International Travel
When traveling international there are a couple required documents prior to traveling. One of the first items needed prior to traveling internationally is a passport, begin this process on. The second item needed is to check for is visa requirements, this can easily be determined by checking the visiting country’s travel requirements website.
After these basic travel documents are in hand, purchase your airfare tickets and lodging. Then you can explore where you want to visit. For this particular visit, I did not have an itinerary. When I had researched things to do in Toyko, I wanted to go to Mount Fuji but it was too far away and I did not have the time. I also wanted to see the Cherry Blossoms, but it was February, and they typically bloom in March. This adventure was unplanned and I wasn’t sure what I would actually see or do.
Arriving in Japan
The first thing I did upon arrival, was check into my hotel room, it was already 6 p.m. It was raining outside. I stayed at one of the hotels on the airport property, this made it quite easy to take transportation to wherever I wanted to go. My lodging was set up prior as well as getting together for dinner with some local friends.
My friends asked me what I was going to do while on my visit. I told them some interests that I had hoping I would somehow have time to see Mt. Fuji. They advised me that there would not be enough time for that, nor was there time to go anywhere that evening. Many of the sights were going to be far away. They helped me make a plan for the next day. We enjoyed the rest of our time together and then I went back to my hotel room.
International Adjustments
There are a few adjustments when it comes to international travel. One of the first things to adjust to is the language, you may not speak the same language to the locals in the area. It is different walking around and not knowing what people are saying. Many times, there is the time zone adjustment, your body is ready to be awake but it is the middle of the night or it’s the middle of the day and your body wants to go to sleep! Sometimes the adjustments are simple things in the hotel room that are unfamiliar to us.
On this particular visit one of these simple things, I needed to learn was how to flush the toilet! I was thankful there were instructions on the toilet cover. The button was on the wall! Not a normal place I would look!
Exploring the City
Skytree
The next morning, I got up and had some breakfast at the hotel. Then I walked to the train station in the airport. I purchased a ticket and boarded the train.
My first stop would be the Skytree Tower. I exited the train and was planning on just looking up at the tower and moving on. However, it was colder than I expected, and I didn’t want to stay outside. So I decided to purchase a ticket to the top of the tower. Beings that I wasn’t planning on going up into the tower, I did not previously purchase a ticket.
I normally purchase my tickets prior to my trip for a couple reasons:
- to avoid the lines
- I can purchase the ticket in the language I understand
- sometimes I can get it at a discounted price
I was there when the doors opened so I thought it would not take long, but the people who had previously purchased their tickets were able to enter before me. It was not a long wait, and I enjoy people watching.
Once at the top I viewed the city. I was amazed there was not an empty spot in the city! It was full of buildings, there was not an empty spot to build another building. A crowd of people started gathering around a certain window frame. After they left, I looked and saw Mt. Fuji! It is also called Fujisan and Fujiyama; it is 12,388 feet and is the highest mountain in Japan. The sky had cleared up and there was a perfect view of the mountain! This was the highlight of my trip!
Ribbons, Ribbons and more Ribbons
I wandered around and spotted a display full of ribbons. Apparently, when people visit, they can write a message on a ribbon and hang it on the display. I wrote a note on the ribbon and hung it up.
Local Walk
Upon leaving the Skytree, I headed toward the next stop. I opted for walking through the local neighborhood instead of getting on the train. The neighborhood was so quiet. A few people were walking in and out of the local shops. I stopped at a couple shops to check out the area. They did not speak English, so my stops were short.
I continued walking and saw a giant gold horn in the distance. Wondering what that was, I continued on my journey. To my great surprise I came across a couple Japanese Cherry Blossom trees in bloom! They are called Sakura in Japanese. There are several places to see the blossom trees, but I was blessed to see them while on my walk!
I crossed the Sumida River, which flows through central Toyko. Companies offer river cruise options on the Sumida River, for those who are interested.
I continued walking and soon found out what the golden horn building was. It is the Asahi Beer Hall, with the gold shape design representing a flame. It is one of the headquarters of the Asahi Breweries in Japan.
While on my walk I spotted several people wearing the traditional kamono garment of Japan. People can rent these items for special occasions. They come in a variety of different colors and patterns. For more information on them, check out Kamono: The Essential Guide to Japanese Outerwear to learn more.
Sensoji Temple
Main Hall of Sensoji Temple pictured above left. Right photo is arial view of the street markets called “Nakamise.” Both photos taken from Japan-guide.com
After the quiet walk I arrived to the Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district. This Buddhist temple is one of the most colorful temples in Toyko. It is also very popular for shopping! The area was full of people, food, and shopping, the shopping area is called Nakamise. The pictures below show some of the shops, and the foods I tasted in the Sensoji Temple and its pagodas.
These are just a few of the Nakamise.
Conclusion
The Sensoji Temple was a bustling place, full of people and shops. I left the area and found a quiet park and had some lunch see the picture below. Afterwards, I caught the train and returned to the airport to catch my flight.
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