3-5 Day Urged Itinerary for 2024

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

Tokyo is among the most wonderful cities on the earth. 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 purchasing, to not point out stunning cherry blossoms.

Tokyo lives as much as all of the hype. If I might 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 clothes and the subsequent you’re in a robotic café or a centuries-old temple.

It’s additionally one of many largest cities on the earth, dwelling to virtually 14 million individuals (virtually 40 million in the event you rely 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 attempt!)

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

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 1

(Notice: There’s loads listed for today. 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In 2018, Tokyo’s primary fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the scale of the outdated one, Tsukiji, making it the biggest on the earth. Whereas plenty 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 by way of a walkway above; you additionally want a customer’s move to enter).

The outdated outer market in Tsukiji remains to be nice although, and you may nonetheless discover meals and shops there too.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 possibly can’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. Foods 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 through which you grow to be a part of the art work, strolling barefoot via 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 at the least just a few 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 wonderful. It’s surrounded by beautiful 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 provides 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 crammed with 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 blissful hour on their manner dwelling.

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 totally 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 way in which to the highest ground to soak up the view, however frankly, the principle statement deck provides one which’s simply nearly as good.

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

Chill out at Meiji Jingu
Situated 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 wood 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 the earth once you wander round right here. Watch conventional ceremonies, stroll via 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.

Get pleasure from Yoyogi Park
Certainly one of 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 avenue performers and retailers promoting snacks. For those who’re visiting in late March or early April, you’ll have the ability to catch the cherry blossoms. Within the fall, the ginkgo forest takes on a fantastic golden coloration.

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

Get fashionable in Harajuku
Harajuku is among 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 plenty of quirky and vintage-clothing shops and avenue artwork. Strolling across the space, you’ll see every kind 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 among the greatest areas to do it in. you’ll discover plenty of the perfect 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 workers clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and educated in all types of methods 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 each day 5pm-10pm, plus 11:30am-2pm on weekends.

Drink in Golden Gai
This district, lined with backstreet bars, could also be touristy, however it’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 plenty of Japanese individuals right here too. It’s fairly crowded on the weekends, so go early earlier than the bars replenish.

If you need 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 may 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 pictures). These are two locations to not be missed:

• Senso-ji – Tokyo’s hottest and well-known temple is fantastically 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 each 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 way more peaceable than Senso-ji, with fewer individuals, whom you’ll have the ability to see praying, meditating, or performing conventional rituals. 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, +81 3-3844-1575, asakusajinja.jp. Open each 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 often cultural occasions or festivals showcasing conventional arts, music, and dance. Throughout cherry blossom season, the park is stuffed with individuals picnicking and admiring the hundreds of timber. The park can also be dwelling 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, notably Japan. 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-1111, tnm.jp. Open each day 9:30am-5pm (7pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 1,000 JPY.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This stunning Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine with carved gold doorways and ornate carvings will also be discovered within the park. 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito, +81 3-3822-3455, uenotoshogu.com/en. Open each 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 dwelling to the taxidermied physique of the legendary canine Hachiko, the loyal canine who would greet his proprietor at Shibuya Station on return from his each 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 among 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 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 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 also be the place you’ll discover the well-known maid cafés, the place servers costume 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 massive touristy ones. (They aren’t low-cost, although, as it’s important to purchase drinks packages and pay a payment, however it’s kitschy and enjoyable.)

Bathe in a sento
A sento is a standard public bathhouse, usually separated by gender. The Japanese aren’t shy, so that you’ll should be comfy with nudity! A budget-friendly sento will price you beneath 1,000 JPY. Simply observe that tattoos will be frowned upon and also you may be required to cowl them up.

Go go-karting
Need to pace across the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart whereas sporting a fancy dress? The Monkey Kart firm helps you to. So long as you might have a world driving allow (which you will get when you’ve got a sound driver’s license), you possibly can participate. They’ll snap pictures of you within the act too! You’ll be able to e-book the expertise right here.

Shibuya, 1F, 1 Chome-27-7, +81 3-5309-2639, monkey-kart.com. Open each 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 via Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
This beautiful park is over 144 acres and residential to some 20,000 timber. Many of the unique park was destroyed in World Battle II throughout the air raids, however it was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it’s top-of-the-line areas to see cherry blossoms. I like the normal 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 observe 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 the earth (some 2,500 individuals cross the road right here each two minutes). The world is buzzing at evening, with vivid lights and frenzied exercise — like Occasions Sq. on steroids. Ensure 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 each day commute. This continued till the proprietor handed away at work in 1925. Hachiko then visited the station each 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 standard tea ceremony. Whereas these are often lengthy and costly experiences, there are positively some budget-friendly choices for anybody trying 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 types of wonderful, bizarre, and fantastic cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, canine cafés, religious-themed cafés, and way more! For those who’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 should go far to seek out one!). Listed below are some ideas:

• 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)

Get pleasure from conventional Japanese theater
Kabuki is a standard 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 perfect venue through which to see one in every of these unimaginable shows. Simply remember that performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held virtually each day. Test the web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Anticipate to pay at the least 4,000 JPY in the event you e-book prematurely. You’ll be able to usually 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 below are some ideas:

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’ll be able to even go contained in the statue itself — there isn’t a lot to see, however it’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 Go.

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

Get touristy at Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney sights! This can be a enjoyable selection 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 the earth (18 million every year). It has plenty of the identical well-known rides you’ll discover at Disney World, similar 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 each 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
Situated 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 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 degree. 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
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo and standing at a powerful 3,776 meters (12,389 ft), Mount Fuji is among the most iconic views within the nation. Additionally it is an lively stratovolcano (it final erupted in 1708) and one of many Three Holy Mountains of Japan. Lined in snow for nearly half of the yr, it’s each a Particular Place of Scenic Magnificence and a UNESCO Cultural Web site. 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.

For those who 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 supplied sweeping vistas of the encompassing space. Guided day excursions from the town price round 12,000 JPY.

Go to the Ghibli Museum
For those who’re a fan of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (which incorporates movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Transferring Fortress, and Princess Mononoke), then you definitely’ll wish to take a look at this wonderful exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive expertise that any movie buff will respect. There’s additionally a brand new brief movie each month, solely obtainable to guests. The museum gained’t take up a complete day, however it’s not in a really central location, so that you’ll must 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 obtainable for youth and kids. There are restricted tickets obtainable every day, so e-book prematurely.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 5

Throughout your final day in Tokyo, the town is your oyster. There’s nonetheless loads to do. Buy groceries, discover new cafés, wander gardens, eat all of the meals — the probabilities are countless. 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 reasonably homes a endless collection of short-term exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Test the web site to see what’s at present 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 have been recognized for his or her martial talent, there was way more to the tradition than simply mastering the katana (a standard sword). The museum has some unimaginable shows of conventional weapons and armor, a few of which you’ll be able to even attempt on.

Kabukicho 2-25-6, +81 3-6457-6411, samuraimuseum.jp/en. Open each 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 carried out each half-hour. Nonetheless quickly closed attributable to COVID; examine 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 as we speak dates to the Seventeenth century, although its origins return even additional, and it’s nonetheless one of the crucial common traditions within the nation. For those who’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do! Tickets promote out shortly, so act quick. You’ll be able to e-book a ticket on-line right here (you’ll be accompanied by a information too, so you possibly can study 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. Situated on the 52nd ground, it truly lives as much as the hype. The environment is stylish, the drinks are nice, and the view is totally gorgeous. There’s reside 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 needed 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 dwelling to a rotating collection of contemporary artwork exhibitions.

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, +81 3-3443-0201, teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en. Open each 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) via Tokyo and makes for an impressive 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 have the ability to see plenty 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
For those who love Harry Potter, this studio tour is a should. Like the unique in London, “The Making of Harry Potter” helps you to stroll in his footsteps and discover his wonderful wizarding world. You’ll be able to wander iconic units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley, see unique props and costumes from the movies, and learn the way they have 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 to e-book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here will be enormous afterward. I posted extra tips about Instagram if you wish to study extra.

1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, +81 50-6862-3676, wbstudiotour.jp. Open each 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 will be inconceivable to choose simply two or three favorites. You’ll be able to learn this weblog put up that has all my favourite eating places in Tokyo.

Tokyo is very large. You could possibly spend a lifetime right here and nonetheless not uncover every little thing there may be to see. However in the event you observe the itinerary and ideas above, you’ll have the ability to have a enjoyable and insightful go to and depart this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.