You will definitely be overjoyed when you land in Tokyo this month because of one particular reason -- it's cherry blossoms season. There are notions that majority of tourists would just go to Tokyo to witness the season, and everything would just be daunting after that. As you sped toward central Tokyo, however, it will occur to you that this was not exactly true.
Traveling to Japan for the first time can be overwhelming which is understandable -- there's just a lot to see and do. No problem! Let's discuss first a few things that you will need to know before setting up your itineraries and managing your time.
Travel routes
It doesn't matter how many days you travel to Tokyo , the general route stays the same. If you’re planning to travel around Japan, you’ve no doubt realized that a Japan Rail Pass is indispensable to getting around the country quickly. Unfortunately, the pass doesn’t cover Tokyo’s 13 metro lines. There’s also no Tokyo Metro discount card for tourists, although it is possible to transport yourself in Tokyo conveniently if not cheaply, using one of two transport cards: Suica or PASMO. You can buy your card, which is good not only in Tokyo but in most major cities in Japan, at any Tokyo Metro ticket machine.
Where should you stay?
Finding someplace to stay is up to you, though accommodation can be really expensive. But there are also plenty of affordable and high-quality places to stay. If location is your priority, you sleep in a tiny boutique room at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel or an even smaller, simpler one at Green Plaza Shinjuku Capsule. Alternatively, while the location of Celestine Hotel is nothing to sneeze at, you’ll pay a bit more for the sense of exclusivity this hotel offers.
Day 1: Shinjuku and Shibuya
Shinjuku is the world’s busiest railway station, with more than 200 exit gates. In less than two hours, you'll arrive in Kyoto and set out into Tokyo’s famous nightlife and shopping district for a snack.
Day 2: Cherry Blossoms
You've probably purposely planned a trip to Japan to be during the cherry blossom season – and Japan during cherry blossom season did not disappoint! Tokyo is looks life a fine painting in pinks and whites of the ever beautiful sakura along the stately canals of Chidorifaguchi, one of the best spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing.
Day 3: Sunrise
Sunrise represents a new beginning and Tokyo is the best city to witness it. There are hundreds of locations in Tokyo that claim to offer jaw-dropping views each year and Kasai Rinkai Park definitely stands out. Since the park is open 24 hours a day, you can view either the sunset or sunrise.
Day 4: Sushi
If you thought it was the fish that dictated how sushi tasted, think again. Many of the pros will tell you that it’s actually the rice, known as ‘shari’, that plays the most important role in determining flavour. You can certainly taste the difference at Tsugu Sushimasa. That’s because they don’t use regular rice vinegar (shirozu) here: instead, they prefer akazu, a red vinegar made from sake lees.
There you go! In just a short period of time, you can cherish your sweet time in Tokyo and embrace their culture. Although many locals, expats, and visitors would argue otherwise. The fact is that Tokyo is a massive city, so even if you spend a lifetime here you’re going to overlook something. Simple tip: make a list of must-sees, as well as attractions you’d like to experience but that aren’t make or break then check items off it according to their importance to you.
Tokyo Localized provides visitors and travellers to Tokyo with a unique perspective of this great city, what makes us unique is that our tour guides live and work in Tokyo, have a passion for this city and love meeting and welcoming new faces. Find out more about our Unique Day and Night Tours of Tokyo - we can't wait to meet you!