We flew from Seoul to Tokyo, and Im afraid I dont know how long it takes for the JR pass to reach the US! Is it possible to do day trips to outside of Tokyo and where would you suggest? The main food we ate in Hakone was at the ryokan, but on day one, we had lunch at a little restaurant near the pirate boat stop. Have a great trip! Fune-no-Kagakukan station. Wednesday morning head to Kyoto for a quick visit, and then to Tokyo to stay the night. It is a great option to fly around the city and see all of the major attractions from a very different perspective.The 15-minute night-timehelicopter flighttakes a circuit from the Tokyo Disneyland Resort area over Odaiba, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, offering some of the best city views before returning to home base. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Would the language barrier be a big challenge? Am done with my trip and I loved every bit of it.. . A lively and sociable purpose-built hostel, this place offers a number of events including Geisha shows, Sumo matches, and walking tours. You will need to book ahead to ensure you get on a flight, we bookedthis experience through Klookand the process went smoothly. The district itself is a bit of a tourist attraction by now and is still worth experiencing. Located just outside Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 120 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, Hitachi Seaside Park offers an escape from the bustle of urban life. Be impressed by plastic fantastic at Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo. It depends on what works best for you in terms of flights in and out of the country and how much time you have. I strongly suggest booking early and confirming your hotel stay a few days before arriving in Japan. While there are several places where your son can make his own candy, they are conducted only in Japanese. What you want is a hotel close to a subway stop (preferably one of the stops for the NEX train). I had heard that the walk can be treacherous, but it felt very safe to me (and I am terrified of heights and cliffs). Most of the bars in Golden Gai have a cover charge which can range from a couple hundred to about 1000 yen, although some places will waive the cover charge for non-japanese tourists and will have a sign out front advertising as such. Thanks for great website. Natalie. During this season, temperatures are pleasant, the weather is lovely, and there arent too many tourists. Ill be in Tokyo with my 15 year old son in June. Ueno Zoo and National Museum of Nature and Science Both in Ueno Park (and the Shitamachi Museum if you cant make it the Fukagawa Edo Museum, below), National Childrens Castle a multi-level indoor educational/amusement playground for children, Museum of Maritime Science lots of hands-on, model ships, etc (and a public swimming pool right beside it). So we do hope to go to Japan sometime in the future and I will definitely follow this guide. Gaze up at the soaring Tokyo Tower before heading to one of the two observation decks for panoramic city views. Im sure whatever you decided will be great! We recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible because the shows always sell out! As you said, feminism has many different forms. We got to Kyoto from Shibu Onsen by following the same route back to Nagano and then getting a train from there to Kanazawa (90 minutes) and another train from there to Kyoto (130 minutes). 2. Shibuya is an enormous neighbourhood, so there are a variety of districts to choose from. The ryokans all seem very expensive in May so not sure I can afford 2 nights, but dont want to waste my time either if one day isnt enough. I was little lost when planning the trip and your blog is going to help me do a wonderful trip Thanks a lot. As announced last month, Japan opened its borders today, Oct. 11, which means most travelers can resume traveling to one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world.So how can you get there on the cheap? Each of these private rooms comes with a television, a few microphones, and a songbook, where you will pick out the song you want to sing! If you have a lot of bags they may direct you to a taxi to do the quick trip though its a short walk. As for Lake Kawaguchiko, there are several places where you you can rent bikes. I too am planning a ten day visit in April. Be sure to check out where to stay in Tokyo to make sure you know where to book yourself somewhere nice to put your feet up after a long day of adventure!. The JR rail website said that we have to go to an agent. Hi, thanks for sharing your amazing experience, it will be very helpful for my next trip in 20 days!! Free tours conducted in English (enquire inside after you arrive). Another great thing about DONKI is its affordable prices. It does not make economical sense to purchase the Japan Railpass. We create handpicked, unique itineraries, filled with beautifully designed places to stay and ways to experience life like a local. As for SUICA, its valid on subways and city buses throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and you can add as much as you need onto your card. If you want to do this exact itinerary, then Id recommend doing some overnight stays. Its very pricey in comparison to south-east Asia, but the costs were comparable to London. Tsukiji hosts one of the largest and most important fish markets in all of Japan. (Note: Kawaii Monster Cafe is now permanently closed.). This is such a wonderful post and resource for my trip to Japan. We stayed in Shibuya, which was an ideal place from which to explore the city. Youre right that Tokyo Sea is unique because its only in Japan, but you are also right that it does not have as much geared toward young children like Tokyo Disney has. It does have an excellent science museum and a brand new Legoland, but youre basically getting the busyness of a city without the attractions and on a tight schedule, I wouldnt make a stop here. I am a little concerned about the weather being too cold for Disney and Tokyo however. Go antique shopping, and by that, we mean window shopping because the prices can be steep. The Shibu Onsen sounds and looks so interesting but given our shorter stay and where we start and end, I dont think we could spare the travel time to get there. As a volcanically active country, Japan has numerous onsens scattered throughout the country. Kaisu hostel is one of Tokyos best hostels because of its location, modern decor, and comfortable dorm beds. However, you need to be aware of how likely it is that you will be overcharged, sometimes against your will. It is the ultimate nightlife experience in Tokyo. Its also one of the best budget hotels in Tokyo, as breakfast is free. So for the week Monday 10th to Friday 15th, we plan to explore and visit another friend one night in Saitama, sight-see Tokyo, and somehow if possible, fit in a visit to the Universal Studio Osaka as the kids are Harry Potter mad. Mt. The apartment is close to one of the most unique international Asian/Korean town in Tokyo. Im headed there for Christmas in a few weeks with my partner. And since Ikebukuro is slightly out of the way from most Tokyo attractions, you might wish to combine it with the small but sweet Sunshine Aquarium in the same Sunshine City complex. Crucially, Tokyo has an extremely modern and effective transportation system. A hands-on museum devoted to science and math (and panasonic products). We just wish wed left a little earlier in the morning as we missed the ropeway, which closes quite early. Also we have 6 luggages, whats the best and inexpensive way to get to hotel? And although Tokyo is overwhelming, we did find it manageable. Your blog is awesome. Its often necessary to book 2 rooms for a family of 4 or more. There are several that are inexpensive and have larger tatami rooms good for families. The onsens and sento are gender-separated, as they expect the guests to be completely nude when bathing. Thanks for all the great information. Great info, thanks. Since this is a government building, youll have to go through security and have your bag searched. Below is a list of the most popular tourist attractions open in Tokyo and their current state of business. This was a recurring element of our time in Japan; although futuristic in many senses, its attitude towards women from the culture of hostess bars to the maid cafes in Tokyo, and the tendency to infantilise women often felt uncomfortable. Its surrounded by bars and restaurants and is located close to the station for easy access to Tokyos best shopping areas. The main reason we went there was because our flight home was from there. Shop for all things vintage at the shopping area outside the train station. There are three bus networks in the town and you can pick up a map at the bus station at the top of the funicular. Hi Olaf, so pleased to be of help. Angie. Bridges and Balloons is all about travel to special places. Have a great trip! Hope you got it all sorted in the end! At tis stage we are thing of staying 7-10 nights in each and doing day trips from there. It would be expensive to take the Shinkansen bullet train just for experience. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week. In Ueno, one of Tokyos largest parks, theres Ueno Zoo, the Shitamachi Museum filled with historic relics from Tokyos past (including folk-art toys kids can try out), and the National Museum of Nature and Science. (We are a family of 4, traveling with two children, ages 7 and 12.). Hi Linda, Ive just updated the price as i think its gone up slightly (by about 5) since I last checked. Oh, the magical Japan! The Robot Restaurant is by no means inexpensive with an 8500 yen entrance fee, but its an unforgettable experience, to say the least, so why not check it out! The private roof balcony is the perfect place for guests to get some fresh air and enjoy a cup of coffee!Click here for more info! As readers of this blog know, we normally adopt a slow travel approach, spending days or even months in one place, but with Japan it was different. Thanks. This is also where you go if you want to experience a maid caf, which we decided was a step too odd for us and likely to enrage my feminist instincts. Its right next to the Little Prince Museum, which means its easy to find. We had the chance to see many of the sights you discussed. Japans largest electronics district is now also the best gathering place place for Otaku (anime/manga nerds) due to its concentration of shops selling figurines, games, and everything else, with Mandarake and Radio Kaikan among the big players (be aware, however, that some of the figurines are NOT for children). Of course, it would have been nice to stretch the trip and spend a few days in each place to soak everything in some more, but for the time and money we had, our Japan itinerary worked really well, and I highly recommend it for first-timers to Japan. We (5) are travelling to Narita in early April for 11 days with 2 children 6 and 3. ), ropeway and cable car. Im sure youll have a great time no matter what you decide to do. Shinagawa seems to be better for transport to Kyoto being available at the station, however Asakusa appears to have a traditional feel about it. What would you recommend? As for additional sights in Tokyo, there are lots of good places for families. Visit the beautiful Senso-ji Temple and marvel at the towering pagoda and gleaming statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Its within walking distance of the neighbourhoods major sights and is well situated close to public transport for getting further afield. Am planning a trip and your article is really helpful. The real area for all things counterculture in Tokyo is the Shimokitazawa district! Theres plenty to see, but be prepared for the fact that its mostly a means to sell merchandise. Style. I am amazed at how successful you were finding vegetarian food everywhere you went, which usually isnt that easy because the Japanese like to put a fish broth in everything. Triples and quadruple rooms large enough to fit a family are rare. See how Tokyo has changed through the ages at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Find the pack that suits YOU. Tokyo fire museum. Both are great places to check out! They have a city guide which is slim and compact as you walk around the city. Yes, with all that moving about the two-week JR pass is recommended and activate when you leave Tokyo. As with all ryokans, there were public onsens available for guests (one for men and one for women), but one of the highlights of Mount View Hakone was the private onsen that you could hire for 45 minutes for 2,000 yen. While some temples and shrines require a token admission fee, many dont. Next time! Free ones include the Sensoji temple, Meiji Jingu shrine and the Senkakuji temple. Its the moment weve all been waiting for. 5. Youll be fine. Despite the various light-hearted depictions of host and hostess clubs in popular manga and anime, these establishments can lead you down a very expensive spiral. I m going to Tokyo With my 10-year-old son (his first trip to Japan) in a couple of months. to overall airline efficiency. A wonderful and whimsical museum from animator Miyazaki Hayao (who made films such as Ponyo and Spirited Away). But we are bringing a young child of 4. Now, Shiodome is an ultra-modern area, defined by densely packed skyscrapers and high-speed rails. Our community has rated this post as helpful. Simply take the Toei Mita line to Onarimon and follow the ten-minute walk. The upper floors also boast panoramic views across Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge. In addition to the open-air rooftop viewing platform, there is also the Sky Gallery, an indoor viewing area on the 46th floor if vertigo gets the best of you. Nara was mind-blowing! Typical over-the-top Japanese wackiness and super fun for kids. Hanazono Shrine is dedicated to Inari, a deity of fertility, and plays host to various festivals throughout the year. You can use this link to get 25 off your first AirBnB booking. Featuring free wifi and a hot steam bath, the ryokan also offers an Asian breakfast each morning. In Shinjuku, the red-light district Kabukicho is filled with these captivating neon signs! Finally, there are many guided tours geared toward foreign visitors, where language is not a barrier. We found an amazing, cosy cocktail bar in Kyoto called The Sodoh, which is next to a fancy Italian restaurant of the same name. Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic itinerary! Theres a mini-car racetrack, a car simulator, and race cars. May. Thank you. We have already been to Disney at Tokyo on a previous trip. For sumo wrestling in Tokyo check this schedule. It is no surprise why they are so popular. The experience of walking through such a sacred place is calm and meditative, and honestly one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo at night alone. If youre visiting Tokyo for the first time, we highly recommend staying in Shinjuku. Another good cycling destination is Lake Yamanakako, which has a dedicated cycling lane and also good views of Mt. Do you think to hang around Tokyo for 2 weeks or do you suggest going out to other places? If we dont do Osaka/ Kyoto, is it better to just buy the tickets as we go (not using any sort of pass, or just get Tokyo Wide Pass, or Tokyo day pass for JR and metro? On one of those nights, we ended up eating pizza and the other night, we finally found an okonomayaki only to find that the chef had covered it in fish flakes (this was despite us seeing him start to do this and reminding him we didnt eat fish. That said, Odaiba does have a lot of kid-friendly attractions (e.g. I wanted to know your recommendations for things to do with kids in Winter. The Odaiba option is near the Ariake train station and a 4-8 minute walk from 2 other stations. We will go directly to Airbnb lodging that is within 5-8 minutes from Disneyland. Spotting the large red neon sign marking one of the entrances to Kabukicho is not hard from Yasukuni-dori Boulevard, but you can also locate the main drag of Kabukicho by finding the large Don Quijote (Tax-Free Shop) building (more on this store later). You havent given me a whole lot to go as to your interests but possible ideas would include: 3 or 4 days in Tokyo to do most interesting things from list above; 2 days in Kyoto seeing the top sights; day trips or overnight trips to Himeji, Hakone, Kamakura, and/or Nara. I dont disagree about the owl cafes. Suginami the ward Koenji lies in is also where youll find the highest concentration of anime studios in Tokyo. An onsen (natural hot spring). What's your budget (preferably in Yen)? Theres a massive lounge area which is a great place to meet fellow travellers. You can drink and party in Shibuya and then have a chill day in Meguro, which is a win-win if you ask me. Hotel class. If you like to be right in the action, staying in Shinjuku is ideal. To go deeper into the food culture in Osaka, you could do this nighttime food walk or this street food hopping tour. On the day we went, it closed at about 3pm, just as we arrived. Fuji is visible from most of the places in the town unless your view is obstructed by buildings or trees. (Kyoto also has a good train museum.). If youre lazy to do that, the East Gardens are always open to the public. In addition to 3D movies, displays explaining and showing how Gunpla (Gundam toy kits) are made, virtual reality experiences and a display of every Gunpla model ever made, it hasof course!a merchandise shop. Eek, Im afraid Im really not sure. People travel from all over the world to see the magical displays of blossoms and then leave as quickly as the petals fall. Summer is generally not an ideal time to travel to Tokyo; this is the hottest and most humid time of year as well as the rainy season. Stay in the same hotel for your time in Kyoto/Osaka and do a day trip to the other city. Even if you dont intend to spend all your money on Pikachu plushies, the Pokemon Centre is a must-visit for any fan of the franchise. Bethany. Shinjuku 264. Lots of great ideas, plus Ive found lots of helpful tips from the comments section. The train is definitely the way to go. The things we chose to see were: Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavillion; Kiyomizu-dera, a temple with a balcony that overlooks the city and is the perfect place for sunset; and Fushimi Inari Shrine, a place youve likely seen photos of with its iconic paths lined with red tori gates. A cavalcade of dancers, dinosaurs,robots, ninjas and all manner of eclectic entertainers vie for your tension neon madness ensues, like an overspill from Bladerunner. Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities weve ever been to and the kind of place you could spend a lifetime getting to know. Places we can recommend in Kyoto include: curry in Gion; deserts at Nanas Green Tea; and the street food snacks around Fushimi Inari Shrine. The Deer, walking up to you, begging for food, the Mochi pull at the mall and all the beautiful Temples. The food here was of a higher quality than at Mount View Hakone and entirely Japanese. Yoyogi Park (near Harajukuthe teenager hangout) is the best park for families. Out of your recommendations do you have any standouts that are better for toddlers? If youre looking for where to stay in Tokyo with kids, this is a great option. What is there to do in Tokyo in the morning and afternoon before our flight? I am not sure if to buy the JR pass for 7 days and use it when we are going to Kyoto and the towns around or to buy 14 days JR Pass and have it for Tokyo too. Doesnt the name speak for itself? The best of these can be found in Tsukiji and Meguro respectively (visit around April for the best cherry blossom display). Wander through the delightful garden of Shinjuku Gyoen. There are tons of funky shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, not to mention a heap of terrific things to do and see. My family visited Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto a summer ago.Your right it was a trip I will not forget! Booking.com/Tokyo is the easiest way to book hotels and will usually have better prices than the hotel websites. Day passes are only worth it if youre going great distances or plan on using transportation for many different locations within one day (like the Tokyo day pass for metro), which is unlikely. hello, Greetings from super kid friendly Berlin,
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