Shinagawa

Shinagawa is a major stop on the Yamanote Line and is near Tokyo Station.  

 http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3040.html

On one of our trips to Tokyo we started our stay in Shinagawa.  When we arrived at the bus counter at Haneda Airport we found out that the last bus to Shinagawa had already left so we were directed to the train station that is conveniently connected to the airport.  There, we located the Yamanote line and caught the train to Shinagawa (We already had our Pasmo cards to travel on the train).  This route actually ended up being faster and easier than catching the bus as there was no wasted time loading the bus with luggage and stopping at various spots at the airport to pick up visitors.  Since we arrived at Haneda airport at 10:00pm, the train was very empty.

After about a 25 minute train ride, we exited the train at Shinagawa station.  There are different exits in a train station (north, south, east and west) so one important tip is knowing which exit will lead you in the direction of your destination.  This can be found online.  We walked out of the main entrance of the station, chose a direction and crossed our fingers that it was right.  In the past, I would recognize the hotel from viewing pictures online, but I could not see the hotel in the darkness of the night.  Luckily, the Shinagawa Prince Hotel was practically across the street, and we soon we were in the main lobby.

http://www.princehotels.com/shinagawa/

Since we stayed at the Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel, I felt comfortable booking a hotel within the same family at Shinagawa Prince, especially since the station was on the Yamanote Line.  Shinagawa Station was very convenient in taking us everywhere we wanted to go.  It was also a plus that we could get there easily from the airport.  Getting to and from the airport is a main concern when traveling on your own.  

Let's explore the Shinagawa Prince Hotel!

The Yamanote Line

Tokyo Station is part of the famous Yamanote Line.  This JR train line is easily recognized by a green colored stripe on it's trains.  We frequently used the Yamanote Line to visit our favorite places near each station.  The best part about the Yamanote Line is that it travels in a circle.  So if you're feeling a little nervous about traveling on the train without a tour guide, try the Yamanote line first.  There are many places to see at every train stop. 

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html

In this map, you can see the circular Yamanote Line in green and white.  A train and subway map in Tokyo can be extremely overwhelming, but if you just take the Yamanote Line out of the map, it doesn't seem as scary.

If you're on the Yamanote line and miss a stop, the best part is that you can go around the circle and get another chance to get off!  We will be visiting some stops on the Yamanote Line in my next entries.

 

Tokyo Dome City

As if watching baseball wasn't exciting enough, visiting Tokyo Dome City is another fun filled experience after the game!  When you exit the courtyard surrounding the stadium, you'll find a walkway that leads you into a mall filled with many shops and restaurants.

https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/

Not only are there shops and eating places, but there's an amusement park and endless entertainment for the entire family!

Explore Tokyo Dome City and you'll find a bowling center, roller skating rink and a sports center.  Younger children will enjoy a large indoor playground showcasing five themed areas.  You'll also find a Space Museum and a Hero Action Show.  There's just so much to do at Tokyo Dome City!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3039.html

Thee Yomiuri Giants

If you ever travel to Tokyo, one cultural experience you cannot miss is attending a professional baseball game.  Even if you're not a baseball fan, the excitement that the Japanese people create in their stadiums instantly have you cheering with for more.  There is never a dull moment at the ball park!

We were fortunate enough to spend the past two Father's Day celebrations at Tokyo Dome watching the Yomiuri Giants, or "The New York Yankees" of Japan."  This popular professional baseball team is the oldest in the league.  The Yomiuri Giants are named after the San Francisco Giants as they are also orange and black.  http://www.giants.jp/en/

 Inside Tokyo Dome

From Tokyo Station we took the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line for Ikebukuro and exited Korakuen station.  It was an 8 minute train ride.  After walking through Tokyo Dome City we saw the stadium and followed everyone dressed in Giants gear.  There were many shops, restaurants and stands selling memorabilia outside the stadium.  The stores were very crowded and everyone wore Giants shirts or jerseys.  So we joined in the frenzy and became instant Yomiuri Giants fans!

Lots of food, beer and fun!

Dinner at the stadium!  

On the field level, you'll find bento, edamame and other Japanese foods.

Walk downstairs and you'll find American ballpark treats, as well as more stands selling memorabilia.  There's also a play area for the kids and a smoking area for adults.

Cheering is definitely the best part.  Watch out for the beer girls!

They come zooming down the aisles!  

Go Giants Go!

Kiyosumi Gardens

In the midst of the busy Tokyo City, you'll find the most beautiful gardens in the world.  As you walk into these treasured lands, your body and spirit are overcome with peace from the serene environment that surrounds you.

We traveled from Tsukiji Fish Market to Kiyosumi Gardens by train and exited the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.  It was a close 5 minute walk from the exit.  We even stopped to get a drink from a roadside vending machine!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_006.html

There were very few people walking through the gardens, which made the visit even more special.

 Japanese Black Crow

Turtles and fish become friends!

In the distance, there are tall buildings beyond the garden walls.  Still, it was very quiet. 

Tokyo is more than just shopping and eating!