Before you make your way over to the famous Shibuya crossing, make a quick stop at Hachiko. The statue of this dog is a popular meeting place for people living in Tokyo. Hachiko (remember the Richard Gere Movie?) was a typical Japanese “Akita” dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate in the Akita Prefecture of Japan. He was so loyal to his owner, that even after him passing away, he would return to the spot he always waited on him for the next 9 years. Every day! Nowadays, Hachiko is .....still popular and each year on April 8, he is honoured with a ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya Tokyo station. If you’re there around that date, perhaps fun to join in! Show less

Haneda #starbucks tumbler pic.twitter.com/jwoxf5FZ6R— LE▲NNA (@tamagoxkare) June 9, 2015 If you are collecting limited edition tumblers, it is good to know that you can find two Japan inspired tumblers here at Haneda Airport. The first one is the typical Japan tumbler sold at all airports, and the second one is the special Haneda Airport tumbler that changes colors once you put a hot beverage inside of it.

Alannah wanted to visit Senso-Ji, a buddhist temple located in Asakusa and is Japans oldest temple. She was reading a book while we were there and the girl in the book had visited Senso-Ji. I’m glad that she asked, as Asakusa was my favourite part of Tokyo, particularly the area around Senso-Ji Temple. The temple is just a few steps from the Asakusa Station and is hard to miss, there are signs around the station also that will point you in the right direction.

This Tokyo itinerary with kids doesn’t include Disney. Tokyo Disney is a world class theme park. But child friendly holidays don’t need to include Disney parks. Focus your time instead on the aspects of Tokyo that make it a unique destination and unlike any other city in the world. If you are in Tokyo for more time and want to add Disney to you Tokyo itinerary check out the links at the bottom of this post.

Welcome to the happiest place in the world—Disneyland Tokyo edition! It is highly recommended that you spend at least 2 days here to enjoy all the wonderful attractions and food. There are several fun attractions unique to Tokyo Disneyland, like Dream Lights with a magical nighttime light parade (Minnie oh! Minnie!), the interactive Monster’s Inc. Ride & Go Seek and Western River Railroad to name a few. You can book admission tickets and transfers here. Also consider splurging a little by staying at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel which is at a .....short walk from the theme park and comes with many perks. Show less

Nothing quite prepares you for Tokyo. This sprawling, endlessly enthralling city is not only Japan's multifaceted national capital, it's also one of the most exciting destinations in the world. From the bustling streets of Shibuya to the fashion icons of Harajuku, the ancient temples of Asakusa and the neon lights of Shinjuku, this is one world city you won't ever get bored with. In fact, there's so much to do in Tokyo the biggest challenge is often where to start! Whether you're keen on kabuki or determined to check out the cherry .....blossoms in Ueno Park, there's no danger of running out of things to do. From high-end restaurants to history-laden bars, tantalising Tokyo has truly got it all. Show less

Relaxed enough? Then you’ll probably enjoy the other biggest attraction in the Shibuya district: Shopping!! Some major shopping areas are: Center Gai (the large intersection in front of the station’s Hachiko Exit, great to see at night as well!), Shibuya Station itself (many, many floors of shops and restaurants, this thing is a maze!) and Koen Dori (“Park Street”, popular shopping street leading from the Marui department store to Yoyogi Park). As you can see, you’ve got plenty of choice, but here are some highlights:

Most people know about the Shibuya Crossing thanks to its presence in movies such as Lost in Translation, Fast and Furious and Resident Evil. This crossing is rumored to be the busiest crossing in the world! People cross here from 5 different angles. It is incredible to simply watch the people cross and weave their way through this crossing. I always wonder how people move so smoothly past each other whilst everyone seems to be staring at their phones. The Shibuya Crossing is located right in front of the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station.

Asakusa is in the northeast of Tokyo city, around 2.5 km east of Ueno and 3.5 km from Tokyo Station.  It’s an area where Tokyo’s history survives and you’ll feel this in some of its attractions, its many traditional restaurants and that there are more low rise buildings than skyscrapers around here. Asakusa’s most popular attraction for tourists is Senso-ji temple which dates back to the 7th century and the area around it has been popular since the Edo period when it was known as an entertainment district.  A few geisha .....and tea houses remain in Asakusa but they are not as visible to foreigners as the ones in Kyoto. Show less

In east Tokyo, Akihabara is located between the Ueno and Tokyo stations. It is easily accessible via the Yamanote railway loop line so you will find you way there in no time. If shopping is what you can’t wait to do in Akihabara, I recommend you do it in the morning even though the area is also very enjoyable to visit during night time. By the way, to move around Tokyo, try using the website Hyperdia or download the Hyperdia App, just a quick tip to make everything easier for you.

Our first stop was Tokyo Tower.  At the top we had panoramic views of the city.  The visibility was decent but cloudy as all of our other days have been.  On a clear winter day apparently you can see Mt. Fuji all the way from Tokyo.  We first walked around with Junko who pointed out a few major landmarks.  The observation deck is broken up into two levels.  You start off at the top and take the stairs down a level to the a lower deck that offers you the .....same view but also includes a small glass floor similar to CN Tower. Show less

This is the round trip deal between Narita airport and Tokyo, surrounding area by Narita Express and the ordinary train. This round trip deal, “N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket” is sold at 4000 yen. It is valid for 14 days. You may change the trains as many as you want in the designated area and go anywhere in coverage area, such as JR stations in downtown Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, Kamakura, Maihama (Tokyo Disneyland) and many more places. You can find the coverage map and more information about this deal in the .....link below: N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket, JR East official site. Unfortunately there is no one way deals available. Show less

I learned, after the fact, that temperatures hit 37 degrees (Celsius) the day I went (and with Tokyo’s characteristic 90%+ humidity in summer, 37 degrees feels like about 37 billion degrees). This explains why I got heat exhaustion, which is the main reason why the day turned out so hellishly.

Next, we ventured over to some of the lesser-known temples in shrines in Tokyo. Kiyomizu Kannon-do is tucked away inside Ueno Park to where you may even forget that you’re in this expansive city. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo dating back to 1632. If the break from the city isn’t enough to draw you in, be sure to check out the interesting pine tree that has formed a circle with its branches. Thus, this pine tree is known as tsuki no matsu, or “pine tree of the moon.”Cost: Free to visit grounds

Another great place to relax is at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, just a couple minutes walk from Yoyogi Park (and Harajuku JR Line train station). We already wrote a whole photo post about this place, so I suggest you go check it out and find out why Meiji Jingu  is so magical.

Shinjuku is a popular area for tourists, there are many hotels and it’s popular for shopping, particularly the Isetan Department Store. It also reportedly has the worlds busiest train station! If you are going to Shinjuku you will most likely be visiting the area around the station. Shinjuku is also known to be the skyscraper district with many of the cities tallest buildings in this area. We liked the area around Godzilla Lane, there is plenty of neon and shopping in this area and it’s exactly what you expect to find .....in Tokyo. There is so many exciting areas to explore when visiting Tokyo. Show less

Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, you will find a series of narrow alleys that are filled to the brim with over 270 unique little bar dens! The bars are all unique and you will find a few totally eclectic bars as well. You can find some that have chandeliers whilst others are designed in a hard rock theme. Why not head out and enjoy a night of bar hopping.

Ride a train in from Chiba, and boom! Catch a view from the Metropolitan Government Office in Shinjuku, blammo! Step out of Tawaramachi station en route to Asakusa, and GOTCHA, that gleaming torch of a building will lock you in it’s comforting tractor beam gaze. Tokyo’s very own guardian angel shining over the city.

Keisei Railway is one of the major private railways in Kanto region. It connects Narita airport and Ueno, Nippori. And also some trains go through Tokyo Toei subway and Keikyu Railway. You can get Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree), Asakusa, Shimbashi, Haneda airport directly. Keisei Railway is not covered by any JR deals, such as JR Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass. But there are some deals available to take Keisei Railway limited express “Skyliner”.

Point at a Tokyo map enough times and eventually your finger will land on Aoto station 青砥駅, as mine did a few years ago. Later that day my legs took me to Aoto and walked east, crossing the Nakagawa River via the Takasago-bashi 高砂橋, a bridge far more modern than the surrounding neighborhood (map)(Streetview): On the east side of the river I followed a road with trees lining the median strip, a telltale sign that this used to be a river (map). This is Takasago, a quiet, un-flashy, and predominately pleasant neighborhood. The land is flat, but the high .....building density obscures anything other than the immediate surroundings. Tokyo Sky Tree isn’t even visible, though it could be seen back at Takasago-bashi. There’s a geographical ambiguity about this place – the center of Tokyo could be quite close or very far away, Takasago is comfortable, anonymous, re-assuring. I saw old looking businesses…   I sat on a bench in a well-used park next to a housing complex; the spring breeze played with the branches of the mature shade trees (map). Show less

Just feet from the Tora-san statue is Taishakuten-sando, a narrow, lively pedestrian road leading from Shibamata Station to Taishakuten temple. The kanji 参道, sando, means ‘approach’, as in the entrance path to a Shinto shrine. (This road is sometimes referred to as “Shibamata Temple Street” in English.) The street is reason enough to visit Shibamata, especially if you’re in the mood for traditional Japanese shops and a festive atmosphere. This spot is far enough from central Tokyo to be invisible to casual foreign tourists. Consequently, almost all of the people I saw in Shibamata were Japanese. Between the station and the start .....of the traditional shopping street:  The crowded heart of the Taishakuten-sando If you remember one thing from today’s post, it’s that Matsuya no Ame 松屋の飴総本店 is awesome. This candy business was formed in 1868, with this location dating back to 1926 (map). One website describes this shop: “On Sunday and national holidays, “amekiri ondou” (candy cutting tuned to folk music) is performed. That is one of the Environment Agency-designated “best 100 scenes with sound.'” When I visited there were two men chopping sweet mochi with heavy cleavers. (I’m guessing they are father and son.) A (brief) video of mine Show less

I’ve read a few discussions on Tokyo where people have suggested you can skip the Imperial Palace and that “it’s just a park and a few stone walls”.  I understand that people visit Tokyo for many reasons, where it’s electronics shopping, food and the modern aspects of the city that hold an appeal for you, you may choose not to visit the palace.  However I believe it has a lot to offer anyone with an interest in history, culture and nature,  or a desire to experience the contrasts Tokyo is .....so famous for.  If you’re undecided here are 10 reasons to visit and things to do at Tokyo Imperial Palace to help you decide whether it makes it onto your itinerary. Show less

Harajuku is famous for its quirky vintage clothing stores and street art especially along Takeshita Street (we got some good mileage out of that street name too mind you). Takeshita Street is directly in front of the Harajuku Station and if you are there at the right time you will witness some interesting Japanese youth culture and fashion including some pretty wild hairstyles and ‘out there’ make up. The fashion style in Harajuku is often confused with cosplay a.k.a costume playing which takes place on Harajuku Bridge on Sunday afternoons.

Part of the volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is famous for its beautiful nature where visitors can soak in hot springs while enjoying the views of Mount Fuji. The area is especially popular during spring when a variety of cherry blossoms turn the park into a maze of pink, white and purple. One of the highlights of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is Hakone Gora Park, which was opened in 1914 as Japan’s first French-style garden. Reminiscent of France’s magnificent gardens the focus is on symmetry and geometric shapes. The park changes .....drastically throughout the seasons but no matter at which time of the year you visit, you are treated to a magnificent sight. For those interested in art, a visit to Hakone Museum of Art is a must. The museum has a large collection of ancient and contemporary pottery from different parts of Japan. Trains leave from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station throughout the day and takes roughly 90 minutes. Show less

Studio Ghibli Movies List   Spirited Away is the most famous of all Studio Ghibli movies having reached an international audience after winning an Oscar for best animation movie (it’s my favourite animation from Ghibli). Here’s a rundown of all the Studio Ghibli movies to watch (the main featured movies). I’ve added links (affiliate) where you can get them on Blu-ray/dvd if you want to watch them. I’ve seen all of Studio Ghibli movies and some a bunch of times such as Spirited Away (5 times now) and Princess Mononoke (3 times). This is the .....Studio Ghibli movies list: 1984: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind 1986: Castle in the Sky 1988: Grave of the Fireflies 1988: My Neighbor Totoro 1989: Kiki’s Delivery Service 1991: Only Yesterday 1992: Porco Rosso 1994: Pom Poko 1995: Whisper of the Heart 1997: Princess Mononoke 1999: My Neighbors the Yamadas 2001: Spirited Away 2002: The Cat Returns 2004: Howl’s Moving Castle 2006: Tales from Earthsea 2008: Ponyo 2010: Arrietty 2011: From Up on Poppy Hill 2013: The Wind Rises 2013: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya 2014: When Marnie Was There   Show less

I decided if I was going to hike in Japan, I wanted to hike. So instead of doing what most people do and descend the way I came up, I opted for one of the many Mt Takao hikes along the ridge of mountains to the next peak. I mention the name of the peak in my video below, but I have since blocked it from my memory, so you’ll have to watch the video if you want to know where I went.

Located in central Tokyo, the Tsukiji Market is the world’s largest and busiest fish market! The best time to visit this market is at 5 am so you can catch the live tuna auctions. Do make sure to check their website to see if public access is permitted that day. You can register your spot for the auction at 4:30 am at the fish information centre inside the Kachidoki Gate off Harumi Street.

One of the best things to do in Tokyo for the sports lovers, Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall is a very popular tourist attraction. Most go there because of the sumo wrestling, but you can also see a whole parade in the ceremonial clothes as well as classic move demonstrations by former champions. The 15-day tournaments take place in January, May and September.

Through the Kaminarimon gate you enter an avenue that leads to the second gate, Senso-ji temple and Asakusa shrine.  This walkway is the Nakamise Shopping street and although it’s only around 300 metres between the two gates there’s a lot to see so allow a bit of time to explore this short distance.

Meiji Shrine, located very close to Harajuku Station, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken. It was destroyed during World War II and was rebuilt shortly after. A Shinto Shrine, it is surrounded by a tranquil forest and Yoyogi Park. Here you can write out your wishes on an ema, a wooden plate which you leave behind, in the hope that they will come true.

Finally, your visit would not be complete until you’ve gone up to the 17th floor to enjoy the breathtaking vista of Shibuya’s city lights and the famous crossing from the rooftop garden, Shibu Niwa. Take a seat at Bao by Cé La Vi (a casual cafe and bar) or if you’re feeling fancy, head up the 18th floor to Cé La Vi Restaurant and Sky Bar and enjoy the fine dining and drinks experience with spectacular views.

Daikanyama: A Guide To Tokyo’s Little BrooklynTofuya Ukai: A Dining Oasis Underneath Tokyo TowerYayoi Kusama Museum: A Permanent Place For The Artist’s Eternal SoulYanesen: A Guide To Tokyo’s Best Off-The-Beaten-Path NeighborhoodA Luxurious Sushi Feast At Sushi Ya Ginza

The scaffolding is down and most of the outside of the gorgeous building is visible in the Mediterranean Harbor. I love how the building looks like it’s always been there. That’s when you know the work is done right. I can’t wait to see the queue for myself. The FastPass distribution is across from the attraction at the back of Zambini Brothers Ristorante. Digital FastPass is coming sometime this summer, but still, haven’t heard exactly when (or if it’s even available in English). The show building shines when it’s nighttime (see .....photos below). I’m completely in love with the stained glass for the signage at the entrance. The amount of detail we’re able to see so far makes me excited to see how it looks inside. Show less

Tokyo Skytree is the newest and tallest of the towers to get a view out over the city and beyond.  On a clear day you’ll see as far as Mt Fuji in Kanagawa Prefecture.  There are two viewing floors, one at 350 metres and another at 450 metres each providing expansive views in all directions.  Watch out on the lower level for the glass floor, do you dare walk on it and look down between your feet to the world below?  I don’t have a fear of heights at all .....but it’ll still quite an odd feeling. Show less

Everyone loves some healthy competition, right? Well, Tokyo Midtown was created as a rival to Roppongi Hills and it also an enormous complex that towers above the city. Inside you will find high end fashion shops, international cafes, very interesting art, and museums. Besides that, you can always enjoy the view on the surrounding nature and cherry trees that are beautifully decorated during Christmas, illuminating the entire area.

One of the best places for Odaiba sightseeing is Aquacity. This shopping mall has a lot of different stores and restaurants for you, so it’s definitely worth checking out. There is also a cinema and most interesting: the 5th floor features a Ramen food theme park! From the wooden deck out front, you have a good view on the Rainbow Bridge. Opening Hours: 11AM to 9PM, Restaurants 11AM to 11PM (some restaurants even later), every day Website: www.aquacity.jp  

Palette Town is a (oh yes, another) large shopping and entertainment complex. Within it, you can find the Venus Fort shopping mall, Toyota Mega Web, a Ferris Wheel, the Zepp Tokyo music venue and Tokyo Leisureland. The Ferris Wheel is 115 meters and one of the world’s largest, so you can imagine to have great views over Tokyo. Leisureland features a large game arcade, karaoke, many sports games and a food court. There even is a haunted house! Opening Hours: 10AM to 10PM, all days (Ferris Wheel) and 10AM to 11:50PM, all days (Leisureland)  

The selection of Tokyo pottery on Kappabashi Street is overwhelming but in a good way. It would be impossible to walk down this kitchen theme street without finding at least one piece to buy. The only challenge is to decide what to buy because there is so much beautiful pottery available at reasonable prices. In other words, you should plan to buy several pieces of pottery. Pro Tip: Be sure to tell the sales clerk if you will be traveling with pottery. You will want to make sure they wrap your purchase .....well so that it won’t break in flight. This tip applies any time you’re shopping in Tokyo. As for us, we bought a few special pieces at Tousyougama, a shop that stood out to us for its distinctive style of pottery and its wide selection. This shop is a bit more expensive than many of the Kappabashi ceramics shops scattered along the street, but this is because their pieces are of higher quality. We especially love the sake set that we bought for ourselves here. The other pieces we bought made excellent gifts for close friends and family. Pro Tip: Be sure to check out Tousyougama if you’re wondering where to buy ceramics in Tokyo. Show less

The term ‘kyabakura’ is actually just a shortened word for cabaret club. The difference between kyabakura and host clubs is that kyabakura caters to male customers and host clubs cater to female customers. Inside both clubs you’ll find attractive women or men who are just as nice to look at as they are to chat with. Whether they were born with the inert ability to make others feel safe and loved or they’ve been perfecting their craft for years, even just an hour inside these establishments will make you eager .....to stay longer or visit again! Although it may seem like a dream come true – picking an attractive host from a large ‘menu’ and enjoying copious amounts of drinks with them as you laugh and enjoy your night together – it’s important to remember that your host is, in fact, a salesperson first and foremost. The more drinks they get you to buy, the higher their commissions are, and the more they make during their shift. To entice guests to spend as much as possible, they’ll make sure you drink as much as possible (using any tactics necessary). Regardless of the reason why hosts are engaging with clients, it’s still fun and entertaining to have such a beautiful human being cater to your whims and treat you like the center of the world. Although physical contact is banned in these establishments, you’ll still feel the warmth and love from your host’s sweet words and flirtatious looks. If you know what you’re getting into and want to enjoy having someone with god-like looks fawn over you for an hour or two, then the host club might be the perfect place fo you! Show less

You may already know the Asahi brand, it’s a popular beer all around the world and one of the most well known from Japan.  They make a huge variety and their head office is conveniently located in Asakusa if you’re in the area and plan to visit. The Asahi headquarters are made up of two buildings, one designed to look like a beer glass with a frothy head of foam and the other has a distinctive golden flame on top.

Though you might be a bit apprehensive to check out this crazy, eccentric restaurant – like I was – after visiting the restaurant myself and seeing everything it had to offer, I can say with absolute certainty that it’s definitely worth the trip! Not only will you see some of the things that make Japan so unique and special in the eyes of those visiting this historic land, but you’ll also experience something new and exciting that you likely won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world! The Robot .....Restaurant is a themed restaurant that is hugely popular amongst both locals and travelers. It’s highly suggested to book early and online, as tickets for shows can be sold out for weeks (sometimes even months!) beforehand. Special prices can be found online for savvy shoppers, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you visit if your tickets are already purchased and stored on your phone and your seats are saved. I don’t want to give too much away here since we have so much more to cover in Tokyo’s red light district, but I will say this: with all the special effects, lights, dancing, music, drama, good, souvenirs, and futuristic technological spectacles, even if you can’t understand the language you’re sure to have a good time!  If you want to read all about my experiences at the Robot Restaurant and a detailed walkthrough of the event, you can find that information here: Robot Restaurant Tokyo. Show less

If you’re a fan of classic Japanese cinema, or just love the larger than life monsters Japan creatures, than you’ll likely want to stop by Hotel Gracery to spot one of the most iconic characters in the land of the rising sun! The life-sized bust of Godzilla overlooks the Kabukicho entertainment district from the eighth floor of Hotel Gracery with a wide-open mouth, readying himself to attack! Many travelers actually miss this one-of-a-kind sight while visiting Kabukicho, so keep your eyes peeled and stay alert for giant lizards terrorizing the .....area!  To get the best view of this enormous landmark, it’s suggested that you either book a room at the hotel or enjoy a meal at Bonjour, a sandwich buffet with a floor-to-ceiling panoramic view of Godzilla’s head. Not only is the replica impressive to behold, but it also lights up, roars, and produces steam to mimic his iconic atomic breath or fireballs. This is a sight that’s especially fun to look at if you have young viewers or die-hard old monster movie fans in your party!  Although the name implies that Kabukicho is a seedy underbelly of Tokyo where sex reigns supreme, it’s actually quite an interesting place to visit if you want to experience a lesser known side of Japan. Host clubs and Kyabakura are great places to visit just to have the experience of being doted on by an extremely attractive man or woman; love hotels are great even if you don’t have a significant other; themed restaurants are a great way to enjoy a show without worrying about your Japanese level; and fun little surprises like a giant Godzilla head keep you on your toes. There are plenty of other fun things to do as a tourist in the area that are sure to delight and entertain!  Overall, Tokyo red light district is not just a place for getting down and dirty, but an area with unexpected treasures and experiences that will heighten any trip to Japan. If you’ve already experience the mainstream, normal activities most people enjoy doing in Japan, maybe it’s time you branch out a little and have fun on the wild side! Let your inhibitions guide you all the way to Kabukicho, and find out what fits your fancy at Tokyo red light district! And for more info about traveling in Japan, feel free to read these blog posts too: Japan Travel Blog. Show less

The Narita Airport is roughly 41 miles (66 km) away from Tokyo. The most budget-friendly way of getting to your hotel in Tokyo is by using the JR Narita Express. The journey takes roughly one hour and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. If you want to avoid any unnecessary hassles (especially when you take into consideration jetlag) the most comfortable way to get to your hotel is by private transfer. This is especially convenient for larger parties or in case you have a lot of luggage.

After sunset, dinner tonight should be at Narisawa Tokyo, Asia’s 2nd Best restaurant (in 2016) and the recipient of 2 Michelin stars. Chef Narisawa serves satoyama inspired modern Japanese cuisine focused on the forest and local ingredients. The meal is a set course and you need to book ahead. Get the 9,30pm slot so you have time to go back home and freshen up. Dress code: smart casual as this is a fine dining venue. For more of the best places to eat in Tokyo read this article. Scroll down for Day 3

Although it is labeled as a bike path, the Tamako Cycling Road is fair game for pedestrians as well. Even though the busier sections of the path have a designated lane for pedestrians, people tend to wander into the bike lanes (especially while enthralled by their smartphones). Therefore, keep your eyes peeled and watch your speed on the sections of the path that are near busy train stations.   

The Gotokuji Temple is a place that comes with a highly engaging, legendary tale of the maneki neko–the beckoning cats. They are believed to bring good luck and are a symbolic figure of the temple. The visitors make offerings and prayers in front of thousands of red and white cat statues. The kitties are all wearing a red collar with a hanging golden bell and a paw raised in the air to bring you good fortune! You’ll also find cat art in the neighborhood leading up to the temple—a treat .....for all the cat lovers out there. Show less

“Let’s meet at Shibuya Station?” “Okay, where?” “By the Hachiko statue!” Everyone knows the Hachiko statue which makes it a very popular, but extremely busy meeting spot. Sometimes, due to the overbearing crowd, you may have difficulty finding one another. You won’t have trouble locating its virtual replica though on the second floor of Shibuya Fukuras— a Hachiko hologram created by the GMO Internet Group. You can have fun (and kill time) by dressing Hachiko up and give other commands using the tablet next to it.

By Paul Shoul From the fashion conscious youth of Takeshita street in Tokyo, to sitting in a natural spring hot tub on the coast of Chiba awaiting the earliest sunrise in Japan, to drinking snake liquor in the home of a sumo wrestler in Saitama, the Kanto region in central Japan consists of seven prefectures and the greater Tokyo metropolis. Here are some ideas of what to see, do and eat, and some cool tips for a few overlooked destinations all within two hours of each other by train or car.

Narita International Airport has two terminals which are connected by a free shuttle bus. The shuttle operates from 6:30am to 10:30pm and runs every 7 to 20 minutes depending on the time of day. The journey time between Terminals 1 and 2 takes approximately 10 minutes.

The Zambini Brother’s have set up shop in the Mediterranean Harbor offering pasta, pizza, and all your Italian favorites. This restaurant is not table service, but there are plenty of tables to sit and enjoy your meal once you get it from the pick up window.