Happy New Year!

Taken from the Annual Edogawa Fireworks Display (August 2, 2008)

Let me be the first one to greet you a very very happy new year! Have a very blessed and peaceful 2010!

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My Guide To Tokyo

As you may know by now, Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world. The energy of this city is unbelievable and everyone is up and about 24/7. In spite of these, it still remains as one of the most orderly and safest cities in the world. I was fortunate enough to have a chance to live in Tokyo for 6 months. During this time, I was able to explore the city and appreciate its unique charm. To help you plan your vacation, I listed some of the must-see places in Tokyo.

1) Harajuku/Omotesando/Downtown Shibuya

These areas are three of the most popular shopping districts in Tokyo. Harajuku offers cheap and trendy clothes and mostly caters to teenagers. In fact, the famous Takeshita Street in Harajuku is said to have the most concentration of teenage girls in all of Japan. Nearby Omotesando, on the other hand, offers high end luxury brands. Name it, Omotesando has it. When you go shopping, don't forget to check out the side streets of Harajuku and Omotesando. There are many hidden gems there. Lastly, Shibuya offers hip and trendy clothes and is just 5-10 minutes away from Omotesando by foot. It is also famous for its restaurants and nightlife.

Aside from shopping, Harajuku is also home to one of the most famous shinto shrines in Tokyo - the Meiji Shrine. It is a quiet sanctuary compared to the hustle and bustle of nearby Harajuku and Omotesando.

JR Harajuku Station (taken on February 16, 2008)

Takeshita Street (taken on February 16, 2008)

Access:
a) Harajuku and Omotesando: JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingu Mae Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon/Ginza/Chiyoda Line Omotesando Station
b) Shibuya: JR Shibuya Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon/Ginza/Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station, Tokyu Toyoko/Den-en-toshi Line Shibuya Station

2) Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the home to some of the highest buildings and offices in Tokyo. Aside from this, it is also a popular shopping spot. But unlike Harajuku/Omotesando/Shibuya, Shinjuku caters to the older age group and has a large concentration of department stores. Other than shopping, Shinjuku is also famous for its nightlife especially the infamous red-light district Kabuki-cho.

Shinjuku (taken on December 23, 2007)

Access:
JR Shinjuku Station, Odakyu Line Shinjuku Station, Keio Shinjuku Station, Toei Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station

3) Akihabara
Home of the "otaku" culture, Akihabara is the place to go to find cheap electronics, games, gadgets, etc. On sundays, parts of Akihabara are closed to traffic to accommodate the large number of shoppers. The best time to shop is during holidays such as the golden week (May 3-5) and new years day since most shops go on sale. Make sure to catch the best deals.

Access:
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station, JR Akihabara Station, Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station

4) Ginza/Tsukiji/Odaiba
Ginza is a high-end shopping district located in eastern Tokyo packed with shops and department stores. Just like Akihabara, parts of Ginza are closed to traffic on Sundays because of the influx of shoppers. A few minutes away from Ginza is Tsukiji, home of the world famous Tsukiji Market. 5-10 minutes away from Ginza is Odaiba, an artificial island famous for its great views of the city. This place also houses the futuristic Fuji TV office, a large ferris wheel and some good restaurants and nightlife.

Ginza Clock Tower (taken on January 31, 2008)

Odaiba View (taken on February 10, 2008)

Odaiba Ferris Wheel (taken on February 10, 2008)

Access:
a) Ginza: JR Yurakucho Station, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho/Ginza Line Ginza Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi Ginza Station
b) Tsukiji: Toei Oedo Line Tsukuji Ichiba Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji/Higashi Ginza Station, Toei Asakusa Line Higashi Ginza Station
c) Odaiba: Yurikamome Line, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit

5) Tokyo Tower/Roppongi
The landmark of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, is a 333m high tower and is a great place to view Tokyo's cityscape. For more information, you can check out my post on Tokyo's night views. A few minutes away by foot from Tokyo Tower is the ultimate nightlife district of Tokyo, Roppongi. This place is lined with bars and restaurants which is packed with both locals and foreigners alike. Roppongi is also home to high-end malls such as Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown.

Odaiba Ferris Wheel (taken on January 20, 2008)

Roppongi Hills (taken on July 26, 2008)

Access:
a) Tokyo Tower: Toei Oedo Line Akabanebashi Station, Toei Mita Line Onarimon Station, Toei Asakusa Line Daimon Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyachou Station, JR Yamate Line Hamamatsuchou Station
b) Roppongi: Toei Oedo Line Roppongi Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station

6) Asakusa
Asakusa is one of the older districts of Tokyo. It is home to the famous Sensoji temple - Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple. Aside from this, Asakusa is also known for cheap and delicious food.

Sensoji Temple (taken on February 10, 2008)

Sensoji Temple Pagoda (taken on February 10, 2008)

Access:
Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station, Tokyo Metro, Tobu Isesaki Line Asakusa Station

7) Marunouchi Area

The Marunouchi Area is filled with offices, restaurants and some shopping areas. But the main attractions of this area are the Imperial Palace, Diet Building and the Tokyo Station. To fully appreciate the beauty of Tokyo, you can ride an open bus that departs from Marunouchi for 1200 yen. There are several tours available depending on your taste.

Imperial Palace (taken on July 20, 2008)

By the Imperial Palace (taken on July 20, 2008)

Tokyo Station (taken on July 20, 2008)

Access:
JR Tokyo Station, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station

8) Tokyo Disney Land and Disney Sea
The Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two separate theme parks - Disney Land and Disney Sea. If you want to explore both, you have to allot 2 days minimum. Disneyland caters more to the kids while Disney Sea is more for the adults. Check out the official site of Tokyo Disney Land for more information.

Disney Resorts Entrance (taken on May 5, 2008)

Disney Sea (taken by my friend Winai on May 5, 2008)

Disney Sea Map (taken on May 5, 2008)

Access:
JR Keiyo Line/Musashino Line Maihama Station

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Tokyo Night Views

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in Japan. It's clean, safe and full of energy. Just like other big Japanese cities, it may seem dull during the day. But when the sun sets, the whole city transforms into a sea of lights filled with neons competing to get your attention. Here are some of the shots I had taken from different places in Tokyo at night.

Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba (taken on February 10, 2008)

Fuji TV and Aqua City in Odaiba (taken on February 10, 2008)

Ebisu Garden Place (taken on July 5, 2008)

Roppongi Area from Tokyo Tower (taken on March 9, 2008)

Shibuya Crossing (taken on December 23, 2007)

Shinjuku (taken on December 23, 2007)

Odaiba Area from Tokyo Tower (taken on March 9, 2008)

Tokyo Dome (taken on March 1, 2008)

Tokyo Tower from Roppongi Hills (taken on June 28, 2008)

Tokyo Tower From Below (taken on March 9, 2008)

Some places to see Tokyo's night views:

1) Tokyo Tower
Entrance Fee: 820yen to main observatory; 600 yen from main to special observatory
Operating Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Access: Please refer to link above

2) Roppongi Hills
Entrance Fee: 1500yen
Operating Hours: 9:00am - 1:00am (last entry is 12:00am)
Access: Please click here

3) Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Hours: 9:30am - 11:00pm (last entry is 10:30pm)
Access: Shinjuku station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Lines, etc.)

4) Odaiba Seaside Park
Entrance Fee: FREE
Operating Hours: ANYTIME
Access: Shinkotsu Yurikamome Line Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station or Daiba Station / Sea Bus Odaiba Kaihin Koen Stop
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Eastern Kyoto

Eastern Kyoto is where some of the most famous temples and shrines are located. There are so many sites worth visiting in Eastern Kyoto so it is best to allot a day or two just for exploring this region. Here are some of the must-see places in Eastern Kyoto.

1) Kiyomizudera (清水寺)
Kiyomizudera or "the temple of pure water" is undoubtedly one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. Kiyomizudera is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is famous for its veranda where you can have great views of the city. A small waterfall is located near the temple and people believe that if they drink the water or wash their hands with it, they will have good health. During spring and autumn, Kiyomizudera is lit up at night and this gives a whole different feel to the temple. This temple is open from 6am to 6pm (although I recommend going there in the morning to avoid the crowd) and admission fee is 300yen.

Kiyomizudera Temple (taken on November 24, 2008)

Kiyomizudera Temple (taken on November 24, 2008)

Kiyomizudera Temple Waterfall (taken on November 24, 2008)

Access:
a) 10-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus Gojozaka stop
b) 10-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus Kiyomizu-michi stop
c) 10-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus Higashiyama-gojo Stop
d) 25-minute walk from Keihan Railway Gojo Station 25min. walk

2) Nanzenji (南禅寺) - Philosopher's Path - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺) Area
The Philosopher's path is a scenic 2km path lined with sakura trees. Usually, visitors start their journey from Nanzenji (one of the most important temples in Kyoto) and then follow the Philosopher's Path until they reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ginkakuji or the Temple of the Silver Pavilion. This temple was modeled after Kinkakuji in Western Kyoto but unlike its name, Ginkakuji is not covered in silver. However, Ginkakuji is under renovation until Spring 2010. You can still enter the temple grounds but the pavilion itself is surrounded by scaffolding.

Nanzenji is open from 8:40am to 5pm from March to November and 8:40am to 4:30pm from December to February. Entrance fee is 500yen. Ginkakuji, on the other hand is open from 8:30am to 5pm from March to November and 9am to 4:30pm from December to February. Entrance fee is 500yen.

Nanzenji (taken on November 29, 2008)

Philosopher's Path In Autumn (taken on November 29, 2008)

Philosopher's Path In Autumn (taken on November 29, 2008)

Ginkakuji Under Renovation (taken on November 29, 2008)

Access Nanzenji:
a) Subway Tozai Line Keage Station
b) Kyoto City Bus Hosshojucho Stop
c) Kyoto City Bus Nanzen-ji-eikan-ji-michi-mae Stop

Access Ginkakuji:
a) 15-minute walk from Keihan Railway Demachi-Yanagi Station
b) 10-minute walk Kyoto City Bus Ginkakuji-michi Stop
c) 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus Ginkakuji-mae Stop

3) Gion Area (祇園)
Gion is famous for being the home of Geishas and Maikos. Here you can see streets lined with traditional Japanese bars and restaurants. Gion also comes to life every year for the Gion Festival held the whole month of July.

Gion (taken on November 29, 2008)

Gion (taken on November 29, 2008)

A short walk from Gion will take you to Yasaka Shrine which plays a vital role in the yearly festival. Entrance to this shrine is free.

Yasaka Shrine (taken on November 29, 2008)

Aside from Yasaka Shrine, you can also walk to one of the oldest zen temples in Japan, Kenniji. The temple is open from 10am to 4pm and entrance fee is 500yen.

Kenniji (taken on November 29, 2008)

Access:
a) Keihan Railway Shijo Station
b) Hankyu Railway Kawaramachi Station
c) Kyoto City Bus Gion Stop

4) Maruyama Park Area (丸山公園)
Located next to Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park is one great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. There are also many temples around Maruyama Park such as Koudaiji temple and Chionin Temple.

Maruyama Park Pond (taken on November 29, 2008)

Maruyama Park (taken on November 29, 2008)

Maruyama Park Bridge (taken on November 29, 2008)

Koudaiji Temple is a famous autumn foliage viewing site and as it is located on a hill, it also offers great views of the city. A big statue sitting on top of a temple can also be found beside Koudaiji temple. Note however that the entrance fee to this temple and Koudaiji is separate. Koudaiji temple is open from 9am to 5pm and entrance fee is 500yen. During the autumn season from late October to early December, the temple is also open from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Koudaiji (taken on November 29, 2008)

Koudaiji Inside (taken on November 29, 2008)

Temple beside Koudaiji (taken on November 29, 2008)

Aside from Kodaiji, Chionin Temple is also worth a visit when you are spending time inside Maruyama Park. It is very large and popular as well.

Inside Chionin Temple (taken on November 29, 2008)

Access:
a) For all: Kyoto City Bus Gion Stop
b) For all: Keihan Railway Shijo Station
c) Hankyu Railway Kawaramachi
d) Kyoto City Bus Higashiyama-Yasui Stop
d) Kyoto City Bus Chion-in-mae Stop (nearer Chionin Temple)

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Southern Kyoto

Now that I have already shared the must-see places in Western Kyoto, let us move on to Southern Kyoto. Southern Kyoto is often skipped by tourists due to lack of time, but it boasts some of the most unique and beautiful shrines and temples in Kyoto. Here are some of the must-see sites in this region:

1) Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)

The highlight of any trip to this shrine is the climb up the hill near the temple. As you go up, you pass through thousands of torii gates lined on the path. The climb up the 230-meter hill may take around 1 to 2 hours, but it is truly one great and unique experience. I really recommend it to those who plan to visit Kyoto. Admission to the shrine is free.

Fushimi Inari Torii Gates (taken on October 12, 2008)

Fushimi Inari Torii Gates (taken on October 12, 2008)

Fushimi Inari Shrine (taken on October 12, 2008)

Access:
a) Keihan Railway Fushimi Inari Station
b) JR Nara Line Inari Station

2) Toufukuji (東福寺)

This is one of the temples in Kyoto where nature's beauty stands out. Toufukuji boasts beautiful gardens and is one of the most famous places to view autumn foliage in Kyoto. It is also one of the five major zen temples of Kyoto. Just a trivia for Japanese movie and drama addicts: this temple was used as a location of the movie Hana Yori Dango Final or Boys Over Flowers. The temple is open from 9am to 4pm and 830am to 430pm in November only. There are two entrance fees for this temple: one is for the garden which costs 400yen and another is for the bridge which also costs 400yen.

Toufukuji Zen Garden (taken on October 12, 2008)

Toufukuji Bridge (taken on October 12, 2008)

Toufukuji (taken on October 12, 2008)

Access:
a) Keihan Railway Toufukuji Station
b) JR Nara Line Toufukuji Station
c) City Bus Toufukuji Stop

3) Daigo-Ji (醍醐寺)

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in spring. I have never been to this temple, but it is said to be one of the must-see temples in Southern Kyoto. This temple is open from 9am to 5pm and entrance fee is 600yen. For more information, visit the temple's official site.

Access:

a) Kyoto subway Tozai Line Daigo Station
b) Keihan Bus Daigo-Sanpo-In Stop (ride from JR Yamashina Station or Keihan Railway Rokujizo Station)

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