Highlight Attractions:
Kamakura – It was a cold, rainy Monday when I visited Kanagawa but the main advantage here is that the lines for the Giant Buddha are practically nonexistent, giving the place some peaceful vibe not found in most Japan’s attractions. A highlight in this area was the spooky, cramped cave in Hasedera where sculpted Buddhist images giving off an eerie vibe.
Enoshima – My rainy Monday tour continued here, where crossing the bridge on heavy winds was a massive challenge to everyone! I enjoyed visiting the massive cave formations on the northern end of the island and hiking towards it can be a challenge to some. Again, crowds are at a minimum making the visit at least more bearable. Riding the suspended monorail Enoden towards Ofuna was also fun as well.
Meiji Shrine (Harajuku) – Visited on a clear morning and surprisingly, crowds were way lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Senso-ji (Asakusa) – This is where the crowds starting to pick up. I actually find the surrounding shops and the Sumida River Park more interesting. Than the temple itself.
Tokyo Skytree – Unless you’re going all the way to the top (either top or second levels), this one is skippable as the Solamachi mall below is almost similar to most Tokyo shopping centers.
Sumida River Cruise – The sights won’t win major awards, but cruising downstream is a fun way to see around Tokyo. It is probably much better at night.
Shinkuku Gyoen (Shinjuku) – The best city park ever. Quite worth an hour or two to wander around the the plentiful greenery over the urban jungle that is Shinjuku.
Tokyo National Museum (Ueno) – An interesting, large museum if you’re into pre-Edo period artifacts.
DECKS and Aqua City (Odaiba) – These bayside malls are perfect for families who want a more sanitized and less gritty versions of Tokyo. Lots of restaurants for fussy kiddos on their food. Have dinner somewhere in the malls overlooking the Rainbow Bridge and the massive Tokyo skyline.
Tsukiji Outer Market (Ginza) – If you want a perfect balance of cheap and good quality seafood in Tokyo, this place is it. Again, not as crowded compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Dining highlights:
New York Grill at the Park Hyatt Tokyo (Shinjuku) – The food here at this legendary restaurant is plain impressive. I had the lunch buffet where you choose your main course to go along with the appetizer and dessert buffet. Quality is emphasized here over quantity. The New York Strip is cooked perfectly medium while the duck fat fries are probably the crispiest I’ve ever had. Of you want to splurge in a Tokyo restaurant, this is it. Reserve via TableCheck and it isn’t too hard.
Akihabara Nikuya Yokocho (Akihabara)- For fun’s sake, I decided to stuff myself silly in this meat market style AYCE A5 Wagyu *yakiniku* place and the meat quiality is seriously A5 which makes it great value if you’re a Wagyu enthusiast. Reservations by your own are hard though and it’s best done through a hotel concierge.
Tokyo Sushi Ten Tokyo Midtown Branch (Roppongi) – This is probably the best value omakase-style sushi you’ll have. The chef tries his best to communicate in English and the sushi quality is certainly up there. Interiors are classy and definitely try to sit in front of the counter unless you have a large group. With its 20-plus course, come hungry. Reservations also done ideally via hotel concierge or a Japanese friend. I wouldn’t recommend walking in unless you have a backup plan.
