▐ TOKYO▐ MUST GO PLACES & TO-DO IN TOKYO | CHANWON'S ITINERARY

Hello my little sweethearts! I know you have been waiting for this complete summary about my Tokyo, Japan Trip. So here's a little summary that I wish to share with all of you. This is just a small short post regarding how to plan your itinerary and some must go places in Tokyo. If you wish to read more detail about it you can click on 'read more' so that you can well plan your trip to Japan before going there. Just a simple one since I know most of you would like to keep this summary or save this on your phone.

If it's your first time travel to Tokyo, Japan I guess this should be really helpful for you. I went there twice and I know it's quite hard for your first time but don't worry because I'm here to share with you. I will note it down one by one and all of these = MUST GO PLACES IN TOKYO (that I highly recommend to you) Apart from that you can easily switch and make some changes + you can alwayS refer back the full post for the place and detail.

Normally I'm quite forgetful and when my relative or friends asked me about Tokyo Japan Trip I will ask them to write it down on a paper. Then you can start doing research on which place to go. For example like:- Ikebukuro (Lumine - sunshine city - tobu - donki) Then write it like a point form in a specific place and elaborate it further / more detail on a specific post. After all you can slowly break down into a table and further expand it with :- How to go , time , weather & etc.

Are you ready for it??? Let's get started!

| Transportation 

If it's your first time coming to Tokyo you probably need to get this card in order to use their transportation. This is just like our touch & go actually. You can find the top-up machine on most of the station. I know some of you might be curious and saw my update about Japan Railway map...It's quite complicated and confusing at first but after awhile you will  get used to it.

You can top-up your money into this card anytime at the station 

Since it's my first time and I believe not everyone was smart because I'm not really smart on reading a map or even a simple map.lol Therefore, you can just grab a piece of this railway map from the station. If *touch wood* you lost yourself and can't recognise which station, you can always refer to this map and point / show ppl the station you are looking for. They will help you! If you are shy you can just walk to any counter nearby the station and ask. In ikebukuro station there are an information counter right beside the entrance / exit of the station and the people there can understand and speak basic english.

No joke, they even stick a 'english OK' label on their uniform! This is why even this is your first time travel to Japan...Don't worry everything will be alright as long as you dare to speak or open your mouth to ask someone around you! Don't be afraid because no one will laugh at you~ lol

 So this is the super complicated map :O Stunned when I saw this! lol

Most of my time in Japan I will only look for Yamanote Line. Yea the one highlighted in green colour! So don't worry too much okay because Yamanote Line covered most of the major places in Tokyo. All famous and popular destination! You just need to print screen this and ignore the above JR map :p

Yamanote Line

For the first time travel in Japan (the one with black thick label) = Must go places that I covered on most of my Japan Travel Trip Post. I will stated it one by one on the bottom except some super far place you might need to exchange between two / three diff line. If you worry that you lost your way you can always download google map on your phone and click on it to look for the shorter way to reach your destination. 

GOOGLE MAP can be your personal companion during your trip in Japan. This is how I'm able to survive and ask for help during both of my trip. To breakdown each of my travel post , here's the ultimate cheat-sheet / summary for you. You can click on the 'read more' link to read more detail and to have a basic idea before you plan for your first trip ya!

Since my first Tokyo, Japan Trip was around 14 days (Half month time) my itinerary will be slightly loose and freestyle one. I prefer slowly explore each place and understand each culture different between their country to ours. I don't want you to follow exactly my full itinerary because it's YOUR TRIP, you have full control over your itinerary so it's why I break down each day for you and you can combine it whatever you like except some super far place might force you to plan only one place a day.

PS- You can combine or adjust these specific place into one day itinerary by referring to the railway map above so you can save more time to explore new place and skipped those you are not interested about.

| How much  money I need to bring?

This is another frequent asked question on my blog. I choose to answer it here because I want to explain why it might be vary from different persons. If you ask me whether can you have a budget trip in Japan my answer is always YES. You can still enjoy Japan if you are a budget person. WHY?? Because during my first trip, if you read my japan haul (here) you probably noticed that it's not budget at all since I bought too much but for my second time travel to Japan with my brother , it consider a budget trip because I have to pay all of his expenses and mine too. I'm a good sister :p

So the first trip I brought a lot, eat luxury , shop like hell. I don't think you should bring so much money like me. It's 5 digits number and it's my savings over a year of being a good student and working as blogger, seller , part time & etc. Yea! I never feel so happy before! HAHAHAAHAHH 

Next, during the second trip with my brother, I just brought RM5,000 (2 person) to stay almost 13 days in Tokyo. Almost two week / half month! Yea this is why I say 大有大的玩，小有小的玩。Japan not as expensive as what people told me. Everything was reasonable and affordable if you plan it correctly according your $$. There are so many budget itinerary reference out there, what you need to do is understand your budget , what you need, where you go and don't just follow it 100% because you still need to take some time to plan your own.

So on most of the time, for budget trip in Tokyo you might need to cut off some activities and replace some activities that doesn't require any entrance fees. Then for another budget trip again just make sure you don't over spend on shopping and focus only food. Eat whatever you can, stay on a cheaper budget room, take note and plan ahead before your trip. If you ask me how much you need to travel 7-10 days trip in Tokyo, I will probably tell you that around RM5,000 will be more than enough for you. Of course, it's the pocket money means excluded flight ticket! one week stay in Tokyo probably cost around RM800-1100 and if you are backpacker and don't mind to share room with others you can probably get around RM85-95 per night stay in Tokyo too.

After all, it still depend on your plan and how you use your money. Either it's shopping? food? or just exploring this lovely city.

| Which Airline cheaper? How much for ticket to Japan

For the past few years I always think our airline is the cheapest one like air asia since the promo ticket price was quite affordable but this coming trip to Japan I bought ticket from Japan Airline. Why? Because it's cheaper , more comfortable & reasonable.

During my first trip I bought the promo ticket from air asia for about RM850 but add with the luggage taxes and insurance (everything) it become RM1000+ since I bought 40kg back and 25kg go. It was during the promotion period and soon the second trip I bought it from air asia again , it was around RM1280 per person with 35 kg luggage or 40kg I forgot. I thought it was super cheap until I saw ANA Japan Airlines.

The price even cheaper or sometime the same as our Malaysian Airline plus, it included all taxes and luggage weight. 46kg!! INCLUDED MEAL too. This is why I recommend people to go for Japan Airline since it's almost the same and more comfortable + TV!! You can watch the TV! 

Most people told me air asia was cheaper but it's no longer applicable for me because it excluded meal , luggage , taxes and it's quite attractive at first but end up after you total the amount you will like WTF?!! I can buy ticket from ANA Japan Airline liao. If Japan airline having promotion you can probably get it around RM1100+- wtf right!!

Then, next thing was if you buy promo one you have to buy based on the specific date in order to get the cheapest tickets. Means you might just have 6 days travel to Japan or maybe 1 week?? So I would rather don't save the money and get a better option to fully utilise my trip. But it's still depend on you. See whether what kind of person you are :)

| Must go Place / My Japan Itinerary 

#1: Ikebukuro 池袋 

I guess this is not the first time you notice the name of this place on my blog. I mentioned it on most of my post where this is a place that really convenient for me. I will book my homestay here if I'm in Tokyo. I stay here twice during both of my trip too. Here have everything you need a shopping heaven for girls too. You can find almost everything you need here. There are 3 main shopping complex around the ikebukuro station (Lumine , Tobu , Seibu) & Donki that i mentioned over and over again on my blog. Yea and it took me almost a whole day to explore this place too. There are a pokemon center here, sunshine city , bic camera if you are a gadget guy lol. EVERYTHING! 

-A complete Ikebukuro Itinerary & detail on : http://www.chanwon.com/2016/01/chanwon-travel-in-japan-23-ikebukuro.html

....

...

..

.

#2: Harajuku 原宿

If you are fashion lover , younger in mind and wish to get things in a cheaper and much affordable price then Harajuku is a place for you! I went there almost every time i'm in Japan because there are so many cute , fun things available that you can't get in Malaysia. Sometime you can spot many cosplayer there dressed in lolita and maybe fashionable girl that featured on most of the Japanese Magazine. 

No joke, I used most of my money here especially my favourite Japan Shop, WEGO in Harajuku too.Some of the thing available here = limited and only can get it in Harajuku and guess what you can visit the line shop, themed cafe , pop up store and calbee plus here too. Did I mentioned number76 ,NALU Salon located nearby here too!

Since I have more day in Tokyo I can stay here from morning until night only back to  my homestay. If you have tight schedule/  plan you can come here half day and plan for your next place maybe in Shibuya & Shinjuku. You can also go to Omotesando from Harajuku because there are lots of fashion item too but slightly expensive compare to Harajuku. Just walk all the way and after that you can look for google map to Omotesando. I normally go Omotesando just lunch at 76 Cafe because it's sooooooooo yummy! HAHAHAHA 

-A complete Harajuku Itinerary & detail on : http://www.chanwon.com/2015/12/chanwon-travel-in-japan-16-harajuku-my.html

....
...
..
.

#3: Shibuya 渋谷

Shibuya also a famous & must go places for you. But for me the price is still expensive than Harajuku so I didn't buy anything here except come Shibuya for the melody themed cafe actually. It was nice to be here and remember take photo with the Shibuya109 and crossing road there! Since I visited Harajuku at first and bought most of the thing I need there, I never buy anything here in Shibuya. It's more pricy and luxury while Harajuku more suitable for young age girl like us :p HAHAHAHA Since I just come here to explore for food I normally just come here for a half day and continue my next itinerary to Shinjuku. You can play around your itinerary between Shibuya, Harajuky & Shinjuku lol.

-A complete to-do itinerary in Shibuya & detail on: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/11/chanwon-travel-in-japan-13-what-to-do.html

....
...
..
.

#4: Shinjuku 新宿

Moving on to the next itinerary will be Shinjuku. I'm here at evening and went to Hanazono Shrine (s beautiful) and at night i will be walking around the road there and visit 歌舞伎町! Yea, you won't get to see thing like that in our country so if you got nothing to do at night, feel free to pay a visit here! It's so amazing during the night time and if you plan to go to Hanazono Shrine in Sakura season , OMG!! Please remember to bring along your camera and ready to talk nice photo there.

Except for the Shrine (I just search on google map from Shinjuku station to the shrine) , you can walk around there because I remember there are a unique spot with lots beer sign or alcohol logo around the shop + lot of photographer there to take insta worthy photo too. Very nice and unique! Just explore around :D 

-A detail on Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku here: http://www.chanwon.com/2016/02/chanwon-travel-in-japan-24-hanazono.html

....

...

..

.

#5: Disneyland & DisneySea 

Yea, this should be included in your itinerary too! Japan Disneyland and DisneySea. For those who really love disney character you must pay a visit here. This can be a whole day activity where you can dress beautifully , happily and play around with all kids there. lol Act like a kid for a day lol Remember that everyone was looking at my skirt and really have fun in DisneySea that time. This coming trip probably go to Disneyland!! WOOOHOOO

-A complete & detail post about Tokyo DisneySea: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/08/chanwon-travel-in-japan-10-tokyo.html

....
...
..
.

#6: Skytree / Tokyo Tower

It's important to visit some landmark then it should be the Tokyo Tower & Skytree again. No joke it's pretty during night or day time either but personally I have only been to Skytree because Tokyo Tower is bit too far from my stay. So I skipped that but you can always included it in your plan. I choose to go for Skytree because there are tons of activities to do there. You can buy and shop for some souvenir for your friend before you back from Tokyo. Most of the thing that available in Skytree was limited also and the love shape tokyo banana only available in Skytree not airport. So if you really don't want to waste your time you can come to sky tree and do some mini haul before you back to your country.

-Detail post about SkyTree: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/12/chanwon-travel-in-japan-20-tokyo-skytree.html

....
...
..
.

#7: Odaiba

If you want to explore more then this place could be one of your must-go list too. It's the Odaiba! But it took some time to get into here so if you think you able to understand how to take the subway then you definitely can plan another day to be here. I come here because of the OEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI , Odaiba Tokyo 大江戸温泉物語 !!Yes, the onsen (hot spring) experience during my first trip in Japan.

-Detail post about Odaiba: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/12/chanwon-travel-in-japan-19-odaiba.html

-Detail post about OEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI , Odaiba Tokyo 大江戸温泉物語:http://www.chanwon.com/2015/12/chanwontravelinjapan-oedo-onsenodaiba.html

....
...
..
.

#8: Nikko 日光

If you brought your parent with you and they want for a non-shopping and relax place then you can add this on your list too. Nikko 日光(World Heritage) It was a beautiful and exciting morning because it's a time where I stop myself from shopping and head over to the super beautiful place at Nikko. Which is one of the world heritage. Fresh air and nice breath from there with lots of green tree beside. After visited nikko I went to the Edo Wonderland nearby there to explore the super ninja village. A brand new experience!!!

-Nikko world heritage detail blog post: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/06/chanwon-travel-in-japan-7-nikko.html

-Edo Wonderland detail post: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/07/chanwon-travel-in-japan-8-edo.html

....
...
..
.

#9: Sakura Blossom Spot: Ueno & Yoyogi Park

If you come Japan during the sakura season you can go to yoyogi park / ueno to observe the beautiful blossom of sakura. At night, if you really got nothing to do you can also go to yoyogi park and look at the blossom of sakura during night time. A complete experience at night. If you want to know which is the best time to look for sakura blossom or which day / month on each specific time. I will cover it on the next coming post!

....

...

..

.

#10: Lake Kawaguchiko, Mt.Fuji

If you are tired of the busy city in Tokyo I guess this is another must-visit place in Japan. It's one of the best spot for you to take a look at the beautiful Mt.Fuji. It's the Lake Kawaguchiko. It's easily accessible from Tokyo by direct bus, train or you if you prefer to drive it here then you can rent a car in Japan + plan for a whole day activities around this beautiful lake.

-A complete & detail post about Lake Kawaguchijo: http://www.chanwon.com/2017/02/lake-kawaguchiko-mtfuji.html

....

...

..

.

#11: Akihabara 秋葉原

If you are anime lover then you should visit here during your visit to Tokyo. A district area in central of Tokyo that famous of its many electronics shops & of course anime too. Also knowns as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture. 

There are dozens of stores that specializing in anime, manga, figurines, cards, collectibles goods + maid or manga cafes too. Wanted to take photo of the maid standing in front of the shop but when I move my camera toward them , they show me that angry face! So.... come experience it yourself if you are a fans of anime!

....

...

#12: Overall Map 

Map provided by Wanderlog travel planner

..

.

#13: Extra post related to my Japan Trip

If you are a stationery lover like me..and thinking of where to shop or buy for stationery then you should read this post too: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/11/chanwon-travel-in-japan-14-stationery.html I included all place that I usually go to purchase my stationery especially those pretty japan diary , mt washi tape, pen & etc.

If you looking for a private villa or you want to observe Mt.Fuji with your own eyes then you can read more regarding my luxury villa & onsen experience at Gotembak: http://www.chanwon.com/2016/02/chanwon-travel-in-japan-26-gotembak.html

If you want to know more about Japan Must Buy items or my Japan haul you can also check this out: http://www.chanwon.com/2015/12/japan-must-buy.html

I also did a blog post about my Osaka & Kyoto trip & you might be interested on reading it too: http://www.chanwon.com/2016/11/must-go-places-to-do-in-osaka-kyoto.html

Last but not least if you notice it from my blog i changed a brand new template and it make it more easy to look and search for any post in  my blog. If you like to check out all  my travel post in Japan you can scroll on the label and click on it then all post in Japan will be showing out on my blog. That's all for today. Love, xx. Hope this help you to plan your tokyo trip in the future and appreciate for your time too.