Kasai Rinkai Park

Kasai Rinkai Park is a theme park in Tokyo that is free to enter. It features Japan’s second tallest Ferris wheel, which sometimes offers views of Mount Fuji, an large aquarium and a good collection of free activities and sights. Blog report here. Top Tips Bring a picnic or bento box and relax on the beachContinue reading “Kasai Rinkai Park”

Kobe

Kobe (神戸) is a stylish city not far from Kyoto and Osaka, that is known as one of the first ports in Japan to open up to foreigners.  It therefore has lots of unique architecture for a Japanese city, making for an interesting, cheap trip.  For budget travelers Kobe can all be done in a oneContinue reading “Kobe”

Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park Autumn Colors Report

While on a walk along the Tama Monorail, I came across Takahata-Fudoson.  It’s a big tourist attraction, but seems to be off the tourist map for foreigners.  It’s a great place for Autumn Colors. The entrance to the temple and park. There was a nice little pond surrounded my statues and rocks such as these.Continue reading “Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park Autumn Colors Report”

Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park

While the name is quite a tongue twister, Toritsu Tamakyuryo Natural Park and the associated shrine and pagoda complex make for a great tourist attraction in suburban Tokyo. Top Tips It’s little far from central Tokyo, so consider combining it with Mount Takao and/or Showa Memorial Park. Great for Autumn colours.  Check our report here. How toContinue reading “Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park”

Showa Memorial Park Autumn Report

As part of my Autumn colours adventure, I went to Showa Memorial Park.  The free park outside was so stunning, and because of the huge holiday lines I didn’t actually go into the paid area!  It’s well worth a visit. On the park to the park, the Tama Monorail line is lined with Autumn colour trees.Continue reading “Showa Memorial Park Autumn Report”

Showa Memorial Park

Showa Memorial Park is a huge ‘park of parks’ not far from Shinjuku.  There are all sorts of things to see and do, such Japanese gardens, attractions for children, cherry blossom areas, lakes and much more. Budget travel tips The free part may be enough for you. We got our Autumn Colours fix (pics here), andContinue reading “Showa Memorial Park”

Heirin Temple Autumn Colours Report

Heirin Temple is one of the best places to go near Tokyo for Autumn colours.  I went here not expecting too much.  I thought it would just be a nice park, but Heirin-ji is truly breathtaking.   The wonderfully designed temple is surrounded by bright red and golden leaves. And of course it’s free! To get hereContinue reading “Heirin Temple Autumn Colours Report”

Tokyo City Walk: Imperial Palace to Shibuya

A nice city walk from the political heart of Tokyo, via the swish neighbourhoods of Akasaka and Roppongi, then ending up in the hip areas of Harajuku and Shibuya. Can be used as a cycling route as well. Walking time: 3-4 hours Go to Sakuradamon station on the Yurakucho line (yellow Metro line) and leave from exit 2.Continue reading “Tokyo City Walk: Imperial Palace to Shibuya”

Yoyogi Park

A nice open park, great for playing games and sunbathing. One of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing areas. Budget travel tips Check out the dog park for some cute dogs! Come on Sunday for the Elvis dancers! Cultural events and markets often take place here on the weekends in the summer. How to getContinue reading “Yoyogi Park”

Shinjuku

Shinjuku (しんじゅく/新宿) is the business, entertainment and shopping mecca of Tokyo.  A must visit for anyone traveling or living in Japan. Budget travel tips Avoid eating at the expensive department store restaurants, the restaurants elsewhere are much cheaper and offer a better experience. If Shinjuku is a bit hectic, try heading to Koenji or Shimo-Kitazawa.Continue reading “Shinjuku”