24 Jan, 2010 in
Itineraries,
Tokyo by Fili An

Tokyo’s a terrific city, well worth a few days of exploration. To sum up my trip to Japan, following is a summary of my visit to Japan’s Tokyo, suggesting a recommended itinerary for those interested.
Tip – I wrote a post for some cheap budget hotel accommodation in Toyko that might help with finding [...]
22 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

Tokyo can get expensive, very expensive, especially for accommodation, but if you do your research and plan ahead you don’t have to go broke booking a hotel. If you’re anything like me – traveling on a budget but well beyond hostels with shared rooms/toilet, then the following might help. All options include a room equipped [...]
14 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

Ueno (上野) is one of my favorite areas in Tokyo. Just next to the Ueno station is the Ueno Park (上野公園 Ueno-kōen) which serves some of the major attractions in Tokyo – the Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, the Shinobazu Pond (不忍池 Shinobazu-ike) with plenty other museums and gorgeous little temples, not [...]
12 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

Tokyo’s Nishi Nippori is a lovely area a bit off the main tourist track that offers a more traditional laid-back Japanese atmosphere. Abound with gorgeous little temples, old cemeteries and family owned little shops and restaurants, the area between Nishi-Nippori and Nippori is my type of place.
The Lonely Planet and Frommer’s have good suggestions for [...]
10 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

Harajuku is not all modern fashion and pop culture. In a nearby park is the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū), a large Shinto shrine for one fairly recent Japanese emperor that the Japanese respect for bringing Japan out of the dark ages into modern times.
Facts about Meiji Jingu: [...]
8 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

You got to love the Japanese. There’s something different about them, and it’s even more apparent in Tokyo. The stereotypes make sense to me – they’re fashionable, trendy, extremely polite, care about fine details, service-quality oriented, very modern and yet with high respect for their traditions, strongly emphasizing self expression while being careful not [...]
5 Jan, 2010 in
Japan by Fili An

What did I do in Japan? I ate. In all the things I remember I did, food was a major theme. I’m not a very wealthy tourist, but even with the more affordable restaurants – it’s absolutely delicious. I can’t even remember what all those dishes are but among the photos you may notice the [...]
3 Jan, 2010 in
Tokyo by Fili An

Want to see Tokyo from above? head to Shinjuku where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices offer nice (free) views from their 45th floor of those twin towers, facing north and south.
On a clear blue sky day, this is roughly what it would look like…
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