twelfth February 2025
PlanetSKI is in Tokyo for a whistlestop keep as we moved between ski areas of Japan. What a metropolis! NEW
Tokyo has a inhabitants of over 14m in the primary metropolis itself.
The Better Tokyo space, which incorporates the town and 6 neighbouring prefectures, is essentially the most populous metropolitan space on the earth, with 41m folks dwelling in it.
Town is kind of merely a full-on assault on one’s senses.
From the frantic and pressing tempo in some areas, to the utter clam and tranquility in others.
Typically, they’re only a stone’s throw away.
It’s a maelstrome of contradictions – describing it’s one factor, however experiencing it for your self is kind of one other.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
You want a tough itinerary and an open thoughts seeing Tokyo, after which you’ll merely be bombarded by sights and sounds.
Going with the circulation is what it’s all about.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
We’re masking our go to to Tokyo as a PlanetSKI picture gallery with just a few movies thrown in for good measure.
Not full of phrases, however loaded with photos.
Day Two
We started Day Two as we ended day one – gazing upwards.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
After many days of Japanese breakfasts it was good to have a extra western affair.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
With a twist.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
A relatively unimpressive statue of a canine was drawing the crowds in Shibuya.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Unimpressive till you discover out why.
Hachikō was a Japanese Akita canine remembered for his outstanding loyalty to his proprietor, Hidesaburō Ueno.
His proprietor by no means got here again from work at some point after a sudden hemorrhage killed him.
The canine returned to the identical spot for 9 years to attend for Ueno and has now develop into a nationwide image of putting up with loyalty.
One in every of many virtues treasured in Japan.
Then it was again on the metro however we have been starting, slowly, to get the grasp of it.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Together with the queuing.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Right now we have been heading to the previous fish market and lunch.
We managed to succeed in Tokyo foremost station with out incident.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
After which headed into the market.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
It was to be sushi for lunch.
Clearly, contemplating our location.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Its in all probability the perfect sushi we had eaten on the journey up to now, and now we have eaten alot.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Subsequent we headed to one of many metropolis’s landmark vacationer sights – the Sky Tree Tower.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
It’s 634m tall with the primary viewing platform at 350m.
It opened in 2012 and is the tallest tower in Japan.
It’s the third highest constructing on the earth after Merdeka118 in Dubai within the United Arab Emirates, and Burj Khalifa in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
As we emerged there have been crowds around the viewing home windows.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
It was simple to see why – the views of the town space of greater than 40m persons are fairly extraordinary.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
We timed our go to it to reach am hour earlier than the solar went down so the views modified from day, to nightfall, to nighttime.
Three experiences for the value of 1.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Dinner was one other random road cafe, with but extra scrumptious meals.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
And extra neon.
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
See right here for Day One in Tokyo
Day Three to observe…
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
If you need a extra sensible information to Tokyo then Andy Knights from Ski Safari is the person to ask as he has spent a lot time there and advises on Tokyo itineraries:
“From my time in Tokyo, I’ve received just a few private suggestions that will help you get essentially the most out of a go to.
First up, a visit to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa is a should.
I visited at night time, and the shrine lit up below the night sky was actually magical.
Plus, we loved the quieter ambiance, with fewer crowds round.
If you happen to’re a fan of homeware, shut by is Kappabashi Road which is a must-see, the place you’ll discover genuine, handmade ceramics and Japanese knife outlets.
For a little bit of pure magnificence, I extremely advocate the Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard.
It’s a peaceable and picturesque spot, good for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine supply gorgeous surroundings together with a dose of genuine Japanese tradition.
For a bit extra pleasure, head to the bustling coronary heart of Shibuya and expertise the long-lasting crossing.
Whereas the world is filled with unbelievable eating places, I counsel venturing off the crushed path and discovering a comfortable, unbiased ramen bar for a bowl of contemporary, scrumptious ramen.
And don’t miss the prospect to catch a sundown from one of many metropolis’s statement decks.
The panoramic views over Tokyo are completely breathtaking, and there are many ticketed or free viewing decks to select from.”
Tokyo, Japan. Picture © PlanetSKI
Common readers will know PlanetSKI is in Japan for a month or so.
We’re primarily right here for the snowboarding:
However a lot else moreover:
Andy Knights additionally recommends taking in different non-skiing actions on a visit to Japan should you can.
“Japan is revered for its extremely constant deep, dry powder and has been a powder chasers’ vacation spot for years, nevertheless, travelling to Japan isn’t just about waist deep turns, there’s a lot extra to discover on this distinctive vacation spot,” mentioned Andy Knights from Ski Safari that may be a specialist on snowboarding in Japan and has supplied us invaluable recommendation and assist with our journey.
“It goes with out saying you’ll seemingly rating the perfect powder turns ever, however you can even expertise racing throughout the nation on the bullet trains, plus indulge the traditions present in Kyoto and Kanazawa.
“Discover thousand-year-old temples and shrines paying homage to the historical past and tradition that exists, while additionally having fun with the outstanding delicacies broadly on supply.
“Travelling in late March additionally offers the chance to expertise cherry blossom season, the Philosophers path in Kyoto comes alive in a sea of pink.”
Visiting Japan
A handful of specialist UK operators supply ski holidays to Japan.
Ski Safari has maybe essentially the most expertise of the nation with tailor-made packages constructed on the corporate’s in depth data and expertise.
It presents the next six ski resorts:
Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort, the standard and amount of snow right here is unparalleled – for powder, it doesn’t get significantly better than a Niseko ski vacation
Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and big selection. Hakuba is a good place to make use of as a base for exploring a number of resorts on one raise go.
Rusutsa – A unusual, powder-filled paradise, Rusutsu ski holidays are nice on their very own or as a part of an extended journey in Hokkaido.
Nozawa Onsen – Japan’s oldest ski resort, Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as well-known for onsens as they’re for snowboarding – good for a ski journey with added tradition.
Kiroro – Comparatively under-the-radar, Kiroro ski holidays characteristic deep powder, quiet slopes and unbelievable tree runs off-piste.
Furano -Select a Furano ski vacation for a conventional resort in an idyllic setting and high notch piste snowboarding. A great worth possibility, Furano is a thriving city in its personal proper.
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