Takeshita St

This year marks my first trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season. I've always wanted to travel during this time, but the airfare was usually prohibitively expensive. This time, I managed to snag a last-minute deal with Scoot Airlines for a round-trip ticket from Taipei to Tokyo for just 8,900 TWD. If you find cherry blossom season tickets under 10,000 TWD, don't hesitate—grab them immediately! Within a month, I booked my flight, reserved accommodations, confirmed insurance, and even finalized my itinerary. I feel so efficient! 👍🏻 This is also my first solo trip. I wanted to savor the beauty of each destination, let go of daily worries, and engage in self-reflection throughout the journey. Slowing down helped me relieve stress and tension, and I didn’t have to match anyone else's pace. If I felt tired, I could simply return to the hotel to rest. Traveling with friends has its group dynamics and fun, but solo travel offers a unique sense of healing. 🌟 Travel Goals: Cherry blossom viewing, including night sakura 🌸 🌟 Departure Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 🌟 Return Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 🗓️ Itinerary: (Cherry blossom-related activities are marked with a 🌸 icon!) 2025.03.27 Day 3: 1.-4. Please refer to the previous post "2025.03.27 Tokyo Solo Trip During Cherry Blossom Season: Day 3 Itinerary Series" 6. 3:30 PM Walk to Harajuku 🌟 Store Info: Harajuku Shopping District 📍 Address: Japan〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−24 🈺 Business Hours: Open year-round 💰 Average Spending: Depends on personal shopping habits! 💞 Recommended Reasons: Harajuku is one of Tokyo's most vibrant areas, known for its youthful trends and fashion. It's a must-visit spot for tourists. - Basic Information • Location: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, near Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. • Transportation: • JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station • Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Fukutoshin Line Meiji-Jingumae Station • Features: Youth culture, trendy fashion, street art, unique snacks. - Main Highlights 1. Takeshita Street • Harajuku's most famous pedestrian street, approximately 350 meters long. • Packed with trendy clothing stores, cute accessories, dessert shops, and drink stalls. • Often frequented by young people dressed in adorable, anime-inspired, or creative styles. 2. Omotesando • A high-end fashion avenue, often referred to as "Tokyo's Champs-Élysées." • Lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and flagship stores of designer brands. • Contrasts sharply with Takeshita Street, offering affordable trends on one side and upscale fashion on the other. 3. Harajuku Culture • A hub for youth subcultures, especially street fashion, Lolita styles, and cosplay from the 1980s-1990s. • Street performances, graffiti, and impromptu activities are common. 4. Food and Desserts • The area around Takeshita Street offers creative desserts, cotton candy, colorful ice cream, and crepes. • A popular spot for "Instagram-worthy" food. 5. Art and Museums • Nearby attractions include Tokyu Plaza Harajuku and Omotesando Hills, as well as small galleries and design exhibitions. - 💡 Tips • Weekends are extremely crowded; visit during off-peak hours or weekdays. • Photography enthusiasts can explore the forest trails near Meiji Shrine for a contrast to the bustling streets. • If you're into trendy fashion, check out the small shops and second-hand stores on Takeshita Street for unexpected creative finds. 7. 7:30 PM Return to the hotel 🌸 This post introduces the third day's itinerary of my cherry blossom season solo trip. Stay tuned for details on the upcoming days!

Tokyo has a reputation of being expensive and it puts a lot of people off, but honestly if you follow some tips before you go it’s a very doable city. There are certainly things that can cost a lot but most of them are optional extras, having been to tokyo a few times now here are some tips and routines I follow to keep in budget. ⭐️ Airport transfer - Both Aiports Narita and Haneda have good metro links to the city center and you can book in advance online. Booking is advised as you need a reservation to travel and some services will not accept bookings if the seats are all reserved. Airport transfers and taxis are very expensive so avoid those, I have even paid a little more for a flight with a better arrival time to avoid a taxi transfer. ⭐️Hotels - Hotels in Japan can be very expensive, especially western branded hotels. I always look for Japanese business hotels to save money, they are very generic and clinical hotels but they are well equipped and always in good locations. The rooms will be small but they have good wifi, lots of plugs and often offer breakfast. (bento box style) I find in Tokyo I spend 12 hours a day walking around so don’t need a fancy hotel, it is just to sleep and shower! Tokyustay is one I often book. ⭐️Transport - Tokyo is surprisingly walk-able, I find a lot of the tourist attractions are clustered in certain areas and districts. So I tend to get the metro the main station in the area and plan a walking route to complete that area, then get the metro into the next one. You can get a multi day metro pass on trip ahead of time, this is advisable as the metro is run by separate companies and can be quite confusing. ⭐️Food - This is where Tokyo can be expensive, things like sushi or western style restaurants can get very pricey and I find the portions can often be smaller than expected which makes them feel even more expensive. There are amazing districts such as Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya for food - every type of food you can think of for every type of budget. Some of them are very small and have limited seating but they are worth a wait, people eat and leave quite fast. Japanese chains such as coco ichiban, Yoshinoya, Komeda Coffee & Doutur offer lots of cheap food options and have multiple locations across the city. ⭐️Wifi - Most big shops and department stores will offer free wifi along with some of the bigger metro stations. ⭐️Convenience stores - This has been all over social media recently and they really are worth the hype - 7/11, lawson and family mart stores here are on a whole other level. You can get all the viral snacks and drinks along with lots of hot and cold meal options. They have microwaves and toastie makers so they can heat all the food for you, then you can eat outside or take it back to you hotel room. The easiest way to save money in Tokyo for sure! Parks and temples - These are all free and located throughout the city

#summervacay 🛏️ Hotel: The KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku - 500m to 🚇 Tochomae Station - Room includes a bathtub, pajamas & amenities - Hotel bakery serves fresh, delicious bread ⚠️ Stay near 🚇 Shinjuku Station for convenience 👾 Akihabara - Anime & Manga Heaven - Anime Malls: Radio Kaikan, Mandarake, Lashinbang 🎮 GiGO Building 3 (ex-SEGA): Huge game center with UFO catchers & photo booths ‼️MUST Try: at-Home Maid Cafe 👑 - You’re treated as “Master” or “Princess” in a fun roleplay setting 🎟️ Full set (¥3,500): 🍱 Omurice | 🍰 Dessert | 🥤 Drink | 📸 Polaroid with maid | 🗂️ Photo holder ⚠️ No physical contact or personal photos with maids 🍭 Takeshita Street (Harajuku) - Trendy youth culture, fashion, and crepes! 📸 Purikura Nora: Fun photo booths with auto filters ⚠️ Built-in filters on photo booths (big eyes, pale skin, slim face) 🍓 Santa Monica Crepes: 100+ flavors 🍵 The Matcha Tokyo: - Organic matcha lattes, ice cream & tools ⛩️ Meiji Shrine (Yoyogi Park) 🎟️ Admission: FREE - Peaceful shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji & Empress Shōken - Connected to Yoyogi Park – a green escape from Tokyo’s buzz 📸 Iconic sake barrel wall — donated by brewers across Japan ⚠️ Weekend visits may include a glimpse of traditional Japanese weddings 🐬 Odaiba 🛍️ DiverCity Tokyo Plaza – home of the 19.7m life-size Gundam ⚠️ Gundam “transforms” daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm 🌉 Rainbow Bridge: Stunning lit-up views at night 🚝 Ride the Yurikamome Line for panoramic views of the bay ✅ You can also walk across the bridge! 🪐 teamLab Planets TOKYO 🎟️ Admission: ¥3,814 - Multi-sensory digital art museum with immersive light, water & mirror installations ⚠️ Wear shorts/foldable pants – knee-deep waters ⚠️ Advance booking with time slot required ✅ Barefoot entry | Lockers provided | Mirror floors (avoid short skirts) 📸 Non-flash photos allowed — Insta-worthy guaranteed! 🚦Shinjuku + Kabukicho 🦍 Snap the Godzilla Head at Hotel Gracery’s terrace ⚠️Best angle: From Don Quijote Kabukicho (open 24/7) 🛍️ Explore endless underground malls & eats inside Shinjuku Station ⚠️ Huge station — allow extra time 🍜 Must Try: - Omoide Yokocho (smoky yakitori alley) - Golden Gai (tiny retro bars) ⚠️ Kabukicho gets lively at night — stay aware, but safe for tourists 🚶Shibuya 🚦 Cross the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection ⚠️Best view: Shibuya Scramble Square / MAGNET Rooftop 🐕 Hachiko Statue 🛍️ Shibuya 109: Youth fashion central 🛍️ Mega Don Quijote: Open 24/7 🍣 Try conveyor belt sushi ⚠️ Busiest in the evening — great for photos/videos 🌸 Sensoji Temple + Nakamise Dori (Asakusa) 🎟️ FREE | Temple open 6 AM – 5 PM Tokyo’s oldest temple with iconic Kaminarimon (giant red lantern) 🛍️ Nakamise Street: souvenirs, snacks & yukata 📸 Photo spots: Lantern gate, Nakamise, temple steps ✅ Best early morning or evening 💎 Ginza - Luxe Shopping & Food 🛍️ Ginza Six, 12F Uniqlo flagship #japan #japantrip #tokyo #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary

#TokyoTransportGuide The Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line is a new-generation line marked by its brown color, connecting Wakoshi to Shibuya, spanning 11.9 kilometers with 11 stations linking Tokyo’s trend centers, creative landmarks, and modern living areas. Since its opening in 2008, this line has become an excellent choice for exploring Tokyo’s youthful energy and creative inspiration with its stylish design and convenient transportation. Highlights Along the Line Wakoshi Station: A Quiet Starting Point and Cultural Touchstone Wakoshi Station is the northern terminus of the Fukutoshin Line, located in a tranquil suburban area of Tokyo. The surrounding parks and small cafes create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a brief rest. Nearby Kawagoe Old Street preserves Edo-period architecture, selling traditional Japanese sweets and handicrafts, attracting travelers who love history and culture. Ikebukuro Station: A Youthful Hub of Anime and Entertainment Ikebukuro Station is a bustling hub on the Fukutoshin Line, full of subcultural charm. Otome Road’s anime shops and themed cafes are a paradise for anime fans, while Sunshine City shopping complex combines an aquarium, food court, and observation deck. At night, the izakayas and live houses around Ikebukuro West Exit ignite the passion of young people, showcasing Tokyo’s youthful rhythm. Shinjuku Sanchome Station: The Intersection of Bustle and Arts Shinjuku Sanchome Station leads directly to Shinjuku’s commercial and cultural core. Nearby Isetan and Takashimaya department stores gather fashionable boutiques, while ramen shops and yakitori stalls fill the streets with lively atmosphere. The adjacent Hanazono Shrine and the neon nightscape of Shinjuku Kabukicho add a dual charm of tradition and modernity to your journey. Shibuya Station: The Ultimate Stage of Trend and Creativity Shibuya Station is the terminus of the Fukutoshin Line and a global trend landmark. The statue of loyal dog Hachiko and the bustling Shibuya Crossing are iconic, while SHIBUYA SKY’s 360-degree observation deck offers panoramic views of Tokyo’s nightscape. Around the station, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street and Omotesando gather designer brands and street fashion, attracting seekers of creative inspiration. The Fukutoshin Line is not only a vital transportation artery in Tokyo but also a brown thread connecting the city’s trends and creativity. From the tranquil historic charm of Wakoshi, the anime frenzy of Ikebukuro, the bustling arts and culture of Shinjuku Sanchome, to the peak of trendiness in Shibuya, this line condenses Tokyo’s youthfulness and avant-garde spirit. Hop on the Fukutoshin Line and start an adventure through Tokyo from calm to excitement! #TokyoMetro #FukutoshinLine #TokyoTravel #CityExploration

HARBS is a renowned dessert brand from Japan, established in 1981, with the philosophy of "freshly made and natural ingredients." The brand's most iconic offering is its tall, multi-layered fruit cakes, each slice rich in ingredients, emphasizing natural sweetness and a refreshing taste. Highlights: • Signature Fruit Mille-Feuille Cake: Made with generous amounts of fresh fruits and light whipped cream, layered to perfection, this is a must-try signature item. • Variety of Cake Options: The store offers over 10 types of cakes, all made in limited quantities daily. • Freshly Made to Order: Committed to freshness, many desserts and beverages are prepared on-site to ensure optimal taste. • Japanese Ambiance: The store features elegant and bright decor, providing a comfortable and leisurely dining experience. • Overseas Branches: In addition to Japan, HARBS has branches in Hong Kong and the United States. Taiwan is often mentioned by travelers as a "desired location" for the brand's expansion. HARBS desserts are relatively pricey but are known for their generous portions and high-quality ingredients, often considered a worthwhile indulgence for a special dessert outing.

#tokyostroll #tokyo #harajuku #akihabara #kawaiiculture #anime #streetfood #tokyoeats #takeshitastreet #kawaii #foodieparadise #animelovers #tokyonights #totoro Start at Harajuku Station 🌸 📍 1 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo The gateway to kawaii culture, where pastel-haired fashionistas and rainbow storefronts set the tone. Wander down Takeshita Street—a whirlwind of glittery accessories, oversized plushies, and crepes piled with whipped cream. Hop to Kappabashi Kitchen Street 🔪 📍 3-chōme-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo A paradise for foodies: lifelike plastic sushi displays, samurai-shaped chopsticks, and ramen bowls fit for a Tokyo chef line the shops. Dusk in Shinjuku’s Back Alleys 🍺 📍 Omoide Yokocho, 1-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo Paper lanterns glow above tiny bars sizzling takoyaki (octopus balls), while salarymen clink frosty beers under the hum of vending machines. Sweet Finale: Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory 🍡 📍 5-chōme-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo Their Totoro-shaped cream puffs—fluffy, custard-filled, and almost too cute to eat—are a whimsical farewell to Tokyo’s charm. Why You’ll Love This Tokyo Stroll ✨ 🌀 Iconic meets hidden gems—from Harajuku’s chaos to Setagaya’s quiet charm. 🍡 Sensory overload meets serenity—neon-lit alleys and fluffy cream puffs. 🎌 Old meets new—traditional lanterns glow beside anime billboards. Wear comfy shoes because Tokyo rewards the curious wanderer!

#TokyoShoppingGuide Tokyo is a global shopping paradise, blending high-end fashion with subculture trends. Here are three distinctive shopping spots, perfect for travelers with different tastes. 1. Ginza Ginza is Tokyo’s luxury shopping hub, home to upscale department stores like Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six, as well as international brand flagship stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The area also features large flagship stores of Muji and Uniqlo, covering lifestyle goods and fashion apparel. With its clean streets and elegant shopping environment, Ginza is ideal for travelers seeking high-quality brands and refined service. 2. Harajuku Harajuku is famous for its dual charm: Takeshita Dori is a hotspot for youth fashion, filled with kawaii clothing shops and unique snack stalls, creating a lively atmosphere; Omotesando is a high-end boutique street with flagship stores like Prada and Comme des Garçons, offering a quiet and elegant environment. Cat Street provides vintage and streetwear brands, making it a must-visit for creative souls. 3. Shibuya Shibuya is the center of youth culture, with Shibuya 109 department store focusing on women’s fashion, perfect for fans of Japanese style. Shibuya PARCO combines anime, fashion, and the Pokémon Center, attracting subculture enthusiasts. Additionally, Tokyu Hands offers a variety of creative products, great for finding unique souvenirs. Shibuya’s shopping area is lively, ideal for experiencing Tokyo’s youthful energy. Tips: It’s recommended to shop on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Use the Tokyo subway and consider purchasing a one-day subway pass for easy travel between districts. Flagship stores in Ginza and Harajuku often have exclusive products, while Shibuya is great for affordable trendy items. These three major spots cover luxury, trends, and subculture, making your Tokyo shopping trip rich and colorful! #Ginza #Harajuku #Shibuya #ShoppingGuide #JapanTravel

#japantrip #shopping #travel #tokyo #harajuku #streets #spring Shopping in Harajuku is an unmissable experience that perfectly captures Tokyo’s vibrant and eclectic energy. Takeshita Street is the heart of Harajuku, buzzing with quirky boutiques, colorful fashion stores, and trendy accessory shops. You’ll also find unique treats like rainbow cotton candy and crepes that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious! During my visit, I loved exploring the mix of high-end brands and offbeat streetwear, as well as the hidden gems in the quieter lanes. The energy of the crowd and the explosion of colors and creativity make shopping here a true adventure. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take your time soaking in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Harajuku is where fashion, food, and fun collide—don’t miss it!

#aprilblooms If you’re looking for the perfect spring brunch spot in Harajuku, Rodeo Bakery & Coffee is the place to be! This bright and airy café is filled with natural sunlight, making it a dreamy spot to relax and enjoy a slow morning. The vibe is cozy yet modern—ideal for a weekend catch-up or a solo coffee break with a book. One of the highlights? Their heart-shaped toast and fluffy French toast. Not only are they super Instagrammable, but they also taste amazing! Paired with a latte or fresh juice, it’s the kind of brunch that instantly lifts your mood. Why You Should Visit: ✔ Heart-shaped toast that’s both cute and delicious! ✔ Tons of natural light—perfect for a cheerful spring brunch. 📍 Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−8−25 BU Harajuku 1825, Room 201 #Harajuku #Tokyo #Japan #SpringBrunch #RodeoBakery #CafeHopping #HeartToast #TokyoEats

#weekendgetaways If you thought Harajuku meant only shopping and weird clothing. Let me tell you there is so much that can be done in Harajuku and plus yoyogi park, meiji shrine and omotesando. All of which can be done by getting down at the Harajuku station. May be not convincing enough for some but in my younger years I have done these weekend stops in tokyo mostly focussing on Harajuku, in and around. Those were weekend getaways to explore the cosplay fascination, the urge to feel good, the good food and shopping. Harajuku is well known for fashion and youth centric culture. So things to do shouldn't be difficult to find. While the amount of people in here or in most touristic hubs of Tokyo can be a bother. But it seems it's part of the experience. And i sure appreciate the lack of less of the red light thing that is so much in places like shinjuku. #weekendgetaways #shortrip #shopping #cherryblossom2024 #food #cosplay

You can never get sick of Tokyo because there are just too many things to see and do there. Getting around - The metro is very reliable to get around Tokyo city. Attractions: 1. Senso-ji Temple Highlights - Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple, known for its iconic Kaminarimon Gate. There is a bustling shopping street outside the temple and the entire Asakusa area is very fun to explore too. 2. Harajuku Highlights - This is a neighbourhood to go if you are into street fashion, cute accessories and trendy boutiques. Especially along the Takeshita street, every shop is so unique and interesting. 3. Akihabara Highlights - Very interesting place, this is the 'Electric Town' and you are in the right place if you are an anime lover. A hub of otaku culture, regardless of your age, this place can be pretty eye opening. There are countless anime shops and themed cafes here. 4. Ginza Highlights - An upscale shopping district, and there is also a 12 storey Uniqlo! There are many luxury boutiques here and nightlife is vibrant. #travellerswonderland #japantrip #100waysoftravel #tokyo #city

This year marks my first trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season. I've always wanted to travel during this time, but the airfare has always been prohibitively expensive. This time, I managed to snag a last-minute deal with Scoot Airlines for a round-trip ticket from Taipei to Tokyo for just 8,900 TWD. If you find cherry blossom season tickets to Japan for under 10,000 TWD, don't hesitate—just book them! Within a month, I purchased my tickets, booked accommodations, confirmed insurance, and finalized my itinerary. I feel so efficient! 👍🏻 This is also my first solo trip. I wanted to savor the beauty of each destination, let go of daily worries, and engage in self-reflection. Slowing down allowed me to relieve stress and tension, and I didn't have to match anyone else's pace. If I got tired, I could simply return to the hotel to rest. Traveling with friends has its own joys, but solo travel offers a unique sense of healing. 🌟 Travel Goal: Cherry blossom viewing, including night sakura 🌸 🌟 Departure Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 🌟 Return Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 🗓️ Itinerary: (Cherry blossom-related activities are marked with a 🌸 symbol.) 2025.03.27 Day 3: 1.-3. Please refer to the previous sections: "2025.03.27 Cherry Blossom Season Tokyo Solo Trip: Day 3 Itinerary (Part 1 & Part 2)" 4. 2:00 PM Yoyogi Park 🌸 🌟 Venue Information: Yoyogi Park 📍 Address: 2 Jinnan, Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan 🈺 Hours: Open year-round 💰 Cost: Free of charge 💞 Why Visit: Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, offering several unique features worth exploring. ⸻ Basic Features: (1) Convenient Location Yoyogi Park is located in Shibuya, close to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Omotesando. It's about a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station. (2) Spacious Area The park spans approximately 540,000 square meters, making it one of the largest urban parks in central Tokyo. Its open space feels expansive and not overcrowded. (3) Open 24/7 and Free Entry The park is open all day and free to enter, making it an excellent choice for cherry blossom viewing or enjoying a tranquil morning/evening atmosphere. ⸻ 🌸 Cherry Blossom Highlights: (1) Diverse Cherry Blossom Varieties The park features over 600 cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Oshima cherry trees, along with early-blooming varieties like Kawazu cherry trees. (2) Blooming Period Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April, with peak bloom depending on the year's weather conditions. (3) Multiple Viewing Spots Recommended spots include: • Central Lawn: The main cherry blossom viewing area with concentrated trees and stunning scenery. • Cherry Blossom Garden and Hill Plaza: Great for photos and varied landscapes. • Water Corridor Pathways: Lined with cherry trees, perfect for a scenic stroll. (4) Ideal for Picnics and Gatherings The park's expansive lawns make it a popular spot for cherry blossom picnics and springtime gatherings. Many visitors bring picnic mats to enjoy the festive atmosphere. (5) Crowds and Atmosphere Due to its prime location and popularity, the park can get crowded during cherry blossom season, especially in the afternoons or on weekends. Early mornings or evenings are quieter and offer softer lighting for photography or a more serene experience. ⸻ 💡 Tips & Reminders: • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot and avoid crowds, mornings are ideal. • Bring Essentials: Picnic mats, sunscreen, and trash bags are useful for sitting on the grass and picnicking. Note that the park has a carry-out-your-trash policy. • Check Weather and Bloom Forecasts: Cherry blossom blooming periods can vary slightly depending on the temperature. 🌸 This article covers the third day's itinerary of my cherry blossom season solo trip. Stay tuned for the next part of the journey!