Places to Go (Stars are based on the children's preferences, out of 4):
Fujikyu Highland (aka Fuji-Q) - A pay-as-you-go or full fare amusement park near the base of Mt. Fuji. Plenty of rides for all ages, or just enjoy watching.
Imperial Palace - The gardens are beautiful, and the history is rich. Just know that if you're going with children, it might not hold their interest as well as yours.
Jogashima Island - Need to feel alone? Walk the south side beaches of Jogashima. Bring a picnic lunch and a good book, and relax your afternoon away.
Meiji Shrine - Beautiful gardens and an interesting shrine. It is a Shinto Shrine, so please be respectful of their traditions.
New Sanno Hotel, Downtown Tokyo - Hotels in Japan are prohibitively expensive, and extremely small by western standards. A Motel 6-sized room is a deluxe! The New Sanno is one exception. It's much closer to western size, and luxurious in its accommodations. It's restricted to DoD and military, and rates are very low. They depend upon rank and number of people in the room. Enlisted families can stay for as little as $66. Their restaurant is top quality, a combination of the Japanese flair for beautiful presentation combined with American-sized portions. The hotel is in a nice area of Tokyo and a short walk from the train station.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) - You don't actually have to board the train. You can buy a special "platform pass" for less than $2 which will let you look around. You should, however, take the Shinkansen at least once while you're in Japan. It's not inexpensive, but you'll feel like you're flying 10 feet above the ground at 200 mph. Take a day or overnight trip to Osaka and enjoy what New York would be without the crime and homelessness.
Shinjuku Gardens - Over 20,000 trees arranged in English, Japanese, and French gardens. A horticulturalist's delight, especially during cherry blossom season.
Tama Zoo - Unlike some zoos, Tama keeps their animals in as close to a natural setting as possible. It reminds me a lot of San Diego Wild Animal Park on a slightly smaller scale. Bring a wagon or stroller because there is a lot of walking involved, including many hills. Pay the $3 and ride the Lion Train which snakes through the pride's habitat. You'll get close enough to be slightly uncomfortable! :-). Bring your own lunch: there are many great picnic areas.
Tokyo Disneyland - LESS crowded than the original, considerably cleaner, but the rides are a lot shorter.
Tokyo Sea Life Park - Nicely appointed, smaller aquarium. It doesn't rank up there with Monterey Bay, but it's beautiful and lovely.
Tokyo Summerland Amusement Park - four stars, but not in the same league as Tokyo Disneyland. This is mostly a waterpark with rollercoasters. A lot of fun, especially in the winter (the waterpark is INDOORS).
Tokyo Tower - If you can't make Paris, this is a distant second. The view is really spectacular, but this is probably a do-once trip.
Ueno Zoo - Pretty cool for what it is, a small zoo in a crowded place. Home to the giant pandas, which are pretty cooped up by US standards.
~Mom
