Japanese Alps: From Tokyo to Nagano

Day 1: arrival

One Piece Tower: Live Show

We arrived at Haneda at night, manage to clear the custom and got our luggage before 11pm. Thankfully the tourist counter is still open so we manage to get our Tokyo Metro pass there and then. Since we are using the pass, all our travel in Tokyo would be using Metro or Toei Subway. Note that we did not use local JR train at all (eg. Yamanote loop train).

We check in to 328 Hostel which is very near to Haneda. We did want to take the risk to book a place in Tokyo at the first night, as any unexpected delay may throw a wrench in the travel plan. At least with a accommodation near the airport, even if we arrived late, the taxi would not cost an arm or leg. 328 is a very cozy place, with only 3 rooms (2 dorm style, 1 private) which is managed by a very friendly and nice lady. She is very diligent and kept the whole place very clean and homely. Sharing toilet is never a problem given that there is not many guest and the owner clean the toilet very often.

sanja matsuri

Day 2: Tokyo proper
Checking out the next day, we first put our luggage in Asakusa Ryokan Toukaiso in Asakusa, just opposite Shin Nakamise Dori. The price is very reasonable given the average price of hotel room in Tokyo is very expensive. The place is walk-able from metro station and the room is very spacious for Japan standard.

Sanja Matsuri: celebrated every May, we managed to be part of the celebration in the second day, where local community paraded their local mikoshi (divine palanquin) in Asakusa neighborhood before ending in Asakusa temple. Very crowded but fun.

Tokyo station: We took a break after that to collect our passes (had to be bought outside Japan, and exchange in Japan with the receipt) in Tokyo station.

One Piece Tower: not cheap but for any One Piece fan, this is a pilgrimage that should not be missed. Plenty of memories and photo opportunity. However, I would not recommend the live show unless you can understand Japanese language.

Nakano Broadway: despite what some website may say that there are plenty of otaku bargain here,  this building complex reminded me of Yik Fong in Ipoh. Past its prime. Only the many Mandrake store inside worth some visit and not many other attractions. I would still go back to Akihabara or even Den Den town in Osaka.

Day 3: Fuji 5 Lake

Fuji Shibazakura

Today is meant for Fuji Shibazakura (pink moss) festival. We first took a bus (booked via Willer online) to Fuji 5 Lake and arrived to the festival site via shuttle.

Fuji Shibazakura: The pink moss is impressive, but nearing the end of the season, it may not be as pretty as some of the photograph. Expect to spend 3 hours here walking around, appreciating the flowers, with some street performance and lots of food stall available.

Kawaguchiko: Returning back to the main station in Kawaguchiko, the main station in Fuji 5 Lake, we just walk around to Kachi-Kachi rope way to ride up Mt Tenjo for a full view of Mt Fuji. Remember to eat Hoto here, which tasted pretty special for Japan standard, but for us locals, it basically resemble our local pan-mee

Being free and easy, we still manage to steal some time after returning to Tokyo to stop by Akihabara but it was bit late and all the main shop is closing.


Day 4: On to Nagano
ending our short Tokyo outing, it is time to move to our highlight of the trip, we took a bus (again, booked via Willer) to Nagano.

Link:
Introduction
Leg 2: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Leg 3: Visiting Chubu