This trip took place from June 4th to June 9th, 2018.

Day 0 - Arrival at Narita Airport, Japan

Day 1: Exploring Tokyo's Vibrant Neighborhoods - Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku

Day 2 - Exploring Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, and Ueno

Day 3: Hakone

Day 4: Hakone / Shinjuku / Kabukicho

Day 5: Yokohama / Akihabara

Day 6 - Return flight to Thailand

Preparation

The weather in Tokyo is currently mild, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius in the mornings.

The sun is strong, but there is a constant breeze.

In the evening, the temperature will drop to around 19-20 degrees Celsius. You can still wear regular clothes and feel comfortable.

Cost

Round-trip flight (booked 2 months in advance) Don Mueang - Tokyo 5,382 baht

Exchanged 14,500 baht at Superrich for 50,000 yen (rate ¥100 = ฿29).

Accommodation fee for 2 people

1-2 nights at Anne Hostel Yokozuna for 1,920 baht (2 days)

3 nights at K's House Hakone for 1,687 baht (1 day)

4-5 nights at Japanize Guest House for 1,930 baht (2 days)

Sim Net uses Sim2fly from Ais for 399 baht. Purchase in Thailand before departure.

The device functions adequately in most situations, but may experience difficulty receiving signals in underground locations.

GPS positioning may be inaccurate under bridges or in areas with high concentrations of metal, leading to potential navigation errors.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Day 1 - Exploring Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku

Departing from Don Mueang Airport, the flight is scheduled for around 1:00 AM.

Arrival at Narita Airport at 9:00 AM on June 1st (Japan Standard Time, 2 hours ahead of Thailand)

Note: This translation assumes that the original text is in Thai. If the original text is in a different language, please provide the correct language so I can translate it accurately.

Upon arrival at the airport, the first thing we need to do is purchase a Tokyo Subway ticket.

This ticket can be used on all Metro Lines within Tokyo.

Keisei Bus tickets can be purchased at the Keisei Bus counter located at the Lobby B exit.

The Tokyo Subway 48-hour pass costs ¥1200 and is valid for 48 hours.

This sentence describes the start time of using a card at a station. The plan for this round is to purchase two cards for a total of ¥2400.

The Narita Sky Access Line is a budget-friendly option for traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo. Tickets cost ¥1170, and the train makes stops at major stations throughout the city. The seats in this train face each other, and while the journey takes longer than other options, it is more affordable and does not offer luggage storage.

Arrived in Tokyo around 12:30 p.m.

The first place we intended to visit was Taiko Chaya, a raw fish buffet restaurant (open from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM).

For only ¥1300 per person, this restaurant is conveniently located just 450 meters from Asakusabashi Station.

The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood, including salmon, tuna, scallops, crab sticks, shrimp roe, squid, seaweed, and miso soup.

The quality of the salmon and side dishes was commensurate with the price. However, the salmon appeared to be composed of smaller pieces.

The shrimp roe is too salty, but the tuna pieces are really big. For this price, it's considered cheap in Japan.

After recharging, we went to our accommodation to drop off our belongings before heading out for some fun.

Our accommodation is located near Ryogoku Station, called Anne Hostel Yokozuna, and costs ¥6,400 for a two-day stay.


The accommodation is relatively good, with air conditioning, hot water, a lift, a kitchen, and is close to the train station. There are several convenience stores nearby, including 7-Eleven and Family Mart, as well as ramen and bread shops.

After packing our belongings, we set off for our first destination, Harajuku. We strolled down Takeshita Street, a bustling pedestrian zone and the heart of Japan's youth culture. The narrow alleyway was packed with people, mainly teenage girls from junior high and high school, who were out shopping.

We then walked to the Tokyo Plaza glass building at the Jingu-Mae intersection. The entrance was decorated with several pieces of cut glass reflecting each other, creating an unusual sight.

Another must-visit spot is the iconic Shibuya Crossing, also known as the "Shibuya Scramble".

At the end of the day, we stopped by the World Trade Center Building Observatory to take photos of the city's skyline at night. The building is located near Daimon Station, and the entrance fee is ¥620 (¥500 with a brochure). It offers a 360-degree view of Tokyo, making it a popular spot for photography.

After spending about two hours there, we went out to find dinner. There were many restaurants near the station, but we didn't like any of them, so we went back to our accommodation and walked around the area. By chance, we found a restaurant behind our accommodation. It was a ramen shop, so we decided to eat there.

Most restaurants in Japan use vending machines to order food. Some restaurants also have English menus, but this one did not. Luckily, a customer in the restaurant helped me explain, but I was still a little confused, so I just chose something in the middle to try.

This bowl costs ¥850. The noodles are chewy and tender, and the taste is good. The other bowl was not photographed, but it was a ramen with a well-rounded broth.

Day 2: Exploring Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market, Akihabara, and Ueno

This itinerary takes you on a journey through some of Tokyo's most iconic neighborhoods, offering a diverse experience of culture, history, and modern entertainment.

Asakusa: Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Asakusa, home to the Sensō-ji Temple, a vibrant market street, and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate.

Tsukiji Fish Market: Witness the lively atmosphere of the world-renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can sample fresh sushi and seafood.

Akihabara: Explore the vibrant world of electronics and anime in Akihabara, known as "Electric Town," with its countless shops and themed cafes.

Ueno: Discover the cultural hub of Ueno, home to museums, a beautiful park, and the famous Ueno Zoo.

This itinerary provides a starting point for your exploration, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests and preferences.

The day began with a breakfast box from 7-Eleven, which conveniently offered in-store seating. This meal cost approximately ¥1000.

Take the Oedo Line from Ryogoku Station to Kuramae Station.

To reach Sensoji Temple, walk approximately 500 meters to connect with the Asakusa Line.

**It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM, as this is when the crowds are smaller. If you arrive later, expect significant congestion.**


It gets crowded after 9 am.



From the original station, take the Asakusa Line to Ningyocho Station. Transfer to the Hibiya Line and get off at Tsukiji Station to reach the Tsukiji Fish Market.

The fish market here has an overwhelming variety of food for sale, each item looking more tempting than the last. However, from what I can see, the prices are higher than elsewhere.

An oyster costs ¥560, which is equivalent to 162 Thai baht.

Scallops, ¥500 per skewer, equivalent to 145 Thai baht.

Sea urchin roe is available in various sizes, priced at ¥500, ¥1000, ¥1500, and ¥2000.

I have translated the sentence from Thai to English:

"I tried this single stick for ¥250. It tastes like Khanom Chan sprinkled with green tea powder."

Another thing I tried was Takoyaki, which is located across from the fish market and costs ¥470. The taste was decent.

If you want to experience truly delicious takoyaki, you must visit Osaka. The takoyaki in Osaka is widely acknowledged as the best in Japan.

Taking the Hibiya Line from the fish market to Akihabara will bring you right in front of Yodobashi. This store mainly sells electrical appliances, which are significantly more expensive than those in our country.

Wandering through the streets, I arrived at the Akihabara zone, a haven for games, models, comics, and more. With endless options to explore, even a full day wouldn't be enough. For those who share this passion, boredom is simply not an option.

While walking, you will encounter the cafe's mascot handing out flyers. No matter where you go, you will see them. This cafe is extremely popular, with at least 5 branches in this area alone.

As you walk up to the upper zone, you will find the AKB48 Cafe. In front of the shop, there is a group photo of AKB48 members from various countries, including BNK48.

We were getting tired from walking, and it was almost noon, so we decided to have lunch in Ueno.

Minatoya, located in the bustling Ameyoko Market, offers a diverse selection of fresh seafood rice bowls at affordable prices. Open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the restaurant provides generous portions that rival those found at the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market. With a menu available in Thai, Minatoya caters to a wide range of customers.

The first dish we ordered was a raw fish rice bowl, which included salmon, tuna, shrimp, sea urchin roe, scallops, and fish roe. The price for this dish was only ¥1000!

A giant sea urchin, enough to satisfy your appetite.

A must-try dish is the eel rice bowl for ¥1000. Self-service tea is available for drinks.

In addition, Takoyaki is also available for sale at 4 pieces for only ¥200 (with dried squid, seaweed, and free refills).
This meal was very satisfying, I will definitely come back for more.

After a satisfying meal, we stumbled upon an intriguing store called Hobby-off in the Ueno district. This establishment specializes in a diverse range of secondhand goods, including electronics, cameras, watches, musical instruments, games, models, dolls, and much more. The items are in excellent condition and offered at remarkably affordable prices.

The price of keychains and dolls ranged from ¥100 to ¥300, and most of them were in good condition. There were also affordable models, from cute anime characters to Gundam robots. Prices started from ¥500, and some were incredibly cheap. Many were in good condition, while others had missing parts but were still decent. We spent a considerable amount of time browsing the store.

We then stopped by Tokyo Station to capture the stunning night view of Tokyo from the Kitte building. This observation point is free of charge, but the use of tripods is prohibited. However, you can place your camera near the railing. Be mindful of the security guards who may occasionally remind you to move along.

After admiring the beauty of Tokyo at night until late,
we happened to walk past a cheap restaurant near Hongo-Sunchome on our way back.
However, there was no English menu, so we took a chance and ordered a random dish with the ¥450 we had.

In summary, we received cold noodles with two types of soup. The left one appears to be peanut soup, while the right one is soy sauce. It's a pity that there was no meat, but the taste was decent. The noodles were very generous in portion size.


Day 3: Hakone

This morning, we arrived at Shinjuku Station to travel to Hakone. First, we need to purchase tickets for the train at the Odakyo Sight Seeing Service Center located at this station.

The Hakone Free Pass costs ¥5140 and is valid for 2 days. This pass allows for free travel within Hakone.

Trains, boats, cable cars, and buses can save you a lot of hassle.

We traveled by train for about an hour and a half, arriving at Odawara Station.

The line then continues to Hakone-Yumoto Station.



Upon arrival at the station, cross the street to the bus stop.

Bus stops here are clearly marked with the routes that pass by and their corresponding names. To reach our accommodation today, we need to take bus K and get off at stop number 4, which is labeled Dino-Chaya.

K's House Hakone: Affordable Hostel with Onsen Experience

K's House Hakone offers budget-friendly accommodation in a dormitory-style setting for just 1,687 baht. This hostel provides a unique experience with both indoor and outdoor onsen facilities, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate in the traditional Japanese hot springs.

Fortunately, the hotel was not crowded today, allowing us to enjoy a single room without any disturbances.

After packing our belongings, we checked the bus schedule. We boarded the 12:14 bus to MotoHakone-ko to visit Lake Ashi. (*Due to the rain and fog that obscured the scenery on the first day, we were unable to capture many beautiful photos. Therefore, we decided to visit again on the second day. Fortunately, it did not rain.)

From the bus stop, it is about an 800-meter walk to the Shinto shrine, where the red torii gates by the lake are located, as seen in the picture.

Then return to the original point, prepare to board the pirate ship, and head to Togendai Station.

The first day it rained, the sky was much darker than the second day, but it had a different atmosphere. It took about 30 minutes to reach Togendai Station. From this point, we usually take the cable car, but since it was closed for maintenance, we had to take a bus to Owakudani Station.

Upon arrival, the area was shrouded in dense fog, obscuring all visibility.

The local specialty is the "volcano egg," priced at ¥500 for 5 eggs.

Black shell, I wonder what it tastes like... ... It's just like a regular boiled egg.

A nearby souvenir shop caught my eye, and I spotted a ¥300 craft beer. I decided to give it a try. The beer had a mild, non-bitter taste with a hint of citrusy sourness. The aroma was pleasantly delicate. Overall, it was a delightful experience.

Day 1 Highlights: Unfortunately, we couldn't see anything due to the poor visibility.

We decided to head back to catch the bus back to our accommodation.
From here, we took the cable car down to Gora Station.

After taking the cable car, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway back to Hakone-Yumoto Station, where we planned to catch the K bus back to our accommodation. However, we arrived too late.

The last K bus is at 16:40. We arrived at the station after 5 pm. What should we do now?


The rain continues to fall without stopping, and the buses have all finished running. Taking a taxi is expensive. Looking at the distance from the station to my accommodation, it's about 1 kilometer. I guess I'll walk then, and consider it exploring the route.

On the way back, I found Hatsuhana Soba Shinkan tucked away in an alley. I wasn't really in the mood for soba, so I walked the other way to a ramen shop. But it was closed, so I had to turn back.

This ¥800 bowl of ramen is perfect for enjoying a hot soup on a rainy day!

This bowl is a curry soba with a rich flavor. It costs ¥950.



Today, I walked back to my accommodation. The path was quite steep, but I didn't feel too tired. I'm going to relax in the onsen to soothe my muscles. If the weather is good tomorrow, I'll visit again.

Day 4 - Hakone / Shinjuku / Kabukicho

Fortunately, the weather today was perfect, with clear skies and a full view of Mount Fuji.

We spent this time soaking in the atmosphere, buying sandwiches and bread from a nearby 7-11. We sat and ate while enjoying the view, feeling completely refreshed.

We spent this time soaking up the atmosphere, buying sandwiches and bread from a nearby 7-Eleven.

Enjoying a meal with a scenic view is truly delightful.

In addition, today I got to ride on a larger boat than yesterday, and the weather was much better than yesterday.

Yesterday, the view from the cable car was obscured by fog, but today it is clear.

Okuwadani is located near a volcano, where smoke and steam erupt from the ground constantly. The smell of sulfur is present intermittently.

We then traveled back to Shinjuku to collect our belongings from our new accommodation, which was located near Kodemmacho Station. We stayed at the Japanize Guest House for 1,930 baht (2 days).

The accommodation here is not very satisfactory. The space is cramped, and there is no elevator, so you have to walk up the stairs. The room is on the 4th floor, and the bathroom is on the 2nd floor. Other than that, it's okay.

The original plan was to go to Yokohama, but considering the time, I was afraid that it would be too late to walk there, so I decided to visit Shinjuku again. I will stop by the Bunkyo Civic Center to take another picture of the Tokyo view (tripods are not allowed, but tables are available).

We then stopped for dinner at Ichiryu.

This restaurant uses tablets for ordering, which is quite high-tech. However, the lack of English language support is a major drawback. Customers have to rely on pictures and prices to place their orders.

Fried rice, priced at ¥580, tastes like the fried rice you can find in a typical Thai restaurant.

This bowl costs ¥730, the broth is rich and flavorful. In total, it cost ¥1310.

Afterward, we strolled through the bustling nightlife district of Kabukicho. This area is primarily known for its restaurants, entertainment venues catering to men, and massage parlors. As a result, I didn't take many pictures.


Day 5 - Free Time in Yokohama and Akihabara

In the morning, we stopped by a local eatery near our accommodation.

Yoshinoya Beef Bowl Restaurant: This restaurant is open 24 hours a day and offers affordable prices.

This set costs only ¥450.

Translation:

No text provided for translation.

This morning, I decided to visit a renowned motorcycle equipment store in the area.

Ricoland, located near Tokyo Bay (opens at 11:00 AM).

How much do things cost here?

For those who want to know what the atmosphere is like, you can see the pictures at this link (there are a lot of pictures).

https://goo.gl/qvkiq8

After walking around the shop for over an hour,

We then went to Minatoya, a restaurant near Ueno, for lunch as usual.

This round, the restaurant is very crowded, so it took a long time to wait for the food.

The sea urchin had a fishy smell, unlike the first time I ate it. I was a little disappointed.

We then walked to Ueno Station and purchased a ¥550 train ticket to Yokohama.



The journey took approximately one hour and a half to reach Yokohama.

After crossing the bridge, take a picture of the view at Minato Mirai 21.

This shot was taken with a tripod for a long time lapse. However, due to the wooden floor and people walking around, the image ended up being shaky. This is the view at night.


After that, we traveled back to Tokyo and stopped by Akihabara for dinner.
We found a restaurant called Yaro Ramen, which is said to be popular with foreigners, but surprisingly, there was no English menu.

This bowl costs ¥850 and is quite generous. I noticed some other customers received overflowing bowls, but I'm not sure how they ordered them. Even so, this portion is already quite large.

Day 6 - Return flight to Thailand.

Translation:

This morning, I woke up early at 5 am after sleeping at 2 am. I went out to find a restaurant near my accommodation and found one that was open 24 hours.

Moreover, the price is very affordable. The restaurant's name is Sukiya.

This set costs only ¥390 and includes rice, miso soup, saba fish, mashed potatoes, and side vegetables. It is a light and satisfying meal.

After that, take the subway to Tokyo Station to buy a bus ticket to the airport for only ¥1000. There is luggage storage, it is more comfortable than the train and cheaper. If you are going to the city, this method is much better.


This concludes my six-day, five-night trip to Japan. I had the opportunity to experience the daily lives of Tokyo residents in a realistic way. It was a valuable experience, and I will share more details if I have the chance.


Summary of expenses for this trip:
Round-trip airfare Don Mueang - Tokyo 5,382 Baht
Sim Net using Sim2fly from Ais purchased in Thailand before departure 399 Baht

Accommodation Costs (per person):

  • Nights 1-2: Anne Hostel Yokozuna (2 nights) - 960 THB
  • Night 3: K's House Hakone (1 night) - 843 THB
  • Nights 4-5: Japanize Guest House (2 nights) - 965 THB

Food, Drinks, Activities, and Travel Costs:

  • Total: 30,000 JPY (for the entire trip) - 8,700 THB

Approximately 5,800 Thai baht remain, equivalent to 20,000 Japanese yen.

Spent approximately 17,249 baht.

Thanks for following.

#tokyo#hakone#yokohama#japan#japan#subway
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