Tokyo

Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. Known for its futuristic technology, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine, Tokyo offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring the traditional temples and shrines, sampling the delicious food, or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city, Tokyo has something for everyone.

One of the top tourist attractions in Tokyo is the iconic Tokyo Tower, which stands at 333 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. Another must-visit attraction is the Sensoji Temple, which is the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo. The temple features a beautiful gate, a five-story pagoda, and a stunning main hall.

For those interested in shopping and entertainment, Tokyo is home to a wide range of options. From the upscale boutiques of Ginza to the funky fashion of Harajuku, there are plenty of opportunities to shop for unique souvenirs and fashion. And for those looking for a taste of Japanese pop culture, Tokyo’s Akihabara district is the place to go. Known as “Electric Town,” Akihabara is famous for its anime, manga, and video game stores, as well as its cosplay cafes and arcades.

Tokyo Luxury Itinerary

Recommended Stay: At least 4 days

Lodging Recommendation: Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1066444-d16803307-Reviews-MIMARU_TOKYO_HATCHOBORI-Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html  – Great location

Recommended mode of transportation: Taxi & Subway

Arrival

Arrive in Tokyo and drop bags off at hotel

Dinner: Grab Ramen inside Tokyo Station. Rokurinsha is my favorite https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%85%AD%E5%8E%98%E8%88%8E-%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA?osq=Restaurants …..If the line is too long, try another Ramen shop inside Tokyo Station  https://foodicles.com/tokyo-station/ / https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA-3 – I honestly enjoyed them all inside the station, but Rokurinsha was my favorite

Day 1 - Fish Market & Harajuku Day

Breakfast: Outer Tsukiji Outer Market – Grab food from stalls

Activity: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden  

Activity: Meiji Jingu Garden

Lunch: Doner Kebab (A lot on Takashita street and all cheap and good)

Do:  Harajuku Area -> Cat Street, Takashita & Harajuko Street       

Snack: Zaku Zaku https://www.yelp.com/biz/zakuzaku-%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA croquant or soft serve

Do: Totti Candy Factory https://www.yelp.com/biz/totti-candy-factory-shop-harajuku-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA

Do: Isetan Shinjuku (Japanese Harrod’s with a basement floor dedicated to food and home to perfect fruit) Get food for breakfast the next day

Dinner: Kaikaya by the Sea https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1066456-d1177947-Reviews-Kaikaya-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html 

Day 2 - Tokyo Landmarks

Breakfast: Snacks from Isetan Shinjuku the previous day

Activity: Chidoriga-fuchi row boat  (opens at 9:30 – que stars at 8am https://www.travelonthebrain.net/chidorigafuchi-boat-rental-tokyo-spring/) 

Activity: Imperial Palace 

Lunch: Ramen inside Tokyo Station and then Hitachino Brewing Lab https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%B8%B8%E9%99%B8%E9%87%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9C-%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA which is on the exterior of the station

Activity: Ueno Toshogu Shrine & Ueno Park – See cherry blossoms if in season (They have a zoo in the park if you want to go. Admission is $6)

Dinner: Gyukatsu Motomura  https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E7%89%9B%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A4%E3%82%82%E3%81%A8%E6%9D%91-%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%BA%97-%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA?page_src=related_bizes Ginza Location  – Amazing Tonkatsu

Day 3 - Ginza

Breakfast: NAMIKI667 – good breakfast open early in the Hyatt Centric Hotel

Activity: Asakusa Shrine & Hozomon gate 

Do: Asakusa Kagetsudo bakery https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89-%E8%8A%B1%E6%9C%88%E5%A0%82-%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%97-%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA)

Do: Kamaasa (Knife Shop) https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%87%9C%E6%B5%85%E5%95%86%E5%BA%97-%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA  / https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066461-d4368077-Reviews-Kamaasa_Knife_Shop-Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html  and other kitchen focused shops in immediate area – Well worth the trip

Activity: Go to Ginza Area

Shop Ginza: K Itoya https://www.yelp.com/biz/k-%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88%E3%82%A6%E3%83%A4-%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA – Greatest Stationary store in the World 

Do: Ginza Mitsukoshi (Food Hall on B1) 

Do: Ginza Kimuraya https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E5%B1%8B-%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA

Dinner: Toritake So Honten https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%B3%A5%E7%AB%B9-%E7%B7%8F%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA?page_src=best_of_yelp for Yakitori (can do groups of 5)

Day 4 - Shibuya

Breakfast: At Hotel

Activity: Maricar / Street Car (Mario cart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMT1B0gsbME  

Activity: Shibuya Crossing  

Lunch:  Flippers Famous Japanese Fluffy Pancakes https://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%BA%97-shibuya-city?osq=flippers

Afternoon Activity: Isetan Shinjuku 

Do: Return to any place you enjoyed

Late Dinner: Sushi Sho https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%99%E3%81%97%E5%8C%A0-%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA or Sushi Tokahashi https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%AE%A8%E3%81%9F%E3%81%8B%E3%81%AF%E3%81%97-%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA   unless you can get a reservation at one of the top sushi places. It is very hard for non-Japanese speaking people to get reservations at top sushi restaurants