Karuizawa is a popular ski resort two hours outside of Tokyo. Due to global warming, it was very little snow this year. It was actually quite warm if not for the wind from the mountains. Since we didn't get to play in the snow, it was quite disappointing. So I wouldn't recommend going to Karuizawa for skiing.
Ueno Park had great museums. Unfortunately they were closed for the new year. Ueno Zoo was still open. We waited more than an hour in line to see the two giant pandas for two minutes. Not worth it.
Daimaru Tokyo was so busy with tourists and locals trying to buy fancy gifts for the new year. Every restaurant and every cafe were full with long waiting lines.
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| カフェ 英國屋 大丸東京店 1 |
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| カフェ 英國屋 大丸東京店 2 |
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| カフェ 英國屋 大丸東京店 3 |
This tiny rice ball shop inside Ueno JR Station was so good! And for $15 total! I love rice balls in Japan!
Fancy cars in Ginza were probably for publicity stunt because we didn't see drivers with the cars.
Hotel Chocolat does not sell coffee and chocolate drinks in Tokyo metropolitan shops anymore. Outside Tokyo, such as Yokohama and Kichijoji locations, still sell coffee and chocolate drinks. Delicious! So flavorful. I'll miss it terribly.
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| Hotel Chocolat MARK IS みなとみらい店 |
By the way, this department store called "Mark Is" really bothers Math Teacher. He literally couldn't even with the grammar. Funny thing is, one of his favorite stores in Japan is called "Niko And..." 🤣🤣
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| Afternoon Tea TEAROOM MARK IS みなとみらい店 1 |
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| Afternoon Tea TEAROOM MARK IS みなとみらい店 2 |
Yokohama is a great city. Huge, open space. Great malls. Chinatown. Good food. Beautiful harbor with so many museums and attractions. Easy access into Tokyo. One week is not enough to explore Yokohama.