The most excitement of writing my Japan trip is definitely Tokyo part. Tokyo has the energy, the youth feel, the movement and it all comes down what i call Tokyo vibe. How can i get all of that ? I have a little bit of hard time to write down everything as i just wander around Tokyo and get lost. So i make a summary here and hopefully will help you simplify your first trip to Tokyo. Here are 10 things to do in Tokyo as firstimer :
1. Enjoy autumn in Ueno Park
I visit Tokyo in autumn so t’s definitely my number one thing i do is to enjoy autumn in the park, seeing those leaves turn to red and yellow. Step on those pile of autumn colour. Ueno park is very close to my hostel so i just walk there about 15 min. There is a beautiful pond in the middle with tulips around it. People just enjoy sitting near the pond or sitting on the benchs under the tree. Hopefully i can visit this park again on spring to see sakura blooms.
2. Visit Asakusa Temple
I came here at sunset and the light make the temple so beautiful with that red color. Dont forget to walk around the temple, there are many food and souvenir stalls.
3. See the famous Shibuya crossing
See my video above and feel the vibe. You can find Hachiko statue just outside shibuya station and the famous crossing in front of it. Wander around here is my fave things and you can walk to Harajuku from here.
4. Enjoy Harajuku on Sunday
Harajuku is my fave place to see the young Japanese people and enjoy the fashion on the street. The people all coming to Takeshita Dori street. Look at my pic and see how crowded it was. That happen on sunday. Many local brands sell their own design that is so kawaii. The famous store near harajuku that you should check : Laforette and Tokyo. Laforette has many local boutique and inside Tokyu plaza there is Jill Stuart cafe with gorgeous interior and also Starbucks at the rooftop has really pretty ambience.
Didnt get the chance to try the harajuku crepes. There are about 5 or 6 stores sell crepes and all are so cute and inviting. For the affordable shop go to Daiso.
5. See illumination
At the end of the year there are illumination around Japan. The most fascinating illumination i see is at Caretta Shiodome. A beautiful park with lamps build into a fairy tale garden and they will put a lights show every 20 min. And you can step inside the little park after the show to take pictures. Outside Shiodome there are also a little go round, so pretty at night when they just go around with the music. Basicly all around Tokyo and Japan lights up beautifully around november to february.
6. See Tokyo from above at WTC building in Tokyo Hamamatsucho
I actually try to to get to the other building in Shinjuku but can not find it. Thanks god i go to WTC building because it’s really built for people to enjoy Tokyo view. It’s like a lounge with comfy chairs and jazzy music. You will pay 500 yen for the entrance. Sad that i spend time here alone since it’s very romantic. There is a vending machine if you want to spend time here with some drinks and perhap to have that “Lost in Translation” moment (if you know what i mean).
7. Eat
The food so yummy but sadly i didnt try many things, and i write my Japan foodie venture you can read here Japan Foodie Venture
8. Wander around Ginza and Omotesando
Ginza
Ginza is the ultimate place to shop international brands. See those building designed luxurious and modern is another adventure you have to try. I visit the biggest uniqlo store here. I kind a like to visit here at daytime than at night for my opinion. Find Doutor coffe and sit on the window so you will have a really nice view of the iconic clock of Ginza and people crossing.
Omotesando
Omotesando is my fave to stroll around, window shopping and just enjoy the day. The area is more intimate and enjoyable than Ginza as my opinion. Since it’s december, the street lights up by beautiful illumination. And dont forget to check the street behind and you will find nice litle stores, boutique, cafes. What i found : Marimekko, Tintin shop, Second hand store. Also i finally can eat the famous Frozen Smores from Dominique Ansel. How i miss Omotesando a lot.
9. Shopping
Don quijote
This store has a lot of stuff and has many branch, i visit the branch near Asakusa on my way there. What i buy : Mascara, souvenir like magnet, keychain.
Loft
A hip store that has a unique curated things like stationery, make up, bag, with really nice design. What i buy : Janapese masks
Supermarket
I found a supermarket near Asakusa. What i buy : Chocolate and Green tea.
Daiso
Daiso in Harajuku is very popular and super pack as they have many choices, very cute design and super affordable. What i buy : socks, hand , chocolate, souvenir
Kiddy Land
In Omoesando this store is a must visit if you like toys. What i buy : Starwars 3d puzzle
GU
GU is fashion store from Japan and the price is slightly under Uniqlo
I love their design. What i bought : Winter coat, dress, cullotes all from their autumn winter collection
Uniqlo
Yup they actually have already open in Indonesia but hey you have to check their biggest store in Ginza. I love love love their collection. What i bought : Trousers, sweater
10. Walk around and get lost
Sometimes i just pick any station and see at the map if there’s something i can explore on the area or i just walk around and taking lots of pictures. Here are my fave :
I know i miss a lot of things and i only do like basic things. Tokyo, please take me back 🙂 i need to go to Shimokitazawa to check out vintage clothes and eat more food.
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