18 Day Japanese Gardens Tour

Start today by boarding a JR Yamanote Line train from Shinagawa Station to Ueno (18 mins) to visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. The long market lanes run from JR Ueno Station to JR Okachimachi Station. There are over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices, and thus it is always crowded with shoppers.

In the nearby Ueno Park, there is a concentration of cultural institutions such as the first zoo in Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Cultural Hall, National Western Art Museum, National Science Museum and Tokyo National Museum, all offering recreation and relaxation for the citizens.

Next, board a Tokyo Metro Ginza Line train to Asakusa Station (5 mins) to visit the nearby Sensoji Temple (popularly known as Asakusa Kannon Temple), Tokyo's oldest and most impressive temple which is said to have been founded in the 7th century. Nakamise Dori, the colourful shopping promenade, extends from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate and is an excellent place to buy everything from kimono to traditional sweets. Positioned across the road from Kaminarimon Gate the Asakusa Rickshaw tour guides await to guide you around the area by rickshaw.

Just a one minute walk from Asakusa Station is the Asakusa Pier. From Asakusa Pier, board the Tokyo Cruise water bus to Hamarikyu. (JPY980/35mins)

At Hamarikyu, you will find the Hama-rikyu Gardens (09:00 - 16:30/JPY300), perfect for an afternoon garden stroll. The gardens were constructed for the Tokugawa Shogun family's residence during the Edo Period, and is known for the 'Shioiri-no-ike' pond, a tidal pond that relies on the intake of water from the Edo Bay, and is designed to feature a landscape that changes along with the ebb and flow of the tides. These are the only tidewater ponds which still remain in Tokyo.

Walk to Shimbashi Station (15 mins) and board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shinagawa Station. (8 mins)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/4