Tokyo - November 2017
Length of trip: 6 days (two days flying and four days in the city)
How I got there: Direct flight (11 hours and 30 mins)
Where I stayed: Kaisu Hostel, Akasaka.
Top sights: Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Shibuya (incl Shibuya crossing, Ueno park, Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple & Tokyo Disneyland.
Highlight of the trip: Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara & Sensoji Temple.
Summary:
Japan! Well, what can I say?! For most of my life I have only dreamed of travelling to Japan. And in November I was lucky enough to finally gather up the confidence (and the money) to travel to the other side of the world - solo! This trip for me was definitely a life affirming trip and I'm so glad that i did it. Although it was only six days, I managed to squeeze a lot of sightseeing.
On the run up to my trip, most of my friends and family were very excited for me, however I also did experience a lot of criticisms such as 'Surely, travelling alone isn't safe for a female these days' or 'You're travelling long way just for six days!'. So, first of all to address the first point - I have to highlight that Japan is one of the most safest countries on the planet! I felt so incredibly safe walking the streets, even at night. I encountered no problems whatsoever. In fact, the Japanese are very welcoming and helpful (although quite reserved). So, my point is, I recommend solo travel to anyone and everyone to try at least once in their lives. You certainly learn a lot about who you are as a person and what drives you. It also teaches you a lot in terms of gaining confidence and looking after yourself.
Secondly, for a city break, four full days in Tokyo is more than enough. In fact, I probably could have done a lot in even three days. Going for any longer would tire you out! City breaks aren't designed to be for two weeks like a beach holiday, as you will be more active. If you are travelling outside of Tokyo (which I didn't - I just stayed in Tokyo) I would recommend adding a two or three extra days to allow you more time. But even three or four days is ample if you are just staying in Tokyo.
Now! On to the summary!
Day One
The first day I saw the incredible Meiji Shrine which looks just as incredible as it does in the pictures. I was lucky enough to visit on culture day so though it was very busy, they had a few shows and demonstrations on. I even made a new friend from Thailand!
Next, I went to see Shibuya including the famous scramble crossing! Now, for me, this really was a highlight of the trip. After all those years of staring dreamily at pictures on the internet of the bustling and vibrant crossing, it was an amazing feeling to stand there myself in person. And it really is as busy as they say it is!
After this, I travelled to see the Tokyo tower and the amazing Zojo-ji Temple (which I got some awesome pictures of!) and was definitely worth a look.
Day Two
Day two for me was a great day as I started off in Asakusa at the Sensoji Temple. This temple is the oldest temple in the whole of Tokyo and although it has been reconstructed since its da
mage in WW2, it still looked incredible. The Sensoji temple was only a 20 min walk from the Tokyo Skytree. Since opening in 2012, the Skytree is the second tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (more on the Burj Khalifa and Dubai in a later post). The views were spectacular! Its worth paying a little extra for the queue jump as it can be very busy (I went on a Saturday). Underneath the Skytree are countless shops including supermarkets and even a Hello Kitty shop! After the Skytree, I made my way to the famous Akihabara! Emerging from Akihabara station and seeing those neon lights was really a fabulous moment for me. This is why I also name Akihabara a highlight of the trip. Even if Anime and gaming isn't your sort of thing, there's something for everyone here! Even the famous maid cafes to the array of shops selling high end electronics. I stopped to grab a bite to eat here at a traditional Japanese pub style restaurant called 'Nijyu Maru'. Five courses and three alcoholic drinks costed me the equivalent of £30 and it was delicious!
Day Three
On day three, I made my way over to Harajuku and took a trip down Takeshita street for some shopping. I even treated myself to the famous Harajuku crepes - which are incredible by the way! I was even lucky enough to spot a Harajuku Sweet Lolita girl as I walked back to Harajuku station. I was surprised that I only saw one however - i thought there would be more. Next, I travelled on the crowded Yamanote line to Ueno and chilled in the park. Then, I went to Roppongi and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Day Four
On the last day in Tokyo, I went to Tokyo Disneyland! Having only been to Disneyland Paris and DisneyWorld in Florida, this was amazing to me! It's crazy how each of the different parks have a different feel. I felt as though Tokyo Disneyland was a lot more spread out and spacious and offered a better selection of rides. Some rides that were different to Paris were: Pooh's hunny hunt, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Stitch Encounter & Monsters, Inc: Ride & Go Seek. The firework display and the night light parade were incredible and I really enjoyed my last day in Tokyo.
Finally, Tokyo is a dazzling, exciting and simple breathtaking city and I'm already planning my next trip to go back! This time, I'd like to explore the rest of Japans cities such as Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto. Japan is a beautiful country and I'd urge anyone and everyone to explore it at least once!
Always remember, You Life Is Your Own Adventure.
How I got there: Direct flight (11 hours and 30 mins)
Where I stayed: Kaisu Hostel, Akasaka.
Top sights: Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Shibuya (incl Shibuya crossing, Ueno park, Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple & Tokyo Disneyland.
Highlight of the trip: Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara & Sensoji Temple.
Summary:
Japan! Well, what can I say?! For most of my life I have only dreamed of travelling to Japan. And in November I was lucky enough to finally gather up the confidence (and the money) to travel to the other side of the world - solo! This trip for me was definitely a life affirming trip and I'm so glad that i did it. Although it was only six days, I managed to squeeze a lot of sightseeing. On the run up to my trip, most of my friends and family were very excited for me, however I also did experience a lot of criticisms such as 'Surely, travelling alone isn't safe for a female these days' or 'You're travelling long way just for six days!'. So, first of all to address the first point - I have to highlight that Japan is one of the most safest countries on the planet! I felt so incredibly safe walking the streets, even at night. I encountered no problems whatsoever. In fact, the Japanese are very welcoming and helpful (although quite reserved). So, my point is, I recommend solo travel to anyone and everyone to try at least once in their lives. You certainly learn a lot about who you are as a person and what drives you. It also teaches you a lot in terms of gaining confidence and looking after yourself.
Secondly, for a city break, four full days in Tokyo is more than enough. In fact, I probably could have done a lot in even three days. Going for any longer would tire you out! City breaks aren't designed to be for two weeks like a beach holiday, as you will be more active. If you are travelling outside of Tokyo (which I didn't - I just stayed in Tokyo) I would recommend adding a two or three extra days to allow you more time. But even three or four days is ample if you are just staying in Tokyo.
Now! On to the summary!
Day One
The first day I saw the incredible Meiji Shrine which looks just as incredible as it does in the pictures. I was lucky enough to visit on culture day so though it was very busy, they had a few shows and demonstrations on. I even made a new friend from Thailand! Next, I went to see Shibuya including the famous scramble crossing! Now, for me, this really was a highlight of the trip. After all those years of staring dreamily at pictures on the internet of the bustling and vibrant crossing, it was an amazing feeling to stand there myself in person. And it really is as busy as they say it is!
After this, I travelled to see the Tokyo tower and the amazing Zojo-ji Temple (which I got some awesome pictures of!) and was definitely worth a look. 
Day Two
Day two for me was a great day as I started off in Asakusa at the Sensoji Temple. This temple is the oldest temple in the whole of Tokyo and although it has been reconstructed since its da
mage in WW2, it still looked incredible. The Sensoji temple was only a 20 min walk from the Tokyo Skytree. Since opening in 2012, the Skytree is the second tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (more on the Burj Khalifa and Dubai in a later post). The views were spectacular! Its worth paying a little extra for the queue jump as it can be very busy (I went on a Saturday). Underneath the Skytree are countless shops including supermarkets and even a Hello Kitty shop! After the Skytree, I made my way to the famous Akihabara! Emerging from Akihabara station and seeing those neon lights was really a fabulous moment for me. This is why I also name Akihabara a highlight of the trip. Even if Anime and gaming isn't your sort of thing, there's something for everyone here! Even the famous maid cafes to the array of shops selling high end electronics. I stopped to grab a bite to eat here at a traditional Japanese pub style restaurant called 'Nijyu Maru'. Five courses and three alcoholic drinks costed me the equivalent of £30 and it was delicious!
Day Three
On day three, I made my way over to Harajuku and took a trip down Takeshita street for some shopping. I even treated myself to the famous Harajuku crepes - which are incredible by the way! I was even lucky enough to spot a Harajuku Sweet Lolita girl as I walked back to Harajuku station. I was surprised that I only saw one however - i thought there would be more. Next, I travelled on the crowded Yamanote line to Ueno and chilled in the park. Then, I went to Roppongi and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Day Four
On the last day in Tokyo, I went to Tokyo Disneyland! Having only been to Disneyland Paris and DisneyWorld in Florida, this was amazing to me! It's crazy how each of the different parks have a different feel. I felt as though Tokyo Disneyland was a lot more spread out and spacious and offered a better selection of rides. Some rides that were different to Paris were: Pooh's hunny hunt, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Stitch Encounter & Monsters, Inc: Ride & Go Seek. The firework display and the night light parade were incredible and I really enjoyed my last day in Tokyo. 
Finally, Tokyo is a dazzling, exciting and simple breathtaking city and I'm already planning my next trip to go back! This time, I'd like to explore the rest of Japans cities such as Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto. Japan is a beautiful country and I'd urge anyone and everyone to explore it at least once!
Always remember, You Life Is Your Own Adventure.
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