Japan, our first international travel destination.

Japan: Our First International Travel Destination

Japan was our first choice for an international trip. We had heard countless stories about its advantages, including convenient transportation, rich cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine (which, despite its growing popularity in Thailand, we still yearned to experience in its authentic form). Additionally, the widespread belief that a visit to Japan leaves a lasting desire to return further solidified our decision.

FYI: The origin of "Land of the Rising Sun" is due to Japan's location at 20 degrees latitude, making it the easternmost country in the world. (Latitudes 1-19 are oceans.) Each new day, the sun rises over Japan first, hence the Western name 'Land of the Rising Sun'.

I apologize in advance that I won't be able to provide much explanation, as I believe there are already many reviews out there with more detailed information than I can offer. If you're interested in any specific aspect, feel free to search for it online. Consider this as a photo showcase, or perhaps a collection of images I've gathered for your viewing pleasure.

I didn't plan to post anything like this before I went, so I didn't save any pictures or information to share. I wanted to soak in the atmosphere with my own eyes rather than through a camera lens. I'm just kidding myself.

She took my picture.

I took a picture of you ^___^

We departed around 11:45 PM and arrived at Narita Airport at 7:00 AM on AirAsia. The temperature of 5 degrees greeted us as we disembarked. This trip took place in December 2016, during the winter season in Japan. Tokyo was pleasantly cool.

We chose to travel at night, hoping to get some sleep and start exploring upon arrival. However, we hardly slept, as we are accustomed to staying up late. We could only watch others sleep as we walked to the bathroom. Some even snored! We were truly envious. Soon, light began to seep in, gradually increasing in intensity, painting the sky in beautiful colors. This signaled that we were nearing our destination after a long journey.

After smoothly clearing immigration, we purchased round-trip Skyliner tickets and a 72-hour Subway pass (you can find detailed information on Google). Most of our travel involved using the Subway and walking, a lot of walking! We occasionally used the JR Yamanote and Yurikamome driverless train to reach Odaiba, which incurred a small additional fee on top of our package.

The journey from Narita Airport to Ueno Station takes approximately 42 minutes. The train is comfortable and fast, making for a positive first impression. After arriving at Ueno, we decided to walk to our accommodation, although there is also a train option available. We recommend saving your energy, however, as the walk can be tiring. Our accommodation is located in the Asakusa district, with views of the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree along the way.

6 degrees with warm sunshine, walking is so much fun! Still don't know what fate holds.

This small ticket is the train ticket we purchased separately. Be careful not to lose it.

As our hotel check-in time had not yet arrived, we decided to leave our luggage first. We were hoping that if a room was available, they might let us check in early. Fortunately, that's exactly what happened. After paying for the room, we went up to store our belongings, relaxed on the comfortable bed for a while, and then headed out to explore.

DAY 1: Exploring the Asakusa district

Start your day by walking from your accommodation to Sensō-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Temple or the Red Lantern Temple.

A rickshaw service for tourists, a unique feature of the Asakusa district.

Sensō-ji Temple and the Legendary Giant Red Lantern

Amidst the bustling crowds of daytime, we ventured back to Sensō-ji Temple under the cloak of twilight.

We then continued to the Yanaka district. We took the JR Yamanote Line, wanting to try the ticket vending machine ourselves. We got off at Nippori Station, which is not far from Ueno. We could also have taken the subway and gotten off at Sendagi Station (C15) or Nishi-nippori Station (C16). Then we used a map to walk there.

Our destination is Cat Street, a quiet community with few tourists. There are various shops and restaurants in the area, selling both cat-themed and general merchandise.

After that, we walked back to the train station. The simple technique for both going and returning is to open the map to the nearest subway station and then walk there. This is because the purchased ticket allows for unlimited travel, so you can stop at as many stations as you like (but you still need to pay attention to the lines, as there are other high-speed trains).

FYI: The tourist attractions we visited were basic for first-timers, including popular stations such as Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo, Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza, Roppongi, and Odaiba.

Let's talk about food for a bit. Personally, I love Japanese cuisine, and being able to eat it straight from the source is amazing. There's a wide range of prices, from affordable and delicious to expensive and exquisite, depending on your budget. Of course, not everything will be to your taste - that's normal, right? Haha. For those on a tight budget, I recommend checking out the supermarkets. Just like at home, they have discounted food after closing time, so I always grab some then. #LateNightEats

We were surprised by the size of the rice bowls and ramen bowls. We initially thought they would be small, like some restaurants in Thailand, but they were huge! We were surprised to see that Japanese people eat such large portions. Despite their small stature, they managed to finish their bowls quickly. We were initially worried that we wouldn't be full, but the portions were so large that we couldn't finish them. Even at the cheaper restaurants, the portions were incredibly generous. We may have just been lucky with our restaurant choices.

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Day 2: Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace East Garden, and Odaiba

Morning:

• Start your day with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, a vibrant and bustling market where you can witness the daily fish auction and enjoy fresh seafood for breakfast.
• From the market, take a short walk to Tokyo Station, a magnificent historical building with a blend of architectural styles. Explore the station's interior and admire its intricate details.
• Next, head to the Imperial Palace East Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the traditional Japanese architecture.

Afternoon:

• Take a train to Odaiba, a modern waterfront district known for its futuristic buildings, shopping malls, and entertainment facilities.
• Visit the iconic Rainbow Bridge, a suspension bridge offering stunning views of Tokyo Bay.
• Explore the many attractions in Odaiba, such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, the replica Statue of Liberty, and the Aqua City shopping mall.

Evening:

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Odaiba's many restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and admire the city lights reflecting on the water.

Tips:

• Purchase a Pasmo or Suica card for convenient travel on public transportation.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Be sure to check the opening hours of the attractions you wish to visit.
• Consider purchasing a Tokyo Subway Ticket for unlimited travel on the subway for a set period.
• Allow ample time for travel, as Tokyo's public transportation system can be crowded during peak hours.

The Tsukiji Fish Market was a wholesale market for fish, vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients located in the heart of Tokyo. It was the largest fish market in the world. There was a section where fish were auctioned off in the early morning, which we did not visit. We went to the area with shops and restaurants for the general public. It was divided into small alleys and streets, so it was a good idea to bring a lot of money and eat a lot. Otherwise, you will regret it when you return to Thailand. Everything looked delicious and fresh. I wanted to spend the whole day there. ***The fish market has moved to the Odaiba area. Information updated November 2018.***

Tsukiji Fish Market: Tsukijishijo Station (E18)

Everything looks incredibly delicious, be careful with your wallet!

At the Tsukiji Fish Market, you'll see these ubiquitous box-shaped delivery trucks zipping around.

Next, we head to Tokyo Station to admire its architecture and walk to the front of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor of Japan. You can visit the interior of the palace, but I believe you need to register online beforehand. We only stayed at the front, taking pictures with the Nijubashi Bridge, also known as the "Megane Bridge" (meaning "glasses bridge") due to its reflection in the water resembling a pair of glasses. I read somewhere that the best time to see the "glasses" effect is in the morning.

Around 1 pm, we moved to Odaiba. We walked along the beach, saw the Gundam statue, and rode the Ferris wheel. To get there, we took the subway to Shimbashi Station (A10, G08) and transferred to the Yurikamome driverless train. We got off at Odaiba Station, which is conveniently named after the area.

Behind the Gundam statue at Diver City mall, there is a food court with delicious food and excellent ramen.

Don't miss the Ferris wheel at Odaiba, a perfect spot for capturing stunning moments. Time your ride before sunset to witness the breathtaking play of light. Ascend while the sky is still bright, and descend as darkness paints the canvas.

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Day 3: Ochanomizu, Akihabara

Waking up was a struggle, but we eventually made it to the Ochanomizu district (M20 station). This area is known for its musical instrument shops, though the selection was surprisingly limited. Mostly guitars lined the short street, and we didn't see any other tourists, just locals. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere as we strolled along, taking in the sights and sounds. Since one of us is a musician, we were particularly interested in browsing the shops. We also grabbed breakfast in the area, opting for a hearty plate of curry rice.

This area doesn't have many tourists, and there aren't many musical instruments.
Mostly guitars. P.S. The caption doesn't match the picture. We only took pictures of drums. 5555

In the afternoon, we continued to Akihabara (H15), a district known for its wide variety of electronics, cameras, and other gadgets. While the selection was impressive, I found it difficult to resist the temptation to buy everything in sight, given my limited budget. With a laugh and a tear, I wandered through the streets, taking photos and playing claw machines, marveling at the unfamiliar sights and sounds.

In the late afternoon and evening, we ventured to Ebisu and Roppongi, concluding with a light show before settling at Shiodome Station (E19). During our December visit, just before Christmas, many locations hosted light displays with detailed schedules. If you plan to visit during that time, check various Japanese travel pages for updates. The excitement wasn't limited to tourists; locals were equally enthusiastic, resembling the crowds flocking to light shows at CentralWorld.

Roppongi Hills Illumination with a view of Tokyo Tower.

Many Japanese people come here to walk and take pictures, similar to the light festival in front of CentralWorld in Thailand.

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DAY 4: Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinjuku

We explored four vibrant districts today: Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. My legs are begging for a massage! >_<

Our first stop was Ikebukuro (Y09, F09, M25), a haven for anime, manga, and games. While neither of us are particularly into these genres, we were still captivated by the sheer enthusiasm and energy of the district. The streets were teeming with young people, and it was clear that anime is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Shibuya Crossing, which we thought would be bigger, is always bustling with people. It's a great place for girls who love fashion, with plenty of stylish clothes to choose from.

The Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station was a sight to behold. The queue of people waiting to take photos with it was a testament to its popularity. I sat there for a while, gazing at the statue, and I could feel its loyalty. Perhaps it was because I had seen the movie before, but I was almost moved to tears.

Next to Harajuku Station is the Meiji Shrine.

The walk to Meiji Shrine is quite long, so having water with you is essential when traveling in Japan. We went in the evening and almost didn't make it in time, even though we stopped to take pictures along the way. When we finally reached the shrine, it was almost closing time. It's a good idea to check the closing times of each place you plan to visit, even if you've already checked them. Haha.

Tonight, we headed to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings for a nighttime view. It wasn't anything spectacular, as the space was a bit cramped and the view wasn't as expansive as we'd hoped. But hey, it's free, so no complaints. When we first arrived at the building, we were a bit confused about where to go, but there were clear signs and even an elevator ride. Before the elevator doors closed, it bowed to us. Wow, how adorable!

Visit Tokyo City Hall at night for a panoramic view of the city. The observation deck is located on the 45th floor, 202 meters above ground level, and offers free admission. Signs and friendly staff are available to assist you with the elevator.

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DAY 4: Nighttime Adventures After the Last Train
After enjoying the free panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, the night wasn't over yet. Since my flight back to Thailand was the next day, I decided to make the most of the remaining hours. My first stop was Isomaru Suisan Ueno, a 24-hour seafood restaurant that has become a popular spot for visitors to Japan. The lively atmosphere and delicious food were worth the lingering smell of seafood that clung to my clothes.

An unordered appetizer, but I had to accept it and pay for it. It was even burnt! 5555
It's their custom, you know. I read about it, otherwise I would be confused too. / Ending the night with a smooth beer.

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Day 5: Exploring Ameyoko Market and Ueno Park before heading home

With our flight from Narita Airport departing later that day, we decided to explore the Ueno area for convenience. After checking out of our accommodation, we stored our luggage in a nearby locker and headed to the bustling Ameyoko Market for some light shopping and a quick bite.

We then ventured into the expansive Ueno Park, which proved to be much larger than we initially anticipated. Despite not having enough time to rent a paddle boat, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the park's diverse landscape.

Along the way, you will encounter adorable children who are simply irresistible.

Over there! Ameyoko Market is packed with Thai people!!

After grabbing a bite to eat at the bustling Ameyoko Market, we took a leisurely stroll through Ueno Park before heading to the airport. To avoid getting lost in the park's charm, set an alarm on your phone. This park offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Japanese people on their days off. With temples, quaint shops, and small eateries scattered throughout, it's a delightful sight. The relaxed atmosphere makes it hard to leave.

Goodbye, I have to go now. See you soon! I'll leave you with a picture of my dog's butt. 55555

This trip marked my first time traveling abroad, and it was an unforgettable experience. While no place is perfect, I was consistently impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the service industry. The public transportation system was also top-notch, putting our own subway system to shame. The sidewalks were a particular highlight, designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. Overall, it was a truly inspiring trip that has left me eager to explore more of the world.

Hoping to see you again soon, Japan <3

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Guide:

● Feel free to explore anywhere you like. It's always a good idea to do some research beforehand, but don't expect everything to be to your liking.
● Most of the food is delicious. We followed the locals into restaurants and ordered what they were having.
● The food in supermarkets is also amazing, and there are discounts available late at night. The quality is excellent, too.
● For cosmetics, creams, medications, and vitamins, it's a good idea to do some research beforehand or save pictures. Otherwise, you might get confused by all the Japanese labels. I regret not buying some things. T^T
● If you're traveling abroad for the first time, it's important to learn about the local customs and regulations before you go. Don't think that just because no one knows you, you can do whatever you want.
● Check the weather forecast every day, as well as the sunset time and the opening and closing hours of the places you plan to visit. In winter, it gets dark around 4 pm, so plan your trip accordingly.
● Knowing English is helpful, but if you don't, just point. It's easy! We were spoken to in Japanese, and we responded in Thai, but we still understood each other.
● Travel insurance is also very important. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Special Thanks:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our companions on this journey. Beyond the destinations we explored, the people we shared the experience with were instrumental in making it so enjoyable. We are particularly grateful to P'Wi for lending us the Xiaomi Yi camera and to Jane for sharing her Fuji Xa2. Without their generosity, we would not have been able to capture these memories so vividly.

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