Arrive at Tokyo Center more precisely at the Tokyo central station. The purpose was to tour the center and also enable the Jr pass that would help me take the train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Tokyo Central Station
The station is gigantic and the amount of people passing through there cannot be believed, however Shinjuku is the busiest, and no small fact, in the world.
Think that almost all the lines leave from here to all of Japan and several subway stations stop, so it is a beautiful chaos.
Something normal is to get lost because even though they have a lot of signs, it is easy to end up anywhere and you will probably end up asking someone for guidance or security who will kindly explain or even accompany you to where you want to go.
Streets inside the station
The station dates back to 1896 and maintains its historic façade despite having been restored. Inside the station we find Character Street where there are Japanese cartoon venues such as Pokemon or Winnie the Pooh among others.
Also the Ramen Street which, as its name indicates, offers a place next to the other of this delicious and typical Japanese food. The prices are not the cheapest but they have a great variety.
Walking from the station to the Imperial Palace I found a city totally different from what I had been seeing, leaving the classic Japanese style with signage and neon to modern buildings that at times made me feel like I was in New York City but with extreme cleanliness.
Tokyo Palace Center
I arrived at the Palace a few minutes before it opened and I can tell you that it is the first attraction I would take off an itinerary if you don’t have time. It depends on each person and it is my experience, but if I were to go again I would only go to the door to explore the center of Tokyo a little bit but without entering.
The palace is basically a large garden and a large garden, since the main building obviously cannot be entered but you cannot even see it. There are a lot of points to explore and it is huge but I don’t know if it was because it was too hot and there was no shade or because there was nothing interesting that it didn’t last long.
It is open every day except Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the good thing is that it is free so if you have time you don’t lose anything and it is still a nice place. There is a free guide to download on your cell phone if you are interested in the history.
Near the Palace there is a place called Chi Doriga Fuchi Trench, which I was told is beautiful for rowing boats, but in the spring time with the cherry trees, in summer I didn’t see anyone riding a boat.
Leaving central Tokyo to see other tourist places in Tokyo
From here I walked through Ginza, but without stopping to see it since I would return later, to the Kabukiza theater. I didn’t visit it myself and I only stopped to take some photos because its architecture is very beautiful and it is a place that has been around for several years. Tickets can be purchased on the day for kabuki shows.
Tsukiji Market
The next point, a few steps away, is the Tsukiji fish market, a place famous for being the site of the most important Tuna auctions. You can attend these auctions but they are at around 5 in the morning and you have to be there around 1am and the tours around Tokyo were quite intense, plus the heat, to last a day.
So I just went to the market to see it, which is impressive for its cleanliness and almost lack of smell even though fish is sold, it is really worth seeing.
The markets are covered so it is a good option to recover energy if you go in summer because the air is full. Outside there is also a market where they sell everything and it is a good option to stop for lunch. The truth is that everything seems to be of very good quality and everything I tried was fantastic.
Hamarikyu Gardens
After lunch and with little desire to return to the heat, I left for the Hamarikyu Gardens, a place that seemed incredible to me for its peace, beauty and neatness. It is a garden that you have to pay for but it is worth every penny.
The bridges allow you to take perfect photos and at the same time disconnect from the city a little, which I did literally because I sat for an hour on a bench resting and writing a little so as not to forget everything I had been visiting in Japan.
From this place the boats leave to Odaiba, which are more expensive but it is a good way to combine these two places to arrive at sunset.
It is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission costs 300 yen. Also on the pond they have a beautiful tea house that is not very economical but is a way to enjoy this place even more and experience a typical ceremony.
I had already witnessed it in Fuchu but I recommend that you do it somewhere.
Shiodome and Shinbashi neighborhoods
Having completely rested, I went to visit Shiodome and Shinbashi, two modern neighborhoods where important luxury brands, restaurants and modern buildings are located. It is not essential but it is a nice place to walk and see the Japanese progress.
I found the most interesting thing to be the Miyasaki Clock, which is quite strange and at 12, 15 and 17 you can see it working completely with music, dolls, etc., something similar to the one in Prague but more modern.
What to see in the Ginza neighborhood
To end the day I went to the Ginza area where I enjoyed the neighborhood both day and night. I always tend to do the same thing but in Japan I would tell you that almost all the neighborhoods are worth visiting day and night, they change completely.
There are classic buildings, some more modern, luxury brands, that is Ginza, don’t look for anything else. However, it is worth visiting one of the most expensive areas of Japan.
I was lucky that it was a weekend and without knowing the main streets became pedestrian with some tables in the center. An idea that seems super original to me so that people can enjoy the streets.
Ginza buildings
I remember buildings like Sony, Hermes, Tokyo Plaza that are very striking, among others.
Another thing I recommend is going up to the top floor of the Ginza Six shopping center, since there is a publicly accessible terrace from where you can have beautiful views of the city in an open-air garden.
I ended the night eating at Yarakucho, a place that runs along the tracks and has small places next to each other with all kinds of food.