Day 1 of Japan Trip 2016: Tokyo Skytree
As the days drew closer to our Japan trip, the rainy weather didn’t agree with my two 3-mile practice runs so I had no choice but to skip them. Not that I mind actually since I’m already of vacation mode. Hiroshi had already packed the weekend before which forced me to do the same. Originally I wanted to pack the night before but I suppose it’s better safe than sorry. I put everything I needed on one corner to make sure I didn’t miss anything before putting it all in my backpack the morning of our flight.
That morning I woke up so early that I actually considered doing a short run but changed my mind when I considered about all the walking we’ll be doing in Japan. Plus the clouds outside looked heavy with rain so I better not take the chance. Our shuttle arrived around 9AM, a little earlier than expected. The driver was impressed how we only had backpacks with us but still insisted he carry it for us. It started to sprinkle on the way and looking at the dark clouds, I hoped we wouldn’t run into any problems on our flight.
We arrived at LAX at 10:30AM and had no issues with the check-in. Our flight was at 1:20PM so we had plenty of time to spare. We got through security smoothly and waited at our departure gate. By afternoon I was starting to get really hungry but Hiroshi figured the airline would feed us lunch. I was doubtful because our flight was at 1:20PM and they’ll more likely assume passengers had eaten. Still I held off from getting something to eat at the airport knowing the horror stories of airport food.
Scary Weather :(
Me and My Partner-in-Crime <3
It was Hiroshi’s first time flying with JAL and he admitted he was impressed with it. We flew with ANA on our first trip since there was a chance we could get better seats if Hiroshi’s brother was working that day. Of course we didn’t when our flight was midnight. I remembered how cramped my legs were and they didn’t provide any toiletries.. With JAL we had better legroom and even though they didn’t provide toiletries, they still had disposable toothbrush and toothpaste in the restroom. They also served us late lunch around 3PM much to my delight. Both Hiroshi and I got the Beef Bulgogi although it tasted nothing like it but still good.
Window seat for Hiroshi for this trip since I took over on the last trip.
On the way we had no turbulence whatsoever. During our smooth flight I had a cartoon movie galore that started off with Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, followed by Frozen before falling into a deep sleep. Later on I woke up and failed to find Kung Fu Panda 3 so I tried to settle for Disney’s Aladdin… that didn’t last long thanks to the corny love story. Good thing I slept most of the flight away because there weren’t that many good cartoon movies. A couple of hours later they fed us breakfast before we landed in Japan. Yep, I was one happy passenger.
Around 5PM we arrived in Japan and the weather was almost similar to California: Heavy clouds but no rain. Narita Airport was crazy packed compared to Haneda Airport. The custom line for foreigners was not fun compared to the locals. Not as bad as LAX but confused tourists did slow things down a couple of notches. Yep, I definitely preferred the empty 12AM from LAX to the 4AM Haneda flight.
Once we got through the hell customs, we headed straight to the JR Office to get our Rail Pass. Unfortunately we couldn’t book all our train tickets since they could only do two. That’s okay though because we can always do that on another day. Our schedule for this trip wasn’t as booked as before.
Finally out of the airport!
Oh yeah, JR Rail Green Pass with reservation :D
When we got our tickets, we headed off to our first stop: Tokyo Skytree in Sumida. The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower, which were completed in February 2012. It 634 meters (2,080 ft.) centerpiece of a large commercial development funded by Tobu Railway and a group of six terrestrial broadcasters headed by NHK. It’s currently more popular than Tokyo Tower.
We took the subway and did a bit of sightseeing through Sumida at night instead of getting off of the Tokyo Skytree Station. Well, our brain was too tired to figure out how to get to the actual station so we just made our way to the tower by walking towards it. Not that hard to find since it’s so tall and isolated. We crossed a bridge and saw not only the Tokyo Skytree but also a building with a giant radish statue on top that looks more like a whitehead. Yep, I’m definitely in Japan.
Tokyo Skytree with Giant Blackhead...
Crossing the Bridge
Close up of the restaurant boat
Making our way to Tokyo Skytree.
It was 8PM by the time we arrived at Tokyo Skytree and luckily it was late so there weren’t a lot people. They apparently closes at 10PM, which gives us plenty of time. We heard this place can get really packed and line waits can last about 2 hours. They also had a separate line for foreigners that is shorter but comes with a pricier admission. Not the case for us! Woo hoo! We got in without waiting and were the first people to enter in the elevator.
The very tall Tokyo Skytree
For a very crazy-tall tower, the lift to the top was ridiculously fast. We were already on the first stop before I realized how fast we were really going. It seriously felt like a 2-minute ride and it was shocking how high we were in that short period of time. When the doors open, we came in on a middle of the Wipe Up show. Each window screened a window cleaner playing music with their cleaning equipment in STOMP style. Eventually live performers showed up and started entertaining the gathered crowd. If I was I was in a better state of mind and not tired, I would’ve enjoyed it. Makes me feel like an old person.
This was screened all around the tower windows.
Cheering the crowd to join in.
Still recovering from the long flight, we didn’t stick around to watch the full performance and wandered around before deciding to go to the highest floor. Of course, this was a separate admission but we didn’t mind paying the additional cost. The elevator ride was much prettier this time with the ceiling exposed with florescent blue light. They also had another view of the city at the front so you can see how high you’re going but it’s not as pretty as the ceiling.
The top view of the elevator
The upper level was nice and quiet compared to the previous level. The dim lights enhanced the outside view so you can really appreciate the city lights. Despite the hazy weather, the city lights were still pretty to look at. If anything it gave that soft glow in it. We could clearly see Tokyo Tower and two giant ferris wheels. Other than that, the city looked small from where we’re at compared to Tokyo Tower. We were really up there.
First route out of the elevator.
Window View
Tokyo Tower
Random Bridges
One of the ferris wheels
Aside from the view, they also had cherry blossoms decorations inside the tower. While Hiroshi took pictures of the outside view, I helped random tourists who were struggling to take selfies by taking their pictures for them. I even managed to sneak a picture of him before he was able to get away.
Not real but still pretty
Muwahaha! My finger is faster than your feet!
Much like Tokyo Tower, they also had one section with a glass floor where you can see the bottom view of the tower. It was a little intimidating but not too scary.
Bottom View
We made our way out a little passed closing time even though the staff wasn’t instructing people to leave. They probably just don’t let anyone in. On the way out we stopped by the gift shop to buy some souvenirs. I told Hiroshi I wanted a tower statue for every tower I visited. So far I have Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Tower. However I didn’t want to get something so big on our first day so I settled of a small one that lights up. I also bought a set of Tokyo Skytree postcards that was drawn artistically rather than the usual photos.
By the time we got out, we were starting to get hungry but both restaurants and convenience stores were already closing. We rested for a bit outside and looked at the tower one last time.
Looking up
The hour subway ride to our hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort in Uruyasu seemed like an eternity to the Resort Gateway and had to hope on another subway to actually get to our hotel. You can totally tell when you’re getting close to Disney Resort.
Rush hour walking lane
Inside the Disney subway
It was already 11PM when we checked in our hotel and we were too tired to look for a 24-hour convenience store to get food. One thing for sure, our room was really funky. I’m not sure what to make out of it, if it’s a space or sea themed. As much as I like open space, this one felt a little too empty. Don’t care! The bed was comfy!
BED!!!
We made it in Japan in one piece on our first day and this is just the beginning of our trip. Better rest up for tomorrow because Tokyo DisneySea, here we come!
That morning I woke up so early that I actually considered doing a short run but changed my mind when I considered about all the walking we’ll be doing in Japan. Plus the clouds outside looked heavy with rain so I better not take the chance. Our shuttle arrived around 9AM, a little earlier than expected. The driver was impressed how we only had backpacks with us but still insisted he carry it for us. It started to sprinkle on the way and looking at the dark clouds, I hoped we wouldn’t run into any problems on our flight.
We arrived at LAX at 10:30AM and had no issues with the check-in. Our flight was at 1:20PM so we had plenty of time to spare. We got through security smoothly and waited at our departure gate. By afternoon I was starting to get really hungry but Hiroshi figured the airline would feed us lunch. I was doubtful because our flight was at 1:20PM and they’ll more likely assume passengers had eaten. Still I held off from getting something to eat at the airport knowing the horror stories of airport food.
Scary Weather :(
Me and My Partner-in-Crime <3
It was Hiroshi’s first time flying with JAL and he admitted he was impressed with it. We flew with ANA on our first trip since there was a chance we could get better seats if Hiroshi’s brother was working that day. Of course we didn’t when our flight was midnight. I remembered how cramped my legs were and they didn’t provide any toiletries.. With JAL we had better legroom and even though they didn’t provide toiletries, they still had disposable toothbrush and toothpaste in the restroom. They also served us late lunch around 3PM much to my delight. Both Hiroshi and I got the Beef Bulgogi although it tasted nothing like it but still good.
Window seat for Hiroshi for this trip since I took over on the last trip.
On the way we had no turbulence whatsoever. During our smooth flight I had a cartoon movie galore that started off with Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, followed by Frozen before falling into a deep sleep. Later on I woke up and failed to find Kung Fu Panda 3 so I tried to settle for Disney’s Aladdin… that didn’t last long thanks to the corny love story. Good thing I slept most of the flight away because there weren’t that many good cartoon movies. A couple of hours later they fed us breakfast before we landed in Japan. Yep, I was one happy passenger.
Around 5PM we arrived in Japan and the weather was almost similar to California: Heavy clouds but no rain. Narita Airport was crazy packed compared to Haneda Airport. The custom line for foreigners was not fun compared to the locals. Not as bad as LAX but confused tourists did slow things down a couple of notches. Yep, I definitely preferred the empty 12AM from LAX to the 4AM Haneda flight.
Once we got through the hell customs, we headed straight to the JR Office to get our Rail Pass. Unfortunately we couldn’t book all our train tickets since they could only do two. That’s okay though because we can always do that on another day. Our schedule for this trip wasn’t as booked as before.
Finally out of the airport!
Oh yeah, JR Rail Green Pass with reservation :D
When we got our tickets, we headed off to our first stop: Tokyo Skytree in Sumida. The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower, which were completed in February 2012. It 634 meters (2,080 ft.) centerpiece of a large commercial development funded by Tobu Railway and a group of six terrestrial broadcasters headed by NHK. It’s currently more popular than Tokyo Tower.
We took the subway and did a bit of sightseeing through Sumida at night instead of getting off of the Tokyo Skytree Station. Well, our brain was too tired to figure out how to get to the actual station so we just made our way to the tower by walking towards it. Not that hard to find since it’s so tall and isolated. We crossed a bridge and saw not only the Tokyo Skytree but also a building with a giant radish statue on top that looks more like a whitehead. Yep, I’m definitely in Japan.
Tokyo Skytree with Giant Blackhead...
Crossing the Bridge
Close up of the restaurant boat
Making our way to Tokyo Skytree.
It was 8PM by the time we arrived at Tokyo Skytree and luckily it was late so there weren’t a lot people. They apparently closes at 10PM, which gives us plenty of time. We heard this place can get really packed and line waits can last about 2 hours. They also had a separate line for foreigners that is shorter but comes with a pricier admission. Not the case for us! Woo hoo! We got in without waiting and were the first people to enter in the elevator.
The very tall Tokyo Skytree
For a very crazy-tall tower, the lift to the top was ridiculously fast. We were already on the first stop before I realized how fast we were really going. It seriously felt like a 2-minute ride and it was shocking how high we were in that short period of time. When the doors open, we came in on a middle of the Wipe Up show. Each window screened a window cleaner playing music with their cleaning equipment in STOMP style. Eventually live performers showed up and started entertaining the gathered crowd. If I was I was in a better state of mind and not tired, I would’ve enjoyed it. Makes me feel like an old person.
This was screened all around the tower windows.
Cheering the crowd to join in.
Still recovering from the long flight, we didn’t stick around to watch the full performance and wandered around before deciding to go to the highest floor. Of course, this was a separate admission but we didn’t mind paying the additional cost. The elevator ride was much prettier this time with the ceiling exposed with florescent blue light. They also had another view of the city at the front so you can see how high you’re going but it’s not as pretty as the ceiling.
The top view of the elevator
The upper level was nice and quiet compared to the previous level. The dim lights enhanced the outside view so you can really appreciate the city lights. Despite the hazy weather, the city lights were still pretty to look at. If anything it gave that soft glow in it. We could clearly see Tokyo Tower and two giant ferris wheels. Other than that, the city looked small from where we’re at compared to Tokyo Tower. We were really up there.
First route out of the elevator.
Window View
Tokyo Tower
Random Bridges
One of the ferris wheels
Aside from the view, they also had cherry blossoms decorations inside the tower. While Hiroshi took pictures of the outside view, I helped random tourists who were struggling to take selfies by taking their pictures for them. I even managed to sneak a picture of him before he was able to get away.
Not real but still pretty
Muwahaha! My finger is faster than your feet!
Much like Tokyo Tower, they also had one section with a glass floor where you can see the bottom view of the tower. It was a little intimidating but not too scary.
Bottom View
We made our way out a little passed closing time even though the staff wasn’t instructing people to leave. They probably just don’t let anyone in. On the way out we stopped by the gift shop to buy some souvenirs. I told Hiroshi I wanted a tower statue for every tower I visited. So far I have Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Tower. However I didn’t want to get something so big on our first day so I settled of a small one that lights up. I also bought a set of Tokyo Skytree postcards that was drawn artistically rather than the usual photos.
By the time we got out, we were starting to get hungry but both restaurants and convenience stores were already closing. We rested for a bit outside and looked at the tower one last time.
Looking up
The hour subway ride to our hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort in Uruyasu seemed like an eternity to the Resort Gateway and had to hope on another subway to actually get to our hotel. You can totally tell when you’re getting close to Disney Resort.
Rush hour walking lane
Inside the Disney subway
It was already 11PM when we checked in our hotel and we were too tired to look for a 24-hour convenience store to get food. One thing for sure, our room was really funky. I’m not sure what to make out of it, if it’s a space or sea themed. As much as I like open space, this one felt a little too empty. Don’t care! The bed was comfy!
BED!!!
We made it in Japan in one piece on our first day and this is just the beginning of our trip. Better rest up for tomorrow because Tokyo DisneySea, here we come!