Rough Itinerary....

A rough itinerary for Tokyo...(thanks to my friend, Joa) Shout out to JOA!


A day in Tokyo:

1. Start day at the Tsukiji Fish Market.
It is Japan's largest wholesale fish market. Live fish actions and vendor
stands galore. Note, it is located in what looks like from the street a large
parking garage. This was the most amazing thing I saw on our trip. It is not a
touristy site, so be aware that people are working and get out of the way when
you see them zip by on their carts!

Action starts VERY early. Take a cab from your location as trains are not up
and running that early in the morning. Tuna actions begin at 4:40am and go
until 6:30am. (This is a MUST see. You can stand at the doorways to the auction
and watch/take pics). We arrived at 5:30am and the actions were already winding
down.

2. Breakfast - Sushi Style. Sushi Dai.
Located right next to the Tsukiji Fish Market, this sushi bar is tiny but
amazing! Be prepared for some adventurous items to be placed in front of you.
MUST have is the fatty tuna. Sushi Dai is located in building 6 in the 3rd
alley of the tall gray buildings at the edge of the fish market. The best way I
can describe it is when you are facing the tuna actions at the end of the fish
market, turn to your left and follow the market until it ends. At the end of
the market, walk along the left side of the parking structure and you will see
the gray buildings in front of you. Warning - the line here is LONG. There are
only about a dozen seats outside and the line can be up to 45 minutes long. We
waited and it was well worth it.

3. Imperial Palace in Kokoyo.
Getting there from Tsukiji: Find the Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line (light
gray) and go four stops to Kibiya Station. One stop past Ginza. Transfer to the
Chiyoda line (green) and go two stops to the Otemachi Station. Follow the exit
signs to the Imperial Palace.

You are not going to see much of it as it is closed off to the public except
for a free guided tours that need a one month - one day advance reservation.
Call 03/3213-1111 for reservations. Mostly, we saw the Palace moat around the
outside.

4. Meji Jingu Shrine.
Getting there: from the Imperial Palace, get back onto the Chiyoda line at
Otemachi Station and take that line 8 stops to Meigigingumae Station. This will
put you next to Yoyogi Park and Harajuka. The Meji Shrine is inside Yoyogi park.


You will see the world's largest torii (traditional entrances to the
Shrine) that were built of cypress that is more than 1,700 years old. The park
itself is lush and a complete contrast to the rest of the cement city. To get
to the actual Shrine, it will take you about a 10-15 minute walk. The Shrine is
made out of Japanese cypress and has green copper roofs. Make sure you wash your
mouth out (you'll see how at the Shrine) before entering.

After you leave the Shrine, you'll want to check out the shops around
Harajuku which is an area and a station. There are neat little shops around the
narrow streets. Good souvenir shopping.

5. Omotesando shopping street. (located in Aoyama)
After Harajuku, you can walk down Omotesando shopping street. Meijijingmae
Station is at one end of the street, and Omotesando Station is at the other,
It's a big wide street lined with all the fashion shops you can think of
and is one of the most crowded shopping streets in Japan. Nic - MUST see for
you. I made a stop in Chanel for a little something that day!

6. Back tracking to get to next location...
Get back on the Chiyoda Line at Omotesando Station and go 4 stops to
Kasumigaseki Station where you will transfer to the Hibiya Line. (Kasumigaseki
Station was where the Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shiriku released sarin gas
during rush hour killing many back in the early 1990's). Take the Hibiya
line 2 stops to Roppongi Station.

7. Roppongi
One of Tokyo's best known nightlife and shopping areas. You also want to
check out Roppongi Hills which is a massive urban development with shopping,
restaurants and nightclubs. At the top of Roppongi Hills is a museum and
obervatory. Apparently you can see a great 360 view of the city. (Note, we did
not actually do this, but it was on our itinerary.) Roppongi Hills complex has
a great restaurant at the top of the elevators. Watch out for the lovely
champagne and strawberry puree coctails - can attest that they are too good.


Other Must see locations while you are in Tokyo:

1. Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea

2. The Ginza. Tokyo's largest and most fashionable shopping
area. Check out the Matsuya and Mitsukoshi department stores. Also a must see
in Ginza is the Sony Building - 5 floors of showrooms and the latest Sony
products.

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Located in a very modern office building area of Tokyo. It sits 45 stories above ground and if you go to the top you get unparalleled views of Shinjuku's skyscrapers and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Plus
it's free.

LOTS LOTS more to be added to this ongoing list. I just want to have a rough idea and have an idea of surrounding areas. Any suggestions, recommendations are welcome!

HIROMI - We will definitely be meeting up for sure!!