Tokyo is the capital of Japan and it is the center of economy, politics, trend, and fashion. You can enjoy both urban style lifestyle and historical side of the city, as the capital had moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. There are also a variety of great foods from the traditional Japanese food to unique dishes.
Tsukiji Shijo (Fish Market)
This is one of the biggest fish markets in Tokyo, where an even regular visitor can see the fresh seafood market right there and eat at the restaurant. There are many sushi restaurants. The one I visited is called “Sandaime”, and they have a great lunch menu.
The lunch menu is gorgeous. Every sushi piece was so detail, thoughtful, and perfect. It also came with small Kaisen bowl (seafood slice over the rice). In this way, I can enjoy both don buri (bowl)and sushi altogether. It was around $30 (2700 yen).
Tokyo Government office building
Tokyo government office building is located right at Hyatte hotel. It is free for the public to go up to 52 F floor to view 360-degree view of Tokyo city. You can also eat lunch there with office workers:)
Tokyo Station and Marubiru (Shopping malls)
Tokyo station is the railway station. The original brick building was build in Marunouchi in 1914. The building still has an old day look from the outside, and there are many modern shopping malls. Marubiru, New Marubiru are located right at Tokyo station. You can enjoy modern shopping mall of Japan.
Marubiru
Casual French Dinner at Kagurakuzaka in Shinjuku
Kagurazaka is fashionable and modern dining and drinking area. It is a small space, but if you want to enjoy a bit quiet modern dining, this might be a good place. For my dinner, I went to the casual French dining, which serves only appetizers. It was pretty reasonable for French and enjoyed the dishes with a choice of wine.
“New York Bar” at Park Hyatt
Hyatte Regency in Nishi-Shinjuku is a convenient and beautiful hotel. The location is perfect as it is by the train station, and the price is reasonable as it is a little away from the center of Tokyo. With a domestic flight, you may find a good deal.
The hotel bar on the top floor plays live Jazz music from 8pm every day. Cover charge is around $20. You can see fantastic night view from the window seat. This hotel was used in the movie “Lost in translation” in 2003.
Easy 1 day bus tour:
If you want to take a tour to visit major landmark of Tokyo, bus tour called “Hato bus” is recommended. There are many options. The one I picked was “Tokyo Digest”, which includes buffet lunch ($80).
The tour route: Drive by the houses of Parliament –> Roppongi Hills tour sky view (pic1) ($18 entrance fee is included in tour ticket)->drive through the rainbow bridge and lunch at Hilton hotel by Tokyo Disney(Pic2) ($30 lunch is included in tour ticket)–> Drive by Tokyo Disney resort, Odaiba (Pic3)–> Ride on the Sumidagawa river boat (Pic4) to Asakusa (Included in the tour ticket)–> Asakusa/Nakamuse/Asakusa Kannon (pic5)–> Drive by Ginza
Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
Pic4
Pic5
Hato bus is the great way to experience the overview of Tokyo in short time. The best way is to ride this bus for the 1st day and go around where you want to spend more time in the following days. There is English version of tour guide.
Here is the site: