If I could describe Japan in one word it would be BUSY! And if I would describe it in two words, it would be”Fancy Toilets.” Japan takes their toilets seriously! You know those fancy ones with music, hands free, almost robotic type toilets? Well, they have those in every single restroom possibly found! That to me was a culture shock itself! If you have been to Europe like I did where restrooms are almost a “privilege” you would understand why I appreciate this so much!

For people here there is really no such thing as leisure time.  People are always in a hurry.  They seem to be always running late or trying to catch the recent train. Everything has to be right now, fast, and immediately, as if they hate the idea of waiting. It almost as if you also need to be in a hurry too so that you don’t get in the way of others!  Aside from the hustle and bustle of this city, I have always found great appreciation and satisfaction to be in the big city.  I have always loved the idea of busy streets, skyscrapers, city lights, and this might sound odd to others, but even the congestion of big cities has always fascinated me! I have always said in the past that I definitely prefer cities than beaches, so it would only be appropriate if I visit one of the biggest cities in the world! TOKYO! Tokyo, Japan to be specific which is #6 on the top 10 largest cities in the world! I think being immersed in big cities is a way to get to know ones culture, even as simple as people watching can show you that.  Yes I tried to plan and study facts about how to get around Tokyo, sights to see, places to eat and etc. but once you are there, nothing can prepare you on how vast and big this country is.  I solely relied on other people’s experience through their blog to help me at least get a better idea on how to prepare myself and plan things accordingly and to not be a “go with the flow” kind of tourist.  I hope my itinerary will do the same to those who have the interest in visiting this beautiful and highly well developed country.

Internet access:  once again Tep wireless did not fail me in giving me internet access in Japan.  Of course Japan is well known to have one of the best internet connections so my pocket WiFi did not have trouble connecting.  And it is definitely important to be have internet access to help you get around Tokyo as I will explain here as well.
BOOK TEP HERE! 

Transportation:  Because of how big this city is, their transportation is definitely complex with different subway lines and options to choose from.  One of Japan’s most popular smart cards is a PASMO card.  We purchased it at the airport along with our Keisei Skyliner ticket.  Our accommodation was an hour away from the airport closer to the city so we needed to purchase the Keisei ticket ($22.60).  This is the fast train and from there on you can transfer and use your PASMO card to transfer from one line to the other.  Take note that you do not need to use the JR Line (those are pricier) you can use this card to get around Tokyo.

How this card works:

• PASMO can be used all throughout Japan to travel by bus or train simply by touching the card to the card reader area on ticket gates and buses without needing to purchase separate tickets.
• This is NOT an unlimited card.  You do have to make refills onto this card when needed so make sure you pay attention to the balance.
• PASMO can be used to make purchases at street shops, shops in stations and vending machines.
• You get REIMBURSED for left over money in your account.  Just make sure to hand it to the train ticket counter before you head back to the airport.

learn more about PASMO card here

Tip: BRING CASH!!
I believe major debit and credit cards have a fee when you withdraw cash from it.  The best way is to bring cash and exchange it later once you get to the airport.  There are many currency exchange ATM’s at train stations so you can just exchange your currency to Yen if need be.  Most importantly, PASMO cards can ONLY  be refilled CASH ONLY.  Although you can still use cards in certain places, some only take cash like small business vendors or street food markets.  In my opinion it was more convenient to carry cash, this way it also avoids those extra fees from cards if cash is withdrawn internationally.

Getting around: The best way to get around Tokyo is by public transportation.  There are taxis available, but they are considered more of a luxury than a convenience and most importantly not budget friendly.  Also, though the train system is immense, it is easy to understand and everything is pretty much within reach by using the subway system.

Important app to download:

Every time I travel to a big city where public transportation is commonly used, this app has never failed me! This app tells you which subway line, how many stops, and alerts when you reach your destination.  Google maps is also handy to have as well for walking distance destinations.  As I mentioned earlier, this is why having internet access is important!

Accommodation: Live like a local, stay in an AirBnb!
Japan is probably one of the most expensive countries to visit.  So accommodations here like hotels don’t come cheap either.  Even those capsule beds come with a price.  This was our home in Tokyo.  Keep in mind, house space in Tokyo is known to be small (shown in the picture below) but everything in this home was perfect for us and the host provided us with all the essentials needed.  Most importantly, we were only 2 mins away from a train station! So for comfort, convenience, and experience I definitely recommend this place. One only downside about this place is, no elevators, and it is at the 3rd Flr so be ready to use them leg muscles to haul your luggage all the way up to the place!
Cost per night: $40

CLICK HERE TO STAY AT JUNKO’S PLACE 

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A must for sushi lovers! Genki Sushi in Shibuya. Probably the cheapest place to over eat on sushi!
Location: 24-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Remember when I mentioned Japan wants it fast and immediately?  Well, this is one example of that.  Usually when we order sushi in a sit down restaurant it usually takes a while for our order to come.  We have to usually do what TOKYO hates.. WAIT… But not at this sushi place.  This restaurant does not have waitresses taking orders for you.
As you get seated, you order on this:
Just an FYI, this was all in Japanese so we mainly decided based on pictures. As I do anyway with any restaurants that I go to, internationally or even here at home!

Once you order, your food will be delivered through this “conveyor belt” machine where the sushi will stop in front of you as it knows for which customer it belongs to!

I mean look at the menu!

We consumed about 16 sushi’s for $10!

 

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A MUST 

• If you have not seen the movie Hachikco, I suggest you watch it before going, it will be more meaningful once you see his statue located in Shibuya.

 

• Of course, you have to cross the world’s busiest crosswalk, Shibuya crossing.

 

 

• Also, don’t forget to visit a Daiso store. Also know as the $1 store.  You can usually find a wide selection of stationary, health and beauty, kitchen and dining, and traditional Japanese item which mostly cost 100 Yen ($1) or unless specified.  The most expensive is about 500 Yen ($5), so you can definitely find a ton of goods here to bring back home!

 

TEMPLES AND SHRINES

• Senso – Ji Temple
  Opens at 6AM daily (shops may open around 10AM)
  FREE
  

Also, this is where we tried this fish bread pastry.  No there is no fish inside or anything seafood, it’s just shaped like a fish but inside is red bean.  Trust me you won’t regret having this!

 

 

 

 

• Nezu Jinja Shrine
  If you don’t have the time to go to Kyoto and visit the world’s famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, then no worries, Tokyo has its mini version of it and most importantly it is FREE!

• 32min train ride from Senso-Ji

 

 

 

 

• Meji Shrine
  FREE

• 34min train ride from Nezu Jinja Shrine 

 

• Just about a 3min walk from the Meji Shrine is the famous pedestrian shopping street, Takeshita st/ Harajuku.  This is also where you can find Totti Candy Factory known for their giant cotton candy definitely worthy for an insta photo.  It does come pricey though worth $10, but if you’re a cotton candy lover like me, this is a MUST for sure!

 

 

 

 

• 6min walk from Harajuku is the famous shopping mall Tokyo Plaza Omotoesando known for that famous mirror architecture.

I suggest go to Starbucks on the 6th flr if you want time to chill, have coffee and enjoy the the scenic view, we stayed here right before sunset it was definitely a good spot to watch it.

 

 

 

 

• Speaking of Starbucks, yeah some might think it is over rated, but if you had the chance to go to the biggest one in the world wouldn’t you want to go? Surely you do!
  
  This Starbucks has 4 floors.
  
• Odaiba
  Diver City Tokyo Plaza – where you can see the giant statue of Gundam statue
  1hr away from Tokyo

 

 

 

 

Once in Odaiba make sure to visit Oedo Onsen Monogatari.  This is definitely a great place to be if you want to relax.  You can easily spend the whole day here as it offers foot baths, amusement games, and plenty of food options!

• Opens at 11AM
• 2,720 Yen ($25) entrance fee
  • includes: bath fee, Yukata robe fee, towel fee, facility usage fee
• There are other facilities that require additional fee if you prefer to use it.  Upon entrance they will give you a bracelet with a bar code, they will scan everything onto this bracelet if you buy food, play games, or use other baths and saunas.  Once you are done they will scan your bracelet and you can pay then for all the expenses  purchased or used in the facility.

 

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONSEN HERE!

To get back to Tokyo, Telecom Center Station is just 7min walk away.

 

Here’s a video of our Japan adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder: All my travel itineraries are based on my own travel expectations. Of course, it’s up to you to omit or add more to it. I’m just here to hopefully be that stepping stone for those who simply seek suggestions.