Here is a quick 3 day weekend trip that we squeezed in between a business travel to Tokyo. Ideally for Tokyo we would do a short trip for minimum 4/5 days if we really wanted to relax, but since we were there, we really wanted to make most of the long weekend.
We were staying at Futako Tamagawa, which is a little on the outskirts of Tokyo and contrary to what my office folks told me I thought it was beautiful. Though if you're planning a short trip, I would recommend you stay somewhere in the city like Shibuya or Shinjuku which are more central to all locations.
A thing you must know, is that Tokyo is damn expensive when it comes to cabs or Uber. Take the metro it is much more easier. You can use the metro app- Tokyo Subway which is quite handy. Moreover, don't buy tickets station to station you should get a IC card made if you're here for a while. You can easily get these at the ticket vending machines outside the metro stations. These cards are called PASMO and are quite handy.
Day 01-
Stop 01-
We were staying at Futako Tamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu. We got free from work by evening and headed out to Shibuya to watch the famous Shibuya Crossing. Get a good view of it by reaching a little early and finding the right elevated spot. You'll find tons of tourists already flocking in the nearby Starbucks that has a great vantage point.
Just Wait for the lights to turn Green and watch the magic. When I was crossing it myself, I literally had to hold hands to not get swept off.
Since we both truly believe that a city is best explored walking. Make sure you do so in Tokyo, it's amazing to walk there.
Stop 02-
Next we went to the Hachiko Memorial Statue which is at a close walk from Shibuya Station. If there is a lot of crowd you might just miss it. It's a small bronze statue, particularly not much to see. But it's the story that is actually heart warming and makes this a memorable visit.
Location- 1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
Getting there- Hachiko Exit at the Shibuya Station
After this we decided to walk around Shibuya, unlike the quiet part of Tokyo where we were staying this was flocking with tourists and youngsters. Some roadside parties and statement Japanese fashion was quite a spectacle. One could really sense this as a more modern flavor where people wanted to break free from the monotony of daily life. Some where making a point of wanting to live on their own terms.
Day 02-
Stop 1 & 2 (Morning and Afternoon)-
We started a little early since this was the day we decided to walk and explore the city. Our first stop after breakfast was Meiji Jingu Shrine. This is a must visit if you're in Tokyo. This pristine shrine is right in the middle of one of the biggest parks of Tokyo. The walk towards the main shrine is full of lush green view. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken this Shinto shrine showcases the likes of both the emperor and his lady along the way to the shrine.
The walk through multiple torii (wooden gates) towards the shrine speaks of nothing less than the grandeur that transcends your thoughts to that time.
On the way one sees huge walls of casks of wine gifted to the emperor from the finest, also speaking of the relations the emperor would be having with leaders from those regions across the globe.
There is also a colorful wall of straw casks full of sake for aging it. These were for the emperor for celebrations with dignitaries.
One also walks through Empress Shoken garden of iris, where till date iris flowers are grown in season in her honor. It's surrounded by a lake full of fishes and has the most picturesque landscape.
Make sure that after you're done with this you walk through the adjacent Yoyogi Park, this lush green space in the middle of this bustling city takes you to another place altogether. I really wished we could have done a picnic there, but I will save that for next time.
Location- 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya (both the park and shrine are adjacent to one another)
Getting there- Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Subway Lines
Stop 3 (Evening)-
Through the evening we walked through the streets of Tokyo, and I loved every bit of it. Do that when you're in Tokyo. It's amazing to walk. The artistic shops, the courteous crowds, great coffee places are perfect pit stops on your way.
We discovered on the map that a Snoopy Museum happened to be close by, hence that got added to the itinerary. This is such a small place from outside that you really feel it' a shop more than a museum, but when I entered it was absolutely joyful. Revoking all our childhood memories this place left us with nothing but beaming smiles.
Location- 5 Chome-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Getting there- 7 minute walk from Roppongi Station, and 10 minute walk from Azabu Juban Station
Stop 4 (Night)-
The most bright and well lit place from a distance that one really can't miss with the naked eye is Tokyo Tower. This 333 meter tall tower is the world's tallest steel structure, yes! that's right taller than the Eiffel Tower. Other than awesome observational view of the city, this also serves as a broadcast antenna. A definite visit, especially if you've not done a lot of towers in different cities.
Location- 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato
Getting there- Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line, Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line and Kamiyacho on the Hibiya Subway Li (5-10 min walk from both stations)
Day 03-
This day was super relaxed. Since it was raining on and off, we decided to explore the area around where we were staying and focus on food. For when in Japan eat as much local food, it's really good.
All in all, even though this was a super short trip. It was totally worth it. If you're close by or flying through Japan and have the luxury of a Visa on Arrival, do make the most of it. There is so much to do an see in this place. It's beautiful and dreamy in every possible way. And hopefully my next trip here covers a lot more.
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