Page 14 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

12  INTRODUCING JAP AN

2 Days in Tokyo home to a zoo, pagoda, Tosho-
gu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond,
and the Shitamachi Museum
Unmissable sights in the (p88), which gives a glimpse
Japanese capital include of Tokyo’s past. Also check out
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa the bustling Ameyoko Market
and the grounds of the (p88), stretching beside and
Imperial Palace. Save some under the raised train tracks
time for casual exploring, between Ueno and
since Tokyo’s neon dazzle Okachimachi stations.
and buzzing energy are
attractions in themselves. Afternoon You can have lunch
in either Ueno or Asakusa, just
• Arriving Narita, 60 km
(37 miles) northeast of the three subway stops east. This
center, and Haneda, 20 km atmospheric area is home to
(12 miles) south, are Tokyo’s Senso-ji (pp90–91), Tokyo’s most
two international airports, venerable Buddhist temple,
both connected to the city which is best approached via
by speedy train lines. the Nakamise-dori arcade of
traditional craft and souvenir
• Moving on The journey shops. Detour across the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan,
from Tokyo to Kyoto takes Sumida River for the bird’s-eye topped by a broadcasting mast
2 hours and 15 minutes by view from Tokyo Skytree
the fastest Nozomi trains. (p88). Return to Asakusa Museum of Modern Art
to join the Sumida River (p76), housed in a building
Trip (p73) to Hama-rikyu across the moat that used to
Day 1 Gardens (pp72–3). It’s a surround the castle.
Morning If you’re going to short walk from here to the
see the best of Tokyo in just Kabuki-za Theater (p72) with Afternoon Hop on the
two days, you’ll need to make its dramatic gabled facade. subway to reach Harajuku
an early start, and where better District (p99), a good spot for
than at Tsukiji Fish Market Day 2 lunch. From here, you can
(p72). Spend a couple of hours Morning Sign up for a free crunch down the gravel
exploring this famous market guided tour of the grounds of pathway to Meiji Shrine (p98),
and enjoy a sushi breakfast the Imperial Palace (p75); you’ll the city’s main Shinto shrine.
before riding the subway need to register in advance Check out teen fashions and
15 minutes north to reach Tokyo but worth it for a close-up trends on the shopping street
National Museum (pp84–7), view of a fragment of this vast Takeshita-dori (p99), followed
next to Ueno Park. The museum compound that has been home by more window shopping
hosts the world’s largest to the emperor and his family along tree-lined Omotesando
collection of Japanese art, for nearly 150 years and, before (p99), where you’ll find the
supplemented by other Asian that, was the location of Edo Oriental Bazaar, perfect for
antiquities. Afterward, stroll Castle. Explore the excellent souvenirs. The Nezu Museum
around Ueno Park (pp82–3), collection at the National (p102) is a lovely introduction
to the arts of the region, and it
also has a serene garden with
a teahouse. Finish the day
enjoying the bright lights and
electric vibe of either Shibuya
(pp100–101) or Shinjuku (pp94–
7), both easily accessed by
subway or train.
To extend your trip…
Among the many day trips
you can make are ones
to Nikko (pp268–9), the
mountainous home to the
grand Tosho-gu Shrine
(pp270–71); and Kamakura
(pp138–40), Japan’s ancient
seaside capital, dotted with
serene temples and shrines.
Sophisticated Omotesando, in Tokyo, with its range of fashion design stores
For practical information on traveling around Japan, see pp380–85

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Country itinerary template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.1)
Date 21st March 2014
Size 125mm x 217mm