3-5 Day Recommended Itinerary for 2024

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

Tokyo is likely one of the most wonderful cities on this planet. It’s fast-paced, futuristic, and bursting with strange actions to maintain you busy, together with attractive shrines, palaces, and temples; hip golf equipment and bars; and trendy individuals and purchasing, to not point out lovely cherry blossoms.

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

You by no means know what you’ll discover right here. One second you’ll run into a gaggle 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 largest cities on this planet, dwelling to virtually 14 million individuals (virtually 40 million in the event you rely the metropolitan space). Not surprisingly, there are numerous 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 lots listed for at the present time. Because you’re more likely to get up tremendous early due to jet lag, you’ll be able to match all of it in. You may not need to, although. Perhaps you want a day nap!)

Roam the Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
In 2018, Tokyo’s foremost fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the scale of the outdated one, Tsukiji, making it the most important on this planet. Whereas a whole lot of good eating places moved too (Sushi Dai being probably 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 by way of a walkway above; you additionally want a customer’s cross to enter).

The outdated outer market in Tsukiji remains to be nice although, and you may nonetheless discover meals and shops there too.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’ll be able to’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. 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 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 sort of fashionable and usually sells out a minimum of just a few days upfront, 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 wonderful. It’s surrounded by beautiful grounds and a park, and there’s a moat across the stone partitions. You too can 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 under 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 full of businessmen. It’s a great spot for lunch, although it will get probably the most busy after work, when individuals cease in for meals and completely happy hour on their manner dwelling.

Scale the Tokyo Tower
Inbuilt 1957 and resembling the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is taller (at 333 meters/1,092 toes) than its European model and made fully of metal. It was the town’s tallest construction till the “Skytree” was inbuilt 2010. You may pay to go all the best way to the highest ground to soak up the view, however frankly, the primary statement deck presents one which’s simply pretty much 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.

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 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 way of the gardens, or try the museum. (FYI: It will get actually busy on the weekends.)

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

Get pleasure from Yoyogi Park
One in all Tokyo’s largest parks, Yoyogi is laced with strolling paths, forested areas, and ponds. It’s also used for music occasions and festivals all year long, and also you’ll see many road performers and outlets promoting snacks. In case you’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 coloration.

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 likely 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 every kind of outfits, principally 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 likely one of the finest areas to do it in. you’ll discover a whole lot of one of the best 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 workers clothed in stereotypical all-black garb and educated in all types 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, however it’s one of the crucial 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 a whole lot 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 realm, 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 one of the 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 spiritual websites, spend a while wandering round Asakusa. Simply begin as early as you’ll be able to 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 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 through the Edo interval and which survived the air raids of World Warfare II. That is far 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 every day 9am-4:30pm. Admission is free.

Discover Ueno Park
Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park is a stunning 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 stuffed with individuals picnicking and admiring the hundreds of timber. The park can be dwelling to a few of Tokyo’s finest 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 may also 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 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 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 likely 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. Count on 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 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 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 large 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, sometimes separated by gender. The Japanese usually are not shy, so that you’ll must be snug with nudity! A budget-friendly sento will price you beneath 1,000 JPY. Simply word that tattoos will 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 helps you to. So long as you’ve gotten a world driving allow (which you may get when you’ve got a sound driver’s license), you’ll be able to 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 every day 9:30am-9pm. The course will take 75 minutes and prices 16,000 JPY per particular person. There are a number of areas across the metropolis.

Tokyo Itinerary: Day 3

Stroll by way of Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
This attractive park is over 144 acres and residential to some 20,000 timber. Many of the unique park was destroyed in World Warfare II through the air raids, however it was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it’s among the best areas to see cherry blossoms. I 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. Typically, advance ticket buy is required, however word that in cherry blossom season, you’ll be able to’t e-book tickets upfront. Admission is 500 JPY.

See Shibuya Crossing
That is fairly probably the busiest and most well-known intersection on this planet (some 2,500 individuals cross the road right here each two minutes). The world is buzzing at evening, with vibrant lights and frenzied exercise — like Instances Sq. on steroids. Be sure 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 practically 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 normally lengthy and costly experiences, there are undoubtedly some budget-friendly choices for anybody trying to not break the financial institution. True Japan runs ceremonies in Tokyo for 9,900 JPY per particular person; 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 great cafés: monster cafés, owl cafés, cat cafés, vampire cafés, canine cafés, religious-themed cafés, and far more! In case you’re searching 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 need to 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)

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 one of the best venue through which to see considered one of these unimaginable shows. Simply needless to say performances are in Japanese.

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, +81 3-3545-6800, kabuki-za.co.jp. Performances are held virtually every day. Verify the web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Count on to pay a minimum of 4,000 JPY in the event you e-book upfront. 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 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 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, however it’s nonetheless form 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 Move.

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, +81 467-22-0703, kotoku-in.jp. Open every day 8am-5:30pm (till 5pm through 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 kids, 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 this planet (18 million every year). It has a whole lot of the identical well-known rides you’ll discover at Disney World, comparable to Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and the nauseating Mad Tea Cup Journey. It’s finest to e-book on-line upfront.

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
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Nationwide Park, masking 1,250 sq. kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, and forests. There are many mountain climbing trails, although you can even take a cable automobile to the highest after which hike to the shrine that sits on the height, some 930 meters (3,050 toes) above sea stage. It’s a 30-minute stroll to the shrine from the height or high 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
Situated simply over an hour from Tokyo and standing at a formidable 3,776 meters (12,389 toes), Mount Fuji is likely one of the most iconic views within the nation. It’s also 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 Web site. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend anyplace from 5 to 12 hours reaching the summit. Historically, hikers depart at evening to reach on the high for the dawn.

In case you don’t need 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 provided sweeping vistas of the encircling space. Guided day excursions from the town price round 12,000 JPY.

Go to the Ghibli Museum
In case you’re a fan of famed director Hayao Miyazaki’s work (which incorporates movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Shifting Fort, and Princess Mononoke), then you definitely’ll need to try this wonderful exhibition. Designed by Miyazaki himself, it’s an immersive expertise that any movie buff will respect. 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, however it’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 youngsters. There are restricted tickets out there every day, so e-book upfront.

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 chances are countless. Another issues I like to do embody 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 sequence of momentary exhibitions, from impressionism to trendy artwork. Verify 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 can be full with out studying about samurai. Whereas they have been identified for his or her martial talent, there was far 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 even attempt on.

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

Watch a sumo match
Kokugikan, Japan’s most well-known sumo area, hosts tournaments thrice every year. The wrestling that we see right now dates to the Seventeenth century, although its origins return even additional, and it’s nonetheless one of the crucial fashionable traditions within the nation. In case you’re on the town on the proper time, this can be a must-do! Tickets promote out rapidly, so act quick. You may e-book a ticket on-line right 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 anticipate 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. Situated on the 52nd ground, it really lives as much as the hype. The environment is elegant, the drinks are nice, and the view is completely gorgeous. There may be dwell jazz each evening, 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 the official residence of Prince and Princess Asaka. The prince had studied in Paris and needed to convey Artwork Deco to Japan, which explains the constructing’s model and decorations. In 1983, the residence turned a museum and is now dwelling to a rotating sequence 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 an impressive stroll. There’s a path with a little bit of inexperienced house that follows the water, so loads of locals stroll or train there. Within the spring, you’ll be capable of see a whole lot 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
In case you 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 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 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 that to e-book the earliest spot within the day, because the crowds right here will be large afterward. I posted extra recommendations 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 large and has so many eating choices, that it might 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 might spend a lifetime right here and nonetheless not uncover all the pieces there may be to see. However in the event you observe the itinerary and options above, you’ll be capable of have a enjoyable and insightful go to and depart this sprawling capital with a nuanced perspective of what life in Tokyo is like.