Tokyo - Free & Easy
Travelling in Tokyo has never been easier. Trust me. It is almost idiot proof. Yes, even for us who dun speak Japanese other than arigato, sayonara, Mitsubishi and Toyota. =p
Oh well, there are people who said it's complicated due to its many different lines. But precisely of the many coloured lines, it makes travelling to most tourist attractions so accessible. All you have to do, is just to plan your route before jumping into a random train cabin and end up in a longer journey. After a while, you will get the hang of changing the lines to get to your destinations. =)
In Tokyo, it's mainly served by 2 main train companies - JR Lines & Metro Lines. Both are equally accessible to the usual tourist spots, so no particular preferences for me.
When I went Tokyo in February, there was this promotion going on ~> 2 way limousine airport bus plus a 2 day metro pass (unlimited rides) for just 6000 yen. Pretty cheap coz a one way limousine airport bus ticket alone cost 3000 yen.
I like to travel using the airport bus since it will send me and my luggage right at the door of my selected hotel. Of coz you must choose a hotel along its fixed routes lah, click here to see the full listing of the available hotels.
In this trip, we choose Shinagawa Prince hotel, which is nearer to JR Line. The last time we stayed in Sunshine Prince Hotel ( under the same group), which is nearer to Metro Line. Both locations are very convenient, so depend on your preferred train company lor.
In term of room size, Shinagawa is slightly bigger. For pictures of my room, see the slide show that I'm gonna post up soon right after this entry, once I finish with the captions, okie? Reason being, I wanna save my memory space here! Keke so I will upload most of the pictures in the slide show lor....
Here is a quick run through of the places I went:
1) Akihabara: A place meant for geeks with lotza electronic stuff and maid's cafes.
Here is a quick run through of the places I went:
1) Akihabara: A place meant for geeks with lotza electronic stuff and maid's cafes.
Direction: Akihabara Station
is served by the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line, the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya Subway Line. Suehirocho Station on the Ginza Subway Line is located around the northern end of the district.
Obviously, I'm not a geek...
*Pushing in the bridge of my black rimmed glasses*
Hey, we were there to "bio" ( stare, admire, stare and drool saliva, whatever you think it means) the cute japanese girls in maid costumes. I'm not lesbian lah, but I still like to look at pretty girls, just like looking at your favourite comic characters coming alive!
But to our dismay, we were told that there is a "entrance fee" to go into these cafes and that's excluding the minimal spending per head count! The worst part? We were not allowed to take pictures or rather, you need to pay also to take a picture. =(
Needless to say, we turned our back and decided that the comic characters are most suitable in the comic books.
However if you are interested and dun mind paying, you can consider Home Cafe, which has english-speaking maid and is just 5-6mins from Electric Town exit at Akihabara Station. Click here for more info!
So ya, other than having kebab for lunch, we didnt "accomplish" much here... keke
By Yurikamome
The Yurikamome is an automated, elevated train with rubber tires, which connects Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line with all of Odaiba's attractions and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line.
By Rinkai Line
The Rinkai Line connects Osaki Station on the JR Yamanote Line with Shin-Kiba Station on the JR Keiyo Line, stopping at the Tokyo Teleport and Kokusai Tenjijo underground stations on Odaiba along the way. Some trains on the JR Saikyo Line continue to run on the Rinkai Line and provide direct connections between Shinjuku, Shibuya and Odaiba.
For more detailed directions, please click here.
For me, we took the JR line and alighted at Shimbashi Station, changed to Yurikamome Line and alighted at Odaiba Kaihinkeon so that we can start off with shopping at Aquacity and then do the tourist stuff, i.e photo taking of the Rainbow Bridge and then proceed to Palette Town for Ferris Wheel, Venus Fort (shopping again!) and Toyota Mega Web.
Rainbow Bridge
Picture taken on the train
AquaCity & Fuji TV Building
Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks with you. What you seen are the Statue of Liberty (replica) with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower all in a picture! Cool huh?
I never been to New York to see the Statue of Liberty and never expected to see one here at Tokyo, so it was really a pleasant surprise. Picture time! And I meant lotza pictures... Keke
Ferris Wheel & Venus Fort
I didnt go for a ride on the Ferris Wheel, but it looked really pretty with all lightnings on. So do try to plan your itinerary such that you will come here around evening time to catch all the night scenaries!
And to my pleasant pleasant surprise to the max, I found "Hello Kitty" here! It was crazy photo taking session time AGAIN! Hehe
Cute Hello Kitty Dispenser
Ah ha, heart shape candies! Sweetie to the max!!
I dunno whether this is a temporary Hello Kitty set-up or not, but it's located at the ground level. We happened to chance upon this place when we were walking toward the Toyota Showcase, which is right beside Venus Fort.
Toyota Showcase
Oh well, something for the boys. *Yawn* =p
But there were cute exhibits as well!
3) Disney Sea: A place for those who are really young and those who are young at heart :)
Directions: Tokyo Station JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line. Get off at JR Maihama Station (South Exit)
Click here for the official site.
Ticket price at a quick glance
Mind you, the queue was really crazy. We were there at about 10plus in the morning, and the queue was oreadi winding =_=
Luckily, the ticker counters were really efficient and we got our tickets pretty fast.
The Disney Family
Minnie Mouse
As usual, hiao (aka vain)
Duffy the Disney Bear
No idea who is Duffy ?
*Slap palm.... busy google-ing*
Nah! Read the story here, dun be so outdated!
Apparently, all the japanese here at Disney Sea were crazy over Duffy & Shelley Mae (Ya man, this chap oso has a girlfriend). They were "wearing" the bears, hanging the bears on their bags, hp etc. To say that each of them has one Duffy bear is definitely an understatement.They were hanging like at least 2 to 3 bears lor..
Anyway, I gave in to the "temptation" and bought a pair as well. Well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Okay, back to that Duffy in the picture. I queued for at least 30mins to take a picture with him. He was so cute and cuddling! When I tried to take picture of himself, he pretended to be shy and covered his eyes with his hands. But eventually, he gave me a good wave. *Grinz*
Okay, back to that Duffy in the picture. I queued for at least 30mins to take a picture with him. He was so cute and cuddling! When I tried to take picture of himself, he pretended to be shy and covered his eyes with his hands. But eventually, he gave me a good wave. *Grinz*
Bunnie
Dunno her name leh.. Oops
Goofy
4) Ginza: Another shopping paradise!
Direction: The most convenient stations for accessing the Ginza district are Ginza Station on the Hibiya, Marunouchi and Ginza Subway Lines and Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and Yurakucho Subway Line.
We chanced upon this bakery shop at Ginza area, which should be quite famous in Japan. Oh well, we saw a camera crew team there interviewing the staff! Must be good!
Erm, I dunno the exact location. Just show my blog to the locals? Maybe they can help to direct since they can read the Japanese word. The only "clue" I can give is it's not far from the station. Hmm, doesnt help much huh? Hahhahah
Indeed, it is good.
Especially, this one with cream and azuki beans. It was displayed near the entrance with a poster and so I reckon that it must be the "baker's recommendation", so I bought it lor. Aiya, I dunno how to read Japanese leh.
If you manage to find this bakery, must try this one hor! Thumbs up for it!
5) Asukusa: A place with lotza snacks and souvenirs to bring home. Or come here to draw a lot the japanese way. Whether you believe it or not, simply in the name of having some fun.
Direction:
Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railways.
Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railways.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa.
From Shinjuku Station
Take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa.
For detailed direction, please click here.
Asakusa
Pretty snacks!
The first time I went Asakusa, it was during the Sakura period. The streets were lined up with Sakura and it was really pretty. While you eat and shop along the street, you can admire the pretty flowers too.
This time round, there were no more flowers but the crowd never seems to die down. Keke
6) Ueno/ Ameyoko: A place for admiring cherry blossom and market street shopping too.
Ueno Park direction: Ueno Park is just next to JR Ueno Station. Easiest access is provided by the station's "Park Exit"
Ameyoko direction: Along the Yamanote line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno Station
Ueno Park
White Sakura
Pink Sakura
I went Tokyo in Feb this yr, of coz no Sakura lah. These pictures were taken when I was there in 2007.
The blossom period is pretty short so it really depend on luck whether you will get to see Sakura. I guess, we were pretty lucky and so are you, coz you are reading my blog and looking at these pictures now. Keke =p
Ameyoko
A different side of the typical Tokyo. Quite interesting place to walk around, the stuff here ranged from clothes to stalls selling fish eggs. There are so many different shops/stalls here, that we almost broke our legs to finish walking around the area.
7) Shinjuku / Kabukicho : The 'happening' place when night falls..
Direction:
From Tokyo Station
The frequently departing, orange trains on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid Service) from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station.
From Ueno Station
Take the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Ueno to Kanda Station, and then the JR Chuo Line from Kanda to Shinjuku
We dint really have time to walk around Shinjuju, our main motive was to check out Kabukicho ~ the red light district in Tokyo.
But I wanna recommend this restaurant called 天狗! I tried it the first time in Tokyo, the food was good and the pricing was reasonable too. Apparently it is a franchise restaurant so rightly, it can be found almost everywhere.
Sigh, when I saw it at Shinjuku, we oreadi had our dinner. And when we were searching for places for dinner, it cant be found anywhere. Grrr
So anyway, the restaurant is located near Shinjuku Station, along the way to walk to Kabukicho.
Kabukicho
We were here solely to check out the place, and not to patronize any of the shops. Firstly, we dun have the money and secondly, the boys were with the girlfriends. What can the boys do? Hohoho
Actually, there are male escorts for the ladies as well.
Well, the same theory applies. Firstly, we dun have the money and secondly, the girls were with the boyfriends. What can the girls do? *Shrugged*
Well, the same theory applies. Firstly, we dun have the money and secondly, the girls were with the boyfriends. What can the girls do? *Shrugged*
But I was really excited about the male escorts and started to take pictures. Until, a well built guy walked up to us and started to chit chat with us. He actually told us to be careful and dun anyhow take pictures. All these escorts are taken care by the triads, who "petrol" the area, mainly those men in black.
Hey, we were just tourists and dun meant any harm and definitely, dun wan to get ourselves intro troubles. We heeded the advice and called it a day.
8) Harajuku / Meiju Shrine: A place where serene and hippy comes together...
Direction:
Harajuku Station is a station on the JR Yamanote Line, two stations south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya (130 yen from either station).
Entrance to Meiju Shrine
Meiju Shrine
I didnt go Meiju Shrine this time around coz I went there before liao. I remembered that it was a long walk through the park before finally I saw the Shrine. Well, treat it as a morning exercise, do prepare to walk..... a fairly long distance. Keke
Told you we were lucky, we even saw a wedding couple when we were there! =)
Harajuku
This is the place where you can find youngster's stuff and if you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of japanese dress up in cosplay.
9) Shibuyu: Another shopping area!
Direction:
Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo's busiest stations. It is served by the JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, Ginza Subway Line, Fukutoshin Subway Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-Entoshi Line, Keio Inokashira Line and the Narita Express.
There are simply too many shopping areas in Tokyo! Sigh, but I dun have enuff money leh...
This building called Shibuya 109, contains lotza young woman fashion boutiques. It's like far east square but clothes are much more prettier, quality are better but the prices are also more expensive.
We all love to look at the girls featured in Japanese Magazines. Here, you practically see those models in magazines every where, especially the sale girls. All so pretty and I love how they mix and match their clothes. Oh well, beauty comes with a hefty price. Hmm...
And there's L'occitane Cafe too! ^_^
There's something that I forgot to do when I was in Shibuya ~ to see for myself, the Hachiko Statue. *Sigh*
After I watched the movie Hachiko, I wanted to go and see the statue but I actually forgotten when I was there. Haiz.... A thousand regrets..
Okay, that sums up my Tokyo 4D3N free & easy trip. Hope you like it! Again, if you like to have my itinerary with the maps, drop me a comment!
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54 comments:
hi i would like to have your itinerary and maps! will be really useful.. i'm planning to go this june..
my email is kristenlim@hotmail.sg
Hi Kristen,
Itinerary sent! Please check your mailbox ^_^
Rgds,
Ashley
Hi! can you send me your itinerary and maps too?(: I am planning to go toyko free and easy after my hokkaido tour trip. These info will be really useful to me.
ng.shiqi@hotmail.com
Thank you!
Hi, could you also share the itinerary and maps too? am also planning a trip to Tokyo.
lim_y_k@hotmail.com
thank you in advance.
Hi, may I hv a copy of your itinerary too?
ltangt@gmail.com
Thanks alot!
hi there.
Could you please email me a copy of your itinerary?
It will be very useful for me!
kayslyn@live.com
thank you so much!
Hi Kayslyn,
Itinerary sent. Enjoy!
HI,
just check out ur post, its looks fun, and my parents planing to visit Tokyo on September, do u mind sharing ur itinerary and maps..?
it will be very helpful for them to visit as free and easy...
many thanks...
yang.ng@gmail.com
Hi yang,
Itinerary sent! Hope it's useful for your parents!
Hi, I would appreciate if you can share with me your itinerary. Very helpful and useful to me. I wld like to travel during jan. My email marypoh@singnet.com.sg
Thanking you in advance
Regards,
Mary
Hi Mary,
Itinerary sent, pls check your inbox!
Not forgetting, remember to have a GREAT trip!
Hello Ashley,
I am planning to go free and easy to Japan this December. Your post is really interesting and fun!!! Can I have a copy of your itinerary too? My email is lynsong43@gmail.com.
Thank you in advance =)
Lyn =)
Hi Lyn,
Sent! Enjoy ur trip!
Hi Ashley
My last trip to Japan was more than 5 years ago with my family via a tour group. I was so disappointed in that trip; maybe it was the rushing about or it being winter and everything was closed or maybe coz it was with the family and I couldn't really shop in peace with my mum's watchful eyes(we went in early Dec to Hokkaido with 1 day in Tokyo)! Seeing your blog has given me new hope to try Japan again F&E in Tokyo for 9-10 days next April ~ I can almost smell the cherry blossoms in Spring!
Appreciate if you can send me your itinerary for reference - petcf@live.com. Many thanks!!
Petrice
Hi Petrice,
Sent!
Spring is a good time to visit! My first trip to Japan was in April as well. =)
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for sharing your experience in Tokyo.You have a proper itinerary list for Tokyo free & easy.
Could you kindly share your itinerary list with me?
Thanks,
lawrence_llty88@hotmail.com
Hi, was googling for free and easy travelling in Tokyo and read your post. Could you share your itinerary list with me please?
Thank you!
cindychiamht@gmail.com
Can I have your itinerary? We plan to go in this May, at first we think of follow the day tour organize by the travel agency.
Hi Nicole,
Please give me your email so that I can send the itinerary over.
=)
Hihi ,
ur trip looks interesting ! can u send me ur iTinerary ? I like to go Japan f&e also. simply hate go with tour.
email : grape_lhh@yahoo.com
hi would love it if you can mail me your itinery. it seem so interesting.
email: artzyfrenzy@gmail.com
many thanks.
Hihi,
Itinerary sent! Check your mail!
^_^
Hihi,
thanks for sharing. do you mind sending your itineary pls? binique945@gmail.com
thanks alot! :)
Hi hi,
Your trip looks interesting ^^
May I have a copy of your itinerary & map please?
Email: moon66515@hotmail.com
Many thanks :)
Hi dear,
Sent you the itinerary! Let me know if you do not receive.
Cheers,
Ashley
Hi Ashley, can I have a copy of your itinerary pls? Planning to go to Tokyo free and easy this August. Thanks a lot . Email: shaojun7979@gmail.com. Cheers, Joy
So many people going japan... *envy*
Haha.. Shaojun, I just emailed you the itinerary. Enjoy your trip!
So many people going japan... *envy*
Haha.. Shaojun, I just emailed you the itinerary. Enjoy your trip!
Hi, can i have a copy of your itinerary too? Thank you so muchhhh :) thawrnz@gmail.com
Hi,
Can I have a copy of your itenary for reference??
Thanks in advance
mespamib@yahoo.com.sg
Hi,Can I have a copy of your itinerary? Thx in advance!
:) cheers
ep_razor@hotmail.com
hello!
Can i have a copy of your itinerary please? Thanks in advance.
munchlax90@hotmail.com
hi i would like to have your itinerary and maps! will be really useful.. i'm planning to go this sep..
my email is taykl74@yahoo.com.sg
Dear all,
Itinerary sent! Please let me know if you didnt receive ya?
Have a good trip! *envy*
Hi,
Hope you can send me your itinerary and map to cindrella.lim@gmail.com
Tx so much...
Hello,
you got a really good info. can i have ur itinerary and maps pls?
im going with family of 7 ppl. would u recommend us to follow tour or we can just walk on our own?
my email add: florence1510@hotmail.com
Thank you in advance & have a good day :)
Hi Cindrella & Florence,
Itinerary sent! Pls check your mailbox! =)
Ash
hi,
I would like to have your itinerary and maps! It will be really useful. I'm planning to go on next month end of October.
my email is hocc555@gmail.com
TQ so much!
Regards,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Itinerary sent! Pls check your mailbox!
Hi,
Was apprehensive about F&E travel in Tokyo. Aft reading your blog, omg u make it sound so easy, i'm gonna try it out, jus me and my teenage son. Will appreciate if you can let me hv a copy of your itinerary and whatsnot. Appreciate. my email is shedevillucifer@gmail.com
thx: merlyn
Hi Merlyn,
Itinerary sent! Have a good trip!
Hi Ashley,
My friend and I are planning to go Tokyo next April, would appreciate to have a copy of your itinerary and map for reference.
My email: ringolee001@yahoo.com.sg
Many thanks!!
Apple
Hi,
Possible to send me your itinery and map? I planning to go this Nov.
Thanks
toh_chui_chui@yahoo.com.sg
Hi Chui Chui,
Itinerary sent! Pls check your account!
Hi may I I have a copy of your itinerary ? Thanks my email is paulinetn@yahoo.com.sg
Hi, may i have a copy of your itinerary? Thanks. adeline_14@hotmaol.com
Hi, may i have a copy of your itinerary to lovesoggyfries@gmail.com ? This would help me alot in planning my dec trip :)
hi, nice blog post. was interested in your itinerary for tokyo. may i have a copy of it to sohhuiching@hotmail.com
Thanks (:
Hi, may i have a copy of your itinerary to Sohhuiching@hotmail.com ? This would help me alot in planning my april trip :)
Hi, Can you send me a copy of your itinerary to tiffany9027@gmail.com
Thanks!!! :D
Hi Tiffany,
Itinerary sent! Have a great Xmas!
Hi, may i hv a copy of your itinery please? it looks interesting n thank u so much for sharing. thumb up! my email: awakenval@gmail.com
Hi Ashley, glad I stumbled on your blog. I'm planning on a 4D3N Tokyo trip as well. May I have a copy of your itinerary and map pleaseeeeeee? Oh yeah, the pic with rainbow bridge, tokyo tower, n statue of liberty looks AWESOME, could you tell me where the spot is? Thanks ahead!!
Cindy ;)
OMG, i was too excited i forgot to incl my email address: halimcindy@gmail.com. Ciao~
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