Tokyo, Japan

Family Vacation to Tokyo, Japan:

Tokyo, Japan- Haneda Airport (Airport Code: HND)

Hotel Stay: Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori

We booked a “family theater apartment room”. This style room included one king size bed (the king was two twin size beds put together). The bunk beds were adjacent to the king bed; small living room area/space with table. The toilet is separate from the bathtub/shower. There is one small refrigerator and kitchenette including plates, silverware, and a small hot top stove. This hotel is an apartment hotel (which typically means there is no food/beverage, or room service inside the building) and no special amenities. Mimaru is situated in the quiet business district of Chou City. Train stations are nearby, and a few restaurants are within walking distance. There is a 7-11 and Tomod’s pharmacy/convenient store across the street.

Transportation: We chose to use the local airport taxi service upon arrival, which was convenient. The distance from the airport to our hotel was about 25 minutes. Throughout our stay we rode the train 95 percent of the time and used google maps. We traveled to most of the landmarks by train.  

Amazing things to do and places to see in Tokyo:

       We arrived in Tokyo on Sunday afternoon after a 13-hour flight, flying from the east coast connecting in Minnesota and continuing non-stop to Tokyo. Each morning, we headed out for breakfast around 8:30 a.m. (most breakfast places open at 9 a.m.). Local coffee shops, Starbucks and traditional breakfast options were quite a distance from our hotel. The first day we traveled about 45 minutes (walking & train) for breakfast.

·         Sunday afternoon- Arrival and Check-in to Hotel Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori and Dinner at a Local Japanese Restaurant

·         Monday- Breakfast: Eggs n’ Things, pancakes and the whip cream tour is amazing (we arrived before they opened, guest lined up as early as 30 minutes prior to opening).  Late morning and early afternoon: Shibuya Crossing- which features a sight-seeing photo opportunity at the top of Shibuya Crossing. Shopping at the one-piece store and Sanrio collection. Tokyo Sky Tree Mall dinner and ice cream for Dessert. The Kirby Café and store are also located here. Final stop- at Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Kannon) and Jack in The Donuts (crème brulee and pistachio flavor were delicious! We also visited the Cherry Blossom trail which was near Senso-ji, unfortunately the cherry blossoms weren’t in full bloom due to the rain and colder than normal temperatures.

·         Tuesday- Breakfast: Sarabeth’s (French toast is delicious). Late morning: Tokyo Station (gift shops, souvenirs, pastry shops). Art Aquarium Museum-Ginza. Early Afternoon: Lunch at Ginza Mall (restaurants located above the Art Aquarium Museum). Late Afternoon and evening: Sightseeing and shopping in Shinjuku City, we spotted the 3D digital billboard cat located in this city. After spending a long day out, we ordered McDonalds- delivered to our hotel (great taste, different from the U.S. flavor).

·         Wednesday- Morning: Breakfast at Denny’s. Day Trip to Mt. Fuji (one hour and a half car ride from Tokyo). Beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, sightseeing, photo opportunities and we tried ice cream (eating grape ice cream was a first, delicious) located on the walking trail. Afternoon: Lunch at Totoyamichi restaurant located less than 10 min from Mt. Fuji sightseeing location.

·         Thursday- Final day in Japan. Morning: Visit to The Snoopy Museum located in Grandberry Park Minami Machida (1 hour train ride from Tokyo). Lunch: Umami Burger (Grandberry Park) Evening: 13-hour flight home.