A vacation to Tokyo, Japan. My husband dream vacation came true. I actually did A LOT of researching and planning for this vacation. Flew with Delta Airlines and I love love loveeeee their in-flight service & entertainment. They provide a small pillow and blanket for all passengers. I even managed to watch 4 movies during my 7 hours journey to Narita Airport. I remembered being very cranky during my 6 hours flight to Beijing with Jetstar Airways. They do not have in-flight entertainment at all. I was bored to death.
Anyways... After landing and passing through immigration at Narita Airport, we went to Tokyo Airport Limousine Bus Counter to purchase our return Bus Voucher to Shinjuku. You can find the fares HERE. The journey from Narita to Shinjuku is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. It really depends on the traffic condition of the day.
We accommodated at Shinjuku Washington Hotel (Main Building). Our bus stops directly in front of the hotel. Our room is Main Double. The room overall is really small. I do not recommend it if you are travelling with children. Hubby and me do not mind the size of the room as we spend most of the time outside and we were only in the room late at night to sleep. Breakfast buffet - The breakfast buffet venue is located at the highest floor of the building; 25th Floor. You have to queue to get a table. And the queue is really loooong. We had to wait 10-15mins. Because we are Muslim, there's only limited choice of food to eat like breads, potatoes, cereals, fish, veges... There's one halal Indian Restaurant at Basement Floor. I can't remember the restaurant name though. But they served delicious tandoori chicken and huge naan! There's also 24hrs mini mart located at 1st floor. You can buy potato chips, chocolates, drinks etc etc.
CRAAAAAAAZZZYYYY subway map! You must plan beforehand before travelling to Tokyo so that you won't get lost! To travel around Tokyo, you will have to purchase PASMO CARD it's an EZ Link card to ride the bus/trains. The initial purchase amount includes a deposit of 500 yen. It's refundable.
Rumored to be the world's busiest intersection in front of Shibuya Station is famously known as 'The Scramble'. It's an awesome spectacle of giant video screens and neon, guaranteed to give you a 'Wow! I'm in Tokyo!' feeling. Hubby and me literally crossed a lot of times just to get a perfect shot!
Center Gai - The birthplace of many Japanese fashion trends. A busy pedestrian zone in the heart of Shibuya lined by stores, boutiques and game centers. It's name is meant to signify how it is the "center" Shibuya.
Tokyo Disneyland! The first Disney park to be built outside the United States. There are 7 themed areas in the park: The World Bazaar, The Four Classic Disney lands, Adventureland, Westernlan, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland & Two Mini-Lands. There were a lot of visitors and the queue for rides/foods/toilet are freaking long! Hubby and me did not bother to take any rides at all. We just watch the Disney Parade which I really enjoy! We get to see all Disney's Prince & Princesses! We spend less than 3hours in the park.
Diver City Tokyo Plaza is a shopping mall designed with the theme of creating a "theatrical city space." It's home to the world's only full-size Gundam statue and offers a wide selection of Japan-themed souvenirs at many of its shops. With many authentic Japanes restaurants and convenient access to transportation, DiverCity is a fun new destination in Tokyo for overseas visitors.
One of my favourite quick snack in Japan! Potato Chips with Milk Ice Cream & Royce Chocolate! Oishii!
Harajuku is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and it's side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens. It's roughly 400 meter long and it becomes extremely busy and crowded on the weekends.
The Tokyo Skytree is a new television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. With a height of 634 meters, it is the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world at the time of it's completion. A large shopping complex with aquarium is located at it's base. Beautiful view right?
Hakone, is one of the leading tourist attraction in Japan. The Hakone Ropeway service operates at approximately one-minute intervals, and the 30minute journey from Sounzan Station to Togendai Station, which nestles on the shore of Lake Ashi, allows visitors to take in suce spectaculat views as the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji on a fine sunny day.
The Hakone Pirate Ships are sightseeing cruise ships, which are decorated as replicas of pirate ships. The Hakone Pirate Ships are famous sight on Lake Ashi and a Hakone icon. From the deck of the Pirate Ship, you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi including the vermillion shrine gate of Hakone Shrine.
Japan's high speed trains (bullet trains) are called Shinkansen. Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for punctuality (most train depart on time), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in it's history) and efficiency. When you are inside it, you feel like you are in a plane. Just look at the picture above.
Ginza is a fascinating place where the latest trends and the oldest traditions meet. This harmonious mix is clearly visible in it's streets lined by department stores, world-class designer boutiques and well-established stores. In addition, the district is an art haven with theatres and over 200 galleries. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Chuo-dori street, Ginza's main shopping street, is closed to automobile traffic on weekend afternoons from 12pm to 6pm. The event, known as Pedestirans' Paradise, gives the area a festive, relaxed feel.
Some of the Halal Restaurant we went are (click on the links below)
I literally laughed out loud when I saw myself as a Geisha! Those chubby cheeks got to go! Anyway, I had a great holiday with my husband exploring Tokyo!! Where to next?