City Recommendation During Sakura 2016
#17
Moderator, All Nippon Airways and Japan
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: NH SFC (*G), JL JGP (OWE), AS MVP, WOH E, IHG SE
Posts: 3,908
Also, Sotobori-dori is almost exactly contiguous with the boundary of Chiyoda Ward, the innermost ward of Tokyo.
#18
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Between Seas
Posts: 4,748
Hmmm if the emperors had retained the surrounding Chiyoda as their demesne they would have had in their possession or control among other things, Japan's main financial hub, biggest train station, renowned department stores, and most famous maid cafes...
#21
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,637
I'm interested in locations near Haneda Airport since I have a 36-hour layover. Looks like the Hama Rikyu Imperial Garden is easy to reach. Are there other sites nearby? Being a resident of Washington DC, I know about Sakura obsessions...
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,404
Are you actually staying at Haneda Airport, or somewhere a little closer to central Tokyo?
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,404
Still don't know where you're staying. I have an 8:30am departure from HND planned and the 20 minute circa ¥5,000 yen taxi fare from South Azabu I regard as a short trip.
Where exactly are you staying?
Where exactly are you staying?
#25
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,637
Considering the areas of Kamata (easy to HND & near the JR line) or Shinagawa/Gotanda. I'll arrive about 3pm on Tue, have the entire day of Wed to explore, then depart Thu am to HND.
#26
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 3,752
Shinagawa/Gotanda are better for transportation to central Tokyo, and Kamata has a reputation of being a bit of a dump by Japanese standrards.
If you're at Shinagawa or Gotanda, you're on the amoeba-shaped Yamanote Line, and access to anywhere else in Tokyo is easy.
With a full day, you can either stick around southern Tokyo and see Hama Rikyu and experience the vaguely futuristic train ride to Odaiba and the Oedo Onsen or whatever else you want to do in that area, or you can hop aboard the Yamanote Line and access northern Tokyo.
I suggest getting a guidebook and plotting out a route for yourself.
If you're at Shinagawa or Gotanda, you're on the amoeba-shaped Yamanote Line, and access to anywhere else in Tokyo is easy.
With a full day, you can either stick around southern Tokyo and see Hama Rikyu and experience the vaguely futuristic train ride to Odaiba and the Oedo Onsen or whatever else you want to do in that area, or you can hop aboard the Yamanote Line and access northern Tokyo.
I suggest getting a guidebook and plotting out a route for yourself.
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,404
The river banks are lined with stalls, some offering traditional fare, others selling more contemporary or exotic snacks and refreshments (chowder, frothy sakura soy lattes, Turkish gum ice cream etc...) all in all this area gives off the vibe of a pop-up urban street festival. The river banks themselves aren't the loveliest, but the ranks of lit up trees are quite special.
#29
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
Posts: 4,432
If you're staying near Gotanda, then one of the most convenient places to go to for evening illuminated cherry blossoms (yozakura) is the Meguro river (easy to access using Naka-Meguro station).
The river banks are lined with stalls, some offering traditional fare, others selling more contemporary or exotic snacks and refreshments (chowder, frothy sakura soy lattes, Turkish gum ice cream etc...) all in all this area gives off the vibe of a pop-up urban street festival. The river banks themselves aren't the loveliest, but the ranks of lit up trees are quite special.
The river banks are lined with stalls, some offering traditional fare, others selling more contemporary or exotic snacks and refreshments (chowder, frothy sakura soy lattes, Turkish gum ice cream etc...) all in all this area gives off the vibe of a pop-up urban street festival. The river banks themselves aren't the loveliest, but the ranks of lit up trees are quite special.
We always stay at the Conrad. Love it and their one bedroom suites are awesome as is their lounge.