The Perfect Tokyo Itinerary With Must-Sees & Unique Attractions (2022 Updated Travel Guide)
Tokyo has gained fairly a bit of recognition lately as a journey vacation spot. The capital of Japan has benefited in no small half by the weaker Yen and present strikes by the federal government to ease visa restrictions from guests of close by international locations. With a inhabitants of 13 million individuals, the metropolis gives an incredible juxtaposition of the unique and ultramodern. This is a metropolis of maid cafes, of eating places run by robots and the place you’ll be able to rent skilled cuddlers to hug you for a small charge. At the opposite finish of the size, some elements of town provide a peek right into a extra conventional facet of Japan.
If you might be additionally heading west, try this really useful itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto stuffed with lesser-known points of interest.
I’ve visited Tokyo for six instances now and I at all times find yourself discovering quite a lot of new issues to do within the metropolis with every go to. Like the earlier itineraries I’ve made, listed here are some options on issues to do in Tokyo and I’ve segregated the actions for first-timers, shopaholics and other people searching for for one thing extra distinctive.
Tokyo Itinerary
This itinerary presents the quintessential sights of Tokyo, good for first timers or those that desire to acquire an outline of this humongous metropolis.
Day 1 – Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree, Ueno and Shibuya
A Taste of Traditional Tokyo in Asakusa
sensoji temple
Alight at Asakusa Station. Start early and beat the crowds by visiting considered one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods – Asakusa. While right here, don’t miss the Sensoji Temple (they open at 6am from April to November / 6:30am from October to March) which dates again from the 12 months 645. To attain the temple, you go in through an iconic gate known as Kaminarimon which is acknowledged because the image of town. You additionally move by a collection of outlets in a avenue known as Nakamise. It’s stuffed with attention-grabbing conventional handicrafts and meals that you could simply spend hours right here simply shopping by means of the products. You can even be part of a guided tour round Asakusa all whereas dressed up in a conventional kimono.
Tip: For extra conventional / previous fashion areas in Tokyo, you’ll be able to try my information on 3 conventional areas in Tokyo – Asakusa, Yanaka and Kagurazaka
Tokyo Skytree
tokyo skytree as seen from asakusa
Since you’re already in Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree is just some stations away (or a brief 20-minute stroll). While it’s a tremendous construction – it’s Japan’s tallest in any case – I personally discover the views too excessive to correctly recognize town panorama. Alternatively, you could find some good viewing decks from which to see the tower as an alternative. I stayed at The Gate Hotel by Hulic Asakusa Kaminarimon which has a rooftop bar that has glorious views of the Tokyo Skytree.
Museum Hopping in Ueno Park
From Asakusa, it’s a fast prepare journey to Ueno Station. While Tokyo has a number of parks, Ueno Park is completely different within the sense that the general public grounds additionally comprise a number of museums together with the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Science Museum. You can simply spend a complete afternoon right here if you’re a museum buff
Witness the World’s Busiest Crossing in Shibuya
From Ueno, you’ll be able to simply take the Ginza line right down to Shibuya Station. My favourite place to go to in Tokyo at night time, Shibuya is maybe one of many busiest crossings you’ll ever come to see anyplace on the planet. The place is filled with neon lights even at night time and is a hub for children. Don’t miss the statue of Hachiko when you are right here. Shibuya can be the place to do a little bit of procuring. If you like to do one thing new since your final go to, the Shibuya Sky which opened in late 2019 boasts of a 360 diploma open air commentary deck. This differs from the opposite commentary decks in Tokyo because the others are principally indoors.
Day 2 – Ginza, Imperial Palace, Roppongi
Shopping in Ginza
ginza
Take a stroll down the Ginza. This is traditionally Tokyo’s predominant procuring avenue. However, it’s not probably the most high-end – Omotesando now lays declare to that. You can discover quite a lot of well-known manufacturers right here together with the biggest Uniqlo retailer on the planet. Opposite that’s the high-end shopping center, Ginza Six, which boasts of a smooth inside and loads of specialty shops. If you go to throughout the weekends, you’ll high-quality Ginza to be an enormous pedestrian-only zone.
Tokyo International Forum
tokyo worldwide discussion board
From the Ginza, it’s a cheap stroll to the Imperial Palace space however first cease by the architecturally spectacular Tokyo International Forum for a look-see. Make positive to drop by the higher flooring to take a look at the astounding curves constructed with metal and glass.
Imperial Palace Grounds
The Imperial Palace grounds is one other 5 to 10 minute stroll away. The space is in depth however is usually closed to the general public besides throughout sure holidays and upon reserving of a non-public tour with the Imperial Household Agency. Nonetheless, the moat across the palace is kind of a well-liked vacationer attraction. You can catch glimpses of some imperial buildings whereas strolling round it
Roppongi
view of tokyo tower
One of my favourite locations for panoramic views of town is the Tokyo City View on the prime of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. It is certainly not the tallest commentary deck within the metropolis however you get to see a greater view with some iconic buildings such because the Tokyo Tower and elements of the bay. You can e book right here to get a reduction on the doorway charge.
Roppongi can be a buzzing nightlife district and extremely in style with expats and vacationers. There are loads of foreigner-friendly bars and eating places, together with some with Michelin stars. If you ever get uninterested in Japanese delicacies (I can’t think about anybody would), Roppongi is your greatest guess find eating places catering to western or fusion delicacies
Day 3 – Harajuku, Omotesando and Shinjuku
Harajuku’s Street Culture
Start the day at Harajuku which is called a middle of youth tradition in Tokyo. If you might be there throughout a weekend, you might discover locations equivalent to Yoyogi Park crammed with artists, musicians and cosplayers in fancy costumes. After having your fill gawking on the individuals, you’ll be able to head to Meiji Shrine which is devoted to the spirits of the previous Emperor Meiji and his spouse.
Living the High Life in Omotesando
lobster roll from luke’s lobster omotesando
Tokyo’s most high-end procuring avenue, Omotesando, is only a quick stroll away from Harajuku. While a lot of the shops right here promote issues which can be out of most individuals’s budgets, it’s nonetheless an incredible place for individuals watching. There are additionally loads of cafes across the space. If you might be in search of a caffeine repair, backstreet cafes equivalent to Lattest Omotesando are your greatest bets. Luke’s Lobster additionally has a department in Omotesando It is frequented by locals and vacationers alike. Be ready to queue.
Shinjuku’s Nightlife
If you continue to haven’t had sufficient of Tokyo’s nightlife, it’s worthwhile to take a look at Shinjuku which gives a peek into what locals do after darkish. You’ll discover a combine between hole-in-the-wall bars, watering holes serving craft beer and whisky in addition to dwell music venues
the long-lasting park hyatt tokyo – the “lost in translation” lodge
If you’re a fan of the film “Lost in Translation,” you’ll be happy to notice that the long-lasting Park Hyatt Tokyo is positioned nicely inside Shinjuku. The rooms are in fact, open to company solely, however you’ll be able to relive scenes from the movie on the New York Bar the place Bill Murray’s character had chilled out within the movie
shinjuku gyoen
If you handle to complete the opposite sights early and resolve to go to Shinjuku earlier than it will get darkish, it’s worthwhile to take a look at Shinjuku Gyoen, one of many largest public parks within the interior wards of Tokyo. The park is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Tokyo to see autumn colours in late November/early December and cherry blossoms in April
Tokyo For Shopaholics (and Hipsters)
Aside from the actions prompt above, you’ll be able to add the next into your itinerary for a extra well-rounded procuring expertise in Tokyo
- One station away from Shibuya is Ebisu which gives a cool various to the standard nightlife spots of Shinjuku or Roppongi. The institutions listed here are decidedly quirkier and fewer severe.
- Daikanyama and Nakameguro (once more, close to Shibuya) are additionally enjoyable neighborhoods to discover with a number of boutiques housing unbiased labels. You’ll discover bookstores sitting alongside clothes shops. Bakeshops and cafes additionally abound. If you might be in search of Tokyo’s equal to a hipster neighborhood, these locations are the very best match.
- Another attention-grabbing neighborhood to take a look at is Shimokitazawa which is crammed with loads of younger and classy retailers, specialty boutiques and naturally, a number of hipsters. Unlike the adjoining neighborhoods of Ebisu / Daikanyama and Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa is farther out (west of Shibuya).
- If you want to purchase electronics, Akihabara gives all types of devices conceivable at comparatively decrease costs. Before shopping for, just be sure you can configure the product settings into your native language.
Unique Things to Do in Tokyo
The metropolis is thought for providing quite a lot of eccentric companies that cater to only about any curiosity group. In case you’ve been to Tokyo so many instances that you just’re in search of one thing completely different, listed here are some uncommon issues to do within the metropolis that you could add to your itinerary
robotic restaurant in tokyo – one of many quirkiest issues to do within the metropolis (briefly closed)
- The robotic restaurant (try my robotic restaurant information right here) is a themed venue the place you’ll be able to eat whereas being entertained by dancing robots of all sizes and shapes. This is commonly cited as one of many quirkiest issues you are able to do in Tokyo and the expertise doesn’t disappoint. You can e book discounted tickets right here (Note: The Robot Restaurant is briefly closed)
- If you’ve been eager for intimacy however haven’t discovered anybody to specific it with, Tokyo has what is known as a cuddle cafe which permits purchasers to cuddle, hug or sleep collectively (in a non-sexual manner) with one other particular person for at the least 20 minutes. One of the most well-liked of such cuddle cafes is Soine-ya ( KN Building 3F, 2-11 Sakumacho, Akihabara, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025)
- In a spot that’s recognized for cosplay, the idea of a maid cafe would maybe be not that stunning. Walk into considered one of these institutions and end up being served by younger ladies dressed as private servants. With unmistakably cute and high-pitched voices, they’ll attend to your each want. Maidreamin which has 4 areas in Tokyo (Akihabara, Shijuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya – e book discounted tickets right here) permits its clients to immerse on this make imagine world, even when for just some hours.
- It might sound kitschy to some however Ninja Cafe and Bar lets you dine in a medieval-looking venue, get a fast coaching on the best way of a ninja and even stroll across the surrounding neighborhood in a ninja outfit.
- Relive the 80s on the 8bit Cafe the place totally functioning gaming consoles from the Nintendo Family Computer days can be found for visitor use. Play a sport of Pac-man whereas having cocktails named after online game characters
- Go on a real-life Mario Cart journey (full with costume) by means of the streets of Tokyo. Each journey takes about an hour and goes by means of some Tokyo vacationer points of interest. Do be aware that a global drivers’ license is required. You can e book right here for discounted tickets.
- I’m not completely positive why anybody would wish to come ogle at parasites however for one thing really offbeat, you’ll be able to try the Meguro Parasitological Museum which incorporates over 60,000 parasite samples
- The lack of house in Tokyo has made capsule inns a well-liked idea. It’s not precisely probably the most luxurious lodging choice on the market however you’ll be able to take into account staying in a single for the novelty of it. You can examine for the very best costs in reserving capsule inns right here
Other Tips for Tokyo
- Travel Insurance: Japan is kind of costly general and this is without doubt one of the international locations the place getting journey insurance coverage is most worthwhile. If you reside in Singapore, try Starr Travelead, one of many most cost-effective journey insurance coverage. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 money rebate that helps to offset the insurance coverage price. If you might be primarily based elsewhere, you’ll be able to try Worldnomads as they’ve fairly an intensive protection, even together with private accidents into their record of advantages.
- Electric Adapters: Japan makes use of Type A or B shops for electrical energy so be sure to have the best adapters to your units.
- Credit Card Usage: Even in an ultramodern metropolis equivalent to Tokyo, you’d be stunned to search out that many institutions nonetheless don’t settle for bank cards. Japan remains to be a predominantly money society so it’s helpful to carry the money you want to your journey. Major inns and department shops do in fact settle for bank cards however many smaller eating places and unbiased shops don’t.
- Best time to go to Tokyo: While sakura season in April is undoubtedly the time to go to Tokyo to see it at its “prettiest,” that is additionally probably the most crowded time with inns charging a premium in what’s already a comparatively costly metropolis. Other good instances to go to Tokyo embody late-April to May when it’s nonetheless cool however you’ll discover the vacationer scene quieter as most would have simply left after the cherry blossoms wither. Hotel costs are additionally cheaper presently. Another good interval to go to Tokyo is from mid-November to 1st week December. This is autumn season when the leaves change shade. This is another interval to go to if costs throughout sakura season are too prohibitive.
- Where to purchase sim playing cards: To sustain along with your cellular web wants, it might be clever to buy an area sim card. While you’ll be able to simply purchase one once you arrive, buying a sim card prematurely lets you get a slight low cost on the worth. You should buy one right here.
- Venturing out of Tokyo: If you might be planning to go to different cities throughout your Japan journey equivalent to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagano, and many others; you might wish to buy a JR Pass as an alternative. The JR Pass provides you limitless rides on JR trains, shinkansen and the JR Line in Tokyo for a interval of as little as 7-days. You should buy the JR Pass right here to acquire instantaneous affirmation.
Getting From Narita Airport to Tokyo
Narita Airport, the principle airport serving Tokyo (the opposite one being Haneda Airport) is positioned some 70 km away from city. A taxi journey takes greater than an hour and might simply price virtually US$300. To get to town fast and comfortably, take both:
- the airport limousine bus which stops in a number of downtown Tokyo inns together with Westin, Marriott, Aman, Shangri-la, Hoshinoya, Park Hyatt, and many others and takes about 2 hours
- the Keisei Skyliner which takes you from the airport to town in round 41 minutes. It makes 2 stops within the metropolis, at Ueno or Nippori stations.
Getting From Haneda Airport to Tokyo
Haneda Airport is far nearer to Tokyo than Narita Airport however taking a taxi remains to be costly and will set you again by virtually US$100. Other fast and environment friendly methods to get to town embody the next:
- The Tokyo Monorail can get you from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes. From Hamamatsucho Station, you’ll be able to simply hook up with the JR strains or different subway strains to get you to your vacation spot in Tokyo. Service on the Tokyo Monorail begins at 5AM and stops at round 11:30PM.
- If you might be carrying heavy baggage, the airport limousine bus could also be a greater various because the route stops in a number of well-known inns all through town. Do be aware journey instances could also be a bit longer however at the least you gained’t need to navigate Tokyo’s prepare community along with your luggage!
- You can even e book personal automobile transfers from the airport to anyplace in Tokyo. These personal vehicles can accommodate as much as 9 individuals contained in the automobile so relying on the scale of your group, it might really be extra environment friendly and economical to e book this than taking public transport.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo’s subway system is huge and native trains / subways can take you to virtually any focal point inside the metropolis. Taxis are additionally plentiful however I don’t suggest these as they’re very costly. For subways / native trains, you’ll be able to both purchase single tickets or a move legitimate for a few days. I like to recommend shopping for a subway move in the event you foresee your self taking the subway at the least 4 instances every day. If you might be in Tokyo for sightseeing, this situation is well met. The subway passes are available 24, 48 and 72 hour variants.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Budget – Rooms at Richmond Asakusa are fairly modest however are among the many most decently priced for a conveniently positioned 3-star lodge in Tokyo. The lodge is close to Sensoji Temple with loads of meals choices close by. If you like to remain within the coronary heart of Tokyo’s procuring space, the Sunroute Hotel Ginza is positioned mere steps from the famend procuring avenue.
Midrange – I’ve stayed in plenty of inns in Tokyo however one I can suggest is The Gate Hotel by Hulic in Asakusa close to the Sensoji Temple. Although styled as a boutique / 4 star lodge, I believed the choices have been fairly luxe at a comparatively extra inexpensive worth in comparison with different Tokyo digs. I nonetheless have fond recollections of the freshly squeezed orange juice within the morning. Alternatively, the Daiwa Roynet Ginza Hotel is conveniently positioned in the event you want to be located close to the prime procuring district.
Luxury – The iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku is the cream of the crop the place Tokyo inns are involved. It is price staying right here even for only one night time like I did particularly if you’re a fan of the movie, “Lost in Translation” which stars Bill Murray and Scarlet Johanssen.
For different Tokyo inns, you’ll be able to try HERE.
