Our first day in Tokyo was spent doing “touristy stuff”. All locations are accessible via JR trains (via JR Pass) with one or two transfers using local subways (pay by Suica card). Our itinerary for that day was as follows:
- Nakamise Shopping Street (Asakusa Station of Ginza Line). This is where you get all your souvenirs!
- Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple (at the end of Nakamise)
- Meiji Shrine in Harajuku (Next to the Harajuku Station of Yamanote Line).
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku (right in front of Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station).
- Omotesando, brand name shopping street south of Takeshita Street.
You can easily spend the first part of your day at Asakusa. Don’t eat too full of a breakfast so you can enjoy some of the snacks sold at the street! Then spend the second half of the day at Harajuku, shopping and visiting the Meiji Shrine. The bridge to the Meiji Shrine is also where the teenagers in “Harajuku fashion” hangs out on a Sunday. Many young people gather and engage in “cosplay” or “costume play, dressing up in crazy costumes!
Here’s a sneak peek to some of the pictures. More will be posted once we get back to Seattle.
Nakamise Street and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa…
Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine in Harajuku…
SNACKS
Along the side streets of Nakamise Shopping street, we found a store that sold “menchi katsu (メンチカツ)”. A breaded and deep fried Japanese ground meat cutlet or croquette. The meat is usually ground beef, or pork, or sometimes a mix of the two. We had it for the first time at one of the stores on the side alleys of Nakamise and it was delicious!
Enjoy!
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6 Comments
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Tokyo is on my dream list. But is it difficult for a person who doesn’t speak Japanese to get by?
Ele recently posted..Trys Vilniaus dienos
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We speak minimal japanese which helped. It’s easiest if you’re visiting the larger citiies such as Tokyo as compared to the more rural areas that we visited like Noboribetsu etc. I’d recommend writing down/printing out a few phrases in japanese for basic conversations and pointing/showing it to the japanese person when you need help. With today’s advances in technology, you can even do google translate on the go, which should help! We’re also more than happy to help out as you prepare for your Japan trip! Just let us know by emailing us!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{Worldwide} Our 7 Links, What You May Have Missed the Past 7 Months
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Hello I enjoyed your great article on {Japan} Tourist Attractions in Tokyo (1. Exactly what I was looking for.
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Thanks Norman! Glad this is of help!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{China} Best Roast Duck in Beijing? We think it’s at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant
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