Tokyo, Japan | Exploring Asakusa District

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Asakusa is a major entertainment district of Tokyo, As part of Taito ward, it is located in the northeastern part of central Tokyo. Among its attractions, Senso-ji Temple is the most famous one.

Senso-ji Temple stands as the oldest and most iconic temple of Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple complex was vibrant at the same time has the ancient charm.

Before arriving at Senso-ji Temple, visitors pass through the outer gate, known as Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate.

Kaminarimon, outer gate of Senso-ji Temple

Then thru the Nakamise Shopping Street. Traditional stalls selling Japanese handicrafts and goods lined along Nakamise Street. Due to our late arrival, the street was already packed.

We decided to look for a restaurant along the street next to Nakamise Street where there were less people. Since we were hungry, we picked the first restaurant we saw. Tonkyu, a small Japanese restaurant specializing in Tonkatsu near Kaminarimon.

After filling our belly with delicious katsu and sake, we craved for something sweet. As we walked around Nakamise Street, we stumbled upon an ice cream shop called ice Tokyo. One of the top dessert shop in Asakusa. We sampled their Churro Parfait and Croffles.

We continued with our exploration along the crowded Nakamise Street, slowly making our way towards Senso-ji Temple.

Going back to the station, we decided to stroll in the back-alley to steer clear of the crowd.

Captured a unique perspective of the Five-storied pagoda.

Five-storied pagoda in Senso-ji Temple Complex

It was already late afternoon so we continued our Tokyo exploration and headed to our next destination, Akihabara.

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 ASAKUSA FROM TOKYO IMPERIAL PALACE

There are plenty of options to choose from depending on which area of Tokyo Imperial Palace. Based on our experience to get to ASAKUSA from Tokyo Imperial Palace, we walked to Otemachi Station and took the Tozai Line to Nihonbashi Station. Then we transferred to Asakusa Station. Travel time was around 20 to 30 minutes. From the Asakusa Station it was around 5 minutes’ walk to Sensoji Temple.

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.