The outbreak of the coronavirus has scared most of the public in the world today. Life has to go-on, while all of us are fearful of the virus, we need to face the fact of the world going through a tough time. There’s this scary dominoes’ effect of disasters since the beginning of the year has not been stopping. Meanwhile, we have more time working from home and we decide to quickly catch up on the post we have promised a long time ago. We shared posts of our Japan trip hence there are many places that fall on the “others” category. Therefore, we decided to compile some must-go places in Tokyo – while it is less tourist area hence it is always crowded as it is loved by the locals in Tokyo.
Zojoji Temple + Toyko Tower
While Toyko Tower is a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power, it was the country’s tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. Hence it is still a lovable structure in the world with its iconic bright red and white structuring. You will never want to miss it beautiful lights that change from time to time in the evening till midnight.
For those, if you ever watch Cardcaptor Sakura you will know the infamous scene of Sakura had her final battle at Zojoji Temple and on the Tokyo Tower itself. Its artist is well-known in her art capturing of the scenery. While we did our trip-planning we decide to explore if it is true. It appears that you can have the best view of the Tokyo Tower at Zojoji Temple and the park beside the temple.
Many tourists might not know about the Zojoji Temple, it is the temple grounds consist of some impressive structures as well as a mausoleum of the Tokugawa family and a museum. It gives a peaceful vibe upon entering the space, it is an interesting historical spot for a walk during a weekend afternoon. We highly recommend you to visit this temple if you decide to watch Tokyo Tower from far, it is a beautiful location for a photo and learning history
address: 4 Chome-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
business hour: 9 am to 5 pm
Kanda + Jimbocho
We find that Tokyo, Japan is a very organized city, you can find that each district is distinct from one another. For book lovers, you will never want to miss this oldest street in Tokyo that sells all the range of books you are looking for. Jimbocho’s district is surrounded by both new and old bookstores; the old bookstores are not just second-hand bookstores, many of them contain valuable gems and historical materials.
If you are traveling there, you will find that the area is filled with students even on the weekend. There are plenty of cafes around for you to enjoy your new purchase books with a cup of coffee. Or a free-wifi space for you to study for the coming exams. In the area, there are many curry and udon stores that cater to young students. There’s even a curry festival in November.
Yaguchi Shoten’s structure was built in 1928 and its diluted coffee-color facade has remained unchanged since Japan’s first modernization.
address: 神田神保町2-5-1 Chiyoda, 東京都 〒101-0051
nearest station: Jinbocho Station
Kabukicho
Each city has its very own red-light district and Kabukichō in Tokyo famous for. Kabukichō is the location of many host and hostess clubs, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the “Sleepless Town” (眠らない街). Shinjuku Golden Gai, famous for the plethora of small bars, is part of Kabukicho. Honestly, for two girls, we weren’t able to discover it on ourselves
Takahashi Ramen ( Kabukicho Store)
For Ramen lover, you would love this fish broth base Ramen. Our Japanese fish brought us to this unique ramen store in the Kabukicho area.
Direction: JR Shinjuku Station West Exit
Address: Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 19, 新宿区歌舞伎町1-19-3 歌舞伎町商店街振興組合ビル1階
View of Fuji Mount + Night view of Japan
There are many sight-viewing decks in Tokyo – among all (Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and so much more ) we decide to go with Tokyo City View as there is a museum within the building which I always want to go for a visit. It will be an ideal itinerary for a day spend, especially in the night we could have a bird-eye view of Christmas’s lighting (during November till December period). I really enjoyed the Tokyo City View as it is an open helicopter deck for the public. You can have an open space with a 360-degree view of the whole of Tokyo. We are so lucky that we witness the Mt-Fuji during the sunset at 4:30 pm.
Never underestimate the size of Roppongi Hill itself. While we thought that we could visit all the places in the area but Roppongi Hills Mori Tower itself took almost half of the day. To travel to Tokyo you really need to have the stamina to do so.
In the basement, there is this delicious Grilled chicken on skewers, or yakitori is quintessential Japanese soul food – Momodori. It is a busy Saturday when we reached the restaurant it is already a full house and we only get the standing table. The yakitori taste really good but not expensive. You can get absolutely full with just maybe a set meal. On the next visit, we promise to go back again and have several cups of alcohol as the price is very reasonable. (edits: While researching for the store detail, it is sad to find out that it has been closed. However, they still have sister stores around the city and I think it will be good to try)
Kitte Tokyo + Tokyo Station
While we always hate to squeeze with the tourist it is always best to visit some iconic places when traveling and Tokyo Station is on our to-do list. While throughout our days in Tokyo we have been passing by Tokyo Station to change our train we didn’t have a chance to walk around. For the last day of our trip, we make our way down to visit the station and also the Kitte shopping mall.
At Kitte Tokyo, not only they have trendy international fashion stores but they are also many locals brand. While one of our aim when it comes to visiting Kitte Tokyo it is to eat the sushi store – Nemuro Hanamaru Sushi. The experience is amazing and it really didn’t disappoint us at all. If you are visiting during the weekend make sure you come early to take a queue number as you may need to wait up to 2 hours for your turn. While waiting for your turn you can head up to the roof garden at level 6 to see the view of Tokyo Station.
address: JP Tower 5F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-7005
business hour: (Mon-Sat) 11: 00-22: 00 (Last order 22:00), (Sun / Holiday) 11: 00-22: 00 (Last order 21:00)
Hopefully, it will be a helpful post for you! Please send us your recommendation so we could exchange and get to travel better!
xoxo, Angela
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