4 DAYS IN TOKYO

DAY 1:

1. UENO PARK:

- 100 yen = about 1 dollar

- Apart from viewing cherry blossom or Sakura in Ueno Park, visitors can

spend time on going around Ueno Zoo (600 yen for the entrance fee),

enjoy green space or have breakfast with many vendors and stores around

this park.

- The food is cheap compared with the same type sold in other tourist

destination.

- On Saturdays and Sundays, many events as well as street performances are

hold in this park.

- Located on the center of Tokyo.

2. TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM:

- There are a number of historic displays in this museum.

- Located in Ueno Park (past the Ueno Zoo to get to the museum)

- People usually are not allowed to take pictures except some special cases.

- The information described in English is not as clear as it is in Japanese.

- Make sure to visit the nearby Heiseikan house, which is not nearly

crowded.

- You have to pay extra for the special exhibition.

3. KONAYA ATRE UENO: (Lunch)

- Not too far from Ueno Park.

- Located inside the mall named Atre.

- Address: 7 – 1 – 1 Atre 2F, Ueno.

4. KOKUGIKAN STADIUM:

- You can book the tickets online before arriving on buysumotickets.com,

the official site or the venue.

If you book earlier, the tickets will be sent to your house’s address with

small fee.

- Hosts 3 of the six annual tournament of Sumo (January, May and

September)

- On non-tournament days, a shop selling various sumo goods and a small

sumo museum are open to visitors.

- A sumo match lasts 3 hours.

- The down closer seats are more expensive but they are well worth to buy.

- To understand thoroughly what’s going on, people can rent a radio which

interfere what’s broadcasted in English. (100 Yen with 2000 Yen deposit)

- It takes about 13 minutes by taxi to get Kokugikan stadium from Ueno

(3.5 km).

- The final bout is about 6 p.m.

5. SENSOJI TEMPLE:

- There are some shops outside Sensoji Temple to rent “Yukata” – a

traditional clothing of the Japanese.

- It’s near Shinto Shrine and Asakura Shrine, so takes time to see them.

You will love the historical beauty of these Shrines.

- It’s crowded on weekends.

- The entrance fee is free.

- There are a plenty of souvenir shops around Sensoji Temple.

- You are allowed to take photos.

6. KIKKO RESTAURANT:

- A small Japanese style restaurant which is near the Sensoji Temple.

- Ask the local for the direction if you can’t find it.

- Opening hours:

11:30 – 13:30 or 17:00 – 21:00

- A place for traditional foods and music with Shamisen player.

- Some of the dishes may not be for less adventurous eaters.

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DAY 2:

1. THE TSUKIJI MARKET:

- Some sushi places are more expensive than others sold outside the

market.

- If you want to see a spectacular tuna auction, try to get up at 3 a.m to be

one of the first 120 people.

- It’s opened for public at 9 a.m

- There are no benches during waiting time for tuna auction.

- The auction takes a little time so pay attention on it.

- No information is given during the auction.

- At the entrance of the market, there are many small shops full of

Japanese dishes and knives for sushi.

2. SUSHIDAI: (For breakfast)

- It only takes few steps from Tsukiji Market to Sushidai.

- You have to be patient because it could take time to wait for a long queue

in certain hours.

- Special sushi: Edo – made sushi.

- At about 3,000 yen, you get a magnificent meal.

- Telephone number: +81 (0) 3 3541 3738

- Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5 a.m. the next morning;

Sunday and holidays 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

3. GINZA:

- It is super expensive with a wide range number of products but if you

want to get a “windows shopping”. It’s worth a try!

- All shops open after 10:30 a.m

- It’s considered the town with 2 different faces.

4. SHINJUKU:

- Train and subway’s booking to get from Ginza to Shinjuku:

www.hyperdia.com

- Taxi 2200+ yen (2800+ late night), 8 km, 30+ minutes

- The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is another option which takes 16

minutes and costs around 190 yen.

5. ROKKASEN: (For lunch)

- Famous dishes: Matsuzaka beef, yakiniku, shabu shabu

- Have barbecues with a glass of chilled draft beer.

- You can order the frozen cuts of beef to take back home if you can’t eat

the meal anymore!

- English menu available

6. SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN:

- The entrance fee is cheap: 200 yen (about 2 dollars)

- You are also able to sit and enjoy a good book while wandering the

gardens which was very relaxing in a busy city.

- An escape from the bustling of the city.

7. TOSHOGU SHRINE:

- Entrance fee and opening hours:

http://nikko-jp.org/english/entrance/index.html

- Try mochi (a snack sold in convenient store) when you have breaks.

- There are free tour guides to explain the history of the Shrine.

- Particular places: 5 story in front of the main gate entrance, Honjido Hall

- Visitors are advised to search which place are under renovation to have a

satisfying trip.

- It is better to buy a ticket including the train from Tobu Asakusa

8. YABU SOBA: (Dinner)

- The building has been there since 1880s.

- Special food: hot soba with eel.

- It’s not really expensive; it’s not a budget restaurant though.

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DAY 3:

1. YOYOGI PARK:

- Considered as one of top 5 destinations to visit in Tokyo.

- Close to Meiji Shrine

- Pay 5$ for the entrance

- The shopping district to the immediate east of this park is a great

experience, lots of things to see and buy.

- Watch live dance performances.

- You can organize a small picnic in this park.

-

2. MEIJI SHRINE:

- It’s about 3.5 km from Yoyogi Park to Meiji Shrine

- You can take a taxi or walking

- It’s interesting to learn how and why the local wash their hands before

getting the shrine.

- English brochures are available.

- If you get to shrine early, you can be treated with the morning ritual and

hourly drumming.

- Make sure to have good walking shoes due to the large area of Meiji

Shrine.

3. KAIKAYA:

- Recommended dishes: Tuna ribs, fish carpaccio, Shashimi, Maguro /

Tuna Spareribs, the swordfish, the blue cheese risotto with scallops, Sangria,

fresh tiger prawn

- You are advised have reservation before getting in for dinner.

- A casual side of Japan lives.

- Portion size is quite large so be careful when ordering.

- There are 2 areas named “Non-smoking area” and “Smoking area” for

eaters.

- The restaurant is next to Shinsen Station (about 2 minutes walk)

- Because of its crowd, this restaurant is suitable not for a romantic dinner.

- Open 11.30am-2pm, 6-11.30pm mon-fri; 6-11.30pm sat, sun (weekends

reservations only).

- Telephone 03 3770 0878

4. NEZU MUSEUM:

- Great place for photographers.

- Recommended to visit the tea room.

- There is a coffee shop in the garden but the price is higher than the others

outside.

5. YASHUKUNI SHRINE:

- You are not allowed to take photos in front the main building.

- A controversial shrine because the Japanese show the respects to their war

warrior; however, to the Korean and the Chinese, The Japanese warriors are

war criminals.

- There are lots of food stalls.

- There is a museum/library inside the Shrine

6. SUNTORY HALL:

- It takes about 19 minutes by car from Yasukuni Shrine to Suntory Hall:

- The 2nd

floor is better.

- The translation from Japanese to English is quite disappointed compared

with the Japanese one.

7. INAYAKA:

- Recommended dishes: sushi rolls

- A special welcome with shouting and clapping. Sometimes, it interrupts

your conversation.

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DAY 4:

1. BUDHA’S BELLY COOKING CLASS:

- A decorative sushi making class.

- The classes start with an interesting history of sushi.

- The class contains lots of information and tips for cooking.

- Opportunities to purchase cooking book if you desire.

- Cooking lessons for vegetarian available.

- You can choose the menu you want to follow.

2. IMPERIAL PALACE:

- You need to search for the days the palace in case of its renovation.

- It is considered to not set tour to this place (Japanese guides and English

audio guides for those who speak English)

- It is the official residence of the Emperor.

- No entrance fee.

- You will be given plastic tickets which need for exit.

- It’s suitable for a fast visit.

3. TOKYO TOWER:

- It’s rather crowded; you need to go early to have a good position.

- You can pay for photo service. If you don’t want to pay, they will help you

to take photo with your own cameras.

- Different prices for two different levels in the tower. 16,000 yen for both

levels.

4. UNIQLQ GINZA:

- There is a massive brand of many products.

- Some shops require people to take shoes off, so pay attention to be not

impolite.

- The large size clothing is up to 4XL.

- Men’s floor: 2nd

, 8th, 9

th, 10

th. The rest are for women issues.

- There is some time – limited sales on weekends.

- Refund or exchange is not allowed for some items.

- For people with disability, store offers a lift for accessibility.

5. TOFUYA UKAI:

- Situated next to Tokyo Tower.

- Recommended dishes: Tofu, traditional Japanese set, sashimi course.

- Reservation for dinner is recommended.

- Good service

- Opening time: 09:00 to 21:30.

- You can either take the elevators or walk up the stairs.