Upon arrival in Narita Terminal 2, we took the local train, Keisei Skyline, going to our mansion instead of the usual N'EX. This bought me time to familiarize myself again with how the train system works. Good thing weather was cool that the kids didn't mind the 30 minute walk from Kinshicho station to our mansion. We later found out that there was a bus stop just a few steps away from our mansion.
Since it was halloween, we started our tour by attending the biggest halloween street party in the world. The venue of this cosplay-theme halloween party is at Shibuya's famous scramble crossing. Thousands of cosplayers attended this party that even the local police considers this party as not safe and is a high security risk. According to locals, Halloween in Japan started in the 1970s when a bookstore in the nearby pop-culture hub of Harajuku began selling halloween paraphernalia and started organizing halloween costume parties.
For Day 2, Asakusa was our first stop. Asakusa is famous for the Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple built in the 7th century. On the way to the temple is a shopping street known as Nakamise which offers a variety of traditional local snacks and souvenirs. A traditional human powered ride known as Jinrikisha can help tourists discover hidden treasures is available for a fee.
Next stop was the Meiji shrine. This shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. One would be surprised that there is a lush forest in the middle of the busy city. The shrine offers a spacious grounds with walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll with the family.
To end the day, we visited the famous electric town of Japan, Akihabara. This place is a haven for people who loves anything electronics. From computers, cameras, game consoles and other electronic inventions one could ever imagine. Toys for the young and the young at heart is all over the place.
On day 3, we explored Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo bay. Originally built as small islets to protect Tokyo from possible attacks from the sea during the Edo period (1603-1868). Today, the island was converted into a futuristic district with hotels, shopping malls and tourist spots. To name a few, a replica of the Statue of Liberty was built in commemoration of the "French year in Japan".
Odaiba also became the national headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan's nationwide TV stations.
In 2012, a life-size Gundam statue was built in-front of the Gundam Base Tokyo, a shop dedicated to plastic models.
To end the day, we took a boat bus back to the main island of Tokyo.
Day 4 brought us back to one of Japans old districts, Kamakura. Kamakura is a 45 minute train ride from Tokyo. Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa prefecture. The home of the Kamakura Daibutsu, the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan. The Buddha was originally inside a large temple hall but after a tsunami in 15th century only the Buddha was left standing.
On our last day, we took a leisurely walk around the Kinshicho station before finally going back to the airport. At the background is the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world.
Five days is not enough to get to know this beautiful country. We will surely be back.
