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Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Three Solo Days in Tokyo
Travel Three Solo Days in Tokyo Planning a short trip to Tokyo? This 3-day itinerary for women travelers blends cherry blossoms, rich culture, art, and shopping. With good walking shoes, a bit of planning, and a sense of wonder, you can experience Tokyo's highlights while still leaving time to pause beneath the falling petals. Visiting in spring means you'll catch the Sakura season, when cherry blossoms transform the city into a soft pink dream. Locals celebrate with Hanami-flower-viewing picnics in parks and along riversides. If you've always wanted to experience Tokyo in bloom, here's how to make it happen. Where to Stay: Base Yourself Near a Major Train Station Spacious lobby of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, just minutes from Shinagawa Station. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz If you're wondering where to stay, my best tip is to stay near a central train station. Tokyo's neighborhoods are sprawling, but the train system connects them seamlessly. Being steps from a station saves time and energy-especially when catching early tours or coming home after a long day out. I stayed at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, a three-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, one of Tokyo's key transport hubs. Not only could I hop on the Yamanote Line or grab a bullet train with ease, but the hotel itself felt like a serene retreat. The on-site Japanese garden was a hidden gem where I could unwind every evening. A few other good choices: Bellustar Tokyu (Shinjuku) - A sleek, contemporary retreat in the heart of Shinjuku, this Pan Pacific Hotel Group property offers modern rooms, floor to ceiling windows with city views, and direct access to Shinjuku's shopping and nightlife. Park Hotel Tokyo (Shiodome) - An art filled oasis and member of Design Hotels, featuring artist designed guest rooms, rotating gallery exhibitions, and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay from its Shiodome tower. Hotel Toranomon Hills (Toranomon, Minato ku) - Part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, this stylish high rise blends modern comforts with sweeping views of Tokyo Tower and easy access to the city's business and dining districts. Shebuystravel Tip: If you are arriving from the airport or planning a day trip to Kyoto and Osaka, Shinagawa Station is easy to access through Narita Express and Shinkansen. Day 1: Cherry Blossoms & Traditional Tokyo Get 365 days of travel inspiration delivered right to your inbox! Sakura Blossom arch over the moat at the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Morning: Step into Tokyo's Imperial Past Greeter Junko Murakami on the observation deck of Tokyo's Marunouchi Building, overlooking the Station District. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Meet a Local Greeter: Many cities offer volunteer greeter programs. I connected with Junko Murakami through International Greeters and spent a few hours exploring off-the-beaten-path sights. Tokyo Station: A beautiful blend of old and new. Don't miss the original red-brick Marunouchi side-a nod to European architecture. Imperial Palace East Gardens: Serene paths, reflecting delicate cherry blossoms, and quiet benches make this a peaceful start to your day. Afternoon: Discover the Charm of Yanaka Shaping my first onigiri with a little help from our bento box workshop instructor. Photo credit: Yanaka Madame Home Train to Nippori Station: It is about 25 minutes North of Shinagawa Station. Yanaka District: A preserved piece of old Tokyo. Imagine small galleries, mom-and-pop shops, quiet shrines, and peaceful alleyways. Yanaka Cemetery: This is far from spooky. This is a favorite hanami site, with cherry trees shading this beloved spot. Bento-Making Workshop: In a welcoming Yanaka home kitchen, we crafted onigiri rice balls and prepared miso soup-an experience as delightful as it was delicious! Evening: Sakura by the River & Dinner Near Home Historic tea house in the Japanese Garden of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Meguro River Walk: A tranquil stroll along over 800 cherry trees forming a blossom canopy-less crowded and easily accessed from Shinagawa. Back at the Prince Sakura Tower: Its beautifully lit garden with 200 cherry trees offers an oasis in the city. I can't get enough of the fleeting blossoms. Dinner at Cilligala (on-site Italian restaurant): A fresh salad, pasta fresca with beef and pork Bolognese, matcha mousse cake, and a glass of wine-a fitting end to a day of Sakura. SheBuysTravel Tip: Download a Suica Card before arrival and use Google Maps for real-time train routes and platforms. I used Airalo for eSIM data. Google Translate helps, too. Day 2: Art, Parks & the Shibuya Scramble teamLab Borderless, Tokyo's wildly popular digital art museum known for its immersive, imaginative exhibits. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Morning: Immersive Art & Sky Views Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills): Modern international exhibits and city skyline views. TeamLab Borderless: Mesmerizing-you're part of the exhibit. This is a digital art museum, so book timed tickets beforehand. National Art Center Tokyo: Rotating exhibits in a glass sculpture. Afternoon: Hanami & History in Ueno Park Blossoms & Community: Locals and travelers alike celebrate sakura season with hanami picnics beneath the blooming trees in Ueno Park. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Ueno Park: Classic hanami spot. Expect lively crowds lounging under cherry trees with beer and bento. It's home to Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoo, opened in 1882. Guided Stroll: I met Junko again through Tokyo Free Guides. She led me to the best views and shared blossom season customs. Tokyo National Museum: Samurai armor, ceramics, and calligraphy deepen your cultural perspective. Evening: Feel the Energy of Shibuya Shibuya Crossing-the world's busiest pedestrian intersection, with over 2 million crossings each day. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Hachikō Memorial Statue at Shibuya – a timeless symbol of unwavering devotion. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Shibuya Scramble: Step into the organized chaos-or watch it from Starbucks Tsutaya upstairs. Hachikō Statue: The loyal pup's story still touches locals and travelers alike. Dinner in Shibuya: Conveyor belt sushi, alleyway ramen, or a buzzing izakaya-your call. SheBuysTravel Tip: Keep your litter to yourself, stay to the left side, and maintain a low volume on public transportation. Tokyo is powered by respect and calm consideration. Day 3: Food Markets, Local Flavor & a Tokyo Night Out Fresh seafood on ice at Tsukiji Outer Market-the former home of Tokyo's famous tuna auctions, relocated to Toyosu Market in 2018. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Indulging in a Sashimi Don, featuring fresh salmon, tuna, and luscious fish eggs atop perfectly seasoned rice. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Tsukiji Outer Market: a bustling maze of fresh seafood stalls, sushi eateries, and kitchenware shops in Tokyo's Chūō Ward. Nippon Fish Port Market: raw scallops in the shell, uni on rice, snow crab legs, sweet tamagoyaki-yes, I ate them all. Sushi Counter Lunch: Melt-in-your-mouth tuna, salmon, amberjack-sushi heaven. Midday: Tower Views & a Breather Reaching new heights in the heart of Tokyo. The iconic Tokyo Tower stands tall, a symbol of the city's vibrant spirit and breathtaking views. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Tokyo Tower: A red-and-white nod to the Eiffel Tower. Panoramic views (and Mt. Fuji on a clear day). Gift Shops & Cafés: Stop for a matcha latte and people-watch. Afternoon: A Neighborhood with Soul-Sugamo Tōgenuki Jizō Kōgan-ji, Sugamo's healing temple, visited during our foodie walk along Jizō Dori. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Affectionately called 'Grandma's Harajuku, this slower-paced district is a hidden delight. A Sugamo Jizō dōri shop offering bright red underwear-traditional talismans believed to ward off illness and bring lasting health. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Arigato Travel Foodie Tour: While exploring Sugamo's Jizō Dori, we visited the famed healing shrine Tōgenuki Jizō Kōgan ji and sampled local treats like crispy croquettes, pickled vegetables, and artful wagashi sweets. Evening: Shinjuku Lights & Local Color Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building glowing against the deep blue night sky-home to one of the city's best free views. Photo credit: Ibamoto Shopping Stops: UNIQLO offers minimalist fashion essentials, while Don Quijote is a treasure trove for Japanese skincare and quirky souvenirs. Golden Gai: Dozens of tiny, themed bars packed into six alleys-Tokyo nightlife at its most atmospheric. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Lantern-lit alleys, yakitori smoke, and the hum of laughter. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free panoramic night views on the 45th floor, a peaceful farewell to the city's buzz. Why This Tokyo Itinerary Works for Women Travelers Traditional tea house near Yanaka Cemetery offers serene tea ceremonies amidst the historic charm of Tokyo's Yanaka district. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz Balanced & Diverse : A well-rounded mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, art, food, and shopping. : A well-rounded mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, art, food, and shopping. Safe & Welcoming: Tokyo is one of the safest big cities; pedestrian-friendly and respectful. Tokyo is one of the safest big cities; pedestrian-friendly and respectful. Local Connection: From food tours to free greeters, connection comes easily. From food tours to free greeters, connection comes easily. Smooth Navigation: You're good to go with a downloaded Suica card and Google Maps-even without Japanese. You're good to go with a downloaded Suica card and Google Maps-even without Japanese. Solo-Friendly: Traveling alone? You'll never feel out of place here. Got An Extra Day? Take a Side Trip! Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohama – showcasing Japan's rich ramen culture in a 1958-themed setting. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz If your schedule allows for one more day, add a side trip that shows a different side of Japan: Nikko (2 hours from Tokyo): UNESCO-listed shrines and temples in a serene forest setting Highlights: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kegon Falls Access: Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station Yokohama (30–40 min from Tokyo): Japan's second-largest city with a cosmopolitan harbor vibe Highlights: Ramen Museum, Chinatown, Sankeien Garden Access: Board the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station Complimentary experiences included accommodation at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, admission to teamLab Borderless, and participation in the Arigato Travel Foodie Tour. Read More The post Three Solo Days in Tokyo appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 9:48 AM.
Hans India
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hans India
This Summer, bring in more serenity and sophistication into your spaces with these fivelor trends
Since the start of the year, we've seen consumers being keen on creating spaces that reflect their personality. But over and above that, a shift to palettes of soft pastels, earthy warmth, and nature-inspired hues is also being observed across the paint and interior industry - as consumers are hoping to bring in more serenity and sophistication into their spaces. And as summer 2025 has arrived, we believe that interior and décor trends have leaned towards sun-washed pinks, breezy ocean blues, muted terracottas, and verdant greens, creating effortless yet refined aesthetics for home-owners. Let's explore the top five color trends with shade recommendations from Birla Opus Paints for summer 2025 and how you can incorporate them into your home: Sakura Blossom: A Dreamy Escape (Pillowy Bread) Inspired by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season, soft pinks and muted pastels infuse interiors with an ethereal charm, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and delicate romance. To bring Sakura Blossom into your home, envelop your walls in dreamy hues complemented by sheer drapes, plush textures, and floral accents that mirror the serenity of a Japanese spring. Paired with airy neutrals, Sakura Blossom turns any space into a tranquil retreat, bringing the serenity of cherry blossom season into your home. Coastal Calm: A Breath of Ocean Breeze (Periwinkle Blue) If you're drawn to the serenity of the sea, embrace breezy blues and crisp whites to bring the tranquil charm of a coastal retreat into your home. Soft, airy hues mirror the endless sky and rolling waves, while neutral tones reflect the softness of sun-bleached sands. To complete the feel of the room, incorporate sheer curtains that let in abundant natural light, evoking the gentle movement of ocean breezes and creating a sense of calm. Sun-Kissed Terracottas: Earthy & Warm (Malai on Top ) For a more grounded and inviting look, embrace warm, sunlit hues that echo the richness of terracotta, clay, and soft beige, bringing the charm of Mediterranean landscapes into your home. These earthy tones exude effortless warmth, reminiscent of sun-drenched villas and rustic stone pathways. Natural textures like woven rattan, aged wood, and artisanal ceramics complement the palette, enhancing its depth and authenticity. 4. Verdant Retreat: Nature's Tranquility (Arctic Blue ) Rejuvenate your home with subtle yet lush blues and greens that bring in the freshness of nature. These colors evoke a sense of serenity, balance, and connection with the outdoors—perfect for homes that embrace wellness and sustainability. Luxe Neutrals: Effortless and Chic (Tip of the Iceberg) For those who appreciate understated themed homes, a palette of warm neutrals and soft whites brings a sense of quiet luxury to any space. Subtle variations in tone, from creamy ivories to sandy beiges, add warmth and dimension, making your home feel both serene and impeccably styled. Which trend will you try this season? Let your walls do the talking!
