楊雅雯's Reviews Page 2/5

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Observatories

Standing beneath TOKYO SKYTREE for the first time, I couldn’t stop looking up. At 634 meters tall, it’s absolutely breathtaking! Take the elevator to the Tembo Deck, then continue up to the Tembo Galleria for sweeping views of Tokyo. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji. It’s totally worth it and definitely a must-visit.

Don’t rush off afterward! Tokyo Solamachi downstairs is fantastic for shopping, dining, souvenirs, and clothes. You can also visit Sumida Aquarium and the planetarium. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day here. You won’t want to leave!

Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)

Haneda is Japan’s largest airport, officially called Tokyo International Airport. Each of the three terminals has an observation deck where you can watch closely the airplanes take off and land, shopping facility, and restaurants with different cuisines.

• Oimachi, Kamata, Haneda Airport Area
• Airplanes & Airport

When I go to Tokyo, one of the things I look forward to most is landing at Haneda Airport.

You don’t have to rush off right after getting off the plane. I always head to the observation deck first to watch the planes take off and land, and it’s so relaxing. When I get hungry, I’ll find a restaurant for a meal, then browse the souvenir shops. Time just flies by.

Haneda doesn’t feel like a regular airport that’s only for catching flights. It feels more like a small shopping mall, and I always end up staying an extra hour or two without meaning to. A trip to Japan is already fun from the moment it starts at Haneda.

Tokyo Monorail

The Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Tokyo, with an average interval of only 4 minutes, can take you to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes, where a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line can be made.

• Tokyo
• Trains & Subway

The excitement of traveling starts the moment I get on the Tokyo Monorail. From Haneda Airport, it takes less than 15 minutes to reach Hamamatsucho, and transferring to JR is super convenient. No need to drag your luggage a long way.

I love getting a window seat, enjoying the view of Tokyo Bay while wondering what new memories this trip will bring. Every time I come to Tokyo, this ride officially kicks off my trip to Japan.

Ueno Tosho-gu

A shrine dedicated to the first shogun of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Shrines & Temples

While walking around Ueno Park, I unexpectedly came across a shrine with “understated luxury” — Ueno Tosho-gu.

I originally thought it was just a small spot inside the park, but once I walked in, I realized it was something special! The golden hall was shining brightly, and the exterior walls were covered with beautiful carvings. It was hard to believe the building has been around for hundreds of years. No wonder it has been carefully preserved in Japan and designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Karamon Gate and the neatly lined bronze lanterns on both sides were also real highlights. Every angle looked great in photos, and even casual snapshots had a strong Edo-period vibe.

Interestingly, there is also an “Eiyo Gongen Shrine” here, which is said to bring good luck for exams, work, and winning competitions. Many Japanese people come specifically to pray for good fortune.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Sat in Ueno forest, the distinctive red-brick tile construction of this striking museum has served as a hall for the fine arts since it first opened in 1926.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Museums

Besides the pandas and museums, Ueno Park is also home to a building with a lot of character: the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Its brick-red exterior really stands out among the green trees, and up close it almost feels like stepping through time. Opened in 1926, it has been part of Tokyo for nearly a century. The exhibitions inside are more than just famous paintings—they feel like grand celebrations of art.

Whenever I come to Ueno and get tired from walking around, I like to stop in, enjoy the air conditioning, and check out the exhibits. Sometimes I come across a piece I love and end up staying for quite a while. Compared with the crowds at more popular spots, this place feels quiet and elegant.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

A museum offering a comprehensive look at the history and culture of Tokyo from the Edo period to the present day. Since opening in 1993, it has been a popular place to learn about Tokyo’s journey, and after major renovations, it reopened in March 2026. Highlights include a full-scale recreation of Nihonbashi Bridge and scale models of townscapes, offering a vivid look at the lives and culture of the people of the time.

• Ryogoku, Ningyocho, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kinshicho
• Museums

I thought I’d just be looking at exhibits, but I ended up spending hours here! The Edo-Tokyo Museum brings the story of Tokyo, from the Edo period to the modern day, to life with models, recreated scenes, and artifacts. It really feels immersive.
Standing on the recreated Nihonbashi Bridge felt like traveling back hundreds of years. Anyone who loves Japanese culture or history will really enjoy it. Even if you’re not usually into museums, it’s easy to keep exploring and completely lose track of time.

Tokyo Disneyland

Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.

• Chiba
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Tokyo Disneyland still makes my heart flutter no matter how many times I visit! From the moment I entered in the morning, the park was full of people, all there for dreams and happiness. The weather was amazing that day, and the blue sky with the castle was so beautiful that I kept stopping to take photos. Even though the popular attractions had long lines, time flew by while watching shows, browsing the shops, and eating cute themed snacks.
When the fireworks went up at night, I honestly felt like all the waiting throughout the day was worth it. No wonder everyone says you have to set aside a day for Disney when you come to Tokyo. This place really helps you rediscover pure, simple joy.

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are located within the Imperial Palace, where Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, and are managed by the Imperial Household Agency. Developed from parts of the former Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas of Edo Castle, the gardens are open to the public as an Imperial Palace garden. The grounds feature many valuable historic sites that preserve traces of the Edo period, including the Tenshudai, the stone base built to support Edo Castle’s main keep, as well as three guardhouses and Fujimi-yagura.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Parks & Gardens

Edo Castle in the fall is almost unfairly beautiful! The slightly cool weather, paired with golden leaves covering the ground, makes walking through the spacious castle ruins feel like a movie scene.

The shoguns of the past may be gone, but the impressive gates, moats, and stone walls still feel incredibly grand. I couldn’t help stopping every few steps to take photos.

I originally thought I could see it all in half a day, but the more I walked, the more hooked I got. It felt like exploring through different stages of an adventure, and before I knew it, several hours had passed.

If you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t just focus on shopping. Set aside some time for a walk around Edo Castle. You’ll realize history can be this charming!

“KochiKame” Statues & Manhole Covers in Kameari

In Kameari, located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, bronze statues and manhole covers featuring characters from the popular manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo” (commonly known as KochiKame) are installed throughout the town. They are scattered across both the north and south sides of JR Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line. In total, there are 15 statues and six design manhole covers.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Tourist Attractions

Coming to Kameari feels just like stepping into the world of KochiKame! As soon as I got off the train, I started looking for Kankichi Ryotsu, and ended up taking photos with bronze statues the whole way. I couldn’t stop.

The most eye-catching ones were the colorful trio at the south exit and Ryotsu flashing a peace sign in the park. So funny and charming. Even the manhole covers along the way have hidden character surprises, so walking around felt like a treasure hunt. Before I knew it, I had explored all of Kameari.

Even if you’re not a manga fan, this town full of childhood memories will totally win you over. It’s really worth making the trip!

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, is a comprehensive marine leisure facility featuring an aquarium, attractions, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.

• Yokohama
• Zoos & Aquariums

I thought the aquarium would be the star of the day, but it turned out to be the weather! Yokohama in May felt like natural air conditioning. I walked around all day without sweating, and the sea breeze was amazing. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is perfect for just relaxing, looking at the ocean, checking out the aquarium, and enjoying some thrilling rides. One day really isn’t enough.
I took so many photos my phone almost died. Every angle looked like a postcard. Travel doesn’t always have to be about rushing from place to place. Finding somewhere you can stroll slowly, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the sunshine is the happiest kind of time. Yokohama in May is seriously a great choice!