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We were very fortunate to
witness the blooming of Sakura (Hanami) because it had bloom before we arrived.
So be sure to check out here for updates. Nonetheless the chances of seeing
sakura in spring are pretty high. Blooming of Sakura starts from the South of
Japan and slowly move upwards. If you missed the ones in Toyko, one can always
head up North of Japan for the Sakura.
Together with my parents
& H, we flew to Japan for a week to witness the beauty of Sakura. Below is
the summary of our trip. We tried to group attraction that are near to each
other for easy accessibility. Here's 5 things you need to know before travelling to Tokyo & hope the summary helps!
Summary
Day 0: Singapore Changi
Airport - Haneda Airport
Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen – Aaoyama Flower Market– Harajuku –
Takeshita Market – Shibuya Crossing– Neighbouhood Sushi
Day 2: Disney Sea – Nabezo Sukiyaki
Buffet
Day 3: Tsukji Market –
Sensoji Shrine – Asakus Japanese Old Street – Ueno Park Sakura –Ichiran Ramen
Day 4: Hakone- Hakone Stone‐Paved Road – Hakone sightseeing cruise – Sightseeing Ropeway – Lunch – Check in Ryokan
Day 5: Bank of Miyagino – Lake Yamanakako – Check
in Ryokan
Day 6: Kachikachi railway – Arakurayama Sengen Park –
Shinjuku – Haneda Airport
Day 1:
Day 1:
On our first
day, we visited Shinjuku Gyoen to catch Sakura before they start to
wither. Voted as one of the best place to view Sakura, it truly lived up its
name. We bought food from market hall in Shinjuku station and had a mini-picnic
session in the park. Although it had rain the entire day, it did not dampen our
mood.
Next, we head
over to Aaoyama Flower Market for tea. The cafe is gorgeous and smells
good too. Although a little expensive, we love the flower tea as well as the
desserts. Then, we took a stroll around the area before heading to Harajuku and
Takeshita Market immerse ourselves in the Japanese culture. You will
not miss the famous crepe cake and Calbee shop but one must not go home without
trying the Churro.
To end our
night, we visited the popular Shibuya Crossing. Initial plan was to visit the
highly rave and affordable Midori
Sushi in Mark City. Sadly, the
queue was very long and we end up returning to our neighborhood for cheap thrill
sushi.
Day 2:
After
spending our day in Disney and feeling famished, we head over to Nabezo at Shinjuku
for Sukiyaki! A 90 minute eat-all-you-can buffet for 2500 yen. Not a bad deal
right? Even the ala cart would cost around the same price. I love the wide
range of vegetables they offer. Definitely will be back again!
Day 3:
We skip the
idea of visiting the Tuna auction in the morning because we were too tired.
However being tired does not stop us from visiting Tsukiji Market for fresh sashimi
& local goods in the morning. Mom was especially happy because she managed
to get some Kombu – Japanese Kelp and Dry squid. Then, we visited Asakus
Japanese old street for some snack and Sensoji Shrine. We were really lucky to
be able to witness some simple ceremony going on.
Before the
sky turn dark, we head over to Ueno park for more Sakura viewing! We bought the
snacks from Japanese Old Street and we were not the only ones. The park was
pack with picnic-goer. Although a lot of the Sakura had withered, the night
lantern made up for it!
End the night
visiting Ichiran, the famous ramen in Japan! We visit the outlet at Ueno and
was really lucky that the queue isn’t that long. Personally I am not a fan of
ramen but this ramen is amazing! Easily one of the best ramen I had in my life.
Day 4:
We purchase Hakone-Fuji Free Pass and took
Romance car from Shinjuku to Hakone. Hakone is a
quieter place as compare to Tokyo and Mt Fuji. Upon arrival, the first stop was
to Lake Ashi, the scenic lake in Hakone. The lake is huge and beautiful. Then
we walk over to Hakone Stone-Pave road before boarding Hakone sightseeing
cruise. The cruise stop at Togendai and we took the ropeway for another
sight-seeing from mid-air. Unfortunately, Owakudani Valley is closed while we
were there. We end the late afternoon slurping tempura soba near Hakone-Yumato
Station and took a bus back to our Ryokan.
Before
heading to Mt Fuji, we visited the Bank of Miyagino for more Hanami viewing! So
thankful that H found this spot because there were not much Sakura in Hakone.
That place was gorgeous!
Set off to Kawaguchiko from Gotemba Station.
Before we set our foot at Kawaguchiko, we alight at Lake Yamanakako. This was a
last minute decision and I’m glad we did it. We totally enjoy the short
stopover. The lake is big and there were
Swans! Surprisingly we were the only ones there and had the chance to
have interaction with the Swan. End the night at Rykon, which was amazing!
Day 5:
On our last
day, We visited Kachi-kachi ropeway. Queue for an hour, got up the mountain and
felt it was a huge disappointment. The clouds had covered Mt Fuji! So we had
nothing to do there. Honestly speaking, the view from our Ryokan was much
better. Then, we
visited Arakurayama Sengen Park, which was much better than Kack Kachi. Sadly,
we didn’t manage to walk up due to time constrain. Definitely will be back
there next time.
Took bus back
to Shinjuku for last minute shopping in Odakyu Departmental Store and
Takashimaya Departmental store before heading to Airport.
I will be
sharing more details on this trip in the separate post, so be sure to head back
for more! Hope it helps!
xoxo
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