3-5 Day Urged Itinerary for 2024

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

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

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

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

It’s additionally one of many largest cities on this planet, residence to nearly 14 million individuals (nearly 40 million in the event you rely the metropolitan space). Not surprisingly, there are various nooks and crannies to discover on this metropolis that seamlessly weave centuries-old Japanese traditions with trendy expertise. (So don’t rush your go to. You’re by no means going to see all of it anyway, so don’t attempt!)

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Be aware: There’s rather a lot listed for this present day. Because you’re more likely to get up tremendous early due to jet lag, you possibly can match all of it in. You won’t wish to, although. Possibly you want a day nap!)

Roam the Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
In 2018, Tokyo’s predominant fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the scale of the outdated one, Tsukiji, making it the most important on this planet. Whereas loads of good eating places moved too (Sushi Dai being probably the most well-known), I discover the place itself very stale, since you possibly can now not wander the ground (you look down through a walkway above; you additionally want a customer’s go to enter).

The outdated outer market in Tsukiji continues to be nice although, and you may nonetheless discover meals and shops there too.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

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

Immerse your self at teamLab Planets
This actually enjoyable and quirky digital artwork set up is a multisensory and immersive expertise by which you develop into a part of the art work, strolling barefoot by the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you work together with the installations. It takes an hour or so to undergo. teamLab is sort of in style and usually sells out not less than a number of days prematurely, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

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

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

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

Scale the Tokyo Tower
In-built 1957 and resembling the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is taller (at 333 meters/1,092 ft) than its European model and made completely of metal. It was town’s tallest construction till the “Skytree” was inbuilt 2010. You may pay to go all the way in which to the highest ground to soak up the view, however frankly, the principle commentary deck affords one which’s simply pretty much as good.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 2

Take a look at Asakusa
If you wish to see a few of Tokyo’s historic spiritual websites, spend a while wandering round Asakusa. Simply begin as early as you possibly can to keep away from the crowds (particularly in the event you plan on taking photographs). These are two locations to not be missed:

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

Discover Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is a stunning spot to spend the day. Varied stalls and distributors promote snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are normally cultural occasions or festivals showcasing conventional arts, music, and dance. Throughout cherry blossom season, the park is stuffed with individuals picnicking and admiring the 1000’s of timber. The park can be residence to a few of Tokyo’s greatest museums:

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

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

Bathe in a sento
A sento is a conventional public bathhouse, sometimes separated by gender. The Japanese should not shy, so that you’ll must be snug with nudity! A budget-friendly sento will price you below 1,000 JPY. Simply notice that tattoos might be frowned upon and also you is likely to be required to cowl them up.

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

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

Stroll by Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
This beautiful park is over 144 acres and residential to some 20,000 timber. A lot of the unique park was destroyed in World Battle II through the air raids, but it surely was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it’s among the finest areas to see cherry blossoms. I really like the normal panorama backyard, which has a number of ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceable little oasis inside the hustle and bustle.

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

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

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

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

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

Take pleasure in conventional Japanese theater
Kabuki is a conventional type of theater involving dance and drama. The costumes and make-up are closely stylized, making for a really visible efficiency. The Kabuki-za, situated in Ginza, is the perfect venue by which to see one in every of these unbelievable shows. Simply remember that performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held nearly day by day. Verify the web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Anticipate to pay not less than 4,000 JPY in the event you e book prematurely. You may typically arrive the day of and get last-minute tickets for cheaper, nonetheless.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behold Mount Fuji
Positioned simply over an hour from Tokyo and standing at a formidable 3,776 meters (12,389 ft), Mount Fuji is without doubt one of the most iconic views within the nation. Additionally it is an energetic stratovolcano (it final erupted in 1708) and one of many Three Holy Mountains of Japan. Coated in snow for nearly half of the yr, it’s each a Particular Place of Scenic Magnificence and a UNESCO Cultural Website. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend wherever from 5 to 12 hours reaching the summit. Historically, hikers depart at evening to reach on the prime for the dawn.

If you happen to don’t wish to hike to the height, you possibly can merely go to on a day journey. There are buses that may take you partway up, from which you’ll be provided sweeping vistas of the encircling space. Guided day excursions from town price round 12,000 JPY.

Go to the Ghibli Museum
If you happen to’re a fan of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (which incorporates movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Shifting Fortress, and Princess Mononoke), then you definitely’ll wish to take a look at this superb exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive expertise that any movie buff will admire. There may be additionally a brand new quick movie each month, solely out there to guests. The museum gained’t take up an entire day, but it surely’s not in a really central location, so that you’ll have to plan accordingly.

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 5

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

Admire the Nationwide Artwork Heart
Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t even have a everlasting assortment however slightly homes a unending sequence of non permanent exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Verify the web site to see what’s presently being proven.

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

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

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

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

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

Have drinks on the Park Hyatt
New York Bar is the long-lasting bar from Sofia Coppola’s 2003 movie Misplaced in Translation. Positioned on the 52nd ground, it truly lives as much as the hype. The ambiance is stylish, the drinks are nice, and the view is completely beautiful. There may be stay jazz each evening, and whereas there’s a cowl cost (round 2,750 JPY), it’s positively price it!

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

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

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

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

Take the Harry Potter studio tour
If you happen to love Harry Potter, this studio tour is a should. Like the unique in London, “The Making of Harry Potter” enables you to stroll in his footsteps and discover his superb wizarding world. You may wander iconic units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley, see unique props and costumes from the movies, and find out how they had been made. There are additionally sections on the newer Unbelievable Beasts movies. It takes about 3 hours to see all of it. Simply be certain that to e book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here might be enormous afterward. I posted extra recommendations on Instagram if you wish to be taught extra.

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

The place to Eat

Tokyo is so enormous and has so many eating choices, that it could be unimaginable to choose simply two or three favorites. You may learn this weblog submit that has all my favourite eating places in Tokyo.

Tokyo is huge. You would spend a lifetime right here and nonetheless not uncover all the things there may be to see. However in the event you comply with the itinerary and strategies above, you’ll be capable of have a enjoyable and insightful go to and go away this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.