Tokyo is indeed a city of contrasting beauty. It has a mix of modern skyscrapers, old temples, and large public parks.
We have customised the itinerary to maximise the autumn colour viewing while also getting to experience the modern and futuristic city of Tokyo. The December air was cold and crisp, very suitable for long walks.
Day 1 was reserved for the Ginkgo avenue near the JR Shinanomachi station. They were feast for the eyes with all the uniquely trimmed Ginkgo trees in peak golden color along the Aoyama Icho Namiki Avenue.
Day 2 was spent in upscale Omotesando hills area wherein luxury brands such as YSL and Louis Vuitton showcase their brand to the affluent Japanese. Parallel to Omotesando is the Takeshita street lined by cafes and boutiques popular with the Japanese teens. We also visited the Yoyogi park near JR Harajuku station which houses enormous Shinto gates. In the evening, we visited the Samurai Museum, it was quite pricey for 1900 yen but the tour was nice and informative.
For day 3, we planned to hike Mt. Takao but the weather was gloomy. So we swapped it with a trip to Asakusa with Taka and Eunice to shop souvenirs and take pictures of the Tokyo Skytree. Then, we took the Himiko cruise in Sumida river from Asakusa to Odaiba to see the new RX-0 Unicorn Gundam.
Day 4 and the sun was out – Mt. Takao day! At 8am in the morning, we headed to Shinjuku station to buy a set discount ticket for the Odakyu train going to Takao-san (saved us almost 30% and more importantly, time to queue for individual tickets). It came with a return ticket and round trip cable car/lift tickets. The hike was relatively easy, you have an option to walk, or ride lift or cable car for the first part. The rest of the way was an easy hike up, you will be rewarded a view of Tokyo city mid way and Mt. Fuji at the peak. Tip – stop by a soba house midway, it offers an unobstructed view of Tokyo city while sitting and eating soba.
Day 5 and I’m already experiencing some foot arch pains. (per my Fitbit, we averaged 20,000 steps/day!). This day was for Imperial Palace, Mori tower, and Tokyo station. We strolled along the Inui street inside the Imperial Palace – it only opens for 10 days during Sakura (spring) and Koyo (autumn) seasons. Adjacent to the palace is the iconic Tokyo station, the station that I personally avoid if I can. Inside, it’s essentially a maze and there are multiple platforms- even Japanese commuters sometimes get lost. Then, we went to Mori tower – my p. favourite in this trip, i couldn’t even describe the view at the top (in the right weather conditions)! 360 degrees! There’s a view at every direction – Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Tower, Yokohama, Odaiba…
We scheduled Tokyo Disneysea on a Monday to avoid the crowds. This theme park in my opinion is better than Universal Studios in Osaka. The concept of having different theme ports connected by water is one of a kind. Also, the FastPass here is free vs. the ExpressPass in USJ (5,000 to 7,000 yen). Tip: to cut the queue at the entrance buy your tickets online (Klook or KKday).
After 7 days, we logged more than 130K steps or almost 100 kms of walking and hiking. Yes, maybe we were tired but our souls were incredibly happy.
Travel
Alo Japan.