Tokyo free and easy : Meiji Shrine

We decided to take a bus down  instead of the train. Firstly, it is only like 3-4 stops from our apartment and the busstop is just 3 mins walk away. Secondly, it was the first time that we are taking a bus in Japan. We followed Google map instructions and have no problem for our little bus ride.
You can also use your Suica car for the bus ride.

We were quite happy that we actually took a bus. We got off at Kitasando Entrance.There were beautiful ginko trees along the road on the way to Meiji Shrine. Such a beautiful sight. Autumn is a good season to travel as there are lot of vibrant colours and the weather is not too cold and not too hot. It was easy to navigate to Meiji shrine as we just followed the google map. After the entrance, we still need to walk around 5-10 minutes  to the shrines.

We did not know the day we went on the day of Harvest festival at Meiji Shrine. It was a pleasant surprise. There are a lot of decorations by fruits and vegetables. It is held at the around late November.

There is english fortune telling poetry costing 100yen.

Traditional Japanese wedding

There are a lot of locals dressed up for the event especially children. It is so cute to see them walking around. 

After watching the display at Meiji Shrine, we make our way to Harajuku. 

There was a Chrysanthemum exhibit. Not a very bit display but it was beautiful nonetheless. 

There are a lot of Chrysanthemum display in Japan during the month of November. 

If you are into nature, November is month of the vibrant autumn leaves, the Chrysanthemum flowers and yellow ginkgo leaves.

It is quite easy to navigate from Meiji Shrine to HArajuku. It is not that far but walking will take around 10-15 minutes depending on your speed.

It is good to plan both location together. 

After a walk and exploring Meiji Shrine, it will be time to feast and shop at Harajuku.

There is a museum at Meiji Shrine that displays a lot of historial items including items being the Emperor and Empress. Entrance fee is 500yen. I never been there so I can give a review on it

Meiji Shrine: From Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line 

 Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda 

Or you can take a bus like what I did. 

It depends on where you are starting your journey from.

Tokyo Free and Easy : Tokyo Tower

Can see the Tokyo Tower from the station exit. You can definitely find you way there.

Directions

How to get there

There are a few stationS available to reach Tokyo STation. Definitely will choose the one with the least walking time unless you have a day pass to make use of.

I got off at Akanebashi Station and follow signs and exits and definitely my Google map. Navigation is not hard. Just follow the crowd.

There are 2 paths leading to Tokyo Tower, the closer one is a steep slope and the path further down is flat. If you with eldery or not one who like slope, walk further down and take the shorter and flat path

My favourite shot.

JCB card members will have complimentary tickets for Tokyo Tower. That is why mine is 0 yen


Tickets for Main Observatory:
Adult 900 yen and child is 500 yen.
Tickets for One Piece Tower and Main Observatory Set Ticket:
3900 yen for adult
2000 yen to 3600 yen for students/child

Main Observatory Business  Hours are 9am - 11 pm ( Final Entry at 1030pm)

Tokyo on piece Tower Business Hours ar 10am - 10 pm ( Final Entry at 9pm)

For any tourist who did to do their snack shopping.

MOst snacks are available at airport unless some more unique ones.

However, airport has quite a long queue and a big crowd so go to DFS early if you intend to purchase souvenirs at the airport.

  We did not go to the Tokyo One Piece Tower. However, there are some images which you can take photos with.

Tips :

1. If you are exiting at the same station as me, choose the right path to the Tokyo Tower unless you don't mind slopes.

2. Apply for the JCB card, you save $10

3. Go around 1 to 1 .5 hour before sunset. Google sunset at Tokyo. It will give you ample time to take photos of the Tokyo tower in daylight and also a clear view of the buildings and landmarks. It will be hard to spot Mount Fuji and other significant landmarks.

4. Choose a clear and bright day. The views will be better and clearer and the sunset will be beautiful. I did not manage to catch any sunset as it was too cloudy. I was quite disappointed. 

5. If you are into night scenery, a tripod will be good.

6. Do not plan to have your dinner at Tokyo Tower, the food choices was very limited. The food court food was just average. Not really worth my time and money.

I never been to other observatory towers in Tokyo so I can't give my comparison.

It is definitely worth going for me as I did not pay for the tickets. 

The other 2 Obversatory Tower.

Tokyo Skytree

Roppongihills