Tokyo Things to Do Tips by chatterley

Hakone - Onsen bath Hakone - Day Trip Review

Hakone is one of the many famous hot spring areas in Japan. Our ryokan room comes with a private bath attached (at the balcony), and it also has communal baths. It was blissful to be able to soak in the hot spring water after visiting places of interest in the winter cold.

One thing to note: soaking in the onsen should be done at most 3 times a day, each session should not exceed 30 minutes. This would allow the body to recover after the bath. The hot water bath is good for improving blood circulation.

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Owakudani Hakone - Day Trip Review

We took a 2-day trip to Hakone. Using our JR Pass, we took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara, then used the Hakone Freepass (we bought the 3,900 Yen ones, valid for 2 days, between Odawara and Hakone) to get to and around Hakone.

After reaching our ryoken, we left our bags there and headed for Owakudani via the Hakone Tozan Train, Cablecar and Ropeway. Owakudani is also known as "hell valley", and was formed by volcanic explosions before Christ. We could smell the sulphurous fumes even when we were travelling in the ropeway. The smoking volcano was a sight to behold.

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Owakudani (Black Eggs) Hakone - Day Trip Review

At Owakudani, we bought the specialty product - "Black Eggs". These eggs were cooked in the hot springs and tasted real yummy! It was said that eating one egg would extend one's lifespan by several years.

The eggs are sold in packages of 5 each, costs 500 Yen per pack. Best eaten hot!

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Mt Fuji Viewpoints Hakone - Day Trip Review

There are a few spots to see Mt Fuji in Hakone. One viewpoint is from the Hakone Ropeway, between Owakudani station and Ubako station. We managed to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji from the ropeway, but couldn't see the whole view as it was a cloudy day.

Other Mt Fuji viewpoints are:
from the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on the lake, between Hakonemachi and Moto-Hakone.
from the observatory in the Hakone Detached Palace Garden in Hakonemachi.

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi Hakone - Day Trip Review

Using the Freepass, we boarded the Sightseeing Cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone. The Cruise lasted for about an hour. The sightseeing cruise boats are modeled after European pirate ships of the 17th and 18th centuries. We stayed on the upper decks (no shelter!) throughout the cruise, which was actually very very cold, but the scenery we saw was worth braving the cold!

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Lake Ashi Hakone - Day Trip Review

Going for the sightseeing cruise is the best way to see Lake Ashi, which is 725 m above sea level and the main attraction of Hakone. Lots of local people enjoy angling (for black bass and trout) and boating on the lake (you can see these people in the picture). On a clear day, Mt Fuji can also be seen from the lake.

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Hakone - Hakone Shrine Hakone - Day Trip Review

Hakone Shrine is loacted at the foot of Mount Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine buildings are hidden in the forest. The torii gates stand in the lake. This shrine is one of the most well known attraction of Hakone, and pictures of its torii gate in the lake, together with Mt Fuji as the backdrop, are used in lots of tourism materials.

Address: Hakone-cho, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken

Tsukiji Market - For Sashimi Lovers Tsukiji Market Review

This market is reportedly very busy in the wee hours of early morning. We reached this place at about 9-10 am, so most of the activities (auction of freshly caught sea produce such as tuna, etc) have ceased. The alleys are narrow and filled with all kinds of shops selling food products. There are also many restaurants where you can have a great meal of fresh sashimi at reasonable prices. To see what we had for breakfast, see my 'Restaurants' tip.

Address: 5-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku

Directions: Toei Subway TSUKIJI-ICHIBA / Tokyo Metro TSUKIJI

Phone: 03-3541-2640

Website: http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/

Shibuya - Hachiko Statue Shibuya Review

The Hachiko exit is named after Hachiko, a dog who is known for its unwavering loyalty to its master (legend has it that after the owner died, Hachiko still continued with his daily ritual of waiting for his master at the train station, and he continued doing so for 10 years, until he died. Being a dog owner and lover, this story brings a tear to my eye...).

The statue of Hachiko is found near the exit of the Shibuya Station, and it has become a meeting point for people.

If you look closely at his front legs, you'll see that they have been discoloured as a result of people constantly touching and rubbing them (Hachiko is greatly admired for his loyalty, and in Japan where dogs are like family members, it is no wonder that people would admire him).

Address: Shibuya-ku

Directions: JR / Tokyo Metro SHIBUYA

Website: http://www.welcome-shibuya.net/

Shibuya - busiest pedestrain crossing in the world Shibuya Review

Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing, which is located in front of the Shibuya Station. Take the Hachiko exit and there you are, staring at the seemingly non-stop flow of human traffic. This crossing stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to cross the entire intersection.

Address: Shibuya-ku

Directions: JR / Tokyo Metro SHIBUYA

Website: http://www.welcome-shibuya.net/