Day 2: May 21, 2025

On second day our official sightseeing kicked off. For starting with Sky Hop Bus, we used train from nearest station to our hotel. For travel within Tokyo, foreign tourists can easily use Google Maps. It helps trace the exact location, stations, number of stops, and time for travel. And SUICA card is much easier for payment. So just read the time table for the station you want to reach and follow the signs properly. You safely reach your destination. Even in crowded train, there is no rushing, no noise or fights entering into the train or getting off. The frequency of trains was so amazing that you don’t waste so much of your time. I think these are everyday hassles in developing countries like India. Finding the road in traffic requires a lot of energy from the start of the day. Additionally, settling everyone’s arrogance to queue up is challenging. So there is a lot we can learn from Japan.

We took Metro ride from Kokusai-Tenjijo to Tokyo Teleport route. The train was silent, clean and on time, it felt unreal. So we peacefully boarded the Tokyo Sky Hop Bus. It was a double-decker delight across Tokyo’s top zones (Blue & Red routes).

Senso-ji Temple

We started our exploration with the magnificent Senso-ji Temple, where tradition and tourists blend in a beautifully chaotic harmony. Just as in our Indian temples, we remove shoes outside the temple. We clean our hands to show respect to our God. Japanese people have a source of water near the entrance of such temples. One has to clean hands and rinse mouth before entering the place.

We rang the bell, bowed our heads and saw beautiful pictures in the temple. There was one interesting activity right near the temple. Here, you can see your future. It’s a gamble, basically you receive a chit which tells whether you have a good luck or bad luck. You can carry over a good luck chit. Later, you can tie it to the adjoining bar. Leave that memory behind. We could relate this to Indian temples.

Matcha Magic

Post-temple, we indulged in a creamy, dreamy matcha ice cream that made the kids happy which is always a good sign! Tea leaves crushed to powder is known as matcha. And this green powder is used in various food items in Japan.

We dropped by the legendary Matsuzakaya Mall, where window shopping turned into snack sampling. It was about 10 – 11 floor mall, a must visit just to cool down in sunny weather 🙂

Tokyo Tower, Skytree & Rainbow Bridge

We breezed past Tokyo Tower. An excellent piece of architecture, cleanliness and organization. Then felt the wind in our hair crossing the stunning Rainbow Bridge a name as joyful as the view. Our evening ended with a gaze at the Tokyo Skytree.

The city sparkled like a jewelry box below.

After almost 48 hours we treated ourselves to a hearty Indian dinner at Nirvanam. Familiar flavors hit the spot, and the day ended with some more respect for disciplined, clean and lean-figured Japan.

Stay Tuned …

Do read Japan Travelogue here…

  1. My Japanese memories
  2. On toes in Tokyo
  3. Greenery and Games
  4. Riding in Shinkansen and Kyoto clouds
  5. Tracks, trains and Robot service
  6. Serenity & Showers to Confusion at the Condominium
  7. From Maze to Magic
  8. A Rainy Day in Nagoya Castle
  9. New memories brick by brick

**All phots by Author