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Tokyo Itinerary: The Complete Travel Guide for First-timers

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Traveling to Tokyo for the first time? I am so happy and jealous of you. The feeling of visiting Tokyo for the first time is one of my fondest memories of all of my travels, by far. As a repeat visitor to this beautiful city, I will impart some of my knowledge of Tokyo in this post.

Tokyo Tower from Skylobby at Azabudai Hill
Tokyo Tower from Skylobby at Azabudai Hill

Tokyo Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

1. Get the Tokyo Pass from Klook to save money – There are lots of attractions to visit and do in Tokyo, which means you’ll likely have to spend on those activities. Getting a travel pass could ease the pain. To make it easier for you to decide whether to get the pass or not, I’ll put a note on each attraction that I mention in the itinerary that could use the Tokyo pass.

What is Klook? Klook is the leading travel and experiences booking website in Asia. And yes, they are legit! I personally always book my activities through them whenever I am traveling. See my review of Klook here.

2. Fly to Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) – Unless the flight is considerably cheaper, don’t even think about flying through Narita. It will save you both money and time because Haneda is so much closer to the city than Narita. In fact, Haneda is pretty much already in the city – it would take you about 30 minutes to Shibuya using the local train. Narita, on the other hand, takes about 40-90 minutes and you need to buy an express train ticket to Tokyo.

3. Airport Transfer from Haneda (HND) to Tokyo – If you are arriving in Haneda (HND), you’ll want to take the local train as it is cost-effective. But if you’re arriving in off hours (trains only operate from 6 AM to midnight) or traveling with a group, you will want to book a Private Transfer from and to HND to save the hassle.

4. However, if you have to fly to Narita (NRT), you can still get into the city easily. Aside from the Narita Express, there is Tokyo Keisei Skyliner which takes you to Ueno station in 40 minutes. From Ueno, you can then transfer to the local trains to get to the station nearest to your hotel. If you are traveling as a big group or have a lot of luggage, I highly suggest getting a private car. On my most recent trip, I hired a private transfer car from Narita for the three of us since we had a lot of luggage and I had a great experience. The driver was already waiting for us as we exited and we were off within 5 minutes.

Tokyo Pass: Keisei Narita Skyliner is one of the attractions included in Tokyo Pass

5. Download the Google Translate Japanese Pack to your phone. It will make communication a lot easier. Google Translate can also somewhat translate writing to English, so it has been useful when I go to a restaurant where the entire menu is in Japanese and the staff does not speak English.

6. Download the Tokyo Google Maps to your phone – by this, I don’t just mean download the Google Maps app. You can download the whole Tokyo map to your phone so you’ll use less mobile data when browsing the maps. Here is how to download Maps to your phone.

7. Wear comfortable walking shoes – Tokyo is a city with amazing public transport connectivity. Taxis are expensive. So chances are, you’ll be walking and exploring on foot a lot in Tokyo. Wear comfortable shoes that are actually made for walking.

8. Don’t worry about traveling solo to Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world. Two of my trips to Tokyo were done on my own and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Okay, I know there are incidents involving perverted peeping toms on the train, and I’m sure crimes do still happen, but I personally have never felt scared or threatened even when I was walking alone at night.

Random Alley in Tokyo
Red Lanterns in front of Japanese restaurant

Fast track your arrival in Japan

You can make your arrival in Japan easier by completing your immigration and customs procedures before your arrival via Visit Japan Web. Read how to do that here

Staying connected with Wi-Fi while in Tokyo

If there is only one tip you take away from this blog. This would be it: Get a SIM card for your travel! Having an internet connection at all times makes traveling in Tokyo MUCH easier.

If you are traveling alone, you can look into getting a prepaid SIM card. You can pick up the SIM Card once you have reached Japan at the airport (check if your airport is listed).

However, if you’d like to still be contactable from your original mobile number, I strongly suggest considering a data eSIM option. It will still allow you to have unlimited data when you are in Tokyo, but you can also retain your regular SIM card!

If you are traveling in a group, or have multiple devices, another option is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi, which you can get here and pick up at the airport. This provides unlimited data and you can connect multiple devices to it, up to 10 devices. You’ll have to remember to charge the router every day and also remember to return the router at the end of your trip.

How many days should I spend in Tokyo?

I recommend setting aside a minimum of 5 days for Tokyo. Tokyo is MUCH bigger than you might have expected. On my first trip to Japan, I went for 7 days with aspirations of doing a few day trips outside of Tokyo. That plan was quickly trumped when I realized how big this city is.

In the end, I allocated 5 days in Tokyo and barely managed to squeeze in two days in Hakone, and it was still not enough to cover all that I wanted to do in Tokyo. I ended up coming back a few more times and on subsequent return visits, I’m still discovering new sides of the city.

And this is why I’ve written this post as a 5-day itinerary in Tokyo!

How to get around Tokyo using Public Transport

In Tokyo, you can pretty much get anywhere you want using the train. Here is how the system works:

Tokyo Pass: A 72-hour subway ticket (for Tokyo Metro and Toei line) can be bought as an add-on to Tokyo Pass, making it cheaper than paying for a single train fare each time.

1. Using Local Trains with IC cards (SUICA or PASMO)

Local trains in Japan run on IC (Integrated Circuit) Cards. In Tokyo, you can get either SUICA or PASMO IC card. They are the exact same thing, and there is no difference in which one you get so just pick one. Whichever one you choose, this IC card will be your lifeline during your stay.

IC Card Shortage: There is currently a shortage of physical IC Card. Suica and Pasmo will no longer be sold starting 2 August 2023 until further notice. Read here to find how to get around in Tokyo without physical IC Card.

This card allows you to tap in and out of each train station without having to buy a ticket every single time you take a train. And because everyone has an IC card Japan, you can even use your card balance to buy things from convenience stores and vending machines. Whenever the balance is running low, you can easily refill the card using cash or credit card at any train station.

2. Virtual IC Card – How to use your iPhone as an IC Card in Japan

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card. This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without going to the station.

Tip: Check out Apple’s help article on how to use IC cards on iPhones.

Note that you do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this, just start the process straight from your phone! However, if you DO have an existing IC card you can still transfer the balance to your phone. Your existing card will then stop working and you can only use your phone as an IC card from that point onwards.

Unfortunately for Android users, the phone needs to be bought in Japan to be able to do this. You could try using the Pasmo mobile, but it is only available in Japanese.

For users without a smartphone, you would still need to get a physical IC card.

3. Planning your route in Tokyo

In terms of train schedules and routes, I’m happy to report that Google Maps works well in Japan. You can use it as you normally would when looking up directions, but set it to public transport mode and it will give you the best way to get from point A to point B by train. And it even tells you how much the fare would be.

Tokyo Itinerary - Example Tokyo Train Route on Google Maps - Shinjuku to Asakusa
Example Tokyo Train Route on Google Maps – Shinjuku to Asakusa

I’d say that’s good enough for tourists. Locals use a more comprehensive transit app called NaviTime which will tell you even more details such as which train car you should board to get to your transfer faster. But for me, Google Maps has always been enough.

4. Tokyo local trains will stop running at midnight

Trains in Tokyo are convenient and affordable, but they stop at midnight. Cabs are very expensive in Tokyo, so if you’re out late, you want to make sure you still catch the last train. Most stations have trains running until midnight but as a general rule of thumb, you should be at the station by 11:30 PM. Especially if your travel involves changing lines.

On one of our nights out, we missed our last connecting train in Shibuya and had to take a cab back to our accommodation. The short 20-minute ride cost us $50 😐

5. Be mindful of train peak hour

I try to stay away from using the train in the morning during rush hour, usually any time from 8-10 am on a weekday and 6-8 pm on weeknights. I’m sure you’ve heard about how people get pushed by sticks to encourage them to move more inside the train so that more people can get on, and you end up packed into the train like sardines.

What is a JR Pass and do I need it?

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023. Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

JR Pass is a form of rail pass that gives you unlimited access to all JR trains in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. I bolded the JR train part for emphasis since this gets confusing for some people – in Japan, there are many train companies and Japan Rail (JR) is only one of them, and this pass is only valid for JR trains.

Getting a JR Pass makes sense ONLY if you are planning to visit multiple cities in Japan. For example, if you are planning on going from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc. The trains between cities aren’t cheap and you’ll be saving a lot more by getting a JR Pass. But if you are only planning to stay in Tokyo, an IC card will be enough.

If you have decided that you need a JR Pass, you must buy the JR Pass from outside of Japan before your trip. The JR pass is solely for tourists and it used to not be available for purchase within Japan. So, you should definitely buy it ahead of time.

You can buy Unlimited JR Pass here (cheaper than buying from the official website) and have it sent to your home before your trip. Make sure you get it way ahead of time so that it arrives before your trip. There are 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day options depending on the length of your stay in Japan and your planned train usage.

If you do get a JR Pass and it has been activated for use, then you can use the JR pass on certain local trains within Tokyo too. JR is one of the train companies in Japan and they do have some local JR lines running in Tokyo. So if you are taking a train somewhere and it is a JR line, use your JR Pass instead of your SUICA balance!

Where to stay in Tokyo

With Tokyo’s extensive train system, anywhere close to a train station is a great place to stay. For a first-timer, I’d try to stay close to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Asakusa. Look for a place within 15-minute walking distance or close to a train line that can take you to these areas.

Here are a few places I would recommend in Tokyo, in different price ranges:

1. Affordable Accommodations

  • Reso Poshtel in Asakusa ($) – I stayed at a dorm in Asakusa and shared a room with 5 other women for a few nights. It was a great way to keep accommodation costs down if you are traveling alone and plan to be outside most of the time anyway. That hostel has since closed down, but Reso Poshtel looks similar.
  • Hotel 1899 Tokyo in Shimbashi ($$) – Very conveniently located near the Shimbashi station, which is a good base for exploring the city.

2. Mid-range Accommodation

  • MUJI Hotel in Ginza ($$$) – If you’re a fan of the minimalist Japanese home goods brand MUJI, you’ve got to stay at this hotel. The rooms are decorated with that classic Japanese feel, similar to how the MUJI stores look like. The hotel is next to the flagship MUJI store, located conveniently in Ginza, one of the major stations in Tokyo.
  • The Strings by Intercontinental in Shinagawa($$$) – This one is a more expensive option as I stayed here during a business trip, but this hotel was convenient. It’s right on top of Shinagawa station, which is close to both Shibuya and Haneda Airport. There are several convenience stores and a shopping mall in the same complex as the hotel. Also, it’s one of the taller buildings in this area. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji.

3. Luxury Accommodation

  • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo in Meguro ($$$$) – If you want a taste of old Japanese luxury while in Tokyo, then look no further than this hotel. This beautiful yet little-known hotel is located in Meguro. I did not know this hotel even existed until my very recent visit to Tokyo, where I wanted to visit an exhibit within the hotel. I was blown away by how beautiful the hotel is! Supposedly, it’s the hotel that inspired the popular anime Spirited Away.
  • The Ritz Carlton Tokyo in Roppongi ($$$$) – Conveniently located in Roppongi, The Ritz in Tokyo is a great option. The lobby is located on the 53rd floor, which means all their room will give you a great view of Tokyo from above!

The Tokyo 5-Day Itinerary

Tokyo is a massive metropolitan city. It’s worth planning your trip and grouping the days by areas so that you don’t waste time. This is the basis of how I’ve structured the itineraries below – I’ve put together some must-visits in sections based on their proximity to each other so that you can optimize your trip by choosing which sights you want to visit on the same day.

Please note that these itineraries are not meant to be done chronologically so you can mix and match your days. Also, don’t feel bad if you did not get to do everything… It’s just an excuse to come back to Tokyo 🙂

Here are quick shortcuts to the itinerary for each day:

  • Day 1: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Roppongi
  • Day 2: Shibuya and its surrounding areas
  • Day 3: Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Asakusa
  • Day 4: Shinjuku
  • Day 5: Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market, Ginza
  • Day 6 Onward: Take day trips (or short trips) away from Tokyo
  • Want more? Here are other Activities you can do in Tokyo

To visualize this Tokyo itinerary better, I’ve created a Google Maps link that marks all the routes and landmarks I’ll mention in this blog.

Map of Tokyo Attractions
Map of Tokyo Attractions

🗺 Save this map to your phone! If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed. Click here for instructions on how to view the map later. It will work from your phone too.

And FINALLY here is a detailed list of what to do in Tokyo on your first visit:

Day 1: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Roppongi

Tip: Choose a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) for this itinerary. The places I’m going to mention today are better to be visited on weekends!

1. Visit Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu

You can start your day by exploring Yoyogi Park. It’s a huge park with a pleasant shaded walk and all of the walking routes will go through Meiji Jingu, a beautiful Shinto shrine, where you can buy an amulet and other traditional souvenirs.

Don’t forget to do the water purification ritual at the temple entrance. Every temple in Japan will have a small fountain with some wooden ladles. Take some water using the ladle, then transfer some of that water to your hands and use it to wash your mouth. Do NOT use the ladle directly to wash your mouth!

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you might even see a Shinto wedding there as well. I was lucky enough to see one when I visited.

A Shinto wedding at Meiji Jingu
A Shinto wedding at Meiji Jingu

2. Explore Harajuku

Next, you can check out Harajuku, a walkable distance from Yoyogi Park (it’s actually right across from it), and walk along Takeshita Dori. Harajuku embodies everything you’ve heard about modern Japan – It’s a crazy area filled with people, trendy shops, and street food.

Harajuku became well-known as the hangout spot for the trendy youngsters who would wear their most outrageous, fashion-forward outfits. Sadly, this is a dying culture and they’re not seen as often as they used to, so to increase your chance of spotting these trendsetters you might want to visit on a weekend.

You can easily spend 2-3 hours in Harajuku just walking and looking at the various shops. I recommend dropping by Laforet, a shopping center at the end of Takeshita Dori. Harajuku is full of unusual fashion items on its own, but Laforet is probably the center of all the crazy fashion.

And you’ve got to try Japanese Crepes while you’re here! That’s what the Harajuku area is known for. There are also a bunch of other cute eats on the street, such as the animal-shaped gelato from Eiswelt Gelato.

Harajuku's Takeshita Dori
Harajuku’s Takeshita Dori

3. Omotesando, Aoyama & Roppongi

If you keep walking along Takeshita Dori towards the east, you’ll end up in Omotesando, Aoyama, and then Roppongi.  In total, this is about a 3km walk from Harajuku station and very pedestrian friendly. The entire route is lined up with shops and food.

Here are some notable places you can stop by on your walk

  • Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku for a quick photo op too. This building has these geometric-shaped mirrors on the ceiling and it makes for an amazing picture.
  • MoMA Design Store Omotesando – MoMA is the Museum of Modern Arts in NYC, but they have a few stores in Tokyo selling some of the best-rated items.
  • Nezu Museum in Aoyama – East Asian art museum with a private collection

4. Roppongi Hills

I recommend ending your day at the Tokyo City View And Sky Deck in Roppongi Hills where you can take the lift up to the rooftop and get an amazing view of the city, including the iconic red Tokyo tower, for just 1,800 yen. If you’re lucky and the day is clear, you might even see Mount Fuji! I recommend going close to sunset to get the best lighting for photos. Make sure you stay a little bit after sunset too for nighttime photography.

You can book the Tokyo City View Observation Deck Admission Ticket here, which I recommend since it’s cheaper than buying on the spot.

Tokyo Pass: The Tokyo City View is one of the attractions included in Tokyo Pass

If you are a museum person, Mori Art Museum is also in the same building, and access to the permanent exhibition is included with the observation deck ticket. They might have an interesting exhibit to check out too, but you need to buy the ticket separately.

But if you are a fan of Japanese wood interior design, then head to Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, the most aesthetic mall I’ve been to. It also has great stores to get souvenirs from.

Where to eat and drink in Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama, and Roppongi

  • Japanese Crepes at Harajuku. This can be found all throughout the famous Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, so just snap them up whenever you see a stall. It wouldn’t be a very big stall, usually just enough for one person to serve you the crepes through the stall window. You can customize your crepe with different fruit toppings and sweet syrup.
  • Zaku Zaku Ice Cream. “Zaku-zaku” is Japanese onomatopoeia for something crispy/crunchy (I swear, Japanese people have sounds for everything). As soon as you enter the shop, you can smell a delicious buttery sweet and savory aroma wafting in the air – similar to caramel popcorn but BETTER. This place is actually famous for its creampuff, filled with Hokkaido cream which is made fresh on the spot and coated with their crispy ‘croquant’ made from baked almonds. But the Harajuku store also has an ice cream version that is exclusive to this branch.
  • Eiswelt Gelato on Harajuku – This shop has the cutest animal-shaped gelato! Take note though, It’s only open on weekends.
Tokyo Itinerary - Maisen Tonkatsu at Omotesando
Maisen Tonkatsu at Omotesando
  • Maisen Tonkatsu in Omotesando (maps). While walking around Omotesando, be sure to stop by here for one of the best tonkatsu in town. Their specialty is Kurobuta aka the Japanese black pork. Their tonkatsu set can get pretty pricey, but there are cheaper alternatives such as the cutlet rice bowl.
  • Sincere Garden for a vegetarian option in Omotesando (maps). My friends will be surprised I’m recommending a vegetarian restaurant, yet here we are. Long story short, I made a friend at the hostel I was staying at in Asakusa and ended up tagging along for lunch with him and his Tokyo friends. We ended up at this vegetarian place that serves all organic food in Omotesando. For someone who loves meat as much as I do, this was actually a very decent meal! I feel that it fits perfectly with the trendy vibe of Omotesando. The entire cafe has this light wooden theme and made me feel good about eating healthy food.
  • Tempuraya Miyagawa in Aoyama (maps) – A small establishment offering tempura set at lunch and omakase multi-course tempura at dinner. I think it’s better to go during lunch, but dinner should be great too.
  • Tokyo Whisky Library (maps) – Great place to try whisky if you’re a fan, including the famous Japanese whisky.

Day 2: Shibuya and its surrounding areas (Ebisu, Nakameguro, Daikanyama, and Shimokitazawa)

For this day, we will be exploring Shibuya, one of the major areas of Tokyo. This itinerary can be done any day, on weekdays, or on weekends.

1. The Famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Check out Shibuya for the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where every few minutes the pedestrian light turns green and the entire crossing will be filled with a ton of people coming from all directions.

Tokyo Itinerary - The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Located just outside the Shibuya station, this crossing has been featured in many movies, video games, and music videos. It’s an unusual scene and the true definition of organized chaos – everybody is going everywhere in all directions but amazingly, nobody is bumping into each other.

I recommend doing this during the day to see the craziness in all its glory. There is a famous Starbucks where people love to sit and watch the scramble crossing from, but I find it to be quite crowded so I prefer to just watch from ground zero (plus it’s free!).

Shibuya Scramble Crossing from the 46th Floor
Shibuya Scramble Crossing from the 46th Floor of Shibuya Sky

2. Statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog

At one corner of the scramble crossing, you can check out the famous Hachiko Statue. Hachiko is a legendary Japanese dog who is famous for being extremely loyal. He kept waiting for his owner’s return at the train station, years after he had passed away. His loyalty touched the heart of many Japanese and he has become immortalized in front of Shibuya station, waiting forever for his owner.

Shibuya is a major train station and it can get pretty confusing when you are trying to meet up with friends, so the Hachiko statue has become a famous meeting point.

Tokyo Itinerary - Hachiko, the loyal dog
Hachiko, the loyal dog

3. Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

If you fancy seeing Tokyo from above, you can check out the Shibuya Sky observation deck. This is one of the newest observation decks in Tokyo, having opened to the public in early 2020, and in my opinion the best view of Tokyo from above that you can get at the moment.

It is currently the most popular observation deck in Tokyo, you’ll need to book tickets ahead of time. You can read my post about visiting Shibuya Sky for more information.

Yoyogi Park from Shibuya Sky
Yoyogi Park from Shibuya Sky

Tokyo Pass: The Shibuya Sky observation deck is one of the attractions included in Tokyo Pass

4. Shopping in Shibuya

You can take your time exploring more of Shibuya. It’s a huge shopping district and you can even say it’s the center of Tokyo, along with Shinjuku.

Check out Shibuya Loft for floors of random home goodies, each floor with its own theme. You can also check out Don Quijote (aka Donki) for even more random stuff, or Nitori for home goodies similar to IKEA. For general shopping, I recommend checking out Hikarie building, which features lots of Japanese brands and goodies you can buy for yourself or loved ones at home.

Tokyo Itinerary - Famous 109 Shibuya Building
Famous 109 Shibuya Building. This exact angle was featured in one of my favorite video games – The World Ends With You.

5. Nightlife in Dogenzaka

If you are tired or shopping is not your thing, I recommend going to Dogenzaka area. Formerly a yakuza hangout, Dogenzaka is now filled with ramen shops, pubs, izakaya (small stalls selling skewered meats), and even… love hotels. It’s a good place to be if you are there for the nightlife.

Tokyo Itinerary - Dogenzaka at night
Dogenzaka at night

6. Neighborhoods near the Shibuya area

If you still have some energy after the madness that is Shibuya, you can take the train to Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama, Naka-Meguro, or Ebisu for some cafes and check out the nightlife. These are more laid-back residential areas.

Tip: You can check out my Daikanyama Guide for more information on what you can find and do in Daikanyama.

Tokyo Itinerary - Chilled-out streets of Shimokitazawa
Chilled-out streets of Shimokitazawa. There was even ambient music playing on a loudspeaker
Tokyo Itinerary - Daikanyama Guide - Dolce Tacubo
Dolce Tacubo in Daikanyama

Where to eat in Shibuya and its surroundings

  • Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya (maps) for the famous Tonkotsu Ramen from a vending machine. Basically, you go up to a vending machine outside the restaurant, punch in your order, receive a ticket based on your order, make payment, then wait to get seated in your own personal cubicle to slurp on your ramen. They have many other branches around the city, so you don’t have to eat this in Shibuya.
  • Katsukichi Bodaijyu in Shibuya (maps) – Tonkatsu is one of the most popular meals in Japan, so you have to try it at least once while you are here, and if you eat pork. As a bonus, I love the decor of this place.
  • Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi in Dogenzaka (maps) – If you want to experience an izakaya (bar) in Tokyo, this is the place to go.
  • Gyukatsu Motomura in Shibuya (maps) – This place seats only 8 people at a time and you eat at the counter. There are two branches in Shibuya that are within 10-minute walk of each other, but they are both popular. Even though I came here at 2 PM, the line was still very long. They are famous for Gyukatsu, which is deep-fried and breaded beef. You’ll also get a personal stone stove which you can use to further grill your beef slices to the desired doneness.
  • Shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory in Shimokitazawa (maps) – Located a short walk away from Shimokitazawa station and tucked inside a very quiet residential area, this cafe is known for its Totoro-shaped Creampuff. The creampuff costs 420 yen each. I recommend having the creampuffs to go bc there is an extra fee for having it at the cafe (it becomes 465 yen). They come in four flavors (custard, chocolate, strawberry and green tea) but I personally think the regular custard one is the best.
Tokyo Itinerary - My Okonomiyaki at Hiroki in Shimokitazawa
My Okonomiyaki at Hiroki in Shimokitazawa
  • Hiroki in Shimokitazawa (maps) for Okonomiyaki in Shimokitazawa. There are only 8 seats in this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. For each Okonomiyaki, you get to pick soba or udon as the noodle base, then add on toppings as you want. There was no English menu (UPDATE: I have been told there is now an English menu!). Try to sit on the counter if you can, this is where you can watch the action as it happens. The chef will cook and mix your Okonomiyaki for you according to order and once done, he will push it to the hot plate area in front of you so the Okonomiyaki stays warm as you eat it off the counter’s hot plate.
  • I also highly suggest visiting Daikanyama for one of your meals. Daikanyama has been dubbed the Brooklyn of Tokyo and they have tons of cool restaurants and cafes – you can check out my Daikanyama guide here
  • Ebisu Yokocho in Ebisu (maps) – This was a random surprise find for me. I was just aimlessly walking around Ebisu when I decided to go into a random building that seemed very unassuming on the outside. Once inside, I was greeted with a lively atmosphere of people eating and drinking in rows upon rows of small restaurants. Sure enough, none of them had an English menu, but just put on your brave face and try something new. I randomly chose a modern sushi joint and was able to order with my very limited Japanese. I ended up with a plate of beef and mushroom sushi… which is interesting as that’s not what you’d normally expect.
Tokyo Itinerary - The lively Ebisu Yokocho
The lively Ebisu Yokocho

Day 3: Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Asakusa

Tips: Try to do this itinerary on a Sunday, since Akihabara streets are car-free on Sundays from 1-6 pm

1. Akihabara

As a first-time Tokyo visitor, you HAVE to check out Akihabara to experience firsthand all the unique and unusual things you’ve heard about Japan – the infamous Maid cafe, cat cafes, electronics, comic books, and floors and floors of arcade games, just to name a few.

If you go on a Sunday, they close up the street from cars and open it up for pedestrians so you can roam around freely.

Tokyo Itinerary - Akihabara on a Sunday car-free day
Akihabara on a Sunday car-free day
Tokyo Itinerary - Video games and cafes at Akihabara
Video games and cafes at Akihabara

2. Asakusa and Ueno Park

Then once you’re done with Akihabara, you can walk to Ueno Park for an afternoon stroll. If that’s not your thing, then you can head straight to Asakusa. Asakusa is a backpacker district so there are lots of cheap food and shopping you can do here.

Check out Senso-ji, a famous Buddhist temple. There is a cool street in front of this temple, called Nakamise Shopping Street, which has lots of street food you can try and souvenir stalls (PS: This was where one of my earliest Girl Eat World shots was taken). If history is your thing, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is also near this area.

3. Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Tokyo Skytree is currently the primary television and radio broadcast of the Kanto region. When Tokyo Skytree was built in 2010, it became the tallest structure in Japan. At its full height of 634m, it also became the tallest tower in the world.

Early Bird Ticket is cheaper! There is a 300-400 yen discount if you buy the ticket online ahead of time. Buying tickets on the same day is more expensive.

Tokyo Skytree is located only 20 minutes away from Asakusa, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for an observatory and haven’t been to one on this trip.

Tokyo Skytree Observatory
View from Tembo Deck at Tokyo Skytree

The area is also a great choice to spend a few hours in – aside from the observation decks, there are also the Sumida Aquarium, Tenku Planetarium, and shopping malls with great food options at the bottom of SkyTree Tower.

4. Tokyo Station

If you are STILL short of things to do, you can also head to Tokyo Station, which is very close to Ueno station, for food and shopping. I’ve actually included Tokyo Station in Day 5 itinerary, but if you find yourself there and have time, then feel free to scroll down to Day 5 on what you can do at Tokyo Station.

Where to eat

  • Rokurinsha (maps) – Tsukemen is a type of ramen that’s served cold and with a separate broth for the noodles to be dipped into. Rokurinsha is a Tsukemen shop located in the basement of Tokyo station, and it’s a classic beloved by tourists and locals. Expect a long queue unless you’re going at an off-hour and on weekdays. I went here on a Wednesday at 8 pm and waited 30 minutes in line. But really though, it was worth every minute. If you find the queue is too long, you can come back here again on the Day 5 itinerary (scroll down below) OR you can have it on your way out of Japan if you are flying through Haneda airport.
  • Beerbal ビアバル NAGAOKAYA (maps) – I actually came across their stall while I was at Fuji Rock Festival through an acquaintance’s recommendation. Their lamb chops were seriously the best I’ve had. I still dream about it, so I stalked them down and found out that they have a restaurant/beer garden in Ueno. Please give them a visit and let me know how you like it!

Day 4: Explore Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a major area in Tokyo. It has offices, pubs, restaurants, and izakayas. If you’ve seen that iconic photo of a street in Japan filled with neon lights (like the one below) it was probably taken in Shinjuku. Shinjuku deserves its own itinerary because this area is massive.

Tokyo Itinerary - A typical sight in Shinjuku
A typical sight in Shinjuku

Here is what you can do in Shinjuku:

1. Visit Omoide Yokocho

First, visit Omoide Yokocho. “Omoide” means memory and “Yokocho” is a lane / small alley, so loosely translated as you are walking down memory lane… everything here feels nostalgic, traditional Japan. There are tons of little stalls (izakaya) and while most don’t have any English menu, some have pictures.

I suggest going with Google Translate if you plan to know everything you are eating. Otherwise, just point your fingers and be surprised. They mostly serve small skewered meats but be warned that they aren’t exactly cheap. You can drink beer or whiskey highball here too.

2. [Temporarily Closed] Robot Restaurant

Tip: The restaurant was closed in 2020 due to COVID. But keep an eye on the website to see if they have reopened

At night, go to the famous Robot Restaurant for dinner, drinks, and an incredible Japanese show. It’s this crazy 90-minute show with lasers, dances, and… well, robots. Basically, it’s the most modern Japanese experience you can get. You have to purchase the admission ticket ahead of time, and I suggest booking it here through Klook since they provide the cheapest price: Book Robot Restaurant. If you go for the first showing (4 PM), the ticket is slightly cheaper.

Even though it’s a “restaurant”, I wouldn’t bother getting the bento (boxed set meal) there since there are better options for a meal around Shinjuku.

Tokyo Itinerary - Us + Robots in Shinjuku
Us + Robots in Shinjuku

3. Golden Gai

After the show, you can head over to Golden Gai for some nightlife. This area was super cool! It was filled with tiny bars with different themes, so you can easily bar hop to your heart’s content – provided you are fine that each bar will have a cover charge of $5-10.

While Tokyo is generally safe, but Golden Gai might be an area where you want to be a bit more alert as the area could be tourist trappy and you might run into unsavory crowds. They also do not like photos taken within the area of Golden Gai. A couple iPhone shots are probably okay, but definitely do not go there and snap photos with a camera gear.

If you are staying out late, keep in mind the last train in Tokyo is just before midnight so you have to make sure you are on the train platform by then. Or else you will have to fork out some cash for the taxi ride back home.

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

However, if nightlife is not your thing and you’re visiting Shinjuku during the day, then you can stop by Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful stroll. The park is just a short walk from Shinjuku station.

Shinjuku Gyoen is especially popular during the Sakura season in spring and Momiji season in the fall. There is an entry fee of 500 yen for every adult, but kids 15 and under can enter for free. If you ask me, it’s worth every cent! You can use your IC card to enter the park or buy a ticket at the entrance.

The park has great amenities – clean restrooms, vending machines with hot and cold drinks, plenty of food options, snacks, and even Starbucks inside the park.

Tokyo Itinerary: Shinjuku Gyoen
Autumn in Shinjuku Gyoen
Tokyo Itinerary: Shinjuku Gyoen
Japanese Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen

Where to eat/go in Shinjuku

  • Tatsukichi (maps). We went for dinner based on a local Tokyo friend’s recommendation. They were quite packed during dinner so be prepared to wait. It’s an omakase-style restaurant, meaning they will just keep serving you whatever they are cooking until you ask for the bill. Their specialty is Kushiage – deep-fried vegetable/meat skewers – and although it might seem daunting and unhealthy to eat fried food for a meal, I swear all of them were good, super crispy, and not overly oily. With each skewer, the chef will tell you which sauce to use. If I remember correctly, we each spent S$50 after 10-12 skewers and 2 whiskey highballs.
  • Tsukemen Gonokami (maps)
  • Tatsunoya Tsukemen
Tokyo Itinerary - Kushiage at Tatsukichi in Shinjuku, Tokyo
One of the deep-fried veggies at Tasukichi

Day 5: Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market, Ginza and Tokyo Station

1. Tsukiji and Toyosu Market

If you are a foodie like me, visiting the fish markets in Tokyo is a must. It’s not that they have the best sushi in Tokyo, but you can’t beat the atmosphere at the fish market. Fishermen arrive at the crack of dawn with their daily catch, and most importantly – the Tuna auction, where sushi tycoons have been known to bid crazy amounts of money for the best fish.

Tokyo Itinerary - Tsukiji Market after the crazy morning bustle
Tsukiji Market after the crazy morning bustle

The center of this fishermen’s activity used to be Tsukiji Market, but as of October 2018, the tuna viewing and the wholesale market have been moved to Toyosu Market. I have not been to Toyosu yet (I heard it’s massive, sterile-looking, and modern compared to the old Tsukiji), but I reckon it’s still worth visiting both since they are not far apart.

Take note that the market is closed on Sundays and Japanese public holidays, so check before you go. I tried to go during one of their public holidays and had to come back the next day.

Tokyo Itinerary - 16-piece sushi for breakfast? Why not!
16-piece sushi for breakfast? Why not! For the record, I finished them all by myself

It can be an intimidating experience to visit these markets on your own. It’s a massive and very fast-paced market and the fishermen don’t like it when tourists come into the market in the morning when they’re busy with their job. If you want to see the Tuna auction, you’ll have to come very early at 5 AM. You can then watch the auction from a corridor above.

I recommend checking out the sushi stalls at the market in Toyosu or Tsukiji Outer Market. In terms of where to get your sushi, I know some blogs would recommend one sushi stall over another (Sushi Dai is a huge crowd’s favorite), but if you’re like me and don’t want to queue then just pick a random stall with the shortest queue. I did exactly this and it turned out just fine. You can either order a sushi set or do an omakase set, where the chef will serve you whatever sushi they can make with the day’s ingredients.

After your sushi breakfast, you can then go inside the market to see what’s on offer and perhaps eat even more.

2. Visit teamLab Exhibitions: teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets

In the past decade, teamLab has established itself to be at the forefront of the digital interactive art scene. Their installations are always a delight to see and interact with. I’m lucky there is a permanent teamLab exhibition in Singapore, but I still made the time to check out their Tokyo exhibitions.

Tokyo Pass: The teamLab Planets is one of the attractions included in Tokyo Pass

teamlab Borderless - Forest of resonating lamps
teamLab Borderless – Forest of resonating lamps

There are two teamLab exhibitions in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets. teamLab Borderless was temporarily closed from 2022 to 2023, but has reopened by February 2024 in the new Azabudai Hills area. teamLab Planets is still open with plans to close it in 2027, after which it might close down to move to another location as well.

Buy tickets ahead: These exhibitions are very popular, so you will want to purchase tickets and book timeslots for visiting teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless ahead of time via Klook. It’s a direct QR code entry so you don’t need to buy tickets when you get there.

In terms of which one to visit – both of them share similar themes (interactive digital arts) but very different experiences. teamLab Borderless is probably more famous since they’re more visually appealing, but teamLab Planets are more interactive.

Tokyo with Kids - teamLab PLANETS
One of the exhibitions in teamLab Planets

Both exhibitions are time-based, meaning you need to book a time slot to visit. I suggest picking a time when it’s off hours if you want to avoid the crowd – try going early when they first open. Weekends or public holidays are definitely a no-go. I happened to be there during peak time and spent 40 minutes lining up outside.

Alternatively, teamLab Planets is one of the attractions included in the Tokyo Pass, so it is cheaper if you get the pass.

3. Ginza

Once done with the teamLab exhibition or the fish market, you can walk back in the direction of the train station and walk around Ginza for high-end shopping. For the lovers of Japanese clothing brands MUJI and Uniqlo, you’ll be happy to know that both Uniqlo and MUJI have their global flagship store located in Ginza, along with the famous MUJI hotel.

But if you want something a bit more historical, visit the Imperial Castle which is also nearby. Or, you could climb the Stairway of Success at Atago Shrine. Supposedly, the 86 steps represent the journey to success, and to this day, many would come to pray for their professional success at Atago Shrine.

4. Tokyo Station

You can also visit Tokyo Station, which is only one station away from Ginza. It’s weird to be visiting a station, I know, but the BASEMENT of Tokyo station is seriously a gem. There is Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo Character Street, and Tokyo Food Street.

What might be of interest to most people is probably Tokyo Character Street, where you can find beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Studio Ghibli characters, etc. Take note most of the character shops close by 8:30 PM.

Also, Tokyo Station is an excellent place for omiyage (gift) shopping for stuff you can bring back home, so it’s great to hit up on your last day.

Where to eat

  • Rokurinsha (maps) – This is located on the Ramen Street at Tokyo station. If you missed my description of Rokurinsha on Day 3, scroll up. I included it here again since it’s really a must-go for all foodies and it’s in the vicinity of this itinerary. You can also have this at Haneda Airport if you are flying out from there.
  • Onigiriya Marutoyo at Tsukiji Market (maps)

Short trips from Tokyo: Easy Day trips and excursions

What to mix up the Tokyo metropolitan city life with nature, temple visits, and countryside living? Good news for you! There are plenty of options that can be reached in just under 3 hours from Tokyo. These options are perfect for a short weekend trip, or even day trips for some of them.

You could visit Hakone, Nikko, Lake Kawaguchi, just to name a few.

➡️ Check it out: I’ve done a round-up of my recommended short-trip destinations from Tokyo here. You’ll find all the places I love that can be conveniently reached from Tokyo.

View of Mount Fuji from Arakuyama Sengen Park
View of Mount Fuji from Arakuyama Sengen Park

More things to do in Tokyo and places worth visiting

If you still have time to spend in Tokyo and wondering what else you can do, here are some of my recommendations for activities in Tokyo:

1. Take a Sunset Cruise around the Tokyo Bay

Symphony Cruise is a cruising company that runs multiple cruises around the Tokyo Bay. Starting from Hinode Pier, you’ll be able to take a 2-hour cruise while being served a 5-course fine dining meal. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Tokyo.

➡️ Dive deeper: Read my experience onboard their sunset cruise here

Tokyo Bay Cruise - The Symphony
Sunset Cruise around the Tokyo Bay

2. Go on a Ramen tour around Tokyo

You can’t come to Japan and not try ramen. If you’re a fan of this comforting noodle dish, definitely try this Tokyo Ramen Tour. I went on this tour during one of my visits to Tokyo. Although I’ve had plenty of ramen in my life, they were mostly Tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth). I learned a lot about other types of ramen from Frank’s tour.

My tip? Come with an empty stomach. Seriously, because you’ll be trying many different types of ramen during your visit – up to 6 bowls of tasting-portion ramen. I was so stuffed (but happy) by the time we were done with the tour.

➡️ Book Tokyo Ramen Tour here

3. Eat Onigiri from any Japanese Konbini (Convenience Store)

Convenience stores (called “Konbini” in Japanese) are an integral part of Japanese cities. The Konbini’s that can be commonly found in Japan are Family Mart (Famima for short), Lawsons, 7/11, and Daily Yamazaki.

My fondest memory of Japan has always been going into a Konbini first thing in the morning to see what Onigiri they have that day. Onigiri is this triangle-shaped rice wrapped in seaweed and stuffed with various fillings, perfect to eat as a snack on the go. My personal favorite is the salmon onigiri. There is something magical about the combination of salmon, rice, and seaweed.

Rows of neatly stacked Onigiri - my personal heaven
Rows of neatly stacked Onigiri – my personal heaven

4. The original Midori Sushi at Umegaoka

Eating sushi while you are in Japan is undeniably a must-do. While staying at an Airbnb apartment in Tokyo, I got to know one of my roommates, a Japanese guy who kindly offered to drive me to his favorite local sushi joint. It’s called Midori Sushi – they are famous for being affordable yet offering high-quality food.

Midori Sushi
Loooooooong tailed sushi at Midori sushi

They have a few branches in Tokyo, but the original one is at Umegaoka and is located in a very local residential area. They are famous for shaping their nigiri such that the meat topping forms this very long “tail”, much longer than normal.

5. Visit Studio Ghibli Museum

Any Japanese anime fan must visit the Studio Ghibli Museum. I went here on my very first visit to Tokyo as I am a huge fan. The museum is located in Mitaka – not too far away from Shibuya. At the studio, you can see their early sketches, watch a short animation, and buy some Ghibli merchandise. It’s a bit small though so I would say you only need to set aside 2 hours for this museum.

Visiting Studio Ghibli Museum as an English-speaking tourist has gotten easier over the years. A few years ago, you could only get tickets in person at a Lawson’s branch and the instructions were all in Japanese. Lucky for you, these days Studio Ghibli tickets can be booked online (and in English too).

You can read here for instructions on how to obtain a ticket, but you still have to book this a month in advance and book for a specific day and time slot.

And yes, Studio Ghibli is popular and tickets DO sell out a month in advance. If it has sold out online, you can try getting them as part of a tour here:

6. Shop Japanese Brands and a variety of stores

I love shopping for random goods while in Japan, especially for home goods. On my recent trip, I discovered LOFT at Shibuya and I was just blown away by the sheer amount of shopping you can do there! They sell everything and anything, from home goods, kitchen wares, stationeries, and clothing. Another similar shop is Tokyu Hands.

I also love checking out eclectic discount stores like Don Quijote and Daiso, guaranteed to be fun and easy on your wallet. They carry everything from snacks to home goods and skin care. Living in Singapore, we have a lot of Daiso and Donki stores, but the experience in Japan is still different.

If you like home goods, you might be interested to check out Nittori. They are like IKEA, but Japanese.

If you’re into shoes, you can’t miss ABC Mart, the best shop for kicks in Japan. They have regular ABC Mart, and ABC Mart Grandstage for more premium shoes. I bought some Nikes when I was in Tokyo – they are much cheaper than in Singapore.

And of course, you should check out the famous Japanese clothing brands like Uniqlo and MUJI, even if you have them in your home country. They are usually about 20% cheaper in Japan.

7. Visit the Lucky Cat temple in Gotokuji

Just a few stops away from Shinjuku, you can find a lovely neighborhood called Gotokuji, where you can find cat-themed items and pastries, as well as a temple filled with Maneki Neko figurines.

Read about my visit to Gotokuji Temple here

Maneki Neko at Gotokuji Temple
Maneki Neko at Gotokuji Temple

And even more places to visit

STILL looking for more places in Japan? Here are some of my Japan articles you might be interested in:

📌 Pin this post: This was a very long post. Click any of the images below to pin it to your pinterest board

First Time in Tokyo? The Complete Tokyo Travel Guide and Itinerary
First Time in Tokyo? The Complete Tokyo Travel Guide and Itinerary
First Time in Tokyo? The Complete Tokyo Travel Guide and Itinerary

Alright, that was super long.

If you end up doing any of my itineraries, please leave a comment below and let me know how it went!

Also, if there is any information you want to know about visiting Tokyo, please do not hesitate to ask in the comments section below and I’ll try to answer them as fast as I can. I want your first visit to Tokyo to be as magical as possible.

Until next time 👋🏻

Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written loads about the beautiful country. Check out the ‘Japan’ category of this blog for some travel inspiration.

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Filed under: Best Of, City Guides, Japan, Tokyo

Written by Melissa

Hi there! 👋🏻 I'm the "Girl" in Girl Eat World. I love eating, traveling and sharing my travel experiences in this blog. During the day, I work as a designer in tech. More about me →

122 Comments

  1. Kristin Saastad says

    Hi Melissa,
    Im just planning a trip to Tokyo. Ive loved reading your recomendations and all the useful informations you have provided.
    Im still very confussed on what trein pass I should buy. WE are planning a couple of days in Kyoto so I thought the JR rail pass would be smart. But travelling in Tokyo I understand they onky run a few trains. Should i get the additional IC card?
    Thank you

    • Melissa says

      Hey Kristin, yes I do recommend the IC Card since Tokyo Metro is more prevalent in Tokyo. If you have an iPhone, you can easily use the virtual IC Card via the wallet app and don’t need a physical IC Card. I have some tips here: https://girleatworld.net/virtual-ic-card-japan/

      If not, you can try to get a physical IC Card when you’re in Japan, but there is a shortage in Tokyo. I recommend seeing if you can get an ICOCA card in Osaka or Kyoto.

  2. Angela says

    Hi Melissa,

    Thank you for this extensive list! The 16-piece breakfast sushi you ate at Tsukiji looks incredible — do you happen to remember where this was?

    Thank you in advance!!

    • Melissa says

      Hey Angela, I honestly don’t remember :/ I just went to a random place at Tsukiji! But If you’re interested in a sushi platter like that, it’s very common.

  3. Hi Melissa, your post is really an enlightening read and made me relook at my plan for the 100000th time.
    I’d like your comment on my itinerary. I’m travelling with my husband and 3 kids 7, 11 and 13yo this coming late Feb – early March.
    Day 1- Arrive in Tokyo at noon. Stay at Shinjuku. Visit Shinjuku Gyoen
    Day 2- Sanrio Puroland, Ikebukuro
    Day 3- Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko with private tour
    Day 4- Travel to Osaka via JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (Tokyo-Kanazawa-Osaka). Arrive by noon. Start 1.5 days Universal Studios pass.
    Day 5- Whole day Universal Studios
    Day 6- Travel back to Tokyo via JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. Arrive around 3pm. Stay at Asakusa. Sunset at Tokyo Skytree.
    Day 7- Kimono experience to Sensoji Temple, UENO PARK & National Museum of Nature and Science
    Day 8- Tsukiji Fish Market, Teamlabs planet, Ginza
    Day 9- Travel back to KL

    We’re planning to get the Klook Greater Tokyo pass for most of the attractions, 72hr subway pass, and of course the 1.5 day USJ pass also from Klook.
    Question:
    1. Do I still need to purchase a Welcome Suica?
    2. I’ve done the math and I found that it’s cheaper to travel to Osaka and return to Tokyo via Hokuriku Arch Pass. But somehow i feel that we’re wasting time on the train with super early morning timing and not making full use of the pass by not going to at least Nagano for some powder action, or at least a short sightseeing around Kanazawa. Is there, any options cheaper and faster (longshot question here)?. Have you ever gone this route?

    It’s our first time to Japan! I’d really appreciate your insight. Thanks in advance!

    • Melissa says

      Hey Zaza
      1. You don’t need a welcome suica if you have iPhone, bc you can just use the wallet app and add Suica there: https://girleatworld.net/virtual-ic-card-japan/ But if you dont use iPhone then yes you need suica card for the local travel within the city. Otherwise you’ll have to get a ticket for each travel. For your kids i think they can get kids Suica card at the station, You should try that since kids travel for less.
      2. It is indeed a waste to not go to other parts of Japan, but given your itinerary is already packed, I am not sure how you’ll be able to fit more in. You will have to sacrifice some time in Tokyo.

  4. Inday says

    Hello Melissa,

    My dad and I are visiting Japan for the first time. We are staying in Osaka because we are exploring mainly the Kansai region; however, we have an 8-hour layover in HND from about 5AM to 1:30PM on a Tuesday. What would you recommend us see or visit during our layover? Thank you!

    P.S. Thank you so much for your blog posts! I have only read the Osaka Itinerary one because so far that is only what I really need, but I am sure they are all helpful!

    • Melissa says

      Hey Inday, lucky Haneda is so close to the city! I would head to Tsukiji outer market for a sushi breakfast. Its only 30 mins by train. If you want the real fish market though, it’s been moved to Toyosu which isnt too far from Tsukiji as well. After, if you still have time you can stroll around Ginza then head back to Haneda

  5. Helen McGahan says

    Thanks, Melissa for your amazing blog. We are going to Japan soon and will spend 4 nights in Tokyo, 2 nights in Kyoto and another 3 nights in Tokyo. Should we invest in a 7 day JR Pass or buy return bullet train tickets to Kyoto and use the local trains when in Tokyo? Your advice is greatly appreciated. We are really only there to eat! Thanks

    • Melissa says

      Hey, if you’re only going to Tokyo and Kyoto then JR Pass is not worth it. Just get the return ticket and use IC card for the local trains.

  6. Melissa says

    Great informative blog Melissa! I’m going to Japan next month for the first time and this will be so helpful. We will be in Tokyo for 4 days, staying in the Shinjuku area, so your tips will be perfect. My daughter is pescatarian so wondering if you have any more vegetarian tips for where to eat? Also, have you written any blogs about Kyoto?

    • Melissa says

      Re: vegetarian, unfortunately I am
      not one so I only have the one restaurant I’ve gone to (which is included in this blog post), However if my understanding of pescatarian is that she eats fish, then she would be fine in most restaurant. The most common animal product that I tell my vegetarian friends to watch out for is bonito, which are fish flakes and used in broth often. I assume your daughter will not have such issues?

  7. marvs_travel says

    Hi Melissa,
    This is a great article that I might try to do on our first visit in Japan. I will be travelling with my wife and 2 kids and we’ll add a 2 day in Disneyland/Disneysea. I was wondering if you stayed in one place during all your days. Which city would you suggest if we have to add our disneyland days? thanks!

    • Melissa says

      Hi Marvs, I just stayed at my original accommodation. Disney is pretty easy to get to via a train, so I don’t think you need to change.. I imagine it would be difficult to change accommodation with 2 kids. The best thing would be to stay at the Disney resort itself, but if you aren’t keen then the next best thing is to stay close to Maihama station, which takes you to Disneyland. I’ll add some recommended hotels in my Disneyland post 🙂

      • marvs_travel says

        Hi Melissa,
        Thank you so much for the info. I’ll read your Disneyland post to get more ideas. btw, I know I will be buying a lot of stuffs to take back home, but I would like to buy heavy on my last day. Which on the 5 days/location you suggest we do last so we can take a lot of shopping before we head back home? thanks!

        • Melissa says

          Hey marvs, I would do either Day 4 (Shinjuku) or Day 5 since it is lighter in travel. Also, Ginza is a shopping district. The MUJI and Uniqlo store in Ginza is the flagship in Tokyo. So just depends what you want to get!

  8. Thanks for all your great ideas – looking forward to our first time in Japan next spring.
    By the way, they say on the teamLab website that “planets” has been extended to the end of 2027 due to popular demand. 🙂

  9. Nicholas says

    Way too many exclamation points! I’m only on day 2 of the itinerary, and I’m exhausted by them already!!

  10. Val Jimenez says

    Your articles about Tokyo are super helpful for a Tokyo first timer. We’ll be traveling in November and I’m trying to read as much as I can to try and familiarize myself with Tokyo, Your articles are such a great help.

    Do you have any article about going for a day tour to see Mt. Fuji (not climb it)? It will be a big help!

    Thanks again.

  11. Maya L says

    Hi Melissa!

    I’m planning a trip for my two friends and I this summer to Tokyo and this was super helpful!
    Thank you so much for making everything so concise and detailed, your hard work really goes a long way, especially with first-time Tokyo travelers.

  12. Agatha Kenar says

    Hey there

    My son is heading to Tokyo

    I see that you can buy JR passes in person @ certain locations

    And was told our att phone will work ($15 a day)

    Am I wrong?

    Also the market you mention above has moved and been renamed … it’s now Toyosu market

  13. Faru Toba says

    HI melissa, thanks for sharing your trip, i’m so amazed with Japan and the culture and i have a plan to visit there, reading your post really help me alot 🙂

  14. João says

    Meu sonho é fazer esta viagem parabéns pelo conteúdo aqui João Brasil 🇧🇷

  15. Katrine says

    Hi Melissa

    Thank you so much for awesome blog and best content about Japan country, it is interesting and informative article, we really enjoyed so much your blog, we loved so much Japan food and we don’t forget the taste of sushi, we will be back again to Japan next year, and we wanted to visit other parts of this beautiful country.

    • Lucas says

      You definitely had an awesome time in Japan. I always hope one day, my family and I can go there so we can enjoy its wonders.

  16. Shanta Sharma says

    Hi Melissa, my official trip is scheduled for 19th September, 21 for Japan, hopefully, it will work as planned. Could you suggest some Indian restaurants (if familiar) in Shinjuku (Tokyo). Thanks in advance.

  17. Alisha says

    This is one the best article i have ever seen in my life you are inspiration for youth keep continue these type of articles thank you.

  18. John Hughs says

    Great list Melissa, hopefully Covid / Corona is cured soon so people can get back to traveling and experiencing places like Tokyo!

  19. Rohan Gillett says

    What a great article! As an old-timer in Tokyo (getting up to thirty years) I think travellers will find this article extremely helpful (and very accurate!).

  20. Kevin says

    Hi mell,
    I like your itinerary, :D.
    and I’m going to japan for the first time in april 2020.

    can u advise about :
    1. itinerary at osaka in 1 day? is it possible if I go to kyoto and kobe in 1 day?

    2. If I wanna go to Tokyo, but I’m using night bus from osaka, can u tell me how? specially from USJ.

    Thank you 😀

    • Gina Lim says

      Hi mel,
      Appreciate your advice if I spend 9 days 8 nights at Tokyo, going to hitachi seaside, mount Fuji, ashikaya wisteria park and Nikko next year May 20 , I will just need to buy suica card for my transportation only right? My round trip as airport is haneda. Thanks .

      • Melissa Hie says

        Suica is normally good for local transport only. It cant be used on express trains so when you go to Hitachi, Nikko, Mount Fuji, etc you might need to get a separate train tickets for those. Take a look at JR Pass and see if it makes sense for you.

  21. Debbie says

    Hii Mel,

    I really enjoyed reading your Japan itinerary.

    I will be flying to Japan in March2020 for the first time.. 😅

    Questions to you:

    1. Our flight will be arrive 1am midnight, will it be any transportation to the hotel? (2 adults & 2 kids – 9 & 13 years old) destination maybe to SHinagawa or Shimbashi ?

    2. My japanesse friend suggested to find a hotel somewhere Shimbashi or Shinagawa, do u think they are far away from the city ?

    3. We have 11 days in Japan, and i know the JR Pass is so expensive, do u think we should stay in Tokyo & surrounds (will go to Disneyland for sure )or should we go out of town ? Hiroshima etc..

    4. Money wise, should we get the travel money as well ? i heard they dont accept many Credit card.

    Thanking you in advance 😘

    • Melissa Hie says

      1. Which airport are you flying into? Haneda or Narita? In any case, you might need to pre-book a private transfer (I have a link above) since all trains would have stopped by then. It’s worth it since you are traveling in a large group. From Haneda there are some late night buses: http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/access/bus.html but they come very sporadically

      2. I have stayed in Shinagawa. It’s convenient if you are close to Shinagawa station and if you are flying out of Haneda later on (only 20 mins by train). Shimbashi is also a great option as it is in the middle of most things.

      3. Most people do Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto so you should look into that for first time visit. I’d save Hiroshima for a second visit. I have a blog post on Osaka and Kyoto too!
      https://girleatworld.net/osaka-itinerary-japan/
      If you want to save on JR, then I’d check out cities around Tokyo like Hakone (for a chance to view Mount Fuji) or Nikko (temples and UNESCO heritage area). You only need 5-7 days to explore Tokyo.

      4. Yeah certain places are cash only but if you stay within Tokyo, you’ll find credit card accepted in most places (convenient store, hotes, etc). I’d get some cash ready, probably about 2,000-3,000 yen per person per day. Definitely check your bank and options to withdraw ATM since you probably don’t want to be traveling with that much money for 11 days.

  22. Lauren says

    The most helpful write-up I’ve seen while researching for my trip. Thank you so much!

  23. As of 9/9/2019, it looks like none of the rail links from NrT to Tokyo are running or will be running for several days.
    Any suggestions how I can get into town-Ueno area?
    Thanks

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Tim, is this due to the typhoon? If so, you’ll have to follow what the officials say on ground – they will know best.

  24. Loren says

    Thank you Melissa for your helpful blog. I have traveled extensively on my own and this helps.

    In November I will be in Tokyo for 5 days on my own. I lived there as a child.

    1) Can you recommend a few ryokans or mid price small hotels in a few of the areas that are convenient for first time visitors? Not too noisy?

    I would like to stay in an area with local stores and restaurants and away from steel, concrete, and high rises.

    2) Is it best to stay near a station on the Yamanote Line?

    Thank you!! Loren

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Loren, so glad a veteran traveler found this useful!

      1. For Ryokan, I don’t know many in Tokyo itself but if you go to Hakone and Nikko, there are plenty. I have a little blurb on Hakone in this post. If you like quiet area, I suggest checking out Shimokitazawa or Daikanyama. They are quiet but still close enough to central Tokyo.

      2. It’s not really necessary, Tokyo is so well connected that you won’t have too much trouble with commute, as long as you stay near a train station. One might be more convenient than others but for a 5 day trip it shouldn’t make too much difference.

  25. Maddy says

    Hi there!
    I’m traveling to Tokyo in about a week for a five day stay. I plan to follow the itinerary you posted as much as I can.

    1). What is the best way to get from Narita airport (terminal 3) to my hotel in Shinjuku? Do I take the Keisei Skyliner, and transfer at Nippori for a local JR line train to Shinjuku Station? Should I buy a round-trip Keisei Skyliner ticket so that I can use this same way on my return to Narita at the end of my trip?

    2). I’ll be in Tokyo for nearly my entire stay. Is there a 5 day JR line pass I can buy?

    Thanks in advance 🤗

    Maddy

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Maddy,

      1. Keisei Skyliner is the cheapest way to get to city, so yes you can take it to Nippori then transfer to local line to Shinjuku (20 mins) The other option is Narita Express, which takes you to Tokyo station and you can take the local line to Shinjuku for shorter time (13 mins), but it costs more. I personally would take the Skyliner.

      2. If you are just staying in Tokyo, you don’t need a JR Pass. Just buy the SUICA card for train transfers.

      • Maddy says

        Thanks for the tips. I think I will use the Skyliner as you suggested. Some follow-up questions:

        1). Should I buy this ahead of my trip and go to the Skyliner counter when I arrive for the actual pass? I hope the counter is open when I arrive around 6:30 am.

        2). Should I buy/book my return Skyliner ticket ahead of time?

        3). About the SUICA card, is it advisable to buy this at Narita airport upon my arrival or ahead of time?

        4). Is there a 5-day SUICA pass or do I just top up as my balance runs low?

        Thanks again!

        Maddy

        • Melissa Hie says

          Hey Maddy,
          1. Buying ahead of time is cheaper so do that if you can. A voucher will be emailed to you right away and you can redeem from Skyliner ticket counter when you reach Narita. However, the counter is only open from 7AM onward. Assuming you have to go through immigration etc then you might just get to the counter right when they open.
          2. That depends on your flexibility. I see the ticket is not sold as round trip package so you could just buy them later if you arent sure.
          3. You can do both. Buying ahead of time saves you a little bit of money
          4. I usually just top up as I go, I find this the easiest and fuss free. There are some passes that has unlimited pass, but as I mentioned in my post Japan runs on multiple different train companies, and the unlimited passes only work on certain lines.

  26. nisa says

    Melissa god bless you. Thanks a lot for creating such a simple & straight forward content. Its easy to understand. I love it and i love you! haha thanks alot.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment, Nisa!! Enjoy Japan

  27. Ida says

    Hi Melissa!

    Greetings from Denmark – we love your Tokyo guide and are very excited about going to Japan in about 3 weeks time.
    We have one question regarding the JR pass which we can´t seem to figure out:

    We are primarily staying in Tokyo for a few days but are then travelling TO Kyoto – and BACK when we catch the flight home. And PERHAPS we will do a day-trip outside Tokyo, depends.
    So we a getting the SUICA card – but what about the JR pass, since it´s only back and forth between Tokyo and Kyoto and eventually 1-day trip???
    What do you recommend?

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Ida,

      A 7-day JR Pass costs about the same as regular round trip tickets for Tokyo – Kyoto, so its worth to get in my opinion. You can use it for the local JR trains too when you are in Tokyo and Kyoto, so it would save you some money instead of using SUICA balance. Each trip cost about 260-300 yen (depending on distance), and in my experience I use the train 3-4 times a day so that adds up to about 900-1200 yen a day. See this page for the price of Tokyo-Kyoto train: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html

      If you are in Japan longer than 7 days and you are getting the 7-day JR Pass, just make sure you don’t activate / use the JR pass until 7 days before you get on the train back to Tokyo – basically you need the JR pass to still be active for when you go to Tokyo->Kyoto and Kyoto->Tokyo.

      Hope that helps!!

      • Ida says

        THANKS a lot! That was very helpful – we´ll purchase the JR tickets then and take care not to activate them too soon! 😀

  28. Kathleen says

    My husband and I visited Japan in January 2019. We are frequent travelers, but this was our first time there. We found ourselves referencing your various travel itineraries repeatedly throughout our trip (including your Tokyo and Osaka itineraries). Your transit tips were very helpful and we found we couldn’t go wrong when following your food recommendations (including suggesting we check out danielfooddiary.com). Definitely helped to make the trip amazing! And we were really glad to see you back in Japan again recently as we’re already planning a return trip and will definitely check out your updated info. Thanks for the awesome tips!

    • Melissa Hie says

      thank you so much for your kind words Kathleen! comments like yours are what keeps me motivated to maintain this blog. thank you for taking the time to come back and write this ❤️

  29. Mary says

    Hi, we are group of 5, will travel to narita by next week, and had a booking at narita airport hostel. Could you have any recommendations or suggestions for us.. which place is best to see near or around narita. Its our first time to go to Japan and your blog was really helpful.
    Thank you so much

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Mary, glad to hear the post is helpful! Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Narita area. I hope you’ll be going into the city?

    • Khristian says

      Narita San Temple and the awesome windy road that is directly Infront of the the temple is amazing to visit. Lots of shops and restaurants. I always go to this temple when I fly into Japan before heading out to Tokyo. The temple is very big and a local friend of mine said that’s where his highschool graduation took place.

  30. Hilda says

    Great post! And informative. If I may add something here, I would say it is definitely possible for you to buy Japan SIM at the airport – Mobal offers affordable phone plans and English support. I would also recommend visiting Shibamata, an old quarter where “it’s tough being a man” was filmed – you need to change a lot of trains to get there if you are staying in central Tokyo or the West of Tokyo, but you may love the good and old days’ ambience there.

  31. Sasha says

    Hi Melissa! Great post. Very helpful as I’ll be heading to Japan for 3 weeks later this month. We’ve already purchased and picked up a 21-day JR pass, but I’m wondering if we also have to purchase extra passes like the Hakone-Kamakura pass you mentioned? (Both of those places are on our itinerary) If so, where can these be purchased and does it have to be outside of Japan?

    Thanks!

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Sasha,

      The JR pass can only cover the journey up to Odawara station, after which it switches to Odakyu line, which is why I recommend getting the Hakone pass as it offers discounts on the journey from Odawara to Hakone (or straight from Tokyo). I bought the pass in Japan, but it might be cheaper to buy through Klook link I have above. This pass does not have to be bought from outside of Japan. Find info about Hakone-Kamakura pass here – It has info about their office in Shinjuku

  32. Aastha Sahni says

    This detailed post is very helpful. I am travelling from 9th until 21st April to Tokyo. My husband will be woking so I will be mostly on my own. Please recommend anything you want as i am going to stay for 2 weeks.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Aastha, you are going to have so much fun! Perhaps you can look into day trips to nearby Tokyo, such as Hakone, Yokohama, and Kamakura. I also recommend exploring the lesser known neighborhoods such as Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Ebisu, and Shimokitazawa. I have a quick write up on Daikanyama here: https://girleatworld.net/daikanyama-tokyo-guide/

      You can also look into Tokyo Disneyland trip if that’s something that interests you.

  33. Richard says

    Does the JR pass include the cities we are visiting..
    Dor it includes Haneda airport to Chiba when we arrive from Bangkok..

    • Melissa Hie says

      Tokyo to Hamamatsu – Yes
      Hamamatsu to Kyoto – Yes
      Kyoto to Tokyo – Yes

      Haneda to Chiba you need to look it up yourself. I think it does not.

  34. Richard says

    family of 3 traveling from Tokyo to Hakone to Hammamatsu to Kyoto then back to Tokyo, over 10 days.. is the JR pass feasible..?
    Does JR pass cover transport from Haneda airport to hotel nearby Disney, this is when we first arrive.. Thanks.. Richard

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Richard, it’s hard to say since it depends on how long you plan to stay in Kyoto. In general, most of the savings of JR pass comes from the city to city bullet train so I feel it would be good for your Kyoto – Hamamatsu – Tokyo transfers, but you need to compare the actual price difference depending on your plan.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Richard, I think it only covers part of the way. You can use your JR Pass to reach Odawara, then from there Hakone can be reached by private Odakyu line, which is not part of JR.

  35. vivian chin says

    HI, good day to you

    We are 4 adult will be travelling to Tokyo this mid May 2019. my questions as below:-
    Any hotels receommand (transfer from Haneda Airport around 12am mid night to shinjuku bus terminal or Tokyo City Air Terminal for us with some luggages

  36. Eyelett says

    Hi thank you for your post. Our family of four (kids 11 and 15) will be visitng Tokyo for the first time this coming May. We saw lots of affordable hotels in Ueno (3 min by foot from JR Ueno Station) that are new and spacious. Do you suggest this is a good base area for our 6 days? We are only planning to tour around Tokyo. I read somewhere that we might be wasting our time in transportation getting around the city (as opposed to staying in areas like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station or Shibuya.

    Also for 6 days in Tokyo, can we just use Pasmo or Suica card in getting around the city? There is also a 3 day Tokyo city pass???

    Thank you so much!

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Eyelett, Ueno is not too bad – if you don’t mind the 30 mins train ride to Shibuya and Shinjuku. Are you planning to spend many of your days there? There are things to see near Ueno too, like Akihabara and Asakusa.

      For the 3 day pass, can you link me to the pass? You have to be careful bc sometimes they only include certain lines and does not include JR, which you’ll want if you’re staying near JR Ueno. If they don’t include JR then you’ll still need to pay with Pasmo/Suica. It’s usually around 260-320 yen per ride.

        • Melissa Hie says

          Hey Eyelett, that 3-day pass is only valid on Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. These are different than JR. That said, if you are planning to travel a lot by train in the first 3 days then I think it’s still worth getting. Each ride on Toei/Metro line is usually 200 yen so to make it worth it you just need to ride it at least 3 times a day.

          Then, if you need to take a JR line then you can pay for it individually by either buying tickets each time at the ticket counter or use Suica.

          For JR passes, these are only worth it if you are planning to get out of Tokyo since the savings are in the fact that you can take the longer ride bullet train between cities.

  37. Ada Tash says

    Hi Melissa

    Love your post! Thanks so much 🙂

    Have a few questions for you :
    1. Any suggested apps to download prior to trip?
    2. Based on your blog post, you suggested to buy these beforehand: 1) JR Pass 2) Suica pass 3) Prepaid Sim / Router… did I miss anything else?
    3. Did you go to Disneyland Tokyo during any of your trips? Any tips to share?
    4. If we arrive Haneda Airport late and trains may have stopped running by then, would taxi be the only option to get into Tokyo?

    Thanks again! Look forward to hear back from you x

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Ada
      1) Definitely download a google translate pack for Japanese, just in case
      2) yup, those should be good. I also suggest booking in advance if you want to visit Ghibli museum as they have limited tickets. And the Tokyo Disneyland ticket since you have to print those out in advance.
      3) Not yet 🙁 It’s still in my to-do list! I have heard you should just buy directly from the Disney website though since it allows direct entry and you won’t have to pick up the ticket elsewhere. But you still have to print out the ticket no matter where you buy it from.
      4) There is a night bus from Haneda to certain areas of Tokyo, but the coverage is very limited – click here for more information. Aside of this yeah you have to take the taxi I suppose – it won’t be cheap.

  38. Ah Zul says

    Dear Melissa,

    Thank you for your advise, I am first time to Tokyo for Rugby World Cup 2019 in October.
    1) For accommodation, any suggestion place to stay for 2 adults + 1 child?
    2) Can you suggest place to visit in Osaka? How many days require?

    Best regards,
    Ah Zul

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hi Ah Zul!

      1) Since you are a family, I would recommend looking through Airbnb for a one-bedroom apartment. This would be pretty small, but perfect for your family because you won’t have to share. Just make sure it’s close to a train station so you can get around easily.
      2) For osaka, I have an entire blog post on it! https://girleatworld.net/things-to-do-in-osaka/ I recommend at least 3 days in Osaka.

  39. AutumnVibes says

    Hi!! I was planning to go to Japan in the middle of September (sept 16 – 30th). I was wondering if it would still be hot summer weather or if it would have already cooled down for the Autumn. Great post by the way and very easy to understand 😀

    • Melissa Hie says

      September will be pleasant weather. Probably just need a light jacket for night time. enjoy!!

  40. QURAT UL AIN ANSARI says

    Hi Melissa,

    Thank you for writing a long and detailed blog. It is so helpful. We are planning to go in March mid during sakura season for the first time. I have 2 questions if you could help:

    1) Will it be cold or hot during Cherry Blossom season? Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?

    2) Are local train station included in JR rail pass? Specially in shinjuku area? I read its huge.

    Best,
    Qurat ul ain

  41. Putu Artayasa says

    Dear Melissa,

    Thank you for your advise, I ll change the schedule as per your advise, as I am first time to Tokyo and with the kids do you recommend that I am going to pick the local city tour at our arrival? thanks.

    Best regards,
    Putu

    • Melissa Hie says

      I think Japan is pretty easy to do by yourself – why don’t you try first and see how it goes? If you need a tour then you can book on the second day

  42. Francesca says

    Hello we are going for a 30th Birthday is there anywhere you would recommend going for dinner for a special occasion? Also how much spending money do you think you need a day?
    Look forward to hearing back
    Francesca

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Francesca! Happy birthday to the person celebrating. For daily allowance, I recommend having about $10-20 per meal and about $4-8 for transportation. As for 30th birthday recommendation, try walking around Daikanyama area (https://girleatworld.net/daikanyama-tokyo-guide/) there are lots of nice restaurants you can try there. You can also try Zauo, a restaurant in Shibuya where you can fish for your own meal.

  43. Putu Artayasa says

    Dear Author,

    Thank you for your awesome testimony particularly for the first time traveler go to Japan, may your recommendation and advise to me if we go with family, wife and two kids of 10 and 12 years old.

    Best regards,
    Putu

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hi Putu, I think the above itinerary can still work for a family. Just make sure your kids are prepared to walk a lot! You might also want to check out disney sea in Tokyo.

      • Putu Artayasa says

        Hi Melissa Hie,

        Thank you for your reply, my last query is beginning of July this year a convenient weather in Tokyo? As this the kids holiday in Indonesia.

        Thanks and regards,
        Putu

  44. Loved your post. Just got back from a 10 day stay in Tokyo and I am in love with it!! We did everything on your list and some. Just wanted to update you on the Golden Dai area: Most of the little bars have cover charges between $5-10 so it didn’t make it convenient to go bar hopping. We just picked one and stayed the night…. it was great but would have enjoyed see each bar since they are unique to the owner.
    We would like to go back and visit more of the county side and the Cherry Blossom festival!

    • Melissa Hie says

      Hey Kris! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave this comment. I’ll update the post with your information 🙂 (dunno how I could have forgotten that!) is there anything else I can do better?

  45. Zebeth says

    Thank you soooo much for this!! It’s so nice that you grouped activities based on location. It’s gonna make it much easier to see all I want to see. Wish more bloggers did this.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Thank you Zebeth! That was what I was thinking when I was visiting Tokyo, since I had limited time. So I made this guide 😀

  46. travelgasm says

    Enjoyed your Tokyo itinerary! Impressed that you made it to Shimokitazawa. It’s a great neighborhood and doesn’t show up on many “first time visitor” itineraries. You always can tell the difference between an itinerary from someone who spent a few days in Tokyo and someone like you who has visited several times for work and holiday alike.

    On your next visit to Tokyo, you might also enjoy Jimbocho. It receives even fewer visitors than Shimokitazawa, but likewise is a great place to explore.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Thank you for stopping by! I feel Shimokita is getting more and more popular these days, I guess because it was featured in Vogue as one of Coolest Neighborhoods in the world. But yeah, it’s definitely more low-key. I personally made it there due to a friend’s recommendation and I ended up loving it so much that I had to include it here 😀

      Definitely will keep Jimbocho in mind for my next Tokyo trip. I love how your blog recommends not-so-common things to do around the world too!

      • travelgasm says

        You’re quite welcome! Wasn’t aware of the Vogue mention for Shimokitazawa, but that is the kind of mention that will raise its profile, no doubt.

        Thank you for the kind words about travelgasm, as well!

  47. Opster says

    Thank you for this post, it helped me out alot in planning my stay here in Tokyo and I managed to do everything I wanted :). My favourite places to eat were definitely Hiroki (they actually had an english menu too) and Asakusa were I tried tons of the little snacks (agemanju was delicious)

  48. Lexanthi says

    I loved your post and all you colourful pictures! I was actually thinking of visiting Japan next but I was wondering which periods of the year you think are the best to visit? Also, could you let me know which camera do you normally use? Xxxxx Cheers!

    • Melissa Hie says

      Definitely March to April for Sakura (you can check out my Sakura post! :D) or November for the fall foliage (blog post coming soon). Avoid Summer as it’s usually hot and humid. I usually just use my iPhone to take picture – I’m not very fancy 🙂

  49. Artdiva says

    I agree with you that Tokyo is very safe for solo travelers. I was there alone and I enjoyed it. 3 days in Tokyo isn’t enough *sigh*

    • Melissa Hie says

      definitely not. I think 5 days is ideal, 4 is pushing it. Such an amazing city!

  50. ohimebento says

    Bless you, I swear. Thanks for this! If I ever blog about my Japan experience next year I’ll definitely credit your for a few of these things.

    • Melissa Hie says

      Thanks Nana, let me know if you do use the itineraries and if you have any feedback

  51. merveilletravel says

    Omg I am going to Tokyo for a Working Holiday in December and I am sooo excited! Your post couldn’t have had a better timing <3

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