Tokyo, Japan | Exploring Akasaka District

kingtolentino.com is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission with no extra cost to you. This will help me run my website and channel to provide more content to everyone.

On our 2nd day in Tokyo, we went to Akasaka, the upscale commercial and residential district of Minato Ward in Tokyo. Our goal was to visit Hie Shrine. Situated on a hilltop between Nagatacho and Akasaka. Hie Shrine one of the major shrines in Tokyo.

Then, we crossed the street until we reached a brick backstreets of Akasaka. Strolled along the Esplanade Akasaka street looking for a place to eat. We discovered an old restaurant in a modern street - Ittenbari Ramen & Chahan Restaurant. Known for its Miso Ramen, Fried rice and Gyoza.

Ittenbari Ramen & Chahan Restaurant in Akasaka

For coffee, we walked a few meters away from Ittenbari Ramen & Chahan Restaurant, to a small coffee shop named Mametora Coffee Roasters.

After our short Akasaka exploration, we went back to our hotel to prepare for the continuation of our DIY Tokyo tour scheduled that afternoon.

We had an opportunity to re-visit Akasaka after our Tokyo DisneySea experience. We celebrated our 2024 New Year at The Juicy Gyoza Dandadan, an izakaya restaurant that specializes in fried gyoza.

NOTE: Ongoing update on Japan DIY Travel Guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

The best time to visit Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO JAPAN FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Japan from Manila is via direct flight. There are several entry points to choose from: Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Haneda, Narita.

Depending on your travel, you can choose from several entry points available like Kansai, Nagoya, Haneda, etc.

For the common Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto tour, best option is Kansai Airport.

HOW TO GET TO TOKYO FROM OSAKA

To get to Tokyo from Osaka, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane. However the travel time going to and from the airport also takes time and also has costs. Then, you also need to allocate time for check in and boarding. Lastly comfort is not promised.

The fastest and most convenient option is Shinkansen Bullet Trains. It is not the cheapest especially if you’ll book for a one-way ticket. Best if you avail the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass.

HOW TO GET TO HIE SHRINE FROM NIHOMBASHI STATION

To get to Hie Shrine from Nihombashi Station, take the Ginza line to Tameike-sanno Station. Train ride is around 10 minutes. Then a 5 minute walk to Hie Shrine.

TOKYO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING TOKYO, JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

TOKYO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.