Tokyo Day 1 – Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara

Dear diary,

7 days in Tokyo is not enough at all! Perhaps 10 days would be just nice.

My freaking awesome Travel Buddies

My after-thoughts:

1. I WANT TO GO BACK THERE AGAIN T__T

2. Very happening city but not an easy place to travel on your own if you have a tight budget. Like you dare not get on a cab (which we still did) because it’ll cost you a bomb, you need to think 5 times before taking a train to make sure you’re taking the most cost-efficient route as there’re so many alternatives! But it’s actually okay if you’ve done your research.

3. And oh it’s really a very well-organized city with all sparkly beautiful things that can only be found there! I’m impressed and haven’t had enough of it.

Arrived at Narita Aiport during sunrise.
Sometimes I really think airport is very important because it always gives me the first impression of the country. *judgmental*
Narita Airport is so very the clean, cannot even find a single dust or rubbish.

2. You know the last time I had bad experience with travel agency for my trip to Beijing, therefore this trip, I decided to plan everything on my own from booking air-tickets to accommodation to itinerary etc.etc. etc. *hero*

Basically the internet is super useful, I did everything through it. *worship the internet*
And cos of this, my Geography improved! haha, at least for Tokyo city.
And oh, thanks to this very useful guide book! Would be better if there’s map for all places, lighter and pocket size!

3. I stayed in 3 different hotels. Nomad style, always have to move luggage around, but me being me, I still insist to wear heels, with no regrets.

This was taken in Meiji Shrine, during dusk.

4. Managed to get a good deal from Japan Airlines (JAL), RM1550 return inclusive of tax. Quite a good flight! It’s better than what I expected it to be!

Comfortable seats!

Particularly love the in-flight entertainment.

The ‘magic-wand’. hehe
There’re a lot of movies to choose from like 500 Days of Summer, District 9 etc. etc.
A lot of japanese movies too…
I supposed to be sleeping because it’s a.m. but cos of my kiasuness I just want to watch as many movies as possible and play all the games + listen to all the music.

I didn’t like the food though. They served cold food because it’s night flight.

The drinks menu was GOOD though! *cunning smile* I tried Plum Wine (on the rocks).

5. We arrived early in the morning 7-ish and checked in to our first hotel – Hotel Edoya in Ueno.

Picked this hotel because I want to experience the traditional Japanese style of living (Ryokan).
I think this’s the best hotel that I stayed in during this trip, in terms of value for money.
Although it has been around for decades but it’s very well-maintained.
The lobby is small but very cosy.

The waiting room.

Nap.

Mom getting some caffeine.

That’s how tired we are after the 8 hours of night flight…

We got a triple room.

It was quite a lovely room maybe because it’s something different. he he.

There’s a cosy living room.

The Bathroom.

It’s 13,000 Yen  per room (approx. RM 500+) inclusive of buffet breakfast for three.

It’s considered ‘budget hotel’ in japan the expensive city.

Salmon and Miso Soup for breakfast, yums!

They have this onsen bath too that I didn’t manage to try out.*regrets*

Basically it’s a hot tub outdoor and you need to take off your clothes and soak in it. Perfect for winter!

“Experience the virtues of “naked communion” (??????, ) for breaking down barriers and getting to know people in the relaxed homey atmosphere”, says wiki.

Then shortly, we started our ‘tour’.

6. Took subway to Asakusa (??) to visit the Sensoji Temple. I just know it’s the largest Buddhist temple in tokyo so we went there. Very random.

There’re lots of people, I think a lot of them are Japanese tourists frm other parts of japan.

Worship.

Nakamise Shopping Street is the approach path to the main shrine.

Didn’t buy anything though. Still trying to get used to the Yen Conversion during that first day.

The weather is extremely good that day!

During winter, we just get hungry easily I don’t know why.

So tried out this restaurant in Asakusa. not too bad actually.

This’s about 1000 Yen (Approximately RM40). Set menu here is about this price anyway.

In m’sia I think can get a set like this for RM25+ from Ichiban Boshi, with Sashimi somemore.

It tasted OKAY.

Basically we walked a lot. Here’re interesting things I saw while walking on the streets at Asakusa area.

The chopsticks move up and down by itself! So cute …. but a little creepy.

Colourful candy houses hanging in the air.

Signs.

Tails of Autumn

7. Later on we went to Akihabara… thought of buying some cute gadgets. But didn’t get anything.

Akihabara is the famous place in Tokyo that sells electronic & tech stuff.

I just love looking at Japanese signs. It’s always so vibrant!

Simplicity. This was taken in one of the back lanes.

Streets of the Electric Town

Saw Taito Station too!

The whole 2nd floor of Taito Station specializes in sticker photos/neo-print machines!

Didn’t manage to try them though!

Basically was just quite sleepy for whole Day 1 cos didn’t get much sleep the night before.

Okays, pls stay tuned & look forward to Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .