Tokyo Day 1 - 17 Nov 12

Before we begin, there will be references throughout with the latitude, longitude input after the words Google Map. Just input the numbers into Google Map and it will show you the location.

While we were checking out air ticket prices to Tokyo, we read about JAL introducing the new Boeing 787 into service this year.  The price was reasonable, thus we went ahead to book the flight about a month before we flew, paying a total of S$1475 for the 2 of us.

The Boeing 787 nicknamed the Dreamliner features larger windows and higher ceiling. One other cool feature is the electronically dimmable shades.

Everything look sparkling new. In terms of comfort, I felt no difference from the other airlines. However the food was not as tasty. On the flight to Tokyo, there was only one choice of food available. Only on the flight back, we were given a choice.

The flight from Changi International Airport 1 was at 1.55am. We were there around 12 plus and was able to check in our luggage with nary a queue in sight.

Went in search of food but there were a sea of army boys, evident by their crew cut, going on their overseas trip and most fast food there feature a line. At Killiney however, there were only a couple, so we settled for Kaya Butter Toast with coffee and tea to fill our stomachs.

Reached Narita at 9.30am, cleared customs and got our bags all within 20 mins! Very efficient even though we had to input our finger prints. Bought our Skyliner tickets with 2 days Metro Pass for 4880Yen per person and managed to catch the 9.59am train. Whew!

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno   Google Map: 35.711857,139.778049

For the next 2 nights, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno was our choice of stay. It's conveniently located, just 20m from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Station. The room is 18m square, still small but larger than those 12m square rooms! Opened in 2010, everything still looks sparkling new. In fact, you can even see the building under construction in Google Street View!

We were to stay here for a total of 7 nights stay, which we paid an average 11357Yen per night. Do note that booking direct through the hotel website after becoming a member yields the best rate most of the time. However there were 2 nights in which Booking.com gave better rates.

From picture above starting from top left, 1. Air Cleaner  2. Face Steamer, Hair Straightener and Dryer  3. Kettle, Mineral water, Tea Sachet and Safe  4. Trousers Press

From picture above starting from top left, 1. Door with magnetic signs  2. Television  3. Toilet with Bathtub and Amenities  4. WC with bidet attachments.

There is a convenient store just across the street, as well as Yoshinoya, Tenya, Matsuya and other restaurants just a stone throw away.

Unfortunately, on our first day there, it was raining cats and dogs and we had to forego plans to visit the Metropolitan Government Building as well as Shinjuku Garden. Sigh! Sometimes things just don't turn out the way you plan.

After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we took the train to Shinjuku after getting Suica cards which proved very useful as you don't have to buy tickets for individual train rides and it can also be used to purchase items and used as payment for lockers!

Katsura at Takashimaya Times Square   Google Map: 35.685936,139.702501

Appetizers

The first thing we did in Shinjuku was lunch and for that we went to Times Square Takashimaya where they have restaurants at the 12, 13 and 14 floor. We decided on Katsukura. They originated from Kyoto and are famous for their Tonkatsu.

Crab Meat Cream Croquette with Fillet Cutlet Set - 1734Yen  Rating: 4.5/5

170g Ton Katsu Zen Sirloin Set - 2077Yen   Rating: 4.5/5

I settled for the 170g Sirloin and ordered the Crab Meat Cream Croquette with Fillet Cutlet for my wife. The miso soup and accompanying barley rice was excellent and rounded off a fantastic meal. Highly recommended. Only con was the sauce for the cabbage was not very good. Total damage was 4000Yen.

 

Milli Crepe Cake - 294Yen   Rating: 4/5

After dinner, we browse the Depachika of Takashima Times Square where we got a lovely Milli Crepe Cake from Yoku Moku to share.

We then shopped at Tokyu Hands which was just next door. Plenty of Christmas decorations on sale on the first floor. This store is huge, comprises of 7 floor selling a wide range of products, many exclusive to Japan.

It can get dark pretty quickly in Tokyo. Above picture is taken at 4.31pm! It was still raining and one thing I noticed is that Japanese people really likes those transparent umbrella.

Ichiran Ueno   Google Map: 35.712423,139.775085

We had dinner near our hotel, consuming our first ramen of the trip at Ichiran Ueno. Ichiran hails from Fukuoka and serves a mean Tonkotsu style ramen. Tonkotsu means pork bone and the soup is derived from boiling pork bones for hours to obtain the white broth.

Tonkotsu Ramen   Rating: 4.5/5

There are several unique things about this ramen. Firstly, if you were to order the egg, you will have to shell it yourself. Secondly, the place you eat within is surrounded by partition so that you may enjoy your ramen with minimum disturbance. Thirdly, you are allowed to customize your ramen and to this end, you will be given a form for you to fill. More on these later.


As it was still raining cats and dogs and coupled with the jetlag, we decided to call it a night, returned to the hotel and had a good soak in the bathtub.