Ever find yourself in Tokyo for a layover? From transportation, capsules, attractions and food, I explored for 26 hours only to find out I didn’t really have a layover at all and missed my flight. Would say the $150 change flight fee was WELL WORTH IT.
TRAIN FROM AIRPORT: Keisei Skyliner (Y1300) 1Hour
ACCOMMODATION: Capsule Inn Kinshicho 130-0013 Tokyo Prefecture, Sumida-ku, Kinshicho 2-6-3 ($30)
Not only do you get a sweet kimono upon check in, this peaceful hostel includes a segregated bath house on different floors. Have to admit, it was unusual to bath in open stalls while sitting on a plastic bucket. Alongside these sitting stations was an extremely hot whirlpool which appeared to be a sauna for the most INTENSE PEOPLE ON EARTH. To put it into perspective, I love heat and extremely hot water, however I could only last 5 minutes tops in this magma-filled pool of hatred.
Anyway, the place was great, my capsule was surprisingly larger than expected, and I found the place to be in a lovely quiet location within walking distance to everything.
Spent the first night adjusting to time zones and figuring out the fun vending machines, and the next day touring this huge park, which was eerie and abandoned until after 9am.
TO DO:
- Tokyo Skytree (2nd largest building in the world) & the Louise Bourgeois’s giant spider sculpture, (skyline free from 45th floor Observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices building (TMGO)
- Treat yourself to a fancy authentic silk kimono (ranging $100+) with the street vendors in Asakusa
- Tour the small, yet famous gardens in Sensō-ji
- Explore the Park near Keisei line (Major train stop from either airports), along with the congested market across the street.
- Pop some yen into a machine and watch food spit out.
Did I mention I found a temporary boyfriend? He spotted me on the street and asked if he could buy me a coffee. I said yes wanting company, and quickly discovered his English was as broken as teenage youth. We attempted chopped conversation which somehow turned into a really expensive sit down sushi house and caveman drawings on napkins. Oh Chin, my man from South Korea, thank you for the innocent entertainment. Despite the language barrier I can see you are a beautiful human being.