AFTERNOON
Take a stroll around Asakusa
If there was a tourist center in Tokyo, it would be Asakusa. So after lunch, leave Shibuya behind and head over to Asakusa. If you had lunch early, stop by Don Quijote mall for more pasalubong shopping. Each floor is filled to the brim with every little Japanese thing you can find. But if you’re short on time, I suggest walking towards the giant red lantern under a giant gate. Welcome to Sensoji Temple! It’s pretty hard to miss, this giant lantern. Our friend said that it would take 2-3 hours to walk around, but that’s slightly exaggerated. Before you reach the temple, you have to walk through this pretty row of shops that sell Japanese souvenirs and snacks. There were paper fans, yukata and kimono. They also sell cute “ninja items” for little boys. I’m not kidding, I saw a group of guys in yukata playing with a sword.
A line of shops greet every visitor at Sensoji Temple.
The grandeur of the temple, plus the little details in the architecture make this a must-see.
I know this is crazy, but ice cream in Japan is something you CANNOT miss! Imagine my delight when I saw this bright pink shop selling the most amazing ice cream flavors. The flavors include green tea, cherry blossom, marron (?), white peach, rum rasin and ogura for 320 yen. Of course, I had to try the purple sweet potato. Delicious! Even in three degree weather. But the thing is that the ice cream man specifically instructed me to eat only in front of his shop, as walking while eating wasn’t allowed. And now we know why Japan is so clean! If you see guys walking around in yukata and top knots, they’re most likely professional sumo wrestlers. Sensoji Temple is as big as it is ornate, so there is a bigger intimidation vibe here. Japanese people and tourists alike go in to say simple prayers or just look at the vibrant architecture of the temple.
Climb a Tree
One of Tokyo’s newest attractions is the Tokyo Skytree in the Sumida area. It’s about a 20 minute walk from Sensoji Temple (you can actually see it, like we did in the photo above) and it looks brilliant in the night-time. This is now officially the second tallest building in the world, just shorter than the Burj Khalifa by about 700 feet.
The Tokyo Skytree opened in May 2012
PASALUBONG TIME: At the base of the tower is a mall where you can get all of your remaining pasalubong. My mom and I went crazy over the cosmetics, and the manga section of the bookstore is a force to be reckoned with.
Dinner Time: Tempura or Yakinuku?
Now we come to the last part of our evening. If you’re like us, you’re probably bone tired and itching for some food. Asakusa is home to a lot of famous tempura spots, so if you’re rushing to grab a bite, tempura is your best bet.
Tempura Time: Aoi Marushin
This restaurant is actually almost adjacent to the Sensoji temple, so if you decide to go here, you can switch the Skytree and the Temple. Aoi Marushin is one of the most popular tempura places in Tokyo.
Our food was pretty pricey, (Around 2,000 yen per person) but considering we’d ordered tempura and sushi, it was understandable. The tempura was delicious. The batter was crispy and the shrimp inside has a Cooking master Boy-like twang! because of the freshness of the ingredients.
Mixed tempura plate
Mixed Sushi Plate. Yes, that is tofu sushi on the upper right.
Yakinuku it out: Kurogo Honten
If you’re willing to spend a little more and can hold in the hunger for something more savory, head over to the JR Ikebukuro Station’s west exit. A five minute walk later, you’re in Toshima-ku and right in front of Kurogo Honten.
Yum yum yum! Savory and thick slices of grilled meat as soft and delicious as they come. Oh, and here’s something to try: meat sashimi! I’m not kidding, it’s pretty good!
Grilled beef barbeque
How was that for one night in Tokyo?
FINAL PASALUBONG STOP: Narita Airport is famous for carrying all the uniquely flavoured Kit Kats your heart desires! At about 1600 yen for a box of ten, that’s much cheaper than anything you can find in Manila. Go crazy!
If you’re looking for something a little more “classy” the airport also carries an awesome selection of Royce chocolates. Where their boxes go for about Php 500 in
Manila, the same box is sold at the airport at 600 yen (approximately Php 300).
Kurogo Honten
Cima 100 birr 1F, 2-46-3, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0014
Ippudo Ebisu
1-3-12 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0012, Japan
Aoi Marushin
1-4-4 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo Prefecture 111-0032, Japan
One Night in Tokyo: A Quick Guide
