Taking on Tokyo

So our father is here until July 6, 2023 when he is scheduled to return to Hawaii. As capable of a person as he is, international travel can be overwhelming for him (and many others). So we decided it would be best for me to at least help him get from Chitose (in Hokkaido) to Haneda (in Tokyo), that way the burden of carrying bags and navigating are a little less for him.

As to not waste a trip from Hokkaido to Tokyo, I’ve decided to stay for the weekend. My brother has agreed to watch the dogs alone, which I am so thankful for.

I have a found place in my heart for Tokyo; so many memories attached and all of them great. On this trip I’m going to literally walk down memory lane. See the old spots we used to visit and take as much night photos as I can.

One of my major goals while in Tokyo is to walk around to HOPEFULLY take off some of the weight I gained while our parents were here. I feel like it’s a necessary step on my part.

When I first came to Japan, I was under the impression that I could get around Tokyo quickly as if it was the size of Manhattan, but I quickly realized its the size of about the Big Island of Hawaii. My ideas of walking around all the Special Wards were quickly dismissed.

What I hope to gain on this trip? Exploration of new areas of Tokyo, the ones I missed. Revisiting of the special places that I remember and love. I’m also going to be trying to do Tokyo on a budget. THIS is what I have spent so far on the trip:

Airfare (Roundtrip from Chitose to Haneda)
¥14,500 (Approx $100.50)

Hotel for Three Nights (Nihonbashi Tokyo)
¥30,000 (Approx. $208.00)
Total so far: ¥44,500 (Approx. $309.00)

There are other static charges I know I can’t avoid (train from Haneda to Hotel and back). I’m assume this will be about ¥2500 (Approx. $18.00)

For the three nights I am there I am giving myself a budget of ¥15,000 (Approx. $104.00); this is for food and drinks. I’m aiming for salad and ramen but I’ll be photographing everything I eat to share it with you as well as receipts to keep a record of what I actually spend. Being honest I am only taking ¥25,000 with me so IF i go over that then… well i dont know!

So lets see if I can do a weekend trip for under $400.00. For record I used our American CC’s for the room and airfare to save money in the form of exchange rate.

This is going to be fun! Or horrible!

But i’ll keep you all posted!