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.
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
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
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
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
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)
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
The authors of Elevated Viewpoint sport adventurous souls with deep passions for exploring new cultures and cuisines. With a love for finding the best a city has to offer, we seek out both traditional gems and local hotspots in every destination. From savoring exotic flavors to experiencing unique traditions, we are always on the lookout for the next adventure.
Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!