Tokyo, Japan | DIY Travel Guide

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On our third day, we travelled from Osaka to Tokyo. Our stay in the capital of Japan spanned 3 days and 3 nights. During our time in Tokyo, we explored Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, Akasaka, and Shinjuku. Additionally, we dedicated an entire day to experience Tokyo DisneySea.

We departed early in the morning from Hotel Forza, trying to catch the JR Train bound to Tokyo scheduled around 6AM at Shin Osaka Station. While it is pretty easy to travel to Shin Osaka Station from our hotel, we opted for convenience since we have multiple pieces of luggage and we wanted to save time. Therefore, we took a taxi to Shin Osaka Station and we paid around 3,600 yen.

Bento Boxes in bullet trains is another unique experience to try in Japan. So prior our boarding, we made it a point to drop by Delica Station in Shin Osaka Station and purchased 2 bento boxes.

We reached Tokyo Station slightly after 9AM.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi, our accommodation, was just a few blocks away from the station, approximately a 10-minute walk. Our initial plan was only to drop our bags and begin our Tokyo experience. However, we changed our plan and requested for an early check in. Hotel charged 1,200 yen per hour for the early check in, and paid a total of 6,000 yen for this request. We unpacked, change clothes, rest and charged our batteries before heading out.

Our first destination was Tokyo Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The massive palace complex features gardens, green spaces and several structure aside from the main Palace. Opting to immerse ourselves to Tokyo’s beauty, we chose to walk from Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi, We walked for around 30 minutes passing Tokyo Station along the way.

Since we wanted to maximize our day to cover more of Tokyo, we did a quick visit and took few photos near the entrance of Tokyo Imperial Palace. Hopefully we can revisit and explore further the Imperial Palace in the near future.

From Imperial Palace, our next stop was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa District. 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.

Senso-ji Temple Complex in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

It was already late afternoon so we headed to our next destination, Akihabara. Renowned as the epicenter of modern Japanese Otaku culture. A shopping hub for electronics, anime and video games. We focused our Akihabara experience around the Akihabara Electric Town area.

Our last stop in our Tokyo day tour was the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The iconic crossing in Japan and one of the busiest crossing in the world. Regardless of time, you can visit this place and still experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

The day was filled with activities and we were too tired to look for somewhere to eat, so for dinner we decided just to buy a quick meal from a convenience store near our hotel.

We didn’t create a full schedule on our 4th day because of 2 reasons: we need to prepare our luggage for our Sapporo and Kyoto trip, and we booked an evening activity in Shinjuku.

With the morning free, we decided to go to Akasaka, the upscale commercial and residential district of Minato Ward in Tokyo

After our short Akasaka tour, we went back to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi and packed our things. Then, we went to Tokyo Station – Marunouchi North Exit and dropped our luggage with Yamato Transport Service.

We availed their luggage delivery between hotels, arranging for a directly delivery to Kyoto while we travel to Sapporo. Pro-tip: This is a convenient way of going around Japan.

Yamato Transport Service in Tokyo Station

It was already late afternoon and our next destination was Shinjuku. A business and entertainment district of Tokyo, known for its nighttime entertainment, vibrant neon lights, and narrow alleys filled with small restaurants and bars. Shinjuku is a perfect area for a night out.

Our 5th day was dedicated for Tokyo DisneySea experience.

After Disney Sea, we went back to Akasaka to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends. We ended up at The Juicy Gyoza Dandadan for our New Year’s Eve meal. The Juicy Gyoza Dandadan is an izakaya restaurant that specializes in Gyoza.

Hope you enjoy our Tokyo experience. Next stop, Sapporo!

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

WATCH THE OSAKA TO TOKYO VLOG HERE

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.

HOW TO GET TO AKIHABARA FROM ASAKUSA STATION

To get to Akihabara Station from Asakusa Station, take the Ginza line to Suehirocho Station which is around 10 minutes. Then 5 minutes’ walk to Akihabara Electric Town.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM TOKYO

To get to Kyoto from Tokyo, 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 SHIBUYA STATION FROM AKIHABARA

To get to Shibuya Station from Akihabara, go to Sueirocho Station and take the Ginza line bounded for Shibuya. Train ride is around 15 minutes. Then, around 5 minute walk to Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

HOW TO GET TO KYOBASHI STATION FROM SHIBUYA

To get to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi from Shibuya, go to Shibuya Station and take the Ginza line to Kyobashi Station. Travel time is around 15 minutes. From Kyobashi Station, there’s a 5-10 minutes’ walk to the hotel.

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.

HOW TO GET TO SHINJUKU FROM TOKYO STATION

To get to Shinjuku from Tokyo Station, take the Chuo line to Shinjuku Station. Train ride is around 15 minutes.

HOW TO GET TO KYOBASHI STATION FROM SHINJUKU

To get to Kyobashi Station from Shinjuku, go to Shinjuku-sanchome Station and take the Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. Then transfer to Ginza Line to Kyobashi Station. Whole travel time is around 20 minutes.

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.