***Make sure to bring your valid passport to exchange for the Japan Rail Pass*** - It closes early.
The Japanese international airports are located near Tokyo, the capital city. Tokyo and other cities are interconnected with the webs of railways. Traveling via (high-speed or shinkansen) trains is very attractive and the most convenient way to move around the country. See the map of high-speed rail. The trains are very on schedule almost down to 1 second. If your schedule is pretty tight, there is a guide of activities to do in Tokyo and nearby cities based on J rail pass website.
Day 1 (Dec 31, 2016) : Landing in Tokyo, Shibuya and Ueno
--- Exchange your Japan Rail Pass at any of two terminals in Narita Airport or the Haneda Airport International Terminal:
- Narita Airport Terminal 1
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Exchange Office
Working hours: 8:15 – 19:00; every day
- Narita Airport Terminal 2-3JR EAST Travel Service Center – Exchange Office
Working hours: 8:15 – 20:00; every day
- Haneda Airport International Terminal ( going to land at HND )JR EAST Travel Service Center
(Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate – Arrival lobby)
Working hours: 7:45 – 18:30; every day
--- Check in to Ryokan Sawanoya. This Japanese is a number 1 traditional Japanese inn on tripadvisor website. I booked it and they send me an email that they close during the New Year.
Back to AirBnB ,
http://www.familyinnsaiko.com/neighbourhood-tour/
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills
http://www.itcj.or.jp/heartyinn_search/eng/313158
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills
Back to AirBnB ,
http://www.familyinnsaiko.com/neighbourhood-tour/
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills
http://www.itcj.or.jp/heartyinn_search/eng/313158
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Detroit-Airport-DTW/Auburn-Hills
I was going to book to Airbnb but later on decided to go with stay the 1st night at JAL City Hotel near Haneda International Airport and the rest, I will stay at Khoasan hostel.
Since the JR pass office closes early, I will have to return to the airport and get a pass then the adventure starts. I may have to purchase additional bus ticket since it is not connected with the JR pass.
Haneda Airport
Hanedakuko, Ota, Tokyo 144-0041
5:17 AM
羽田空港国際線ビル駅（東京）
5:32 AM
Hamamatsucho Station
5:39 AM
Hamamatsucho Station
5:49 AM
Akihabara Station
5:58 AM
Akihabara Station
6:02 AM
Asakusa Station
6:04 AM
Khaosan World Asakusa RYOKAN & HOSTEL
〒111-0035 Tokyo, Taito, Nishiasakusa, 3−１５−1
Travel tip: When in Tokyo, you can use your Japan Rail Pass on the following lines:
- Narita Express
- The Yamanote JR line
- The JR metro lines
Please refer to our Tokyo metro map for details on which lines you can use. For the rest of the city transport in Tokyo, we recommend you purchase a PASMO or a SUICA card.
The Narita Express, as well as the Yamanote Metro line, will take you to one of the most famous, visited and pictured places in Tokyo: the Shibuya Crossing . Google already considers it a fully-functional synonym of the Times Square of Tokyo, because it is!.
Shibuya crossing
Let’s be honest – Shibuya is amazing! It is the world center of the city centers, it is where many Tokyo-natives like to drink after work, it is where the story of the most loyal dog – Hachiko – began, and also where everyone wants to take a picture. Pedestrians stand still on red light, but the second it turns green, the river of people in a hurry cannot be stopped.
It is the place where the magic happens and where magic has been captured through the centuries. You can spend a whole day around the ward of Shibuya and still not get to see all of it.
After your visit, take the Yamanote line from Shibuya Station, using your Japan Rail Pass, and visit the biggest and most famous park in Tokyo – Ueno Park.
Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo
It is precisely here, where some of the most spectacular views of cherry blossoming (usually between the last week of March and the first week of April) is happening. Perfect for picnics, long walks and talks.
Just next to the Ueno Park is located the famous Ueno Zoo, where children and adults of all ages can enjoy the experience of seeing over 2,600 animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, pelicans, lemurs, wolves, lions, tigers and more.
Children younger than 12 years of age can enter for free, while the price for students is 200¥ Yen and for adults 600¥.
Day 2: Tsukiji market, Ginza and Hamarikyu Gardens
Tsukiji fish market
After visiting the busiest crossing in the world and the greatest park in Tokyo, it is time to discover the uniqueness of the largest and most famous fish market in the world – the Tsukiji fish market.
The market deals with over 2,000 tons of marine products each day. Before any of this starts, each morning between 5:25 and 6:10, tourists are let in on a fantastic free show of fish auction – one of the most authentic experiences in Tokyo. To make sure you are allowed in, we recommend to get there around 3:00 AM in the morning as only 120 people will be able to watch (divided into two separate groups).
Every single Tokyo guide will tell you to visit the market, and there is a good reason for it. Only by seeing it, you will be able to understand the importance of the seafood in the Japanese cuisine and get to try it first-hand from the little pop-up booths offering delicious and fresh meals.
Ginza shopping area and Hamarikyu Gardens
While in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on the Ginza area, which will sweep you off your feet once again. The Tokyo version of Manhattan attracts many people for its clean, organized and diverse stores and restaurants.
If it is only logical to take a rest, after a long morning and a tiring day of crowded streets and stores, take a deep breath and head to the Hamarikyu Gardens. They may not be the most famous, but sure are what anyone would like to experience after a busy day.
Surrounded by nearby tall constructions, it is a little piece of nature, in between the concrete jungle of Tokyo. The gardens will fascinate you with a little teahouse, located on an island in one of the lakes. Visitors can sip on their tea in peace and quiet while enjoying the Japanese cultural experience.
Day 3: Asakusa, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Asakusa and Senso-ji temple
Last day in Tokyo, a day to remember, a day to take the most out of the old Japanese spirits.
Located in Asakusa, one of the Tokyo center districts lays the area’s most famous and beautiful Sensoji temple. Build in the 7th century, it represents one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan. However, bear in mind that most of the current building is post-war reconstruction, due to massive bombings, which destroyed large parts of the city.
Most of the district has been rebuilt and has regained its popularity amongst locals and international visitors. It will take you nearly 2 hours to take a walk and enjoy everything there is to see.
Don’t be blinded by the endless typical souvenir shops on the main streets and dig deeper into the hidden narrow streets of the area. You will be surprised to discover traditional kimono tailors, purse tailors, even UFO catchers! There is nothing typical about this neighborhood, just step out of the main streets.
Then, after getting to know Asakusa better and enjoying the diverse and beautiful cultural experiences, cross the river and head to the Asahi Beer Hall, where you can have a cold beer on the rooftop.
Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and you are going to understand this even better by taking a walk down to Harajuku area, located just next to the Harajuku station. Seeing up close the old and the new from Tokyo’s districts will tell you the story of how Japan has changed throughout the years.
Going down the Takeshita Dori (Dori stands for street), you will discover the young and vibrant Japanese shopping and clothing culture. To the east, west, south or north of this point, you will find high-end stores, tiny jewelry shops, broad and diverse streets, all in one: the perfect combination of food, shopping, and culture.
The only thing that might be missing in this combination is the nature aspect – not to worry! The Meiji Shrineentrance is just next to the Harajuku station.
The temple is dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan (Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken), and it was one of the severely damaged spiritual places during the World War II, rapidly rebuilt shortly after.
Located within walking distance from the Yoyogi Park (picture below), this is a place preferred by many for its serenity, green fields and a chance to sit down, have a picnic and relax with your family and children.
Tokyo Metropolitan Building
Finally, we recommend seeing Tokyo from above, before saying “goodbye.” The spectacular views from different heights and during different times of the day can completely change your perception. Visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers the chance to see the entire city from 202 meters height, at the observation deck on the 45th floor.
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Osaka Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto you can buy bus pass at tourist center in Kyoto station building.
Train station is not connect every place in Kyoto.
If you travel in Osaka you can buy Osaka Amazing pass at Trourist desk in Kansai airport (I'm not sure 1st/2nd fl). This ticket includes entrance fee for 28 places (just show card with no queue) and transportation.
From Kansas airport to Kyoto or Osaka (and round trip back to Kansas airport) you can buy ICOCA card round trip include discount JR to Kyoto/Osaka. You can put money on ICOCA to pay train, bus, some restaurant, 7-11 and minimarts and also get discount JR express train round trip Kansai airport - city- Kansai airport. Can buy at JR Kansai airport station.
JR Pass is good if you travel to many cities.
http://www.osaka-info.jp/.../practical.../travel_passes/
You can check transportation in Japan by this website.
Train/bus you can plan and manage your time and money.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
You can search your time by bus or train in Kyoto >>https://www.arukumachikyoto.jp/static.php...
Osaka 2 days, Kobe 1 day, Nara 1 day and Kyoto 3-4 days. 😊
Stay in Osaka (travel to Nara and Kobe) and Kyoto.
Kyoto & Nara temples. Kamakura & Nikko for more Temples in the Tokyo area. I have traveled from as far south as Nagasaki to the North part of Hokkaido.
Shinanomachi Tokyo
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/tokyo-photography-spots
Interesting places
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 1-1-10 Aomi, 江東区 Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gail-nakada/gundam-front_b_3010363.html
- Gundam Statue
- Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge
- Huge metal ball
http://gundamfront-tokyo.com/jp/
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogikamizon ocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tokyu Hands, 12-18 Udagawacho, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Imperial Palace, 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Tsukiji Market, 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Asahi Beer Headquarters, 1, 1 Chome-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan
Akihabara, Taito, Tokyo, Japan
- Anime District
1. Shibuya Crossing
2. Yoyogi Park
3. Chuo Street in Ginza
4. Tsukiji Fish Market
5. Shinjuku Gyoen
6. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
7. Tokyo City Hall
8. Tokyo Skytree
9. Aoyama Cemetery
10. Harajuku
11. Kabukicho
12. Golden Gai
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Kichijoji+Station,+Musashino,+Tokyo,+Japan/Akihabara,+Taito,+Tokyo+110-0006,+Japan/%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E6%AD%A3%E9%9D%A2+Tsukiji+fish+market,+Tsukiji,+Chuo,+Tokyo,+Japan/@35.6839168,139.6090857,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x6018ee47f6226cc3:0x34e6b69989d52a4e!2m2!1d139.579809!2d35.703149!1m5!1m1!1s0x60188ea73ea6f4ff:0x5eb9f1e50fe061e3!2m2!1d139.7753269!2d35.7020691!1m5!1m1!1s0x60188bdeabb5411f:0xf86502acdbda46bd!2m2!1d139.7679276!2d35.6639757!3e0
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/3-days-tokyo-itinerary
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/7-days-japan-itinerary
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/14-days-japan-itinerary
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