48 hours in Springtime Japan: A first-timer's guide to seeing Tokyo on a weekend

To visit Japan at Springtime and to travel alone are two items on my bucket list and I never thought I would be able to tick them off this year.

I have not yet pictured myself walking on a garden filled with blooming cherry blossoms, or be overwhelmed with all the city lights that illuminated once the sky  had dimmed, but it all spontaneously happened. It may have been a brief business trip, but I made sure I saw as much of Tokyo in the 48 hours of free time that I got. It turns out, it was all I needed. 

Below are a few things that made those 48 hours full.

1. Get lost on the train

When our plane landed at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Easter Sunday afternoon, I was half-nervous and half-thrilled. This is my first solo travel experience. There were no arranged transports, so I had to ask around how to get to our hotel.

Two of the people I approached suggested I take the train to the Hamamatsucho station and then transfer to another line. But boy, were there a lot of lines. I knew the Tokyo train system was tricky but I didn't know it was this tricky.

I took the train, and my eyes got busy wandering outside as it began to move. When I finally stepped off the said station I went out to see where I was. I still couldn't believe it! I really was in the Land of The Rising Sun — but where exactly?

Everything looked aesthetically perfect: the buildings, the clean streets, and not to mention the cold spring weather, it distracted me for a bit until I snapped back to reality.

I realized I was somewhere in Tokyo, lost, and I did not know what to do next! Without internet, I asked random locals for directions and I followed their instructions. But for an hour or so, I didn't know where I was.

I was only relieved when I eventually made it through the station near our hotel after getting lost countless of times, I arrived at the hotel at past 5 in the afternoon.

Believe it when people tell you that the Tokyo train station is a giant maze. Arrange for pick-ups and transfers, but if you're being a DIY adventurer, learn the system early on.

Getting lost was scary but in hindsight, it was not as terrifying. Tokyo seems safe, everything looked pretty, and the Japanese are nice.

I didn't even know that I saw the Tokyo Tower from outside the Hamamatsucho station until I saw it in one of my photos later on. Another tip: stay calm, and enjoy being lost.

2. Take in the breathtaking sea of Sakura trees and cherry blossoms

Japan's Spring season is the most-awaited time of the year by both locals and tourists. The country simply flourishes with beauty when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which takes place at around the end of March to the beginning of April.

I was lucky that Hamarikyu gardens is just five minutes walk away from our hotel. It's a lovely haven with a sea of Sakura trees, the entrance fee costs 300 yen and it was absolutely worth every penny.

It's an understatement to say that cherry blossoms are beautiful, and seeing the abundance of pinks and whites will put your worries away for a second or two. Everything looked majestic and heaven-like, and even the energy it brought was pure delight.

Some of the flowers were already wilting away, but no matter. The view was unfailingly awe-inspiring. Here, I understood why sakura season turns a viral every single year. 

3. Have your fill of Japanese food

Nothing I've eaten in my short time in Tokyo that tasted bland. A bowl of Japanese ramen is always a good idea especially when you're not sure what to eat. I wanted to try the current favorite Ichiran, but my limited time couldn't afford the the long line, so we tried Furyu Max in Shimbashi instead.

A vendo machine will take your order and payment, with a receipt popping out of the machine. This is what you give to one of the servers so they can start and prepare your bowl. 

As we strolled through Cat Street in Harajuku, the home of fashion and culture, we stopped over a kiosk selling takoyaki. To be safe, we ordered the original flavor and it did not disappoint.

I'm not a big fan of raw food, but I was in Japan and Genki Sushi was calling me, I tried it out and the next thing I know, empty plates were piled up on the table. Some of my favorites include Albacore Seared with Pepper Mayo roll and the Beef Rib roll.

4. Visit the Tsujiki Market

Tsukiji Market should be on your top food trip priority list because simply put, it's the best place to have your seafood, sashimi, dried squid, and in the tradition of Japanese culture, may be even some whale meat.

There were a lot for those with a sweet tooth — the mochi and white strawberries are worth the try — but of everything though, the cheese fish paste tempura on stick (below) was the best of everything that I tasted in Tsukiji. 

5. Do the Shibuya scramble

What's a first-timer's visit to Tokyo without taking part of the Shibuya scramble? Neon lights, crowd, shops, Tokyo street style, Mario karts and Hachiko — you'll find all of these in Shibuya. If your thing is quiet and peaceful, careful not to be overwhelmed with all the events taking place here.

I was definitely enthralled with all that was happening: Mario karts randomly driving by Shibuya crossing, tourists and fans gathering around Hachiko's statue, all the  shopping, eating, and taking photos. Here, I realized: in case you needed a random something, you're best bet is the 7-storey discount store Mega Don Quijote.

6. Go to Roppongi and take in the pink-lit Sakura trees 

Sakura trees are best appreciated from morning to afternoon, not unless you were in Roppongi, then you'll have the view of pink lit Sakura trees along the highway. There's a bridge there where you can hang around and take photos of the pink lit trees while cars drive by.

Though it was a crazy-short stay in Tokyo, it was a nice break from the hot weather in Manila. Tokyo is far beyond magnificent, every corner looked Instagram worthy with or without the cherry blossoms, it was brief but spectacular 48-hour visit and I will definitely return with more time to roam and appreciate everything the city has to offer. — LA, GMA News