So I'm back from the trip and I must seriously say that the train or subway service/station in Tokyo is so not elderly-friendly at all. As you (and I) already know the complexity of the train/subway system,
- You have a hard time figuring out which way to go to another local line, or how to connect the line with another to bring you to your destination;
- Also there isn't escalators or elevators in their stations. Not that there isn't any but hard to find at all stations;
- Your elderly must really be strong enough to conquer all the stairs. I have already did my best to make this trip less tiring for them.
Why I didn't engage a driver to bring us around Tokyo? Because my dad thought it would be more fun this way (travelling by train) after watching travel variety shows and never did he knew it to be so tiring (from lots of walking) and complex train system. So my advice is to plan your itinerary and book a driver if your elderly wants to visit Tokyo. Or book a package tour which includes meals, hotels and transport. Or for free and easy, bring them to other parts of Japan that are more elderly-friendly (esp transportation) than Tokyo. If not last option will be self-drive trip. So think carefully for your elderly.
SENSOJI TEMPLE & KAMINARIMON 👍👍👍
Took a night flight to Tokyo and arrived early in the morning at about 6+am local time. Beforehand, I have booked my transportation, both to and from airport and hotel via Klook. This is so important when you have elderly in tow. So we arrived at Hotel Sunroute Asakusa, which would be our stay for the next 4 nights, to deposit our luggage because it wasn't check-in time yet. And we started our exploration in Asakusa which is just walking distance from our hotel.
Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Asakusa and also the oldest and most significant Buddhist temple in Tokyo that is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Each year, it attracts millions of visitors to come and admire its impressive architecture and also to soak in its spiritual ambiance.
The pros of visiting Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon early in the morning (7+am local time) was lesser crowd, which means less photobombers in your photos. However, the cons would be that the shops weren't opened for business yet or in preparation at Nakamise-dori Shopping Street. This touristy place will be overcrowded by the locals and foreigners like us. A good photo-stop if you need something for your Instagram or Tik Tok. This is already my 2nd time here (the last was in 2011) but more in-depth exploration in this district that is rich in history and culture, with a lively atmosphere (when it is crowded, haha).
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| Kaminarimon in the day |
Also known at 'Thunder Gate' (as in Chinese characters), an important symbol of Asakusa and a gate-way leading up to Sensoji Temple that attracts visitors from all over the world for its beauty and significance. And often the visitors will take photos beneath the massive lantern and then explore the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street that leads to Sensoji Temple. What you see right now dates back to 1960 after reconstruction as the original gate was destroyed many times by fires and disasters
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| Kaminarimon in the night |
Weather check: Neither too cold nor hot in the month of May. So don't really need thick clothes for the trip.
Didn't need a trip to Tokyo Skytree because we could see it right here at Asakusa and also from our hotel room (lucky me and my aunt) day and night. Honestly such skyscrapers in different countries is kind of wasting money as it just gives you the 360° view of the city and it won't take you too long to finish one round and that's it. The same goes to this and Tokyo Tower too.
MEIJI-JINGU SHRINE 👌👌👌
After dropping my mum and aunt at Soka Gakkai for their chanting sessions to mid afternoon, I brought my dad to visit Meiji-Jingu Shrine then experiencing the Shibuya Crossing.
The train station will be Harajuku. He was saying that Meiji-Jingu Shrine has the lush greenery and tranquility oasis similar to MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore. Walked a long way into the shrine was a cooling experience that we wanted so badly as compared to the drastic weather back in our home country. So please appreciate the presence of trees around us. They do us too much favour by bringing down the heat.
Established in 1920, Meiji-Jingu Shrine was dedicated to the influential emperor and empress during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played key roles in modernizing Japan. The shrine was built in honor of their spirits and their contributions to the nation.
Oh... if you are a Soka Gakkai member in Singapore and want a visit the HQ in Tokyo, remember to get a referral/recommendation letter from Singapore branch. Then bring along the letter and your member card for the visit. The complex in Tokyo is just right outside of station, Shinanomachi (JR East Line).
SHIBUYA CROSSING 👌👌👌
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| Shibuya Crossing with Go Cart in sight |
I forgot to show my dad the Hachiko statue right outside Shibuya station. Anyway I wanted him to experience the famous Shibuya Crossing himself. I realized the Starbucks outlet right across the junction could have a top down view of the entire Shibuya Crossing and no wonder so many people crowd at that particular Starbucks store, especially the seats by the window. But I found my own mini Shibuya Crossing with top down view at Yoshinoya across the road from Shibuya 109 building. Perfect seating while having our lunch together at level 2. This is a good enough experience for us.
DAY TOUR TO MT FUJI & HAKONE 👌👌👌
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| The way up to Hakone Shrine |
I haven't visit Mount Fuji and Hakone the last time I'm here in Tokyo (13 years ago) so this time together with my folks and aunt, I booked a day tour with hotel pick-up for the elderly's convenient. Too much hassle to get them wake up early and travel to the meet-up place via train. I don't mind the price to be slightly higher. So opt for hotel pick-up and drop-off. It will do you lots of favour.
We got into the small van with other families from Philippines and Taiwan. All were friendly ones (thank God). After a 2.5 hours drive, we reached our first stop, Hakone Shrine because the driver guide said low visibility of Mount Fuji in the morning so the itinerary was slightly changed.
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| Hakone Shrine |
Hakone Shrine, situated on the shores of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), is a picturesque Shinto shrine with a history dates back over 1200 years. It is dedicated to the deity Hakone-no-mikoto, who is believed to protect and ensure the area safe for visitors to travel. The architecture reflects a traditional Japanese Shinto design, with wooden structures characterized by graceful lines and minimalist ornamentation.
My dad and I walked our way up to the shrine by stairs (the only way of access) and just looked around, prayed and took photos. That's the usual whenever we go to an attraction, right? There was supposed a small exhibition of some paintings but couldn't find it anywhere.
The "floating" Torii Gate located at the edge of Lake Ashi has now become a famous photo-stop for visitors (and even locals) to this place. Photo-taking tips: don't stand too far till below the gate, using Portrait and take from down to top. If not you will look real tiny in the photos.
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| Queue for photos with the 'floating' Torii Gate |
Next stop, Owakudani.
Experience the natural beauty and geothermal wonders of Owakudani, a volcanic valley in Hakone (the volcanic activity still on) that is famous for its sulfurous fumes and hot springs. One of the popular tourist destination known for Mount Fuji's scenic views and the unique natural phenomena. Visitors can buy black eggs that is boiled in the hot spring, from the souvenir shops and it was said to add seven years to one's life.
When we first arrived here, Mount Fuji wasn't visible from here. So sad, right? And guess what? When it was time to leave, it appeared before us. Because we needed to leave already, the sight was only captured by our eyes but not our camera. Such a waste and damn angry with myself. My dad and I saw it!
Bought a pack of 4 black eggs at ¥500 (if I remember correctly) to try with my folks. It basically tastes just like normal hardboiled egg. The selling point probably is because they were boiled in hot spring water. And it was said to add 7 more years to our life having it. Thank you very much and also as part of my protein intake.
Then Lake Kawaguchi.
Lake Kawaguchi, also known as Kawaguchiko, is the second-largest of the Fuji Five Lakes located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, that offers stunning views of the iconic mountain on clear days. Another popular tourist destination where you can participate in various recreational activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and lakeside walks or cycling. The area is also surrounded with hot spring resorts, museums, and parks.
Still no luck with Mount Fuji in full sight here! Playing hide and seek with us the whole day it is. Had lunch at a random restaurant nearby. There was an ice cream shop with a long queue. Souvenir shop which my aunt went in to buy a few boxes of cookies for family and friends. This was quite a nice place but a little overcrowded with visitors for nicer photos.
And finally, Richuan Time Store.
I'm not sure what this Richuan Time Store because I couldn't find anything information online except photos like the following that I have taken. We were about to alight when Mount Fuji appeared in full and just minutes later after running towards the photo-stop, only managed half sight of it on camera. So I advise you to snap down immediately in the moving vehicle (using burst shots) when you see it and not waste a single second. It will be gone before you know.
TOKYO HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS 👍👍👍
I thought this was the best way for elderly to tour around Tokyo City without walking too much. There were 3 routes for this hop-on hop-off bus mainly Red, Blue and Green routes. Air-conditioned and open top bus with multilingual audio guide (they will give you when on board the bus). Recommend you peeps out there to try. Check out the routes to see if there is places you wanna go and hop in that route. Choose from 1 or 2 days tickets via Klook.
YASUKUNI JINJA SHRINE 👎👎👎
I'm surprised to see school kids coming out from the shrine. I guess they were there for museum visit or to pay respects. I wonder how these kids are taught from young about this side of the WWII history. The most controversial shrine and every time their Prime Minister goes in to pay respect, it angers many who suffered during WWII (that includes Singapore from 1942-1945).
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| The most controversial shrine |
Out of curiosity, we went to see how this place was without doing anything. No paying respects, no donations, NOTHING! We wanted to see how they worship these evils and how brainwashed the locals can be. And there was a very weird sight which my aunt and I had observed: many big, fat and loud crows over there. Imagine how sinful, evil is this place. Or probably the evil protecting the evil! But we will NEVER FORGET THE PAINFUL HISTORY, even when we never been through WWII and also how much everyone love travelling to Japan for holidays.
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| Distasteful shrine they worship |
KABUKICHO IN SHINJUKU 👍👍👍
Kabukicho is an entertainment district in Shinjuku. It is known for its neon lights, vibrant streets, and diverse entertainment options, from traditional izakayas to hostess clubs and themed cafes. A popular destination for locals and tourists which offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo's nightlife culture. However, it has a reputation for being a bit seedy at times, with some establishments catering to less savory activities.
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| That sign I came here for |
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| Evening sight of Shinjuku |
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| Random sign on a lamp-post |
IZAKAYAS AROUND OUR HOTEL
Walked with my dad after dinner to see their izakayas at the alleys around our hotel. He loved to see all these alleys because he thought that's what make travelling special instead of the touristy thing always.
Good bye Tokyo! It has been good. Satisfied both me and the folks on food, sightseeing and the train ride experience. Till next time!
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| Asakusa on a Saturday |
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| Apparently the folks loved their lunch here |
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| My Aunt said her best meal here in Tokyo |
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| A mix Vanilla and Sweet Potato ice cream |
Travel tips: To and from Haneda and Tokyo City, about 30+ minutes drive. To and from Narita and Tokyo City, about an hour drive. Also depends how fast your ride but stay safe too. Now you can plan your time accordingly.
I booked my airport transfers, day tour, SIM cards and even hop-on hop-off bus tickets via Klook. Enjoy 5% discount using my promo code: STELLACTRAVELS (min. purchase of SGD50 and above) from now till end of June 2024!
And check out my YouTube Channel for more of my Tokyo 1 min Shorts. And remember to subscribe for more.
You can read up on my previous Japan trips in the links below in chronological order:
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by the writer. Not a sponsored post.