3-5 Day Advised 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 the 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 folks and procuring, to not point out lovely cherry blossoms.

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

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

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

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Observe: There’s so much listed for at the present time. Because you’re prone to get up tremendous early due to jet lag, you’ll be able to match all of it in. You may not wish to, although. Perhaps you want a day nap!)

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In 2018, Tokyo’s most important fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the dimensions of the outdated one, Tsukiji, making it the biggest on the planet.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

The outdated outer market in Tsukiji continues to be nice although, and you may nonetheless discover meals and shops there too.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

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

Immerse your self at teamLab Planets
This actually enjoyable and quirky digital artwork set up is a multisensory and immersive expertise wherein you turn out to be a part of the art work, strolling barefoot by way of the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you work together with the installations. It takes an hour or so to undergo. teamLab is kind of common 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 youngsters and people with disabilities.

Admire the Imperial Palace
When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Although you’ll be able to’t go inside (or get very shut), the constructing is superb. It’s surrounded by pretty grounds and a park, and there’s a moat across the stone partitions. You may also see the altering of the guard, although it’s a comparatively low-key and unassuming ceremony. Tokyo Localized presents a free strolling tour of the gardens that’s value 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. Under the elevated prepare tracks at Yurakucho Station is a 700-meter stretch of wine bars, beer pubs, and informal eating places crammed with businessmen. It’s a great place for lunch, although it will get essentially the most busy after work, when folks cease in for meals and blissful hour on their approach house.

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

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, +81 3-3433-5111, tokyotower.co.jp. Open every 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 an enormous wood gate marking the doorway and paths lined with bushes. You actually don’t really feel such as you’re in one of many busiest, most densely populated cities on the planet once you wander round right here. Watch conventional ceremonies, stroll by way of 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 every single day of the 12 months 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 outlets promoting snacks. If you happen to’re visiting in late March or early April, you’ll be capable to catch the cherry blossoms. Within the fall, the ginkgo forest takes on a good looking golden colour.

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 trend, it’s the epicenter of anime and kawaii (cuteness) tradition in Tokyo, with a lot 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 folks (predominantly youngsters), making it a enjoyable place to people-watch and window-shop. If you wish to buy groceries, this is without doubt one of the greatest areas to do it in. you’ll discover lots of the very best Japanese designers right here.

Dine with ninjas
For a novel eating expertise, head to Ninja Tokyo (previously Ninja Akasaka), a ninja-themed restaurant designed like an Edo-era constructing, with wait employees clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and educated in all kinds of tips and illusions. You’ll order off 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 every 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 crucial enjoyable in Tokyo. These zigzag alleys are crammed with hole-in-the-wall bars serving low cost drinks. Every is exclusive, so it’s enjoyable to pop out and in of them. It’s very touristy, however you’ll discover lots of Japanese folks right here too. It’s fairly crowded on the weekends, so go early earlier than the bars refill.

In order for you a deep dive into the realm, take a food 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 very best 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 non secular websites, spend a while wandering round Asakusa. Simply begin as early as you’ll be able to to keep away from the crowds (particularly when you plan on taking pictures). These are two locations to not be missed:

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

Discover Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day. Numerous 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 filled with folks picnicking and admiring the hundreds of bushes. The park can also be house to a few of Tokyo’s greatest museums:

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

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

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

Go go-karting
Wish to pace across the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart whereas carrying a dressing up? The Monkey Kart firm permits you to. So long as you’ve a global driving allow (which you will get in case you have a legitimate driver’s license), you’ll be able to participate. They’ll snap pictures of you within the act too! You can book the experience here.

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

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

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

See Shibuya Crossing
That is fairly probably the busiest and most well-known intersection on the planet (some 2,500 folks cross the road right here each two minutes). The world is buzzing at night time, with vivid lights and frenzied exercise — like Occasions Sq. on steroids. Be sure that 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 every day commute. This continued till the proprietor handed away at work in 1925. Hachiko then visited the station every 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 undoubtedly 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, positioned close to Shibuya.

Go to a unusual café
Tokyo has all kinds of wonderful, bizarre, and great cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, canine cafés, religious-themed cafés, and rather more! If you happen to’re in search of 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 seek out one!). Listed here are some options:

• 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, positioned in Ginza, is the very best venue wherein to see one in all these unimaginable shows. Simply remember the fact that performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held virtually every day. Test the web site for essentially the most up-to-date schedule. Anticipate to pay not less than 4,000 JPY when you e-book prematurely. You’ll be able to 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 options:

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

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

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

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

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

Hike Mount Mitake
Positioned simply over an hour from Tokyo is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Nationwide Park, overlaying 1,250 sq. kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, and forests. There are many climbing trails, although it’s also possible to take a cable automobile 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 automobile. From there, you’ll be able to 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. Lined in snow for nearly half of the 12 months, 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 anyplace from 5 to 12 hours reaching the summit. Historically, hikers depart at night time to reach on the prime for the dawn.

If you happen to don’t wish to hike to the height, you’ll be able to merely go to on a day journey. There are buses that may take you partway up, from which you’ll be supplied sweeping vistas of the encompassing space. Guided day tours from the city value 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 Transferring Citadel, and Princess Mononoke), you then’ll wish to take a look at this superb exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive expertise that any movie buff will recognize. There’s additionally a brand new brief movie each month, solely out there to guests. The museum received’t take up a complete 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, the town is your oyster. There’s nonetheless lots to do. Buy groceries, discover new cafés, wander gardens, eat all of the meals — the probabilities are infinite. Another issues I like to do embrace the next:

Admire the Nationwide Artwork Middle
Opened in 2007, this museum and gallery doesn’t even have a everlasting assortment however slightly homes a endless collection of non permanent exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Test 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 can be full with out studying about samurai. Whereas they have been recognized for his or her martial ability, there was rather more to the tradition than simply mastering the katana (a conventional sword). The museum has some unimaginable shows of conventional weapons and armor, a few of which you’ll be able to even strive on.

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

Watch a sumo match
Kokugikan, Japan’s most well-known sumo enviornment, hosts tournaments 3 times every year. The wrestling that we see in the present day dates to the Seventeenth century, although its origins return even additional, and it’s nonetheless one of the crucial common traditions within the nation. If you happen to’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do! Tickets promote out rapidly, so act quick. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a information too, so you’ll be able to study extra concerning 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 range, however count on to pay round 3,800 JPY.

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

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

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

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

Promenade alongside the Meguro River
The Meguro River weaves virtually 8 kilometers (5 miles) by way of 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 to see lots of cherry blossoms too. There’s additionally loads of eating places alongside the best way 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” permits you to stroll in his footsteps and discover his superb wizarding world. You’ll be able to wander iconic units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley, see authentic props and costumes from the movies, and find out how they have been made. There are additionally sections on the newer Improbable Beasts movies. It takes about 3 hours to see all of it. Simply ensure to e-book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here may be enormous afterward. I posted more tips on Instagram if you wish to study extra.

1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, +81 50-6862-3676, wbstudiotour.jp. Open every 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 select simply two or three favorites. You’ll be able to learn this weblog publish that has all my favorite restaurants in Tokyo.

Tokyo is very large. You could possibly spend a lifetime right here and nonetheless not uncover all the things there’s to see. However when you comply with the itinerary and options above, you’ll be capable to have a enjoyable and insightful go to and go away this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.