Tokyo

 

Transportation and Cheap Hotels

This page contains general information about Tokyo. If you want to take action straight away, please go to the tourist attractions in Tokyo page.

Getting to know Tokyo

Tokyo is a megalopolis where the city center and suburbs are difficult to distinguish because they are so dense and integrated.

The so-called city center is the area within the Yamanote Line. Yup, this is the commuter loop line that circles the city of Tokyo. It's like ring 1 :) Areas that may be familiar to most of us are in this ring: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, Roppongi.

Meanwhile, the area outside does not mean it is outside the city. Still, the facilities are just as complete, and can be reached by metro or commuter train in a short time, only the hotel price is 'slightly' cheaper.

Transportation in Tokyo

In general, the mainstay of transportation in the city of Tokyo is the train. You can reach anywhere by train. There are also city buses, but as a tourist, if it's your first time, it's better to just stick with the train.

There are 13 Tokyo Metro train lines, run by 2 operators: Toei and Tokyo Metro. Each line is coded alphabetically; Toei holds the A,I,S,E line (abbreviation of Asakusa, mIta, Shinjuku, oEdo). You don't need to memorize the rest: G H M T C Y Z N F.

Apart from metro trains (let's assume this is the MRT), there are other lines operated by Japan Railways (JR) East, namely JR Yamanote, Sobu Line, Keiyo Line, Chuo Line, as well as a number of lines operated by other private operators such as Keisei, Tokyu, Odakyu, etc. . This route usually comes from the outskirts (greater Tokyo) through the center of Tokyo (for example stopping at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Ikeburo, Shinjuku), then continues to other outskirts.

Are you dizzy yet? Wait until you see the map :)

Despite the many train lines, the way they work is actually the same and integrated. Your capital for traveling around Tokyo is a magic card in the form of an IC Card called Pasmo or Suica. There are other cards if you enter from another city, namely ICOCA (Osaka), SAPICA (Sapporo), etc.

This card is purchased via machines at each station, depending on where you buy it; Suica is provided by JR East, initial purchase is ¥1000 including ¥500 deposit, while Pasmo is provided by a consortium (including Tokyo Metro and Toei). Choose Pasmo or Suica? It can be used at any station, even Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo. Each of these big cities has their own IC Card, but it can be integrated and cross-used, including being able to refill it at the ticket machine, for example the Sapica card (from Sapporo) can be refilled at the Suica machine in Tokyo. What you can't do is refund the card, it has to be done on your own machine.

Starting August 2, 2023, sales of Pasmo/Suica cards will be temporarily suspended. An alternative is to buy a Welcome Suica Card or Pasmo Passport. Read the details in this article.

How to buy and top up is quite easy because the machine can change the English menu (on the touch screen in the lower left corner). If you want to buy an IC Card for a child aged 6-12 years, you must go to the counter officer to ask for help, because it requires validation by showing the child's passport.

Tokyo Subway map

The Tokyo subway map is quite 'beautiful', you should print it out (make sure you know where the station is going so it's not difficult to find) or take a brochure when you arrive at the station for navigation purposes. This map is just Tokyo's 13 subway lines, there are still more private railways and JR Lines running through the center of the city that are not depicted here (each has its own train map again).

The large PDF version of the map can be downloaded on the Toei website.

Tips for Saving on Trains

Each company usually has a subway pass package that tourists can buy for unlimited rides per day. If you want to calculate carefully, buying a pass could be cheaper than paying per-trip in the Pasmo/Suica style where the closest rate is only ¥200/trip.

Please refer to the Tokyo Metro website for various passes. For example, the Tokyo Metro One-Day Pass is ¥600, we can use 9 lines belonging to the Tokyo Metro (Toei cannot).

The best value, which I use, is the Tokyo Subway Ticket card, available in 24-hour (¥800), 48-hour (¥1200), and 72-hour (¥1500). Previously this card said 1,2, or 3 days, but now it uses a clock system so it is more profitable for us. Using this card, you can take unlimited trains for 13 Toei and Tokyo Metro lines according to the day you buy it. This card can only be purchased by tourists at Narita and Haneda Airport (at Tourist Information), and several other agents including BIC Camera stores by showing their passport. 24-hour Subway ticket means it can be used for 24 hours, so if we use it for the first time at 16:00, then this card is valid and can be used continuously until the next day at 15:59.

You just have to combine it with Pasmo/Suica if the route you are using is not covered by the Subway Pass. Subway Pass is not valid for JR operated lines (Sobu, Tobu, Chuo Line, etc.), Keisei Line, Keikyu Line, etc.

Pro Tip: This Subway Pass card can be shown to several tourist attractions to get discounts or free gifts. Refer to the Chika Toku website for a list of participating merchants and tourist attractions.

The way to buy a Tokyo Subway Pass is to go to the Tourist Office when you land in Narita/Haneda and state which type you want (24/48/72 hours). You can also buy online via Klook and then pick up your pass when you land.

You can also buy online Tokyo Subway Tickets (24, 48, or 72 Hours) here, use the code "MOBILE10" for a special discount for new users.

Another pass that might be useful if you intend to explore around Tokyo is the Tokyo Wide Pass. We can take the JR East line which covers Narita Airport, Tokyo Monorail from Haneda, Chiba, trains to Nikko, Gala Yuzawa, Kawaguchiko (near Mount Fuji), and Kawasaki. The rate is ¥10,000 for 3 consecutive days. Buy this pass and get back your capital if you plan to go to Nikko and Kawaguchiko. If you're just playing in Tokyo, you should buy a Tokyo Subway Ticket as explained above.

Arrive at Narita Airport

If you land at Narita International Airport (on the subway map it is at the top right), then there are several transportation options to the city and hotel. You can read a more detailed explanation and ticket prices in the special article about the Narita Train to Tokyo.

You can read the details and how to take the Narita Airport train.

Use Jorudan to help navigate and choose the fastest and most efficient train routes.

N'EX, express train from Terminal 1/2 direct to Tokyo Station in 53 minutes. One way ticket ¥3020, there is a return ticket promo ¥4000.

Narita Sky Access to Keisei-Takasago station, connect to the Keisei Line to Oshiage-Asakusa-Shimbashi, price around ¥1300 one way, then connect by subway to the station near the hotel.

Keisei Line to Nippori, connecting JR Yamanote Line (this JR line can be covered by the Japan Rail Pass)

Arrive at Haneda Airport

If you arrive at Haneda Airport (on the subway map it is in the bottom center), there are also several transportation options:

 Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho, connecting JR Yamanote Line

Keikyu Line reaches Keikyu-Kamata, then some automatically change to the Asakusa line - some need to change trains to enter the Asakusa Line.

Once again, remember that if you arrive before midnight (especially using AirAsia), prepare yourself in case the subway is no longer operating. Last Train is around 00am. Your choice is between staying at the airport, taking the airport bus (which is quite expensive too) or taking a taxi (more expensive).

You can read the details and how to take Haneda Airport transportation.

(Cheap) Hotels in Tokyo

Where is it best to stay when you go to Tokyo? Because of the extensive train network, you just have to choose what suits your budget. Popular locations are around Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa, Ueno, Nihombashi. Avoid Shinjuku because this location is a bit 'seedy' and quite large and can be confusing.

Budget hotels range from ¥600 for a single person, or ¥750 for two people in a relatively small room. Hotel rooms in Tokyo are relatively small, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Budget hotel chains that you can try looking for are MyStays, Daiwa Roynet, Toyoko-Inn.

I recommend booking via Agoda.com to search for hotels. Some hotel choices that could be your options:

Mercure Ginza, a safe choice over the familiar Mercure brand, about 200 meters from Ginza station.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nihombashi-Ningyocho, 3★, usually quite cheap.

Prince Hotel Group, 4★, for example Shinjuku Prince Hotel and Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

Shibuya Grandbell Hotel. The location is about 5 minutes walk from JR station.

Rent Wifi and SIM Card in Tokyo

Not having the Internet in Japan is like being blind because it is impossible to easily ask Japanese people in English. Use Google Maps and Hyperdia as your travel companion to find train routes and schedules.

Make sure you have rented a WiFi router or bought a Japanese SIM card when you land at Narita or Haneda Airport so you don't get confused if you want to transfer trains or look for a map of directions to the hotel.

Tokyo AirBnB accommodation

If you want the best value, especially if you come as a family, I suggest renting a house/room via AirBnB, a special website where we can rent and rent our room/house to other people.

My experience was that I booked via AirBnB for a private house in the Tateishi area (somewhat outside Tokyo, 10 minutes train from Oshiage/Asakusa). Price is around USD 70-80 per night for 2 people, the tiny house contains its own kitchen and toilet, while the bathroom is shared.

After the account is created, then look for accommodation that suits your budget, for example this unit I once stayed in.

By staying in someone else's house/room, you automatically get the opportunity to get to know the local culture and environment. Usually we can use the kitchen and living room if we get a room. It's even better if you book the studio room. On average, the rooms/houses we book in Japan will be self-checkin, so we don't meet the host. Instructions on how to get the house key will be emailed when we have booked it, usually take it from the mailbox, or in a secret place with a certain lock code.

Tokyo #2 - Tourist Attractions: Tokyo Tower, Shibuya

I arrived in Tokyo using an AirAsia X plane, which arrived at Haneda Airport. I was a little nervous praying not to be delayed because it would be a shame if I arrived late in Tokyo. Luckily the plane departed on time, arriving 20 minutes earlier than expected. At 11pm immigration was out (efficient and fast) and baggage. Then rushed to buy Subway Pass and Pasmo tickets, immediately went to the train platform to wait for the train which departed at 11.09pm.

I booked a tiny house via AirBnB, the location is in Tateishi, so I will actually take the train about 56 minutes from Haneda.

This is the interior appearance of the house where I stayed for 4 nights. Traditional Japanese model, futon bed, Doraemon style

There is a kitchen with a microwave that can be used, there is a sitting toilet. Meanwhile, the bathroom is on the front side of the building (shared). My body was also tired, cold, I couldn't take a shower :) so I immediately went to sleep that night.

Day 1 Travel Itinerary:

Tokyo Tower

Fujiko F Fujio Museum

Shibuya

Tokyo Tower

Today's first destination is directly to the city landmark: Tokyo Tower. Even though its height has been surpassed by other towers (SKYTREE), Tokyo Tower is still iconic. The closest subway to Tokyo Tower is Daimon. Leaving the station, you still need to walk about 500 meters, passing the Zojo-ji temple which is right next to the foot of the Tower.

There is a park near the Tokyo Tower which is so beautiful (we came in early December, early autumn)

Fortunately, going up to the Tokyo Tower doesn't involve queuing, just buy a ticket and go straight up the elevator like at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The ticket price per person to climb Tokyo Tower is ¥1600, this is up to the top level.

The view of Tokyo which is free of pollution and the leaves which are starting to turn yellow looks beautiful.

Test your courage standing on a clear glass floor...

Also have time to drink coffee and eat Tokyo Tower's special bread here.

Fujiko-F-Fujio Museum

Doraemon is an iconic Japanese cartoon character. If you have the opportunity to go to Japan, try to visit the creator's museum.

The Fujiko F Fujio Museum was built as a tribute to maestro Fujiko's dedication and work in introducing extraordinary imagination to young and old.

Located in Kawasaki, we can reach it by train from Shinjuku-Tokyo in around 23 minutes.

Museum Tickets

If we plan to come here, we have to buy tickets first. Can't go to the show because the location doesn't sell tickets. Entrance tickets to the museum are purchased at Lawsons throughout Japan. Well, Lawson only sells it, because inside Lawson there is a ticket machine called Loppi. Can be purchased a few hours before going there, or days beforehand.

Several Indomarets in Jakarta also have ticket machines, more or less similar, only in Japan there are many types of tickets that can be purchased.

The way to buy is actually a bit complicated because it is not available in English. You can ask the Lawson cashier to help you buy.

On the machine we select the date and time slot (there are 4: 10 12 14 16). Try to arrive around the slot we have chosen. You also need to type your name (in Katakana, just say it to the cashier and he will type it) and telephone number (if you don't have one, enter Lawson's telephone number).

Once finished, a receipt will come out of the machine, then pay at the cashier (cash or credit card is fine).

Train to Kawasaki

First, head to Shinjuku station in Tokyo, which is like a large inter-city train station. Then look for the Odakyu Line platform, both express and local, look for the one that stops at Noborito station. Just pay for train tickets using Pasmo so it's simple, it's only ¥250 yen.

Once you arrive at Noborito, walk out of the station towards the bus stop. Later you will find a special stop for the shuttle bus to the Museum. Every 20-30 minutes this shuttle bus will definitely pass by, the body of the bus has a picture of Doraemon or Per-Man, so you won't see anything wrong. Bus ticket ¥200 yen pay using IC Card (Pasmo/Suica).

If you want to try walking, don't get off at Noborito, but Mukougaoka Yuen, 1 stop after Noborito if you use the Odakyu Line. Walk for about 15 minutes, so maybe about 1 km from the station.

The decoration on the shuttle bus is what makes the bus fare expensive. For example, the bus has a picture of Doraemon, the hand hanger and the bell button for the bus stop also have a picture of Doraemon.

Doraemon, P-Man

What was quite surprising when entering this museum was that you were not allowed to take photos in the gallery. You can only take photos later in the cinema waiting room and outdoor area. Whew, so I can only describe it here.

So this museum tells the story of Fujiko F Fujio's life as a cartoonist, from his early years until his death. What is the contents of the work table, the drawing tools used.

Some of his interesting works are displayed on the museum walls along with the stories behind them. For example, the first page of the Doraemon comic, how this cat robot appeared. Then there are 5 pages of the Standby me Doraemon story in the comic, where the story of Doraemon's farewell to Nobita is full of emotion.

Source: http://fujiko-museum.com/english/

Apart from Doraemon, the maestro also produces other comics such as Perman, Chimpui, Q-taro, and Bakeru-kun.

In summary, it's good, a must visit for comic fans, especially Doraemon.

Don't miss the film screenings in the small cinema. Every hour there is a short film showing, unfortunately in Japanese and without subtitles. Just when I got the film Chimpui.

On the rooftop, there is an outdoor exhibition, where you can take as many photos as you like. There is a 'magic door' object, there are also statues of figures such as Doraemon and Giant.

Source: http://fujiko-museum.com/english/

Museum Cafe

Of course, at this point you have to try Dorayaki, Doraemon's favorite cake according to the story in the comics. There is a cafe facing outdoors, serving Dorayaki snacks and other cakes.

Shibuya

Finished from Fujiko F Fujio Miseum, even though it was only 6 in the afternoon it was already dark. I decided to return to Tokyo and continue on to Shibuya.

What's going on in Shibuya? You know, if on TV or in a film there is a picture of the busiest intersection in Tokyo, that's Shibuya Crossing. Want to feel it? Just take the subway and exit at Shibuya (or JR Shibuya station). I've experienced busy crossings like Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, so this version of Shibuya is said to be even more so when it's busy.

Shibuya is one of the fun shopping places in Tokyo, we just have to follow the neon lights on the surrounding buildings to find out what the merchandise is. If you want to follow it all you could break your leg.

Apart from the crossing, there is also a landmark in Shibuya, namely a dog statue named Hatchiko. Have you seen the film? At least the Hollywood version starring Richard Gere, it's a sad film. This dog is so famous that a statue of it was made and placed on one side of Shibuya. Now it is a meeting point for people to meet up.

This is also where I had dinner. First time experiencing eating sushi on a conveyor belt, authentically in Tokyo. If you eat sushi, you don't really need to choose much. Average is definitely good for us. This place also differentiates the price of the sashimi sushi from the color of the plate, it's still simple, the plate doesn't even have chips installed (just try looking for it on YouTube).

What is certain is that eating in Japan is relatively priced, and don't forget to include free ocha (cold/hot)!

Tokyo #3 - Tsukiji, Ginza, Asakusa, Sky Tree

Day 2 Itinerary:

Tsukiji Fish Market

Ginza Shopping

 Asakusa Temple

Akihabara

 Tokyo Sky Tree

Tsukiji Fish Market

Japanese sashimi is synonymous with food made from salmon and tuna, so the biggest fish auction place (Business to Business) in Tokyo is Tsukiji Market. Here every morning fresh fish buying and selling transactions take place in the form of an auction. We can take part in this auction process if we want to come early at 5 o'clock because viewing places are limited. If I don't want to, that's fine :) ...

Just come from 7-8 in the morning, just don't go past 11-12 if you don't want to see the fish bones. Take the Tokyo Metro and get off at Tsukijisijo Station.

There are 2 parts to this fish market: inner market (auction and packing area) and outer market. There are lots of choices in the outer market. This place consists of several blocks of stalls selling fresh fish, sashimi restaurants, as well as knives and cooking utensils.

This place is classified as very busy in Mangga Dua style, so we can just walk slowly down the block looking for food that can be eaten while walking, or eat sitting down at a sashimi/sushi restaurant.

The inner market itself only has 2 rows of restaurants, but this is the most famous part. There is Sushi-Dai, a shop with a capacity of only about 10 seats, but tens of people queue. After queuing for 20 minutes without any movement, I finally gave up...

Ginza

The journey continues to the Ginza district, a shopping district that is classified as high end. There are 4 stations surrounding Ginza: Yurakucho, Ginza-itchome, Ginza, and Higashi-Ginza, depending on which line you come from.

On Ginza-4-chome street we can find famous chains such as Mitsukoshi Department Store to Uniqlo Flagship store. If you want to look for Apple products, there is also Apple Store Ginza. Just walk down a few street blocks in the Ginza area and you can find everything you can buy, depending on your taste and wallet.

Just for fun, I went to Muji (無印良品), which in Indo or Singapore only sells limited goods, in Ginza it's guedee and complete. From home knick-knacks, wardrobe furniture to beds, there is also a Muji restaurant.

Asakusa

One of Tokyo's traditional landmarks is Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, especially its entrance gate. To get here, just take the Ginza Line or Asakusa Line metro and get off at Asakusa station.

The gate marking Asakusa Temple is Kaminarimon which is popular in photos for selfies. To enter this gate we need to walk another 300 meters, but it's not tiring because along the road (it's called Nakamise-Dori) there are stalls selling nice and cute souvenirs ranging from fans to kimonos. So, here is an opportunity to take photos of Japanese girls wearing traditional clothes who want to come to pray at the temple.

This complex is quite large, it is also the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. If we want to pray, we buy a small incense stick, then stick it in the incense holder, rub the smoke on our head :) Or you can also try washing your face from a pool of water with a small ladle, it brings good luck, you know.

Akihabara

Late afternoon, before going to SKYTREE, I took the time to visit Akihabara. Of course you are already quite familiar with this name. This is an entertainment area that sells all kinds of toys and electronics.

Metro: Akihabara (Hibiya Line) or JR Akihabara Station.

The shops that are quite popular are Denki, LABI, LAOX, with 7 floors with various contents. From not wanting to buy to wanting to pay when you're here. We can look for electronic components, smartphone accessories, chargers, memory cards, and large appliances such as LCD TVs and refrigerators.

Tip: The alley/alley east of Chuo-dori Street can be a place to look for cheap electronic goods.

If you're hungry and it's time for dinner, that's when you find Go Curry! here. There's a lot of food you can find here, you just need to be careful because most of them are located on the 2nd floor and above, so don't just stick to the shops facing the street. Also take the time to go to the Maid Cafe / Maidreamin which has several branches, the waiters wear clothes like maids in comics. Looking for something cool like Gundam Cafe or even AKB48 cafe? It's here too.

Tokyo SKYTREE

The new landmark in Tokyo which is now more popular than Tokyo Tower is Tokyo SKYTREE. Its main function is for television antennas, below it is a shopping center, further below it is the Skytree/Oshiage metro station (Asakusa and Hanzomon Line). It is 634 meters high, and there are two observatory levels that we can go to, at 350 meters and at 450 meters (more expensive) which is the highest observatory floor in Japan.

Skytree tickets for the 350 meter observatory are ¥2060 (in 2015), if you want to go even higher we have to buy an additional ticket for ¥1030. Because I arrived quite late, there was no longer a queue to buy tickets (maybe it was also low season). Just buy a ticket at the podium on the 4th floor, then take the super fast elevator up to the observatory floor.

A 360º view immediately greets us when the elevator doors open, with the help of the clear air we can see all corners of Tokyo city clearly.

Tokyo #4 - Korakuen Garden, Omotesando, Shinjuku

* Itinerary Day 3:

* Postal Museum

* Korakuen Park

* Omotesando

* Shinjuku

Japan Postal Museum

Last night when we went to SKYTREE , we saw on the sign that there was a Japan Postal Museum in the same building. Well, since my wife's hobby is collecting stamps, we made time to come here the next day.

It's safe to say that this museum is really cool, displaying all the knick-knacks related to the Post, from mailboxes to bicycles for delivering mail from the early 1900s.

Of course, not to be missed is the collection of stamps from all over the world that are neatly arranged in a vertical rack. Want to find stamps from any country, you can find them here, including Indonesian stamps.

Don't miss the collage stamp display that resembles the Mona Lisa painting.

Korakuen Garden

Well, today I wanted to see a garden in Tokyo, hoping to see colorful autumn leaves. So we headed to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden , not far from Tokyo Dome.

To get here, we take the metro and get off at Korakuen station (line N,M) or Kasuga (line I,E). From here, just walk about 500 meters. If you want to save energy, you can take the shuttle bus at exit 5 of the metro station.

This park is quite large, we need 1-2 hours to be able to go around it all. Built in 1629, you can imagine this park survived the construction of Tokyo's skyscrapers.

Omotesando

In the afternoon we took the metro to Harajuku, getting off at Meiji-jingumae station . This station is like the middle, to the right is Omotesando, and to the left is Harajuku. Both are a must-visit.

Omotesando itself is a fairly long shopping street, which will definitely be crowded from afternoon to evening. From November to January, this street will be decorated with decorative lights on all the roadside trees, beautiful and romantic.

The shop we are looking for in Omotesando is Kiddy Land , a toy and souvenir shop. Entering the small Kiddy Land with 5-6 floors takes hours if you want to shop. For boys, girls, and adults, there are definitely items that can be purchased here.

Starting from Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Doraemon to serious toys such as Takara Tomy Plarail and Nanoblock, everything that is expensive in Indonesia is definitely cheaper here.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is like an entertainment district, the most crowded is during the after-office hours where office workers go to Shinjuku just to drink or find other entertainment. Although it is considered a fairly dangerous area for Tokyo, it is actually safe.

The entertainment center in Shinjuku is Kabuki-cho , arguably Tokyo's red-light district, where karaoke and nightclubs are scattered. Don't be surprised if you are offered a flyer on the side of the road.

There is one place that is on my wishlist but unfortunately I haven't had the chance to go there (because I came with my family last time hehehe). It's called Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. Robot Cafe is a place to watch Robot Cabaret, a mix of music, dance and laser light. To go here you have to buy tickets in advance, you can buy them online via Voyagin .

Ghibli Museum

If you want to visit the Ghibli Museum, I suggest buying tickets 1-2 months in advance, because they are always sold out. Now we can pre-order tickets online through Voyagin , later Voyagin will reserve tickets and send them to your hotel/lodging in Japan. Last minute tickets are also available, which are many times more expensive than the normal price.

Tokyo #5 - Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Tokyo Bay

Day 4 Itinerary:

Government Metropolitan Building Observatory

Harajuku

Meiji Jingu Shrine

 Tokyo Bay

Metropolitan Building Observatory

If you go up to Tokyo Tower and Tokyo SKYTREE you have to pay, so if you want something free we can go up to Tokyo Metropolitan Building. Actually, this is City Hall, so it is open to the public, and the great thing is that everyone can go up to the observatory for free.

This complex is located in the Shinjuku area, so we can take the metro and get off at Tochomae (Eodo Line) - this is the closest, or Nishi-shinjuku and Shinjuku station.

There are 2 towers each of which we can visit, North and South Tower. Both have slightly different views, so I suggest just going up both, as long as they're free and don't have to queue for a long time.

In clear weather and clear skies we can see far beyond the city of Tokyo. Because Shinjuku is located east of Tokyo, we can freely see Mount Fuji.

Harajuku

We continue towards Harajuku, get off at Meiji-jingumae station if you take the metro, you can also take the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Harajuku station.

The goal was to go to Meiji Jingu Mae (see below), but I talked a little about the Harajuku area which I actually visited the night before.

The gathering area for fans of Harajuku style or 'cosplay' is in front of Harajuku station (JR Yamanote). Opposite this station is a shopping street called Jingumae which extends to its end at Meiji Dori. So, this shopping street sells distro goods, local brands and some street food.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

On the east side of Harajuku station there is a large forest as a shrine for Emperor Meiji (remember the history lesson?), called Meiji-Jingu Shrine.

Prepare your feet, this is a 70 hectare park or forest, but you have to come. The entrance is right at the road junction.

Apart from being a shrine, this place is also a Shinto-style wedding venue. We can also buy Ema, a small wooden board that can be written with prayers or requests, then hung in front of the shrine.

Odaiba Tokyo Bay

In the afternoon, our last destination in Tokyo was Tokyo Bay. The district name is Odaiba. It actually takes a whole day to come here to be satisfied, but due to time constraints I only had time from afternoon to evening.

Tokyo Bay is a large artificial island, which has its own train transportation system called Yurikamone.

Buy a Day pass for ¥820 so you can ride this electric train as much as you like. Using a Pasmo/Suica IC Card per trip can cost ¥320 one-way, but you need a round trip, so actually a day pass is the most economical.

First we have to go to Shimbashi station (A,G Line) or Toyosu (Y Line). Inside the station area (after the exit gate), follow the signs to the Yurikamone Line. Later we will arrive at the Yurikamone gate area, then just buy a day pass at the existing ticket machine.

The speed of this electric train is relatively slow, it will enter Tokyo Bay via the Rainbow Bridge, you need to feel the sensation of spinning in the train when you want to cross the bridge. Get off at Odaiba-kaihinkoen station.

map

There are quite a lot of tourist attractions in Odaiba, you can see them here. The highlights:

* Decks Tokyo Beach, where I took the photo above. In this building there are restaurants, an indoor theme park, Legoland, and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.

* Aqua City, next to Decks, is a fashion shopping mall. Next to Aqua city we can find the Statue of Liberty, a replica of New York. Next door is the Nikko Hotel, the view from the rooms is definitely magnificent.

* Venus Fort, this shopping mall has a similar design to the Venetian Macau. So the classic architecture with paint on the roof resembles the sky, so it looks like we are shopping outdoors in Europe, even though this is indoors. The goods are also quite attractive and cheap.

* Toyota MegaWeb, this is like a Toyota car showroom. The cars on display are more futuristic and concept cars. So there aren't many basics. Come at the right time we can test-drive the existing car.

The Gundam statue is in the DiverCity area, those who like to build Gundams must come here.