PlanetSKI in Tokyo – Day Two

12th February 2025

Last modified on February 13th, 2025

PlanetSKI is in Tokyo for a whistlestop stay as we moved between ski areas of Japan. What a city!

Tokyo has a population of over 14m in the main city itself.

The Greater Tokyo area, which includes the city and six neighbouring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41m people living in it.

The city is quite simply a full-on assault on one’s senses.

From the frantic and urgent pace in some areas, to the utter clam and tranquility in others.

Often, they are just a stone’s throw away.

It is a maelstrome of contradictions – describing it is one thing, but experiencing it for yourself is quite another.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

You need a rough itinerary and an open mind seeing Tokyo, and then you will simply be bombarded by sights and sounds.

Going with the flow is what it’s all about.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

We are covering our visit to Tokyo as a PlanetSKI photo gallery with a few videos thrown in for good measure.

Not crammed with words, but loaded with pictures.

Day Two

We began Day Two as we ended day one – gazing upwards.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

After many days of Japanese breakfasts it was good to have a more western affair.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

With a twist.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

A rather unimpressive statue of a dog was drawing the crowds in Shibuya.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Unimpressive until you find out why.

Hachikō was a Japanese Akita dog remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno.

His owner never came back from work one day after a sudden hemorrhage killed him.

The dog returned to the same spot for nine years to wait for Ueno and has now become a national symbol of enduring loyalty.

One of many virtues treasured in Japan.

Then it was back on the metro but we were beginning, slowly, to get the hang of it.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Including the queuing.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Today we were heading to the old fish market and lunch.

We managed to reach Tokyo main station without incident.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

And then headed into the market.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

It was to be sushi for lunch.

Obviously, considering our location.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Its probably the best sushi we had eaten on the trip so far, and we have eaten alot.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Next we headed to one of the city’s landmark tourist attractions – the Sky Tree Tower.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

It is 634m tall with the main viewing platform at 350m.

It opened in 2012 and is the tallest tower in Japan.

It is the third highest building in the world after Merdeka118 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Burj Khalifa in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

As we emerged there were crowds round the viewing windows.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

It was easy to see why – the views of the city area of more than 40m people are quite extraordinary.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

We timed our visit it to arrive am hour before the sun went down so the views changed from day, to dusk, to night.

Three experiences for the price of one.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Dinner was another random street cafe, with yet more delicious food.

Tokyo, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

And more neon.

See here for Day One in Tokyo

Day Three to follow…

If you want a more practical guide to Tokyo then Andy Knights from Ski Safari is the man to ask as he has spent much time there and advises on Tokyo itineraries:

“From my time in Tokyo, I’ve got a few personal recommendations to help you get the most out of a visit.

First up, a trip to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa is a must.

I visited at night, and the shrine lit up under the evening sky was truly magical.

Plus, we enjoyed the quieter atmosphere, with fewer crowds around.

If you’re a fan of homeware, close by is Kappabashi Street which is a must-see, where you’ll find authentic, handmade ceramics and Japanese knife shops.

For a bit of natural beauty, I highly recommend the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine offer stunning scenery along with a dose of authentic Japanese culture.

For a bit more excitement, head to the bustling heart of Shibuya and experience the iconic crossing.

While the area is full of fantastic restaurants, I suggest venturing off the beaten path and finding a cozy, independent ramen bar for a bowl of fresh, delicious ramen.

And don’t miss the chance to catch a sunset from one of the city’s observation decks.

The panoramic views over Tokyo are absolutely breathtaking, and there are plenty of ticketed or free viewing decks to choose from.”

Regular readers will know PlanetSKI is in Japan for a month or so.

We are primarily here for the skiing:

But much else besides:

Andy Knights also recommends taking in other non-skiing activities on a trip to Japan if you can.

“Japan is revered for its incredibly consistent deep, dry powder and has been a powder chasers’ destination for years, however, travelling to Japan is not just about waist deep turns, there is so much more to explore in this unique destination,” said Andy Knights from Ski Safari that is a specialist on skiing in Japan and has offered us invaluable advice and help with our trip.

“It goes without saying you’ll likely score the best powder turns ever, but you can also experience racing across the country on the bullet trains, plus indulge the traditions found in Kyoto and Kanazawa.

“Explore thousand-year-old temples and shrines paying homage to the history and culture that exists, whilst also enjoying the phenomenal cuisine widely on offer.

“Travelling in late March also provides the opportunity to experience cherry blossom season, the Philosophers path in Kyoto comes alive in a sea of pink.”

Visiting Japan

A handful of specialist UK operators offer ski holidays to Japan.

Ski Safari has perhaps the most experience of the country with tailored packages built on the company’s extensive knowledge and experience.

It offers the following six ski resorts:

Niseko – Japan’s largest and best-known ski resort, the quality and quantity of snow here is unparalleled – for powder, it doesn’t get much better than a Niseko ski holiday

Hakuba – Hakuba ski holidays are blessed with alpine-like terrain and huge variety. Hakuba is a great place to use as a base for exploring multiple resorts on one lift pass.

Rusutsa – A quirky, powder-filled paradise, Rusutsu ski holidays are great on their own or as part of a longer trip in Hokkaido.

Nozawa Onsen – Japan’s oldest ski resort, Nozawa Onsen ski holidays are as famous for onsens as they are for skiing – perfect for a ski trip with added culture.

Kiroro – Relatively under-the-radar, Kiroro ski holidays feature deep powder, quiet slopes and fantastic tree runs off-piste.

Furano -Choose a Furano ski holiday for a traditional resort in an idyllic setting and top notch piste skiing. A good value option, Furano is a thriving town in its own right.

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