result of as soon as we landed, it was simpler to regulate to the time zone.
Where to Stay: Best Tokyo Hotels
Just like every main metropolis, there isn’t a scarcity of wonderful motels in Tokyo. Depending in your funds and preferences, chances are you’ll need to begin by determining what neighborhood you need to be your property base and analysis motels round there. If you’re on the lookout for a extra luxurious expertise, contemplate staying within the Ginza or Shinjuku districts. If you’re on the lookout for one thing on the extra hipster/stylish facet, the Shibuya and Asakusa districts have nice resort choices.
Peninsula Hotel Tokyo
Centrally situated and solely a five-minute taxi journey from the Tokyo Central Train Station, the Peninsula Hotel was the best residence base for our keep. The workers was extremely heat and pleasant, and the 23-story resort boasts unimaginable views of Ginza and the imperial palace. The rooms are adorned in a mixture of conventional Japanese and trendy kinds mirroring the old-meets-new vibe of Tokyo itself.
Highlights of our keep included the expansive indoor swimming pool, health middle, and splendid spa, and the day by day breakfast is a can’t-miss. We had been grateful to spend our first journey to the town at such an iconic Tokyo establishment.
Trunk Hotel
This resort got here extremely advisable by so many associates, and once we stopped by for a espresso we may see why. The foyer is stylish and buzzing with individuals working and hanging out. It’s situated conveniently in Shibuya so that you’re steps away from a number of the most superb eating places and buying in all of Tokyo.
Aman Hotel Tokyo
If you’re in a position to splurge, this resort was fairly spectacular. Friends of ours who had stayed there stated it was an over-the-top expertise. We stopped by for afternoon tea and had been blown away by the modern, trendy interiors and unimaginable service. It’s situated within the Otemachi district and close to all main metro strains.
Where to Eat in Tokyo
Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise, and it’s robust to slender down the restaurant choices when you will have lots of of hundreds of world-class eating places to select from. Definitely attempt to plan forward and make reservations when you may, as a result of a number of the most effective eating places are small and might solely accommodate a couple of tables. If you will have entry to a resort concierge, they’re a fantastic useful resource for recommending spots and serving to navigate reservations.
Restaurants
Seirinkan and Savoy. Didn’t look forward to finding the most effective pizza of your life in Japan? Neither did we. These two pizza eating places are world-renowned and for good cause.
Eatrip. This place may be difficult to seek out however serves recent farm-to-table dishes in an ingenious approach. The menu adjustments repeatedly based mostly on what’s in season.
Ol by Oslo Brewing Company. When you’ve had sufficient Japanese meals and your taco cravings hit, this tiny brewery within the coronary heart of Shibuya has an unimaginable taco truck outdoors that even we Austinites had been impressed with. Plus, the beers on draft are refreshing after a day of strolling round within the solar.
Narukiyo. If you’re on the lookout for enjoyable, hilarious vibes, and nice Japanese meals, that is your spot. There is not any menu at this restaurant and the meals is served Omakase model, in order that they’ll preserve bringing it out till you inform them you’re finished. The smartest thing we ate was the grilled Wagyu beef.
Yakumo Saryo. When we requested a pal who’s traveled to Tokyo many occasions what her favourite restaurant was, this was her reply. Previously a personal membership, this restaurant was reservation-only and Omakase model. Many of the dishes are ready proper subsequent to the desk and the interiors are lovely.
Sushi Ginza Onodera. We didn’t get an opportunity to eat right here however we heard this can be a good spot for a number of the highest-quality sushi in all of Ginza. It’s open for each lunch and dinner however reservations are required.
Tsukiji Fish Market. A world hub for seafood, that is the place the entire sushi cooks and five-star motels come to supply their fish. It’s one of many largest and busiest fish markets on the planet and the out of doors space is claimed to be a fantastic place to purchase recent seafood, produce and different Japanese items.
Fuku. Located in Shibuya, this Michelin-starred restaurant is persistently ranked as among the finest in Tokyo. We didn’t get to eat right here however I’ve heard nice issues about their progressive dishes just like the foie gras and wagyu beef tataki.
Kondo. Another Michelin-star restaurant serving a number of the finest sushi and tempura round. The restaurant solely has 10 seats and each visitor is served by the top chef himself.
Yakumo. This restaurant within the Aoyama district is a good possibility should you’re trying to take pleasure in conventional Japanese meals together with sushi and kaiseki delicacies.
Maisen Aoyama. This restaurant was advisable for its high-quality tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlets).
Cafés and Treats
Banana Juice. After loads of Japanese meals, I used to be craving a smoothie—and banana juice was the closest factor. Stop by this tiny store tucked into an alleyway in Ginza and order one in every of their banana-based blended concoctions for a wholesome milkshake-like deal with.
Path. A French café that serves espresso and pastries through the day and scrumptious European-inspired delicacies at evening. Camille liked the croissants at this little café and the lady is aware of her croissants.
Chatei Hatou. A comfortable café with espresso and pastries that provides off an old-world vibe. Come right here for the slow-drip espresso and nostalgia.
Camelback. Tiny take-out café with Brooklyn vibes and the MOST unimaginable sandwiches and low.
7-Eleven. Trust us. The 7-Elevens in Japan are spectacular. You can discover some superb steals while you peruse the aisles.
What to Do in Tokyo: The Sights
Art Galleries
Mori Art Museum. A recent artwork museum with rotating exhibitions. This is an effective one to dip your toes into the trendy artwork scene in Tokyo and may be explored in 1-2 hours.
National Museum of Modern Art. Founded in 1952, this museum holds a formidable 100,000+ works of latest artwork. If you’re an artwork lover this can be a must-stop.
TeamLab Planets. If you’re on the lookout for a extra immersive artwork expertise, TeamLab Planets is a digital artwork museum that’s enjoyable for any age. My husband and I received to expertise artwork in a complete new approach at this museum. Try strolling by the rainbow water barefoot or wading your approach by a room fully made of froth.
Temples and Shrines
Meiji Shrine: While Tokyo is a contemporary metropolis, it’s nonetheless crammed with wealthy historical past and historic websites. The Meiji Shrine is without doubt one of the hottest and lies in a forest within the coronary heart of the town. It was accomplished in 1920 and the grounds cowl over 170 acres with lovely strolling trails. It’s the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Go to a Sumo Tournament
One of my greatest regrets from the journey was not attending the Sumo nationwide championship match that was happening whereas we had been in Tokyo. I’ve heard from associates that that is an unforgettable expertise and I plan on attending one subsequent time.
Visit Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is without doubt one of the busiest intersections on the planet and lies in the course of some of the in style buying districts. At any level, you may see hundreds of individuals crossing the crosswalks without delay. It’s a bit chaotic at occasions however a good way to expertise the power and pleasure of the town.
Shopping
Daikanyama T-Site. This is a store to get misplaced in. It’s additionally an architectural gem with beautiful design, a stunning café, and rooms lined with books, stationery, kitchenware, and extra. I may have spent hours on this retailer.
Beams. This Japanese clothes retailer is crammed with beautiful males’s and ladies’s choices. Camille and Adam each discovered nice items right here.
Ginza. This neighborhood is understood for high-end buying and luxurious items. You can discover every thing from designer garments and purses to tremendous artwork and jewellery.
Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. Stumble upon classic buying, streetwear, and stylish cafés and eating places.
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