3-5 Day Steered Itinerary for 2024

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

Tokyo is among the maximum wonderful towns on the earth. It’s fast paced, futuristic, and bursting with strange actions to stay you busy, together with beautiful shrines, palaces, and temples; hip golf equipment and bars; and trendy humans and buying groceries, to not point out stunning cherry blossoms.

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

You by no means know what you’ll in finding right here. One 2nd you’ll run into a gaggle of ladies wearing pig mask and ’80s attire and the following you’re in a robotic café or a centuries-old temple.

It’s additionally one of the vital greatest towns on the earth, house to just about 14 million humans (virtually 40 million in the event you depend the metropolitan house). Now not strangely, there are lots of nooks and crannies to discover on this town that seamlessly weave centuries-old Eastern traditions with fashionable generation. (So don’t rush your consult with. You’re by no means going to look all of it anyway, so don’t check out!)

That will help you plan your go back and forth, this is my steered itinerary in accordance with over seven visits to Tokyo:

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Word: There’s so much indexed for at the present time. Because you’re prone to get up tremendous early as a result of jet lag, you’ll be able to are compatible all of it in. You could no longer need to, regardless that. Possibly you wish to have a day nap!)

Roam the Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
In 2018, Tokyo’s major fish marketplace moved to Toyosu, which is two times the dimensions of the outdated one, Tsukiji, making it the most important on the earth. Whilst a large number of just right eating places moved too (Sushi Dai being probably the most well-known), I in finding where itself very stale, since you’ll be able to not wander the ground (you glance down by means of a walkway above; you additionally desire a customer’s go to go into).

The outdated outer marketplace in Tsukiji continues to be nice regardless that, and you’ll be able to nonetheless in finding meals and shops there too. You’ll be able to wander on my own and simply consume and store till you’ll be able to’t anymore! Maximum companies open at 6am, so it’s a great position to head within the morning while you get up early as a result of jet lag. Food and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Marketplace are to be had for round 13,500 JPY.

Tsukiji Fish Marketplace: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, +81 3-3542-1111. Admission is unfastened. Toyosu Fish Marketplace: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto, +81 3-3520-8205. Open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, regardless that maximum companies don’t open till 7am. Admission is unfastened.

Immerse your self at teamLab Planets
This in reality amusing and quirky virtual artwork set up is a multisensory and immersive revel in during which you turn out to be a part of the paintings, strolling barefoot in the course of the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you engage with the installations. It takes an hour or with the intention to undergo. teamLab is rather well-liked and usually sells out no less than a couple of days upfront, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto Town, teamlab.artwork/e/planets. Open Monday-Sunday 9am-10pm; final access is one hour prior to ultimate. Admission is 3,800 JPY for adults all the way through weekdays and four,200 JPY on weekends. Reductions are to be had for youngsters and the ones with disabilities.

Recognize the Imperial Palace
When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new place of abode and renamed it Tokyo. Although you’ll be able to’t pass within (or get very shut), the construction is fantastic. It’s surrounded via pretty grounds and a park, and there’s a moat across the stone partitions. You’ll be able to additionally see the converting of the guard, regardless that it’s a slightly low-key and unassuming rite. Tokyo Localized provides a unfastened strolling excursion of the gardens this is price taking and lasts 2.5 hours. Admission to the grounds is unfastened.

Ceremonial dinner underneath the Girders
Now not a ways from the palace is the Yurakucho community. Underneath the increased educate tracks at Yurakucho Station is a 700-meter stretch of wine bars, beer pubs, and informal eating places stuffed with businessmen. It’s a great spot for lunch, regardless that it will get probably the most busy after paintings, when humans prevent in for meals and satisfied hour on their method house.

Scale the Tokyo Tower
In-built 1957 and similar to the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is taller (at 333 meters/1,092 toes) than its Ecu model and made totally of metal. It was once the town’s tallest construction till the “Skytree” was once in-built 2010. You’ll be able to pay to head all of the option to the highest flooring to absorb the view, however frankly, the primary commentary deck provides person who’s simply as just right.

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

Chill out at Meiji Jingu
Situated on the northern finish of Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is a relaxed Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped modernize Japan. It’s nestled in a serene wooded area, with a large wood gate marking the doorway and paths coated with bushes. You in reality don’t really feel such as you’re in one of the vital busiest, maximum densely populated towns on the earth while you wander round right here. Watch conventional ceremonies, walk in the course of the gardens, or take a look at the museum. (FYI: It will get in reality busy at the weekends.)

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya Town, +81 3-3379-5511, meijijingu.or.jp. Open on a daily basis of the 12 months from daybreak to sundown. Admission is unfastened.

Experience Yoyogi Park
Certainly one of Tokyo’s greatest parks, Yoyogi is laced with strolling paths, forested spaces, and ponds. It’s also used for song occasions and gala’s during the 12 months, and also you’ll see many boulevard performers and stores promoting snacks. In case you’re visiting in overdue March or early April, you’ll be capable to catch the cherry blossoms. Within the fall, the ginkgo wooded area takes on a lovely golden colour.

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya Town, +81 3-3469-6081, tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi. Open 24 hours, regardless that some amenities have shorter opening instances. Admission is unfastened.

Get stylish in Harajuku
Harajuku is among the maximum iconic districts in Tokyo. It’s famend for its avant-garde tackle style, it’s the epicenter of anime and kawaii (cuteness) tradition in Tokyo, with numerous quirky and vintage-clothing shops and boulevard artwork. Strolling across the house, you’ll see a wide variety of outfits, most commonly worn via more youthful Eastern humans (predominantly youngsters), making it a amusing position to people-watch and window-shop. If you wish to go on a spree, this is among the perfect spaces to do it in. you’ll in finding a large number of the most productive Eastern designers right here.

Dine with ninjas
For a novel eating revel in, head to Ninja Tokyo (previously Ninja Akasaka), a ninja-themed eating place designed like an Edo-era construction, with wait workforce clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and skilled in all types of methods and illusions. You’ll order off outdated scrolls whilst being entertained via the talents of your server! It’s tremendous amusing.

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

Drink in Golden Gai
This district, coated with backstreet bars, could also be touristy, however it’s some of the amusing in Tokyo. Those zigzag alleys are stuffed with hole-in-the-wall bars serving reasonable beverages. Every is exclusive, so it’s amusing to pop out and in of them. It’s very touristy, however you’ll in finding a large number of Eastern humans right here too. It’s rather crowded at the weekends, so pass early prior to the bars replenish.

If you need a deep dive into the realm, take a meals excursion. Arigato Excursions runs a night excursion round Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku that can display you round and mean you can pattern the most productive ramen and yakitori within the house.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 2

Take a look at Asakusa
If you wish to see a few of Tokyo’s ancient devout websites, spend a while wandering round Asakusa. Simply get started as early as you’ll be able to to keep away from the crowds (particularly in the event you plan on taking footage). Those are two puts to not be overlooked:

• Senso-ji – Tokyo’s most well liked 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, within the primary corridor. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3842-0181, senso-ji.jp. The grounds are open 24/7, regardless that the temple itself is open day-to-day 6am-5pm. Admission is unfastened.
• Asakusa Shrine – Now not a ways from Senso-ji is that this Shinto shrine, constructed all the way through the Edo duration and which survived the air raids of International Battle II. That is a lot more non violent than Senso-ji, with fewer humans, whom you’ll be capable to see praying, meditating, or acting conventional rituals. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3844-1575, asakusajinja.jp. Open day-to-day 9am-4:30pm. Admission is unfastened.

Discover Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is an attractive spot to spend the day. Quite a lot of stalls and distributors promote snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are normally cultural occasions or gala’s showcasing conventional arts, song, and dance. Throughout cherry blossom season, the park is stuffed with humans picnicking and admiring the 1000’s of bushes. The park may be house to a few of Tokyo’s perfect museums:

• Tokyo Nationwide Museum –Established in 1872, this large museum within the north finish of the park properties one of the vital global’s greatest collections of artwork and artifacts from Asia, in particular Japan. 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-1111, tnm.jp. Open day-to-day 9:30am-5pm (7pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 1,000 JPY.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This gorgeous Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine with carved gold doorways and ornate carvings can be discovered within the park. 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-3455, uenotoshogu.com/en. Open day-to-day 9am-5:30pm (4:30pm in wintry weather). Admission is unfastened as much as the wall, regardless that to head additional within is 500 JPY. To go into the shrine and peony lawn prices 1,600 JPY. There’s additionally a combo price ticket for the shrine and treasure corridor for two,100 JPY.
• Nationwide Museum of Nature and Science – Opened in 1871, this museum properties exhibitions on pre-Meiji science. There are over 5,000,000 pieces within the assortment, with 14,000 of them on everlasting show. It’s additionally house to the taxidermied frame of the mythical canine Hachiko, the unswerving canine who would greet his proprietor at Shibuya Station on go back from his day-to-day shuttle (extra on him later). 7-20 Uenokoen, +81 50-5541-8600, kahaku.pass.jp. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Admission is 630 JPY.
• Nationwide Museum of Western Artwork – This is among the simplest museums within the nation to concentrate on Western artwork, established in 1959. The selection of virtually 5,000 items extends from the Renaissance all of the option to the 20 th century. Be expecting to look works via masters like Van Gogh, Reubens, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and plenty of extra! 7-7 Uenokoen, +81 3-3828-5131, nmwa.pass.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 identified for its colourful electronics, anime, manga, and gaming tradition. You’ll in finding streets filled with devices, anime products, card video games, and collectibles. Forestall and play in one of the vital plethora of online game stores. This house may be the place you’ll in finding the well-known maid cafés, the place servers get dressed up as maids and serve you food and drink. The women in the street are selling the extra hole-in-the-wall choices, which can be much more culturally amusing than the massive touristy ones. (They aren’t reasonable, regardless that, as you must purchase beverages programs and pay a charge, however it’s kitschy and amusing.)

Shower in a sento
A sento is a standard public bathhouse, generally separated via gender. The Eastern aren’t shy, so that you’ll wish to be happy with nudity! The cheap-friendly sento will value you underneath 1,000 JPY. Simply notice that tattoos may also be frowned upon and also you may well be required to hide them up.

Pass go-karting
Wish to pace across the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart whilst dressed in a dressing up? The Monkey Kart corporate means that you can. So long as you could have a world riding allow (which you’ll be able to get when you have a legitimate motive force’s license), you’ll be able to participate. They’ll snap footage of you within the act too! You’ll be able to e book the revel in right here.

Shibuya, 1F, 1 Chome-27-7, +81 3-5309-2639, monkey-kart.com. Open day-to-day 9:30am-9pm. The direction will take 75 mins and prices 16,000 JPY in step with individual. There are a couple of places across the town.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

Walk thru Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Lawn
This pretty park is over 144 acres and residential to a few 20,000 bushes. Lots of the unique park was once destroyed in International Battle II all the way through the air raids, however it was once rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it’s one of the vital perfect areas to look cherry blossoms. I really like the standard panorama lawn, which has a number of ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a relaxed little oasis inside the hustle and bustle.

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, +81 3-3350-0151, env.pass.jp/lawn/shinjukugyoen/index.html. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm. Usually, advance price ticket acquire is needed, however notice that all the way through cherry blossom season, you’ll be able to’t e book tickets upfront. Admission is 500 JPY.

See Shibuya Crossing
That is rather in all probability the busiest and most famed intersection on the earth (some 2,500 humans pass the road right here each and every two mins). The world is humming at evening, with vivid lighting fixtures and frenzied task — like Occasions Sq. on steroids. Remember to consult with the canine statue between Shibuya Station and the intersection (on the Hachiko Go out) — it’s a tribute to Hachiko, the unswerving canine who would greet his proprietor at Shibuya Station on go back from his day-to-day shuttle. This persevered till the landlord passed on to the great beyond at paintings in 1925. Hachiko then visited the station day-to-day and waited for his proprietor till he additionally passed on to the great beyond just about a decade later, in 1935.

Enjoy a tea rite
No consult with to Japan is entire with out experiencing a standard tea rite. Whilst those are normally lengthy and dear reviews, there are indubitably some budget-friendly choices for someone taking a look to not cost a fortune. True Japan runs ceremonies in Tokyo for 9,900 JPY in step with individual; they final 75 mins. Sakurai Eastern Tea Enjoy is every other just right choice, situated close to Shibuya.

Seek advice from a unusual café
Tokyo has all types of wonderful, bizarre, and beautiful cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, canine cafés, religious-themed cafés, and a lot more! In case you’re on the lookout for one thing peculiar to do, see what bizarre and quirky cafés are close to you (they’re throughout the city, so that you by no means have to head a ways to seek out one!). Listed here are some tips:

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

Experience conventional Eastern theater
Kabuki is a standard type of theater involving dance and drama. The costumes and make-up are closely stylized, making for an excessively visible efficiency. The Kabuki-za, situated in Ginza, is the most productive venue during which to look the sort of fantastic shows. Simply remember the fact that performances are in Eastern.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held virtually day-to-day. Take a look at the website online for probably the most up-to-date time table. Be expecting to pay no less than 4,000 JPY in the event you e book upfront. You’ll be able to ceaselessly arrive the day of and get last-minute tickets for less expensive, then again.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 4

Time to take a wreck and head out on an afternoon go back and forth for some non-urban adventures. Listed here are some tips:

See Daibutsu (the Nice Buddha)
Make an afternoon go back and forth to Kamakura, the place you’ll be able to see a 13-meter (42-foot) bronze statue of Buddha. It was once first of all in-built 1252 inside of a temple, however the construction was once washed away — on a number of events — via storms. The statue now sits within the outside, (along side an enormous pair of straw sandals that belong to the statue). You’ll be able to even pass throughout the statue itself — there isn’t a lot to look, however it’s nonetheless roughly neat with the intention to step into an enormous statue of that dimension and significance.

The adventure to Kamakura takes round an hour and is unfastened with a Japan Rail Cross.

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, +81 467-22-0703, kotoku-in.jp. Open day-to-day 8am-5:30pm (till 5pm all the way through the wintry weather). Admission is 300 JPY.

Get touristy at Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney sights! It is a amusing selection for someone touring with kids, but in addition for adults who simply love amusement parks. Opened in 1983, it has seven themed spaces to discover and is the 3rd maximum visited theme park on the earth (18 million each and every 12 months). It has a large number of the similar well-known rides you’ll in finding at Disney International, akin to Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and the nauseating Mad Tea Cup Trip. It’s perfect to e book on-line upfront.

1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, +81 45-330-5211, tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl. Open day-to-day 8am-10pm. Admission is 7,900-10,900 JPY for adults and six,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, protecting 1,250 sq. kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, and forests. There are many mountaineering trails, regardless that you’ll be able to additionally take a cable automotive to the highest after which hike to the shrine that sits at the height, some 930 meters (3,050 toes) above sea degree. It’s a 30-minute stroll to the shrine from the height or most sensible of the cable automotive. From there, you’ll be able to hike for an hour to a small valley with two picturesque waterfalls or proceed directly to Mount Otake, which is ready two hours from the summit of Mount Mitake.

Behold Mount Fuji
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo and status at an outstanding 3,776 meters (12,389 toes), Mount Fuji is among the maximum iconic perspectives within the nation. It’s also an lively stratovolcano (it final erupted in 1708) and one of the vital 3 Holy Mountains of Japan. Coated in snow for nearly part of the 12 months, it’s each a Particular Position of Scenic Attractiveness and a UNESCO Cultural Website online. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend anyplace from 5 to twelve hours achieving the summit. Historically, hikers leave at evening to reach on the most sensible for the daybreak.

In case you don’t need to hike to the height, you’ll be able to merely consult with on an afternoon go back and forth. There are buses that may take you partway up, from which you’ll be introduced sweeping vistas of the encircling house. Guided day excursions from the town value round 12,000 JPY.

Seek advice from the Ghibli Museum
In case you’re keen on famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s paintings (which incorporates motion pictures like Spirited Away, Howl’s Transferring Fortress, and Princess Mononoke), then you definately’ll need to take a look at this wonderful exhibition. Designed via Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive revel in that any movie buff will respect. There may be a brand new brief movie each and every month, simplest to be had to guests. The museum received’t soak up a complete day, however it’s no longer in an excessively central location, so that you’ll wish to 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 to be had for early life and kids. There are restricted tickets to be had every day, so e book upfront.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 5

Throughout your final day in Tokyo, the town is your oyster. There’s nonetheless lots to do. Buy groceries, discover new cafés, wander gardens, consume all of the meals — the chances are unending. Every other issues I care to do come with the next:

Recognize the Nationwide Artwork Heart
Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t in reality have an everlasting assortment however relatively properties a unending sequence of transient exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Take a look at the website online to look what’s lately 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 via showcase.

Seek advice from the Samurai Museum
No go back and forth to Japan could be entire with out studying about samurai. Whilst they have been identified for his or her martial talent, there was once a lot more to the tradition than simply mastering the katana (a standard sword). The museum has some fantastic shows of conventional guns and armor, a few of which you’ll be able to even check out on.

Kabukicho 2-25-6, +81 3-6457-6411, samuraimuseum.jp/en. Open day-to-day 10:30am-9pm. Admission is 1,900 JPY. You’ll be able to discover the museum by yourself or in a gaggle excursion, which is carried out each and every half-hour. Nonetheless briefly closed because of COVID; take a look at the website online for updates.

Watch a sumo fit
Kokugikan, Japan’s most famed sumo area, hosts tournaments 3 times each and every 12 months. The wrestling that we see these days dates to the Seventeenth century, regardless that its origins return even additional, and it’s nonetheless some of the well-liked traditions within the nation. In case you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do! Tickets promote out briefly, so act speedy. You’ll be able to e book a price ticket on-line right here (you’ll be accompanied via a information too, so you’ll be able to be told extra in regards to the custom because it unfolds prior to your eyes).

1 Chome-3-2-8 Yokoami, Sumida, +81 3-3623-5111, sumo.or.jp/kokugikan. Price tag costs range, however be expecting to pay round 3,800 JPY.

Have beverages on the Park Hyatt
New York Bar is the enduring bar from Sofia Coppola’s 2003 movie Misplaced in Translation. Situated at the 52nd flooring, it in reality lives as much as the hype. The ambience is sublime, the beverages are nice, and the view is de facto shocking. There may be reside jazz each and every evening, and whilst there’s a quilt fee (round 2,750 JPY), it’s indubitably 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
In-built 1933, this small museum was once the legitimate place of abode of Prince and Princess Asaka. The prince had studied in Paris and sought after to deliver Artwork Deco to Japan, and is the reason the construction’s taste and decorations. In 1983, the place of abode was 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-to-day 10am-6pm. Lawn admission is 200 JPY; museum admission varies relying at the present exhibition.

Prom alongside the Meguro River
The Meguro River weaves virtually 8 kilometers (5 miles) thru Tokyo and makes for a powerful walk. There’s a trail with just a little of inexperienced area that follows the water, so various locals stroll or workout there. Within the spring, you’ll be capable to see a large number of cherry blossoms too. There’s additionally various eating places alongside how to prevent and consume at!

Take the Harry Potter studio excursion
In case you love Harry Potter, this studio excursion is a should. Like the unique in London, “The Making of Harry Potter” means that you can stroll in his footsteps and discover his wonderful wizarding global. You’ll be able to wander iconic units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley, see unique props and costumes from the flicks, and learn the way they have been made. There also are sections at the more recent Implausible Beasts motion pictures. It takes about 3 hours to look all of it. Simply remember to e book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here may also be massive in a while. I posted extra tips about Instagram if you wish to be told extra.

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

The place to Consume

Tokyo is so massive and has such a lot of eating choices, that it will be inconceivable to select simply two or 3 favorites. You’ll be able to learn this weblog put up that has all my favourite eating places in Tokyo.

Tokyo is very large. You should spend a life-time right here and nonetheless no longer uncover the entirety there’s to look. However in the event you apply the itinerary and proposals above, you’ll be capable to have a amusing and insightful consult with and depart this sprawling capital with a nuanced point of view of what existence in Tokyo is like.