Tokyo

Tokyo is most comfortable to visit in spring and autumn; summers are humid, hot, and rainy. Tokyo combines traditional neighborhoods, modern shopping districts, anime culture, and hot spring experiences, making it ideal for shopping, food, city views, and themed trips. Below is a classic 5-day, 4-night itinerary for reference.

Classic 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: First Impressions of Tokyo, Old Town and Night Views
  • Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple, see Kaminarimon Gate, and try Japanese snacks along Nakamise Shopping Street. You can also arrange a kimono photo shoot.

• Afternoon: Walk from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree and go up for views over the city; alternatively, take a water bus to Odaiba.

• Evening: Head to Roppongi Hills or Tokyo Tower to enjoy the city night view, then have a casual drink at a nearby izakaya.

• Day 2: Trendy Shopping and the Pulse of the City
  • Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine and experience a rare sense of quiet in the city center; then head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku and Omotesando to browse streetwear shops and designer boutiques.

• Afternoon: Go to Shibuya PARCO to visit the Nintendo and Pokémon stores; then head to Shibuya Crossing to feel the crowds and rhythm of the city at this huge intersection.

• Evening: Book SHIBUYA SKY in advance and time your visit for sunset and the night view; at night, you can go to Kabukicho in Shinjuku or Omoide Yokocho to experience Tokyo’s izakaya atmosphere.

• Day 3: Day Trip Nearby — Mount Fuji or Kamakura
  • Option A (Mount Fuji): Take a bus or limited express train from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi, take photos at the classic Lawson convenience store viewpoint, visit Oshino Hakkai, and return to Tokyo in the evening.

• Option B (Kamakura): Ride the Enoden train and enjoy the seaside tram atmosphere seen in *Slam Dunk*; take photos at Kamakurakokomae Station, then head to Enoshima in the evening to watch the sunset.

• Day 4: Fantasy Theme Park or Anime Culture Trip
  • Option A (Disney): Spend the full day at Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland, try signature attractions, sample limited-edition snacks, and watch the fireworks at night.

• Option B (Anime and Pop Culture): In the morning, go to Akihabara to browse anime merchandise shops and try a maid café; in the afternoon, visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter and step into magical themed sets.

• Day 5: A Cultural Finish and Shopping Before Departure
  • Morning: Visit Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum for a culture and art-focused outing; afterward, go to Ameyoko to buy souvenirs and drugstore goods.

• Afternoon: Head to Ginza to browse upscale department stores such as Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi, complete tax-free shopping, and then go to the airport for your return trip.

How to Choose Where to Stay

• Shinjuku: Convenient transport and a major subway hub, with many late-night izakayas and bars; suitable for travelers who prefer a lively area and plan to visit nearby places such as Kamakura or Hakone.

• Ginza/Tokyo Station: Located in the city center, with plenty of shopping and dining options and close to upscale department stores and food streets; suitable for travelers with a more generous budget who value a refined shopping experience.

• Asakusa/Ueno: Accommodation prices are relatively friendly, the traditional neighborhood atmosphere is strong, and airport express lines are nearby; suitable for families, first-time visitors to Tokyo, or travelers focused on budget control.

• Shibuya/Roppongi: Home to streetwear shops and upscale lifestyle shopping, with many nightlife options and good city-view spots; suitable for younger travelers and couples.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Suica Card: iPhone users can add it directly to Apple Wallet. It can be used on the subway, JR lines, and for purchases at convenience stores.
• Tokyo Subway Ticket: If your itinerary is mainly within the city and you will take the subway frequently, consider buying a Tokyo Subway 72-hour ticket.
• Navigation and Translation: Use Google Maps to check routes, and pair it with a translation app to read Japanese menus.
• Cash Preparation: Although electronic payment is becoming more common, traditional small shops and some izakayas may still accept cash only. It is recommended to prepare 30,000–50,000 yen.

Food Recommendations

• Sukiyaki: You can choose Jojoen or Shabushabu Niimura. Wagyu beef is simmered and dipped in raw egg, giving it a smooth texture.

• Sushi: Try Sushi Dai at the Tsukiji Outer Market, or Midori Sushi in Ginza. Both focus on freshly made sushi with fresh seafood and straightforward flavors.

• Ramen: Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku, or Ganso Aburado with multiple branches around the city. The broth is rich and the noodles have a firm bite.

• Japanese Tonkatsu: HANARE in Nihonbashi has a crisp coating and tender meat, and can be eaten with wasabi salt or plum salt.
• Oden: Toridashioden Samon in Nakameguro has flavorful simmered daikon and potato salad, making it a good choice for a light drink at night.

Notes and Practical Advice

• Itinerary Planning: It is best to limit each day in Tokyo to no more than two areas. Subway transfers and walking inside stations can take a lot of energy, especially in summer.
• Ticket Reservations: For popular attractions such as SHIBUYA SKY, Tokyo Disney, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, book in advance on the official website or Klook.
• Shopping Tax Refunds: Large department stores in areas such as Ginza usually close at 8 p.m. If you need tax-free shopping, try to arrive early. When buying drugstore items, compare prices between Ameyoko and Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
• Etiquette Details: Keep quiet on the subway and do not make phone calls. Waste sorting in Japan is detailed, and street trash bins are limited, so carrying a small trash bag is more convenient.