Introduction
In June 2009, my spouse and I embarked on our first overseas trip after marriage. We chose Tokyo, Japan as our destination, and we were thrilled to explore this vibrant and bustling city. In this post, I’ll share our itinerary, experiences, and tips for anyone planning a trip to Tokyo.
Day 1: Arrival and Walking Tour
After arriving at Narita International Airport, we took the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station, where we transferred to a subway line to get to our hotel. We stayed at the Conrad Hotel, located in the heart of Tokyo’s business district, which provided easy access to the city’s main attractions. After settling in, we embarked on a walking tour of the city. Our first stop was the Meiji Shrine, a serene oasis located in the middle of a forest. We witnessed a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony and admired the beautiful architecture of the shrine. Next, we headed to nearby Yoyogi Park, where we saw locals practicing martial arts and dancing. We then explored the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku and tried some delicious crepes filled with ice cream and fruit.
Day 2: Ramen, Tsukiji Market, and Ghibli Studio
Our second day in Tokyo was jam-packed with activities. We started our day early and headed to the Tsukiji Market, one of the largest seafood markets in the world. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fresh sushi and sashimi at one of the market’s restaurants. We then visited the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, which showcases the works of Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan’s most famous animators. We were mesmerized by the intricate details and whimsical characters in the museum’s exhibits. We ended our day with a visit to the Roppongi Hills complex, where we enjoyed a panoramic view of Tokyo from the Mori Tower observatory.
Day 3: Odaiba and Metro Stations
On our third day, we explored the man-made island of Odaiba, which is located in Tokyo Bay. We started our day by visiting the Miraikan Science Museum, which showcases cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements. We were fascinated by the interactive exhibits, including a life-sized model of the International Space Station. We then took the Yurikamome monorail, which offers spectacular views of the city, to get to Odaiba. We visited the futuristic-looking Aqua City shopping center and walked along the beach, admiring the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline. Later in the day, we checked out some of the unique metro stations in Tokyo, such as the eye-catching Roppongi Station.
Day 4: Night View and Sushi
On our final day in Tokyo, we decided to see the city at night. We went to the Tokyo Tower, a famous landmark that offers breathtaking views of the city. The tower was lit up in neon colors, and we could see the cityscape stretching out for miles. We then headed to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. We were amazed by the sheer number of people crossing the street at once and the energy of the surrounding area. We wrapped up our trip with a delicious sushi dinner at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed fresh and flavorful sushi rolls.
Tips for Travelers:
Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “hello” (konnichiwa) and “thank you” (arigato).
Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy access to public transportation.
Try different types of ramen, as each region in Japan has its own unique style.
Visit Tokyo’s depachika (department store basements), where you can find a variety of food and souvenirs.
You can learn some Japanese phrases below:
https://www.transparent.com/learn-japanese/phrases.html
Conclusion
If you’re traveling to Tokyo, it’s always a good idea to do some research and plan ahead. While there’s plenty to see and do, Tokyo can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors. By preparing in advance and being flexible with your plans, you can make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Lastly, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the experience. Whether it’s trying a new type of ramen or visiting a traditional Japanese temple, Tokyo has so much to offer. So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Tokyo!
We hope that this travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Tokyo. With its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, Tokyo truly has something for everyone. From its bustling city streets to its serene gardens, Tokyo is a destination that you won’t want to miss. So, start planning your trip today and get ready to explore all that Tokyo has to offer!
Recommended 4-night 5-day itinerary for a Tokyo trip
Day 1:
. Morning: Visit Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya
. Lunch: Try the famous ramen at Ichiran in Shinjuku
. Afternoon: Take a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
. Dinner: Enjoy some sushi at Sushi no Midori in Shibuya
. Evening: Admire the city views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku
. Shopping: Explore the department stores and boutiques in Shibuya, including Shibuya 109 and Tokyu Department Store
Day 2:
. Morning: Visit Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market
. Lunch: Sample some yakitori at Torikizoku in Akihabara
. Afternoon: Explore the popular shopping district of Harajuku and Takeshita Street
. Dinner: Indulge in wagyu beef at Gyukatsu Motomura in Shinjuku
. Evening: Take a stroll through the illuminated streets of Odaiba
. Shopping: Check out the electronics and anime shops in Akihabara
Day 3:
. Morning: Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
. Lunch: Try the tonkatsu at Maisen in Omotesando
. Afternoon: Take a boat ride down the Sumida River
. Dinner: Dine on Japanese-French fusion cuisine at Florilege in Minato
. Evening: Admire the city views from Tokyo Skytree in Sumida
. Shopping: Browse the luxury shops in Ginza, such as Mitsukoshi and Chanel
Day 4:
. Morning: Visit the Ghibli Museum, a museum dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli
. Lunch: Enjoy some tempura at Tempura Tsunahachi in Shinjuku
. Afternoon: Explore the historic neighborhood of Yanaka
. Dinner: Savor the kaiseki cuisine at Ishikawa in Shinagawa
. Evening: Take a stroll through the illuminated streets of Shinjuku
. Shopping: Check out the quirky and unique items at Don Quijote stores, such as the one in Shibuya
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your Tokyo trip with a balance of delicious meals, exciting shopping destinations, and interesting sightseeing activities!
