Tokyo Solo Trip During Cherry Blossom Season: Day 5 Itinerary Revealed

This year marks my first trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season. I've always wanted to travel during this time, but the airfare was often prohibitively expensive. This time, I managed to snag a last-minute deal with Scoot Airlines for a round-trip ticket from Taipei to Tokyo for just 8,900 TWD. If you find cherry blossom season tickets under 10,000 TWD, don't hesitate—grab them immediately! Within a month, I booked my flight, reserved accommodations, confirmed insurance, and even finalized my itinerary. I feel so efficient! 👍🏻

This is also my first solo trip. I took the opportunity to savor the beauty of each destination, let go of daily worries, and engage in self-reflection throughout the journey. Traveling alone allowed me to slow down, relieve stress, and enjoy the freedom of setting my own pace. If I felt tired, I could simply return to the hotel to rest. While traveling with friends offers group fun, solo travel provides a unique sense of healing.

🌟 Travel Goals: Cherry blossom viewing and nighttime sakura 🌸
🌟 Departure Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
🌟 Return Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

🗓️ Itinerary:
(Cherry blossom-related activities are marked with a 🌸 symbol!)

2025.03.29 Day 5:
1. 7:30 AM Narita Airport
🌟 Venue Info: Narita International Airport, one of Tokyo's major airports.
📍 Address: Japan〒282-0004 Chiba, Narita, Furugome, 1-1 Terminal 2, Airline Lounge Narita International Airport
🈺 Hours: Open 24 hours, though some dining establishments have different operating hours—please check in advance.
💰 Cost: Around 2,000 JPY

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When preparing to board your flight at Narita Airport, whether departing or arriving, you can enjoy a variety of delicious food options within the airport. Below are some dining recommendations in Terminal 2, particularly in the departure area at "JAPAN FOOD HALL," where you can savor authentic Japanese cuisine during your journey.

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🍜 JAPAN FOOD HALL – Dining Street in Narita Airport Terminal 2 Departure Area

Location: Main building, 2nd floor of Terminal 2, post-security (after passing through security, head towards gates 81-99, turn right and go downstairs).

Highlights: Opened in September 2023, this food hall features 10 renowned Japanese restaurants offering a variety of dishes. The spacious dining area includes seats with views of airplanes taking off and landing.

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🥢 Recommended Restaurants
1. Ginza Kagari (Kagari)
A Michelin-recommended chicken broth ramen shop. The rich yet non-greasy broth, springy noodles, and Western-style garnishes make for a delightful meal.
2. Yondaime Kikukawa
Established in 1932, this traditional eel rice restaurant serves freshly grilled premium eel with tender meat and a smoky charcoal aroma.
3. Kyoto Katsugyu
Famous for its beef cutlets, this restaurant uses high-temperature quick-frying techniques to create crispy exteriors and juicy interiors.
4. Ootaki
Specializing in soba noodles, this restaurant sources buckwheat flour from contracted farms. The chewy noodles pair perfectly with tempura, offering a simple yet satisfying meal.
5. Nihonbashi Tamai
This tempura restaurant uses fresh ingredients from Chiba Prefecture, including luxurious options like lobster tempura.
6. FRUIT PARLOR Mi’z
Operated by Yokohama's long-established fruit wholesaler "Mizuno," this shop offers seasonal fruit desserts, fruit sandwiches, and smoothies.

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☕ Other Dining Options
• Kanno Coffee: High-quality coffee, perfect with desserts or light meals.
• Sanbonten: Japanese-style Western dishes like pork cutlets and curry rice, suitable for all ages.

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🛍️ Shopping and Souvenirs

After dining, you can explore nearby shopping areas to purchase unique Japanese souvenirs, such as:
• FaSoLa AKIHABARA: Offers various Japanese-brand products, including snacks, cosmetics, and memorabilia.
• Drugstores: Shops like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote sell a wide range of beauty and skincare products.

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🕒 Tips
• Suggested dining time: Arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight to allow ample time for dining and shopping.
• Payment methods: Most shops accept credit cards and cash, but it's advisable to carry Japanese yen for convenience.
• Language support: Most establishments provide menus in Chinese, English, and Korean, and have English-speaking staff to assist international travelers.

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💞 Thoughts and Recommendations
Narita Airport offers a fantastic variety of food, shopping, and entertainment options. From clothing and cosmetics to department stores and gourmet food, it has everything you need. It's also a convenient place to buy souvenirs for friends, family, and colleagues. Next time you visit, make sure to allocate extra time here!

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This concludes the introduction to my cherry blossom season solo trip itinerary in Tokyo. Cherry blossom season is a major event in Japan, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It's also a time when international tourists flock to enjoy the blooming flowers. Take this opportunity to embrace yourself and nature. I hope to return to Japan for cherry blossom viewing in the future!

🌸 This post wraps up the itinerary for my cherry blossom season solo trip. I'll share past travel experiences and itineraries in future posts!