How one can Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Prompt Itinerary

Final Up to date: 4/22/24 | April twenty second, 2024

Tokyo is without doubt one of the most wonderful cities on the earth. It’s fast-paced, futuristic, and bursting with strange actions to maintain you busy, together with attractive shrines, palaces, and temples; hip golf equipment and bars; and trendy folks and purchasing, to not point out lovely cherry blossoms.

Tokyo lives as much as all of the hype. If I may spend months residing there, I might.

You by no means know what you’ll discover right here. One second you’ll run into a gaggle of girls wearing pig masks and ’80s clothes and the subsequent you’re in a robotic café or a centuries-old temple.

It’s additionally one of many greatest cities on the earth, house to virtually 14 million folks (virtually 40 million if you happen to rely the metropolitan space). Not surprisingly, there are various nooks and crannies to discover on this metropolis that seamlessly weave centuries-old Japanese traditions with trendy expertise. (So don’t rush your go to. You’re by no means going to see all of it anyway, so don’t strive!)

That can assist you plan your journey, right here is my steered itinerary primarily based on over seven visits to Tokyo:

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Word: There’s lots listed for this present day. Because you’re more likely to get up tremendous early due to jet lag, you may match all of it in. You may not need to, although. Possibly you want a day nap!)

Roam the Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
In 2018, Tokyo’s primary fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the dimensions of the previous one, Tsukiji, making it the most important on the earth. Whereas a variety of good eating places moved too (Sushi Dai being probably the most well-known), I discover the place itself very stale, since you may not wander the ground (you look down through a walkway above; you additionally want a customer’s cross to enter).

The previous outer market in Tsukiji remains to be nice although, and you may nonetheless discover meals and shops there too. You possibly can wander alone and simply eat and store till you may’t anymore! Most companies open at 6am, so it’s an ideal place to go within the morning once you get up early due to jet lag. Foods and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Market can be found for round 13,500 JPY.

Tsukiji Fish Market: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, +81 3-3542-1111. Admission is free. Toyosu Fish Market: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto, +81 3-3520-8205. Open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, although most companies don’t open till 7am. Admission is free.

Immerse your self at teamLab Planets
This actually enjoyable and quirky digital artwork set up is a multisensory and immersive expertise wherein you turn into a part of the paintings, strolling barefoot by the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you work together with the installations. It takes an hour or so to undergo. teamLab is kind of fashionable and usually sells out no less than just a few days prematurely, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto Metropolis, teamlab.artwork/e/planets. Open Monday-Sunday 9am-10pm; final entry is one hour earlier than closing. Admission is 3,800 JPY for adults throughout weekdays and 4,200 JPY on weekends. Reductions can be found for youngsters and people with disabilities.

Admire the Imperial Palace
When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Although you may’t go inside (or get very shut), the constructing is wonderful. It’s surrounded by pretty grounds and a park, and there’s a moat across the stone partitions. You may also see the altering of the guard, although it’s a comparatively low-key and unassuming ceremony. Tokyo Localized affords a free strolling tour of the gardens that’s price taking and lasts 2.5 hours. Admission to the grounds is free.

Feast beneath the Girders
Not removed from the palace is the Yurakucho neighborhood. Beneath the elevated practice tracks at Yurakucho Station is a 700-meter stretch of wine bars, beer pubs, and informal eating places crammed with businessmen. It’s a great place for lunch, although it will get probably the most busy after work, when folks cease in for meals and joyful hour on their manner house.

Scale the Tokyo Tower
Inbuilt 1957 and resembling the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is taller (at 333 meters/1,092 toes) than its European model and made fully of metal. It was the town’s tallest construction till the “Skytree” was inbuilt 2010. You possibly can pay to go all the way in which to the highest flooring to absorb the view, however frankly, the primary remark deck affords one which’s simply nearly as good.

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, +81 3-3433-5111, tokyotower.co.jp. Open day by day 9am-11pm. Admission is 1,200 JPY.

Calm down at Meiji Jingu
Situated on the northern finish of Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is a peaceable Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped modernize Japan. It’s nestled in a serene forest, with a giant wood gate marking the doorway and paths lined with bushes. You actually don’t really feel such as you’re in one of many busiest, most densely populated cities on the earth once you wander round right here. Watch conventional ceremonies, stroll by the gardens, or take a look at the museum. (FYI: It will get actually busy on the weekends.)

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya Metropolis, +81 3-3379-5511, meijijingu.or.jp. Open day by day of the 12 months from dawn to sundown. Admission is free.

Get pleasure from Yoyogi Park
One in every of Tokyo’s largest parks, Yoyogi is laced with strolling paths, forested areas, and ponds. It’s also used for music occasions and festivals all year long, and also you’ll see many road performers and retailers promoting snacks. Should you’re visiting in late March or early April, you’ll be capable to catch the cherry blossoms. Within the fall, the ginkgo forest takes on a fantastic golden coloration.

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya Metropolis, +81 3-3469-6081, tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi. Open 24 hours, although some services have shorter opening instances. Admission is free.

Get stylish in Harajuku
Harajuku is without doubt one of the most iconic districts in Tokyo. It’s famend for its avant-garde tackle trend, it’s the epicenter of anime and kawaii (cuteness) tradition in Tokyo, with numerous quirky and vintage-clothing shops and road artwork. Strolling across the space, you’ll see all types of outfits, principally worn by youthful Japanese folks (predominantly youngsters), making it a enjoyable place to people-watch and window-shop. If you wish to buy groceries, this is without doubt one of the greatest areas to do it in. you’ll discover a variety of the most effective Japanese designers right here.

Dine with ninjas
For a novel eating expertise, head to Ninja Tokyo (previously Ninja Akasaka), a ninja-themed restaurant designed like an Edo-era constructing, with wait employees clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and educated in all kinds of tips and illusions. You’ll order off previous scrolls whereas being entertained by the talents of your server! It’s tremendous enjoyable.

Tokyu Plaza Akasaka, +81 3-5157-3936, ninja-tokyo.jp. Open day by day 5pm-10pm, plus 11:30am-2pm on weekends.

Drink in Golden Gai
This district, lined with backstreet bars, could also be touristy, however it’s one of the vital enjoyable in Tokyo. These zigzag alleys are crammed with hole-in-the-wall bars serving low-cost drinks. Every is exclusive, so it’s enjoyable to pop out and in of them. It’s very touristy, however you’ll discover a variety of Japanese folks right here too. It’s fairly crowded on the weekends, so go early earlier than the bars replenish.

If you need a deep dive into the world, take a meals tour. Arigato Excursions runs a night tour round Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku that can present you round and allow you to pattern the most effective ramen and yakitori within the space.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 2

Try Asakusa
If you wish to see a few of Tokyo’s historic non secular websites, spend a while wandering round Asakusa. Simply begin as early as you may to keep away from the crowds (particularly if you happen to plan on taking images). These are two locations to not be missed:

• Senso-ji – Tokyo’s hottest and well-known temple is superbly painted and sits in a scenic spot close to a pagoda and the spectacular Kaminari Gate. There’s an enormous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the primary corridor. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3842-0181, senso-ji.jp. The grounds are open 24/7, although the temple itself is open day by day 6am-5pm. Admission is free.
• Asakusa Shrine – Not removed from Senso-ji is that this Shinto shrine, constructed throughout the Edo interval and which survived the air raids of World Conflict II. That is way more peaceable than Senso-ji, with fewer folks, whom you’ll be capable to see praying, meditating, or performing conventional rituals. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3844-1575, asakusajinja.jp. Open day by day 9am-4:30pm. Admission is free.

Discover Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day. Varied stalls and distributors promote snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are normally cultural occasions or festivals showcasing conventional arts, music, and dance. Throughout cherry blossom season, the park is stuffed with folks picnicking and admiring the hundreds of bushes. The park can also be house to a few of Tokyo’s greatest museums:

• Tokyo Nationwide Museum –Established in 1872, this large museum within the north finish of the park homes one of many world’s largest collections of artwork and artifacts from Asia, significantly Japan. 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-1111, tnm.jp. Open day by day 9:30am-5pm (7pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 1,000 JPY.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This lovely Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine with carved gold doorways and ornate carvings may also be discovered within the park. 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-3455, uenotoshogu.com/en. Open day by day 9am-5:30pm (4:30pm in winter). Admission is free as much as the wall, although to go additional inside is 500 JPY. To enter the shrine and peony backyard prices 1,600 JPY. There’s additionally a combo ticket for the shrine and treasure corridor for two,100 JPY.
• Nationwide Museum of Nature and Science – Opened in 1871, this museum homes exhibitions on pre-Meiji science. There are over 5,000,000 gadgets within the assortment, with 14,000 of them on everlasting show. It’s additionally house to the taxidermied physique of the legendary canine Hachiko, the loyal canine who would greet his proprietor at Shibuya Station on return from his day by day commute (extra on him later). 7-20 Uenokoen, +81 50-5541-8600, kahaku.go.jp. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Admission is 630 JPY.
• Nationwide Museum of Western Artwork – This is without doubt one of the solely museums within the nation to concentrate on Western artwork, established in 1959. The gathering of virtually 5,000 items extends from the Renaissance all the way in which to the twentieth century. Count on to see works by masters like Van Gogh, Reubens, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and lots of extra! 7-7 Uenokoen, +81 3-3828-5131, nmwa.go.jp. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5:30pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 500 JPY.

Browse Akihabara
Akihabara, or “Akiba,” is a bustling district in central Tokyo recognized for its vibrant electronics, anime, manga, and gaming tradition. You’ll discover streets stuffed with devices, anime merchandise, card video games, and collectibles. Cease and play in one of many plethora of online game retailers. This space can also be the place you’ll discover the well-known maid cafés, the place servers costume up as maids and serve you meals and drinks. The women on the road are selling the extra hole-in-the-wall choices, that are much more culturally enjoyable than the massive touristy ones. (They aren’t low-cost, although, as you need to purchase drinks packages and pay a price, however it’s kitschy and enjoyable.)

Bathe in a sento
A sento is a conventional public bathhouse, usually separated by gender. The Japanese will not be shy, so that you’ll have to be snug with nudity! A budget-friendly sento will value you beneath 1,000 JPY. Simply be aware that tattoos may be frowned upon and also you could be required to cowl them up.

Go go-karting
Need to velocity across the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart whereas carrying a dressing up? The Monkey Kart firm enables you to. So long as you might have a world driving allow (which you will get if in case you have a sound driver’s license), you may participate. They’ll snap images of you within the act too! You possibly can e-book the expertise right here.

Shibuya, 1F, 1 Chome-27-7, +81 3-5309-2639, monkey-kart.com. Open day by day 9:30am-9pm. The course will take 75 minutes and prices 16,000 JPY per individual. There are a number of areas across the metropolis.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

Stroll by Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
This attractive park is over 144 acres and residential to some 20,000 bushes. A lot of the authentic park was destroyed in World Conflict II throughout the air raids, however it was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it’s probably the greatest areas to see cherry blossoms. I like the standard panorama backyard, which has a number of ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceable little oasis inside the hustle and bustle.

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, +81 3-3350-0151, env.go.jp/backyard/shinjukugyoen/index.html. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm. Typically, advance ticket buy is required, however be aware that in cherry blossom season, you may’t e-book tickets prematurely. Admission is 500 JPY.

See Shibuya Crossing
That is fairly presumably the busiest and most well-known intersection on the earth (some 2,500 folks cross the road right here each two minutes). The realm is buzzing at night time, with brilliant lights and frenzied exercise — like Occasions Sq. on steroids. Make certain to go to the canine statue between Shibuya Station and the intersection (on the Hachiko Exit) — it’s a tribute to Hachiko, the loyal canine who would greet his proprietor at Shibuya Station on return from his day by day commute. This continued till the proprietor handed away at work in 1925. Hachiko then visited the station day by day and waited for his proprietor till he additionally handed away practically a decade later, in 1935.

Expertise a tea ceremony
No go to to Japan is full with out experiencing a conventional tea ceremony. Whereas these are normally lengthy and costly experiences, there are positively some budget-friendly choices for anybody trying to not break the financial institution. True Japan runs ceremonies in Tokyo for 9,900 JPY per individual; they final 75 minutes. Sakurai Japanese Tea Expertise is one other good possibility, positioned close to Shibuya.

Go to a unusual café
Tokyo has all kinds of fantastic, bizarre, and great cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, canine cafés, religious-themed cafés, and way more! Should you’re on the lookout for one thing uncommon to do, see what bizarre and quirky cafés are close to you (they’re throughout city, so that you by no means should go far to seek out one!). Listed below are some recommendations:

• Kawaii Monster Café
• Vampire Café
• Christon Café (Christian themed)
• Canine Coronary heart (canine café)
• Mipig Cafe Harajuku (pig café)
• Calico (cat café)
• Harry (hedgehog café)
• Ninja Cafe & Bar (ninja themed)

Get pleasure from conventional Japanese theater
Kabuki is a conventional type of theater involving dance and drama. The costumes and make-up are closely stylized, making for a really visible efficiency. The Kabuki-za, positioned in Ginza, is the most effective venue wherein to see considered one of these unimaginable shows. Simply take into account that performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held virtually day by day. Test the web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Count on to pay no less than 4,000 JPY if you happen to e-book prematurely. You possibly can usually arrive the day of and get last-minute tickets for cheaper, nevertheless.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 4

Time to take a break and head out on a day journey for some non-urban adventures. Listed below are some recommendations:

See Daibutsu (the Nice Buddha)
Make a day journey to Kamakura, the place you may see a 13-meter (42-foot) bronze statue of Buddha. It was initially inbuilt 1252 inside a temple, however the construction was washed away — on a number of events — by storms. The statue now sits within the open air, (together with an enormous pair of straw sandals that belong to the statue). You possibly can even go contained in the statue itself — there isn’t a lot to see, however it’s nonetheless type of neat to have the ability to step into an enormous statue of that dimension and significance.

The journey to Kamakura takes round an hour and is free with a Japan Rail Go.

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, +81 467-22-0703, kotoku-in.jp. Open day by day 8am-5:30pm (till 5pm throughout the winter). Admission is 300 JPY.

Get touristy at Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney points of interest! It is a enjoyable alternative for anybody touring with youngsters, but in addition for adults who simply love amusement parks. Opened in 1983, it has seven themed areas to discover and is the third most visited theme park on the earth (18 million annually). It has a variety of the identical well-known rides you’ll discover at Disney World, akin to Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and the nauseating Mad Tea Cup Experience. It’s greatest to e-book on-line prematurely.

1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, +81 45-330-5211, tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl. Open day by day 8am-10pm. Admission is 7,900-10,900 JPY for adults and 6,600-9,000 JPY for youngsters, relying on age.

Hike Mount Mitake
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Nationwide Park, overlaying 1,250 sq. kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, and forests. There are many mountain climbing trails, although you too can take a cable automobile to the highest after which hike to the shrine that sits on the height, some 930 meters (3,050 toes) above sea degree. It’s a 30-minute stroll to the shrine from the height or high of the cable automobile. From there, you may hike for an hour to a small valley with two picturesque waterfalls or proceed on to Mount Otake, which is about two hours from the summit of Mount Mitake.

Behold Mount Fuji
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo and standing at a formidable 3,776 meters (12,389 toes), Mount Fuji is without doubt one of the most iconic views within the nation. It’s also an lively stratovolcano (it final erupted in 1708) and one of many Three Holy Mountains of Japan. Lined in snow for nearly half of the 12 months, it’s each a Particular Place of Scenic Magnificence and a UNESCO Cultural Web site. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend wherever from 5 to 12 hours reaching the summit. Historically, hikers depart at night time to reach on the high for the dawn.

Should you don’t need to hike to the height, you may merely go to on a day journey. There are buses that may take you partway up, from which you’ll be supplied sweeping vistas of the encircling space. Guided day excursions from the town value round 12,000 JPY.

Go to the Ghibli Museum
Should you’re a fan of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (which incorporates movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Shifting Fortress, and Princess Mononoke), then you definitely’ll need to take a look at this wonderful exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive expertise that any movie buff will respect. There may be additionally a brand new brief movie each month, solely accessible to guests. The museum received’t take up a complete day, however it’s not in a really central location, so that you’ll must plan accordingly.

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, +81 570-055-777, ghibli-museum.jp. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm. Admission is 1,000 JPY for adults, with reductions accessible for youth and youngsters. There are restricted tickets accessible every day, so e-book prematurely.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 5

Throughout your final day in Tokyo, the town is your oyster. There’s nonetheless a lot to do. Buy groceries, discover new cafés, wander gardens, eat all of the meals — the chances are infinite. Another issues I like to do embrace the next:

Admire the Nationwide Artwork Middle
Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t even have a everlasting assortment however moderately homes a endless sequence of momentary exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Test the web site to see what’s at the moment being proven.

7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, +81 3-5777-8600, nact.jp. Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-6pm and Fridays and Saturdays till 8pm. Admission varies by exhibit.

Go to the Samurai Museum
No journey to Japan can be full with out studying about samurai. Whereas they had been recognized for his or her martial talent, there was way more to the tradition than simply mastering the katana (a conventional sword). The museum has some unimaginable shows of conventional weapons and armor, a few of which you’ll be able to even strive on.

Kabukicho 2-25-6, +81 3-6457-6411, samuraimuseum.jp/en. Open day by day 10:30am-9pm. Admission is 1,900 JPY. You possibly can discover the museum by yourself or in a gaggle tour, which is performed each half-hour. Nonetheless briefly closed attributable to COVID; test the web site for updates.

Watch a sumo match
Kokugikan, Japan’s most well-known sumo enviornment, hosts tournaments thrice annually. The wrestling that we see in the present day dates to the Seventeenth century, although its origins return even additional, and it’s nonetheless one of the vital fashionable traditions within the nation. Should you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do! Tickets promote out shortly, so act quick. You possibly can e-book a ticket on-line right here (you’ll be accompanied by a information too, so you may be taught extra in regards to the custom because it unfolds earlier than your eyes).

1 Chome-3-2-8 Yokoami, Sumida, +81 3-3623-5111, sumo.or.jp/kokugikan. Ticket costs differ, however anticipate to pay round 3,800 JPY.

Have drinks on the Park Hyatt
New York Bar is the enduring bar from Sofia Coppola’s 2003 movie Misplaced in Translation. Situated on the 52nd flooring, it really lives as much as the hype. The ambiance is stylish, the drinks are nice, and the view is completely gorgeous. There may be reside jazz each night time, and whereas there’s a cowl cost (round 2,750 JPY), it’s positively price it!

3-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku, +81 3-5322-1234, hyatt.com. Open Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-12am and Thursday-Saturday 5pm-1am.

Peruse the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Artwork Museum
Inbuilt 1933, this small museum was the official residence of Prince and Princess Asaka. The prince had studied in Paris and wished to deliver Artwork Deco to Japan, which explains the constructing’s fashion and decorations. In 1983, the residence turned a museum and is now house to a rotating sequence of recent artwork exhibitions.

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, +81 3-3443-0201, teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en. Open day by day 10am-6pm. Backyard admission is 200 JPY; museum admission varies relying on the present exhibition.

Promenade alongside the Meguro River
The Meguro River weaves virtually 8 kilometers (5 miles) by Tokyo and makes for an impressive stroll. There’s a path with a little bit of inexperienced area that follows the water, so loads of locals stroll or train there. Within the spring, you’ll be capable to see a variety of cherry blossoms too. There’s additionally loads of eating places alongside the way in which to cease and eat at!

Take the Harry Potter studio tour
Should you love Harry Potter, this studio tour is a should. Like the unique in London, “The Making of Harry Potter” enables you to stroll in his footsteps and discover his wonderful wizarding world. You possibly can wander iconic units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley, see authentic props and costumes from the movies, and learn the way they had been made. There are additionally sections on the newer Unbelievable Beasts movies. It takes about 3 hours to see all of it. Simply be sure to e-book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here may be large in a while. I posted extra tips about Instagram if you wish to be taught extra.

1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, +81 50-6862-3676, wbstudiotour.jp. Open day by day 8:30am-10pm. Tickets at 6,500 JPY.

The place to Eat

Tokyo is so large and has so many eating choices, that it could be not possible to choose simply two or three favorites. You possibly can learn this weblog submit that has all my favourite eating places in Tokyo.

Tokyo is very large. You might spend a lifetime right here and nonetheless not uncover every thing there may be to see. However if you happen to observe the itinerary and recommendations above, you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable and insightful go to and depart this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.

The submit How one can Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Prompt Itinerary appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Journey Web site.