If there’s one place that we’ve traveled to, that connects traditional charm and neon-tastic allure, it’s Tokyo. Tokyo as y’all know is the capital of Japan, is a high-tech developed city which boasts itself with the diverse history and museums it houses and as far as our experience goes, WE LOVED IT!
While it is a city people tend to spend their entire lives in, for places to visit in Tokyo, it is recommended to spend at least 5 to 7 days exploring its diverse neighborhoods and attractions. We spent around 7 days in the city and this sought of time, allows you to experience the place fully.
Trying the best cafes to visit in Tokyo
The city is best explored through a mix of trains and walking. The public transportation system of Tokyo is known to be one of the best in the world. The backbone of the transportation system is the subway system which encircles the city and provides access to all major districts, nearby.
For places to visit in Tokyo, you can buy a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card which allows you access to travel on trains, subways, and buses, seamlessly. We got the Suica card to venture around the nearby areas of Tokyo and it was a delight getting around the city & it’s many attractions.
# Start your day by heading to Asakusa Sensoji Temple – one of the oldest Buddhist Tokyo Attractions. Indeed the best way to begin your day and even the trip.
# After offering your sweet prayers get ready to take a stroll around the Nakamise shopping street. This bustling area is known for its arcade-lined traditional shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and crafts. You must try the Ningyoyaki and Age Manju, we couldn’t resist.
# During lunch, enjoy a nice meal at any Japanese restaurants nearby. Ninja Experience Cafe Asakusa is one restaurant that offers one of its kind experiences where you can turn into a ninja and make your manga dreams come true. Engage with Omikuji, yes, the fortune-telling paper strips to know about your future. This traditional technique is highly recommend when in Tokyo.
# After your glimpse into the future, get back to the present and head to Tokyo Skytree by evening. Don’t miss the night lights of the Skytree and have your dinner around. Though we personally suggest you spend an entire evening here as it feels magical.
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# After a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel or a traditional café, take the Tokyo Metro or JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
# Harajuku is known for youth culture and up-top fashion, in the Tokyo attractions list, so it’s suggested that you head directly to Takeshita Street. You can find clothing, accessories, and Instagram-worthy food. My favorite pick was a beautiful pink and white frock, that felt mesmerizing.
# Right after, walk to Omotesando, aka, Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. Going through the beauty of architecture and designer brands, explore nearby areas as you walk along, don’t forget to get yourself clicked here.
# Visit the nearby Meiji Shrine if you still have time on hand. While we ran out of time, it remains on our bucket list for the next time.
# Head to Shibuya on Day 3, one of the busiest neighborhoods, a definitive of Tokyo attractions. Start with the Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. From there find your way to the heartwarming Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty and devotion. Hachiko – the dog who waited for his owner at the station every day.
# After being humbled by the human touch, next up is to go to Nonbei Yokocho, better known as the Drunkards Alley, a street full of tiny, cozy pubs in Japan. Don’t stop yourself today, yet be sane enough as you would have a lot of walking to do.
# After a great time at the alley and a heavy lunch, go to Shibuya 109 and nearby markets to shop the best of Japan’s culture and fashion. You can find any and everything at Shibuya 109 so decide your list and accordingly proceed as time flies by.
# Consider doing karaoke or catching a live performance in the evening and end your day well on your definitive bucket list of things to do in Tokyo at night. Personally, we recommend you to do karaoke as you’ll sing your hearts out.
# Take the train to Maihama Station, which is directly connected to Tokyo Disneyland. Don’t be late as you’d be excited to catch everything at Disneyland.
# Spend your entire day at Tokyo Disneyland exploring various themed parks like Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Critter Country, and Toontown among others. Our favorite was Tomorrowland.
# Things to do in Tokyo at Night include treating yourself to some delightful Disney-themed snacks and shopping for souvenirs to cherish the memories through your trip. While we got ourselves some T-shirts, what are you up to?
# Depart early from your accommodation and take the train to the Fuji Five Lakes region. Purchase the Mt. Fuji pass for a smooth journey and arrive at Lake Kawaguchi, situated at the northern base of Mount Fuji. Alternatively, you can do a day trip to Hakone as well. You can get clear view of the Mount Fuji on a clear day.
# Head to Chureito Pagoda, an iconic spot offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape, and climb the steps to the pagoda. Take that panorama picture here, there’s no better place to do it.
# Consider taking a boat ride if you have some time left, these are things to do in Tokyo at night. We obviously did the boat ride and trust us or not, you’ll become wet.
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# A new day to conquer, so after a heavy breakfast we headed to the Shinjuku station. Start your Shinjuku adventure by visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and taking a stroll around the gardens. The gardens look beautiful in the evening, but that’ll require you to spend an entire day here.
# Afterwards, you can head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation decks for panoramic views of the city skyline. Trust us, this is the place for all you social media lovers. Just apt for those Instaworthy photos & reel shots.
# Lunch at a continental place is the highlight of the day, as we explored the shopping scene with department stores, electronics shops, and fashion boutiques in the area, which is a must visit. What you’ll experience here is nothing short of a sci-fi drama.
# Amongst so many places to visit in Tokyo, Golden Gai and Hanazono Shrine shouldn’t be missed. End your day with some Japanese cuisine and traditional kabuki show.
# Reach the Akihabara Station, a place known for anime, manga, and electronics.
# Start exploring Akihabara’s Electric Town, Anime, and Manga Shops. They’ll cover the main offerings early.
# A visit to Akhihabara is incomplete without we visiting the maid’s café. This is a part of the Japanese culture and a must experience for all. You can rent a maid for some hours and simply enjoy their company, good food & even take some pictures with them before leaving.
# Rush to arcades and gaming centers in Akihabara and try your hands at the lucky claw machines too. These arcades are reasonable and help you unwind in the best way possible.
# Don’t forget to visit the Kanda Myojin Shrine, multi-story Yodobashi Camera, Kihabara Radio Kaikan and other attractions nearby.
From the spiritual tranquility of Asakusa to Akihabara’s electrifying culture provided a fitting finale, Tokyo will leave you with cherished memories. We hope you liked the itinerary and must consider visiting the rest of Japan sometime.
