A Whistlestop Around Two Rising Suns: 48 Hours In Japan

Follow Flight Centre consultant Greer Gardiner as she samples the best Japan has to offer, as seen on the 48 Hour Destination TV series produced by Flight Centre. The catch? She only has 48 hours to experience it all. Here’s her action-packed Japan itinerary to inspire you.

Day 1

7pm Shibuya Crossing

After flying into Tokyo, Greer makes her way to the heart of the city and the busiest crossing in the world, Shibuya Crossing, to meet Keiichi Enomoto, a Japan travel expert. It’s estimated more than 2,000 people cross here from all directions every time the light changes, so the crossing is also known as the ‘Shibuya Scramble’. Greer has heard so much about the famous spot, but navigating it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

8pm Ninja Akasaka

Keiichi has a surprise for dinner. Hidden behind an unassuming dark doorway, under a mysterious illuminated symbol, they arrive at one of Tokyo’s most entertaining restaurants, Ninja Akasaka. Once inside, their stealth ninja guide drops from a secret part of the ceiling. They follow the ninja who takes them to The Village, and their table, by going through hidden doors, dark tunnels, and tiny stairs. While their food and drinks arrive, Keiichi teaches Greer a few phrases and local customs.

10pm Golden Gai

After a delicious and unique dinner, Keiichi takes Greer to Golden Gai district, a tiny fragment of old Tokyo, which consists of six tiny alleys lined by almost two hundred tiny bars. The bars advertise themselves with an eclectic mix of artwork and enigmatic logos – ranging from cats and acoustic guitars to painted lips and nudes – adding to their mystique. They walk through the maze of alleyways and swirling, colourful nightlife chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.

Day 2

6:45am Helicopter ride over Tokyo

It’s an early morning start for an exhilarating 15-minute Excel Air Scenic helicopter ride over Tokyo. Greer and Keiichi take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling city and its landmarks.

8am Tsukiji Fish Market

With their feet back on the ground, it’s time to get some breakfast! Where better than Tokyo’s largest seafood market for some fresh sashimi and sushi? Famed for its tuna auctions (restricted for visitors), the market handles more than 400 varieties of seafood. The restricted inner-market is home to more than 800 licensed wholesalers, auctioning everything from tuna and caviar to seaweed and sardines every day. Keiichi is taking Greer to the outer-market, where a mix of wholesalers and retail shops sell fresh produce, restaurant supplies, Japanese kitchen tools and groceries. After walking through the massive crowds and sampling some of the freshest seafood, Keiichi takes Greer to his favourite hidden gem in Tsukiji – a tiny restaurant where Greer tries sea urchin for the very first time!

10am Tokyo Skytree  

After a satisfying breakfast, the duo head to Oshiage to visit Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo’s tallest building, for panoramic views of the city. Reaching a mind-blowing 634 metres, it’s the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower and is officially recognised by the Guinness World Book of Records.

11am Harajuku

Greer and Keiichi make their way to one of Tokyo’s most famous shopping districts, Harajuku, where they explore the colourful shops and side streets for souvenirs and fashion.  

12pm Senso-ji Temple

For a change of pace, Keiichi and Greer head to one of Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Senso-ji in Asakusa.

12:30pm Akihabara

From one contrast to the next, Keiichi takes Greer to Akihabara (also known as Technology Town and Electric Town) where locals come for all things electronic and gaming.

1:30pm Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden  

Keiichi knows it’s been a jam-packed day already so he takes Greer to his favourite spot in the city to relax: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Tokyo’s answer to Central Park, this verdant oasis is home to manicured gardens spacious lawns and meandering walking paths – a relaxing escape from the busy urban centre around it.

3:30pm Tea Ceremony  

Back at Keio Plaza Hotel, Keiichi treats Greer to a traditional Japanese afternoon tea ceremony, or chanoyu. Held in a sho-fu-an, their lovely host guides them through the customs of this ancient ritual.

6pm Kawaii Monster Cafe  

It wouldn’t be a true Tokyo experience without a quirky kawaii (cute) experience and Keiichi knows just the place. Cafe by day, performance restaurant by night, Kawaii Monster Cafe is as fun as it is kitsch. Keiichi and Greer settle in for a night of eye-popping colours, bizarre creatures and over-the-top decadent dishes.

Day 3

8am Breakfast

Today, Keiichi has organised a classic Japanese breakfast for Greer. The art of eating in Japan is on full display as they eat their way through the beautiful and delicately flavoured meal. Keiichi explains each element of the meal, and the order it should be eaten in, as they talk about their plans for the day: he’s taking Greer to Nagano, to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this mountain city.    

9am Bullet Train to Nagano

The bullet train, or shinkansen, is one of best ways to travel around Japan. Travelling at speeds over 300km per hour, it’s perfect for seeing more of this beautiful country in a short trip. Keiichi and Greer board at Tokyo Station, before tucking into a bento box as they watch the countryside fly by on the two-hour journey north.

11am Nagano City

Greer and Keiichi explore the northern city on foot. Keiichi explains that Nagano is popular in the winter, with both local and international visitors, for its ski slopes. The city even played host to the 1998 Winter Olympics.  

12pm Onsen

The first cultural experience in Nagano is a short dip in an onsen. The onsen is a daily ritual for many Japanese people and involves bathing in waters heated by geothermal activity. It’s believed the rich mineral waters impart many health properties. Although Greer wears a swimsuit in the show, onsen bathing etiquette in Japan is sans clothing and according to gender. 

2pm Suyakame

Time for lunch. Since Nagano region is the largest producer of miso in Japan, Keiichi takes Greer to Suyakame, which has been producing the fermented soybean paste for over 115 years. As well as miso paste, Suyakame sells unusual delicacies like miso chocolate! Of course they have to try one of Suyakame’s most popular dishes, a grilled rice ball with miso filling.

3pm Higashi Iida Sake Brewery

After lunch, Keiichi has another traditional treat in store for Greer. They are going to Higashi Iida to taste some of the best sake in the region. The family-run brewery has been producing the famous Japanese fermented rice wine for 150 years in Nagano. Greer and Keiichi sample a variety of this ancient tipple while learning the history of sake production in Japan.

4:30pm Hakuna Matata Kimono

To continue the fun, Keiichi takes Greer to dress in the traditional Japanese garb, the kimono. Both men and women wear kimonos, though mostly for special occasions. Greer is fitted in a colourful summer kimono with matching hair accessories and the geta clog, a sandal-like shoe.

5:30pm Zenko-ji Temple  

One of the most important and popular temples in Japan, Zenkoji was built in the 7th century following the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in 552 AD. As they tour the grounds, Greer is amazed to learn of the long and rich history of the temple in Nagano. As the sun sets, the surrounds of peaceful gardens and monks’ housing is an incredible way to reflect on Greer’s 48-hour adventure in this country of contrasts.

All images: Flight Centre

---

Watch the full episode of 48 Hours in Japan on Sunday at 3:30pm on Channel Ten or stream on tenplay.com.au. For more information, visit flightcentre.com.au/48hour

---

 

 

 48 hour destination 48 hours in japan japan