To get back to our friend’s house for dinner, we took the scenic route along the Edogawa (Edo River).
There was a really nice walking path along the river.
Here are the tracks where the Chiyoda and Joban Lines cross the Edogawa.
May 232009
May 182009
On this day our friends took us out for a Nikko day trip from Tokyo! To get there we caught the Tobu LTD Express Spacia from Asakusa to Nikko.
It was so comfortable! We had one of the private compartments with two soft seating areas on either side and a table in between.
The comfy train compartment was the perfect place to enjoy the onigiri, maki zushi, and sakura mochi that our friends picked up for breakfast!
After a leisurely ride to the north, we got off at Tobu Nikko Station a little before 10:00 am.
Right outside we were greeted by a doggy, not sure if he was saying “hellooooo!” or “whooo are yoooou?!”
Since we were only there for about half a day, we quickly started the walk up toward the Toshogu Shrine area.
After walking (and window shopping) for about 20 minutes, we made it to the end of the road.
Right around this bridge we saw a lot of tourists also starting the trek up to the Toshogu Shrine.
But then for some reason, the route we went on was very peaceful and serene. We didn’t pass even one person the whole way up to the shrine area.
When we started to see roofs like these, we knew we were getting close to Toshogu Shrine!
Next up, beautiful Toshogu Shrine!
May 062009
With our hotels located in Ikebukuro on our first two trips to Japan, Ikebukuro station was where we learned to use the Japanese rail system. After a lot of practice on our second trip to Japan, the Tokyo train and subway system really became second nature for us.
Looking back on it though, Ikebukuro station being the second busiest station in Japan (Shinjuku is currently #1) may not have been the best place to learn how to use the rail system. But on the other hand, after learning to navigate Ikebukuro station successfully, we felt a lot more confident going to any of the other stations around Tokyo. I guess I’m glad we jumped right in to this busy station, there are lots of signs in English so it’s really not that bad.
Here’s a link to the JR Ikebukuro Station Map if you are interested in a closer look.
Ikebukuro Station – Area Map
View Ikebukuro in a larger map
Apr 292009
Riding the Yurikamome Monorail for the first time. Very comfortable and clean!
Sights along the way…
