Arriving Tokyo two days early - recommendations?
We are arriving in Tokyo 2 days ahead of our EOJ tour next week. What should we try to see that is not seen on the tour? We have too many items on our list, please help pick the top few choices. We are staying near the main Tokyo Station. We are planning to use the Yamanote subway line (with Suica app on our iPhones) plus taxis/walking. There is no rain forecast for Tokyo those two days.
We like traditional art museums and traditional Japanese gardens. Not interested in shopping or food.
Cherry blossoms: Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi Moat, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Yoyogi Park, Asukayama Park,Meguro River.
Other gardens: Nezu Museum garden, Hama Rikyu Gardens and Pier, Rikugien Gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen
Museums: Tokyo National Museum (probably need more time than the tour will allot), Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – Impressionism,
Museum of Western Art - Goya's The Disasters of War, Yamatane Museum of Art – “A World of Flowers” (timed reservation required), Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections - timed entry ticket required), Sato Sakura Museum.
Thank you!
Comments
The Ginza Six building has a very impressive rooftop garden.
In Ginza, a quick stop at Nissan Crossing.
Walk the Tokyo Imperial Garden.
Walk around the underground city at Tokyo Station. Visit/experience Ramen St. down there - lots of good restaurants.
As a fan of lesser known museums I can recommend the AD(vertising) Museum, centrally located in the Shiodome district. If you like graphic design, it's a fun visit and great for offbeat souvenirs. To each their own...shopping FOR food is a big part of my travels. Yatsuhashi, anyone?
You can buy the sweet yatsuhashi treats just about anywhere in Japan, either simply packaged in places like the train station or in fancy gift boxes.
These delicate filled crepes are a Kyoto specialty, esp. in Sannenzaka neighborhood near Kiyomizudera Temple, where shops sell them freshly made, but good to know they are available elsewhere.