We just added a new Tokyo guide, with even more tips and tricks to the wonderful city. Read it here!
Welcome to the first of the Yonobi ceramic travel guides, and this one is going to be about Tokyo, Japan. But if you're not traveling but just want some ceramics made in Japan - go here to see our selection.
Tokyo, besides being the most exciting and wonderful city in the world, Tokyo is a gem in regards to ceramic hunting. But before I start this guide - let me come with a 'little' warning: A ceramic shopping trip in Japan will destroy any money saving attempts. Warning done - let's begin!
HOW TO GET THERE?
It's easy to travel to Tokyo, there are two airports, Narita and Haneda, and many flights. If you plan your trip well you can even get some very well-priced tickets, so you can save your money for all the ceramics you will be bringing home. I always find my tickets via Momondo, it's easy and they always show me the best available prices.
Both airports are world class. They offer great services and some of the best on-time performances of any airport in the world. Narita International Airport is located further from central Tokyo than Haneda International Airport. Almost all international flights land at this airport. There are plenty of public transportation options to reach central Tokyo from the airport including the JR Narita Express, the Keisei Skyliner, buses, taxis, and even helicopters ;) We took the bus and even though it was a bit of a long drive (approx. 1,5 hour drive), it's a nice way to arrive in the city and you get to relax a bit on the way and prepare yourself for you Tokyo adventure.
Haneda International Airport is located closer to central Tokyo than Narita International Airport. Almost all domestic flights land at this airport. There are fewer transportation options from the airport to central Tokyo, some of which require transfers, but the journey is much quicker and cheaper.
Getting around Tokyo is super easy! They have an effective subway and metro system, that is easy to figure out and everything is of course on schedule all the time. Some metro lines can be quite crowded in rush hour. And also you get to experience the Japanese power-nap culture first hand ;) The easiest way to use the metro-system is to get a PASMO card, then you can top-up along your trip and you don't have to think about tickets etc. The card also works for busses - and even for the shops and vending machines located in station areas.
WHERE TO STAY?
Tokyo has so many areas, that it can't be hard to figure out where you want to stay. Some of my favorite areas are Daikanyama, Ebisu, and Naka-Meguro. On this trip, we stayed at an Airbnb apartment in Daikanyama and we ended our trip with some few nights at the very cool Claska Hotel in Meguro. The hotel is a very hip and nice designer hotel, where the 20 rooms are categorized into four different design themes. I this way you can choose the perfect room, which best fits your purpose, preference, and style. We stayed in one of the 'Contemporary' rooms and it was absolutely beautiful.