Solo in Tokyo - 9 Places you could visit in Tokyo in two days
- MaiRie
- Apr 3, 2017
- 5 min read
Solo traveling wasn't that easy for me especially in a rainy day. But I could say that it was nice to be afar from the reality you have for a while. As an escape, through the walking and sightseeing, it helped me to have peace in mind. I am also grateful to finally check off one from my bucket list. In the nearest future, I would love to travel solo outside the country. Through my experience in this trip, I could, somehow, make my next travels more adventurous and prepared.
Where I visited in Tokyo
(aside from everyStarbucks store I've passed by -yes! I'm a fan)
I took the midnight bus all the way from Takamatsu to Tokyo. It was a last-minute decision that the bus was the best choice I had. It was about 12 hours of journey and I did not really mind it. From the bus station to Tokyo Station, it only took me about 5 minutes walk to take the first train of my trip.
DAY ONE
Highlights : Asakusa → Sky Tree →Omotesando
Asakusa
Sensoji Temple is one of the popular tourist spots in Asakusa. It is one of the oldest temples in the area. You can also visit the Nakamise Dori - one of the oldest shopping street in Japan. You can see various Japanese traditional crafts and items too! As you enter the gate, there would be stalls that sell various Japanese food and souvenirs that you could purchase. There were a lot of tourists and it's really hard to take a good photo at the gate (If you are up for instagramable photos). So visiting the area early in the morning would be your best choice if that is your purpose.
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 2-3-1
What can you do in Asakusa?
Jinrikisha (rickshaw) - ¥3000 (30USD) starting price for 15 minutes. Price varies on your package.
Food Trip - experience the traditional Japanese tastes
Souvenir shopping
Kimono Rental - ¥2900~ (29USD). Price will vary depends on your package.
Skytree
Tokyo Skytree known to be the tallest structure in Japan opened in 2012. It is open every day from 8am to 10pm. The entrance fee varies on holidays and weekdays. It is separated into two levels: Tembo deck and Tembo Galleria. They have different packages for your access. Check out the website I’ve linked below. It is cheaper to purchase the ticket earlier. If you want to save more time, an express ticket is also available.
Address: 1-2-1, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
The Tokyo Skytree is very accessible from Asakusa. It's about 2 kilos away from Sensoji temple. This was my second destination as I was supposed to meet a friend there. Considering the weather on that day, I took the train as it was the most convenient and energy saving that I've found.
Here are the of the possible transportation list :
(From Asakusa)
By foot - 15-20 minutes
Bus - 15 minutes 220yen
Train - 2 mins ¥150 or ¥144IC card
Taxi - 10 mins ¥800(8USD)
Jinrikisha(Rickshaw) - 7000 2 person
Omotesando
If you're into shopping and designer's item, this district is for you. There are tons of brands that you could enjoy. Omotesando is located between Shinjuku and Harajuku(center). It Is also accessible from Roppongi. The area also has various cafes.
One of the cafes I visited with a friend is called ‘Kawaii Monster Cafe’(http://kawaiimonster.jp/day/is). It is very popular especially among the tourist with its uniqueness. It has an amazing lane, especially at lunch and dinner time. So you better come earlier enjoy the experience!
The lane was pretty overwhelming so we had our dinner in a cafe that is popular with females and teens called ‘bills’(https://billsjapan.com/en/omotesando). It took us about an hour to get inside but their cuisine and dessert worth it!
DAY TWO
Highlights: Odaiba →Ginza → Tokyo Tower→Roppongi Hills→ Ebisu Garden Place
Odaiba
Odaiba is one of the popular spots especially the Aqua City. It has a view where you can see the rainbow bridge and the Statue of Liberty. This place has a lot to offer such as the popular Gundam statue (it wasn’t there anymore when I visited as it was moved to Saitama), Palette Town Ferris wheel, Oedo Onsen, otaku meccas, the fountain at Venus Fort and other beautiful views you can enjoy.
It was too early that none of the shops were open. But I wanted to visit the place, again, for the second time. It was the night when I visited the area 8 years ago and so I just wanted to see how it was on day time. I wish I had the time to explore the area.
Ginza
Ginza is known for its shopping, dining and entertainment district. It has numerous art galleries, boutiques, night clubs, restaurants, and cafe. If your intention is shopping, this area might be best for you!
(Ginza Wako)
If you're a Starbucks fan(like me), it might be a great idea for you to visit the very first store in Japan which is located in the area. The store was opened in 1996. As a collector, it was such a great experience to visit the history of Starbucks Japan. Although, I did not expect it to be small compared to the other branches that Starbucks has.
(Starbucks Coffee Matsuya Doori Branch - First Store in Japan)
Tokyo Tower
Hours: 9:00 to 23:00
Admissions: ¥900 (main deck only) | ¥2800 (both decks)
Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en.html
The Tokyo Tower was built in 1958. It has 333 meters high in the center of Tokyo. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, it also serves as a broadcast antenna. The tower has two decks: the main deck and top deck and the accommodation varies. You can also enjoy the ‘look down windows’ and test your fear!
Roppongi Hills
Roppongi is known for its high-end. It is a place where you can find fancy boutiques, top designers shops, where it seems to have nothing cheap to offer. But there are tons of art gallery, gardens, shrines, and temples where you could visit that won't even cost you a penny.
It took me less than 10 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Tower. Seriously, if I wasn't saving my time and energy, I would have walked along the beautiful streets to Roppongi. I have been hearing the area from the Japanese dramas and animes I used to watch a long time ago. It is such a dream come true to finally step my feet in the area.
Ebisu Garden Place
The site has an inspired look of an old European city. You can find plazas, passages, gardens, hotel museums, etc. The area is known as "City within a city" and previously to be the huge Yebisu Beer brewery. Yebisu Garden Place Tower has fine views over Tokyo where you can enjoy the observation deck for free.
This is one of the places that I have been dying to visit. I've learned the place from a popular Japanese drama called 'Hana-Yori-Dango' where Doumyouji and Makino met at the square for their first date-it was such a cheesy scene! Even now, the square is very iconic especially to the fans of the drama.
After graduating in the uni, I decided to take a step out of my safe zone. I needed a soul searching, to see old friends, go to places I've been wanting to visit and learn more about the tradition and culture in Japan. I have been in living in the country for more than 8 years now. I have been to Tokyo once before and now here I am again, to finally visit the places I've been wanting to. My travel is also to visit Starbucks every Starbucks branch I could pass by. It wasn't easy to travel especially on a rainy day but it actually spices up the journey to appreciate the journey.
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