Tokyo Japan Tour

Tokyo is a high density metropolitan city with some interesting cultures. My next solo trip after Seoul, one of  the few remaining modern Asian country I haven't visited. Originally, wanted to do a Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo trip due to Air Asia lousy flight schedule to Tokyo. But due to some concerns on budget and wanted to see spring, decide to see  Tokyo only.

FYI, AA arrived at Haneda Airport around 10.40pm on a Tuesday, but later on other days. I cleared immigration before 11pm and was waiting for my baggage almost 20minutes cause my baggage came out late due to many baggages ahead.

Take note, if flight delayed, you might not get on the subway and may I have to take the taxi which cost anywhere from 4000-6000 yen.

Some interesting notes about Tokyo which I found on my trip.

1. Their railway is pretty complicated as they have so many lines. But the slightly confusing part is because different train lines stop on the same platform, so sometimes you may not know if the train belong to which line.

2. Lots of old people. Honestly, Japan population is really on the high side. There was once, I was on a train carriage 90% of the people were above 40. I bet I was the youngest on that car.

3. Tokyo has less coffee shops compare to Seoul. Only noticed Starbucks, Tully Coffee etc as major ones, where Seoul has at least 5-6 brands with many branches all over the city.

Starbucks in Ueno Park

4. Simple food at budget eateries cost about 400-800 yen. Those set need at least 1000 yen and above..haha. I think Tokyo is probably the most convenient for solo travelers as most budget eateries cater to solo type of dining. Most cheap eateries uses vending machine for ordering, so easy to just see the picture and press which meal you want and passed the ticket to the waiter.

5. It was still early autumn when I was there (31st Oct-7Nov). Most leaves were pretty green.

Wedding shoto at nearby Imperial Palace

At Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

6. Interesting maid cafe culture in Akihabara. There is no 'ahem ahem' here. Most are maids working in a cafe like a waitress selling food and drinks. Some offered massage?? Hmm, I just tried one which seem kinda popular, and they were not distributing any flyers on the street. Also because they look abit more mature lar..haha.

Cute..hehe..moe moe

7. I got checked by Japanese police here in Shin Okubo, the little Korean town. They were plain clothes police, a man and woman, where the man showed me his badge. Showed him my passport and that's it. Phew..

8. SNSD in Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills. Definitely the best memory in Tokyo. Out of nowhere, suddenly spotted a few of them walking in a big group with the camera crew. But it was like just 5s, they dissapeared into a room, and headed up to the Sky Dream park top of Mori Tower. I went up but the inner deck for night viewing. Another 500 yen and I may have taken their photos..haha. Anyway, I was slowpoke but still lucky.

Destined to meet SNSD but 有缘无分 ,Mori Tower

9. Enjoying sushi at Sushi Daiwa, Tsukiji Market. Another popular one is Sushi Dai but that probably needs more than 1 hour queue, more value for money since it servers 10 nigiri sushi. Daiwa servers only 7 but shorter queue since it has 2 shops, about 30 minutes wait. The most awesome piece was the Fatty Tuna, which just melts in your mouth and taste like heaven. 7 piece is just right imo, and if you want more, I suggest go for sashimi at the nearby shops.

10. Half lucky at Hakone to see Mt Fuji from afar. Part of it was covered by cloudy, but still good as it was total covered by clouds around 1pm. Crowded scene at Shibuya crossing, arguably the world most busiest, probably around 100+ people cross every 5 minutes from all directions! Passby Tokyo's newest landmark everyday and night, Tokyo Sky Tree tower. Only take pictures from afar and close. Didn't go up cause need queue 1 hour for the tickets..hehe.

Mt Fuji from Lake Aishi

Sky Tree at night

Sky Tree at day.