Japan

The last time I was in Japan was around 7-8 years ago, when I did a homestay with an old Japanese couple. Not a lot of people know this about me, but I took a minor in Japanese Studies back in college. Not all were language classes - I also took classes about Japanese history, food, anthropology, and even art. Japanese culture started to pique my interest back when I was in high school. I was into anime back then, and I got a knack out of learning some basic phrases just to understand some of it. In college, I was lucky enough to have been invited by a family friend to stay in Osaka for a homestay arrangement. I stayed in Osaka with my host parents - and we communicated in broken english, japanese, and a lot of sign language hahaha! They were very curious and intrigued at how a teenager (at that time), like me, would be genuinely interested in their culture. I requested to attend a traditional tea ceremony, visit an onsen (aka hot springs),  cook japanese food, and watch a Noh play. I even attended a university festival - watched a band play and even went to maid cafe in that festival. Needless to say, I'm very interested in Japanese culture - both old and modern. There was a time that I could understand anime without subtitles and my host parents even commended how I learned Nihonggo so fast, and how I improved immensely during my short time there. Now, I can hardly converse! Now that I'm working, I rarely get exposed to Nihonggo anymore so when we went to Japan, I was really rusty! I should practice more.

Anyway, back to my trip. We visited a couple of spots that we already went to, and also some that I haven't been to. 

Asakusa

This is where you'll find the famous Senso-ji Temple and the stores lined up leading to the temple.

How to get there: Asakusa station

Tip: Incense and water are usually present before you enter a shrine. It would be good if you can show respect by washing your hands or inhaling the incense to "cleanse" yourself before going inside the temple. Mikuji drawers are also usually placed near the entrance too. You usually shake the tin container until a stick comes out then you get the piece of paper from the drawer, corresponding to the characters on the stick. If you receive a bad to "moderate" fortune, you can choose to tie that piece of paper on a branch or the rope near the booth. It's believed that the wind carries the bad luck away.

Things to try: Ice cream cones in local flavors, fish pastry filled with azuki red beans/sweet potato, and mochi. If you like rice crackers, or "senbei", this is a good place to buy them. 

Restaurant to check out:

Sometaro Restaurant. It's this small okonomiyaki place where you can cook it yourself. Just a warning: it feels like a sauna inside due to the numerous teppans inside. It's something to experience though. This is around an 8 min walk from the temple.

Kappabashi Dogugai

If you're intrigued at fake food, there's an entire street here that's dedicated to just that. High quality ones look real! 

Meiji Shrine

I've been to Meiji Shrine already, but I like how this place is so massive and there's like a forest in the middle of Tokyo! It's right across Harajuku, so there's an interesting contrast of how tradition sits well beside modernity. The walk from the entrance to the actual shrine is quite long, so bear that in mind and wear comfy shoes. The shrine is also a sacred place for the Japanese, so please practice proper etiquette by not eating, drinking, or talking in a loud voice. And yes, no jumpshots here, please. 

During the summer, the iris garden is open to the public. It's a nice garden full of flowers in shades of purple and white. In spring, an azalea garden is also pretty to look at. From the main entrance, the entance to the garden will be to your left. There aren't a lot of signs so do look out for signs every now and then just so you won't miss this. Entrance fee to the garden is ¥500. 

How to get there: Meiji jingumae Metro station or Harajuku JR station

Takeshita Dori aka Harajuku street

This street is known to be the identifier of Harajuku and gets a lot of visitors daily! Years ago, there used to be a lot of cosplayers and people from fashion subcultures who frequent the place. Sadly though, there aren't a lot anymore left frequenting the place. I read somewhere that the fashion subcultures are dying and are replaced by the "Uniqlo" generation. 

Restaurant to try: If you're into Gyoza, reviews of Harajuku Gyoza-ro is nearby. They say it's the best gyoza in Tokyo.

Shibuya

You can walk to Shibuya from Harajuku. You can grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks and take a photo of the iconic Shibuya Crossing while you're at it.

Nezu shrine

If you have limited time in Japan, and don't have enough time to go to Kyoto, I suggest you visit the Nezu Shrine. They have the red torii gates lined up too, and you can get that photo of the red gates without going to Kyoto. I've read that this feature is observed in shrines dedicated to the rice god. 

How to get there: Get off at the Tokyo Subway/Metro station of Sendagi or Nezu Metro stations. It's around an 8 min walk

Ueno 

You can see Ueno Garden and Ameyoko, which is a street lined up with stores of food and clothes. 

How to get there: Ueno station

Ameyoko Street

Restaurants to try: Ichiran Ramen at Ueno and Kaiten Sushi (sushi on a conveyor belt). Ichiran is a ramen chain in Japan. Seats are separated by dividers so you can enjoy your meal privately. It's definitely something to experience. Do note that lines can get really long here. When you enter, you have to buy tickets of your food from the vending machine then a staff member will come and assist you to your seat. You'll then be asked to fill up a sheet of your preferences in your ramen. When you're done, press the button in front of you and someone will take the sheet along with your tickets. You can order more if you want, just press the button in front of you and give the staff your accomplished sheet of new orders. If you didn't order for more, you can just get out and leave after you're done.

Ashikaga Flower Farm

If you like parks and flowers, going to Ashikaga is a must. I'm pretty sure you already saw its imfamous wisteria tunnels on Instagram, but just don't know that you can find 'em here. Do note that they only bloom during the spring and flowers are seasonal. In the summer, roses, azaleas, and hydrangeas are in season. Do check out their site before visiting. Entrance fee also depends on the season.

Things to try: Wisteria ice cream, Ichigo kakigori (strawberry flavored ice treat), and Nikumaki (lean beef wrapped in rice)

How to get there:

Nearest station is Tomita. The place is in the provincial area already, so take note of the train schedules. Trains stop at Tomita every 30-45 mins only, so better check to make your trip more efficient: hyperdia.com. The route we took is the Tobu line from Asakusa to Tochigi. Pick the express train to prevent making unneccessary stops. Fare is ¥2,200 one-way + ¥410 Tochigi to Tomita. From Tomita station, turn right at the main road then on the third stoplight, cross the stret and turn left. You'll see a tiny tunnel then head over to that and you'll see the ticket booth. 

Trains in Japan

It's not unusual that tourists get lost in Tokyo. There are actually different types of trains in Japan - the Tokyo Metro/Subway; the JR trains; the Shinkansen or bullet trains; and private railways. Do take note when researching for the nearest train station what kind of train it is. It also depends what kind of train ticket you'll be buying. You can't use all unli passes in all of the stations. If it says it's only for Tokyo/Metro, you can't ride the JR lines. Stations are usually merged (e.g. Ueno station has numerous lines. There's an Ueno Metro station, a JR station, a Keisei Skyliner Ueno station, etc.) 

Tip: Check out hyperdia.com and click "More Options" to un/tick certain trains, depending of what kind of pass that you have. Do note that provincial trains are usually JR already, so if there are no Metro lines going to your destination, you really have to buy a JR ticket. Download the Tokyo Subway and Tokyo Railway apps to for hassle-free checking of stations. 

I also find navigating through the different lines easier when I'm underground since there are signs.

Going around Tokyo and Airport

I find the Keisei Skyliner Narita Express + 72-hour Tokyo Metro pass the most economical. The Keisei Skyliner is accessible from the airport. You can get off at Nippori or Ueno station, then just ride the Metro going to your hotel.   Here's the site: Keisei Skyliner Narita Access + Subway .This site offers a big discount with a choice of having a discounted subway pass for 24/48/72 hours. It's only a fraction of the price when you buy it online, in your home country. If you buy the roundtrip Keisei Skyliner tickets, you'll even save more. The discount is not available when you purchase in Japan so better purchase before your trip. It's also available to Non-Japan residents only. You get to save a lot if you get this combo - cheapest Metro fare I saw was ¥170 one-way so adding a bit more for the Skyliner passes was way more economical.

Points of interest in the airport: 

Itoya, for the stationery/washi tape lover

Post Office, where you can get limited edition stamps

Yoshinoya, a food chain in Japan, this place offers yummy food sets at a cheap price.