Real Tokyo Inside Yamanote Circle

 After work I sometimes drop in to Shibuya town since I change the train in the station. I see many travelers to Tokyo at Starbucks. There, they take photos of the scramble crossing which is the most popular crossing in the world while we have coffee time. Since the cafe is on the second floor in the building in front of the crossing, there is the best place for photo.

For the first time to visit Tokyo, Shibuya is a great town. Except the crossing Tokyu Hands has all items you want and nobody can be bored there. 109 is the fashionable building that teen daughters excite and appreciate her father. Also, If you want to try Nanpa, needless to say, Shibuya is the best place. ( see this blog too: Welcome to Yabai Japanese Slang)

But what I want to say is Shibuya is still level one. If you go to next level as Tokyo travelers you better to go inside Yamanote Circle. This circle was the route of the most popular train, JR Yamanote line. In Japan big towns exists near the big station. So popular sightseeing spots are along the circle. (Shibuya is the one)  Let me introduce some stations and the sightseeing spots.

Click to view large map

Iidabashi station

stone pavement

Iidabashi is not so special town but you walk a few minutes from the exit and you find Kagurazaka 神楽坂 which is popular for beautiful stone pavement. It's opposite from Shibuya this town remains traditional Tokyo scenary since the Edo era. I know there is a few Geisya house. There are three or more restaurants are registered with the Michelin Guide. 

 (URL) Tokyo Michelin Guide in Kagurazaka

Kasuga/Korakuen station

Tokyo dome

It's popular for Tokyo Dome and Laqua. Tokyo Dome is a baseball stadium of Yomiuri Giants. Laqua is an amusement complex including roller coaster and natural spa. So father and son enjoy all day long together.

Roppongi station

Keyakizaka street

Roppongi has two complex buildings Roppongi hills and Tokyo Midtown including theaters, restaurants and art museums. Also, there is the television station TV Asahi around there. In winter Keyakizaka street has illumination and beautiful.