I fly into Haneda on May 22nd and fly out on the 28th. I’ve been to Tokyo before so I’ve done some sightseeing already. I’ve seen Hachiko and the Scramble, been to Tokyo Tower, explored the photography building of Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku, did a bit of exploring in Akiba and Shibuya. Spent most of the day at Disney Sea and part of the evening (evening discount ticket) at Disneyland.
So I’m looking for things to do. I’ve got a ticket for TeamLab Borderless at their new location which I’m looking forward to since I went to the old Odaiba location before. I’m considering a day trip to Yokohama. Maybe Tsukiji to get some food at the old restaurants or to the new market early in the morning. I’m considering going to the tourist trap that is Asakusa just to wander and take some photos but I don’t think that’ll be an all day thing.
I’m interested in photography but I’m not taking my DSLR this time. I’m going solo so I’m traveling pretty light. I looked at the Sumo tickets but they’re sold out already which isn’t a surprise. going to Uniqlo isn’t interesting to me, I’m not a fashion guy and I’m much too large for Japanese clothing. I think I’m a 4L or so by their standards. I could wander Ginza but window shopping in Ginza wouldn’t be too exciting since I could just drive to Melrose and do the same at home. I’ve been to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka so I’m planning on going to one of the Donguri stores at one point while I wander around.
So I’m looking for any ideas from others on things to do in the few days I’m there. Some suggestions I got on a previous post that got removed from the other subreddit are the ramen museum, Cup Noodle museum, and some suggestions for Yokohama as a day trip.
by pockypimp
13 comments
I honestly thought Asakusa was worth visiting. Senso-Ji, Denboin Garden, and Nakamise-dori street were all a great walk that I did solo as well, but I went while it was raining on / off so maybe it was less crowded because of it. Great food options around that area too. Tsukiji was the one that I found kinda disappointing tbh.
Some recommendations are Ameyoko, Golden Gai, plus don’t sleep on some of the gardens available, very picturesque.
The sea side town of Kamakura is a nice day trip. Its down past Yokohama. Its got great temples, like Hasedera, the giant bronze Buddha statue at Kotoku-in, beautiful beaches, and Enoshima Island is a nice little adventure.
Besides photography do you have any other hobbies? Like books, music, art or do you collect anything? I feel like if you’re into some aspect of culture Tokyo has a lot to offer.
Ginza is definitely not worth it if you’re not into fashion or shopping. There’s really no point and it’s all luxury stores. If you’re actually interested in finding cool clothing or styling at an affordable place I can recommend neighborhoods but I think I can only give recommendations based on what your actual interests are and what you’re looking for in Tokyo.
If sumo was an option, what about a Japanese professional baseball game? Swallows play at home on May 23 (Meiji Jingu Stadium).
What are you interested in? I’m originally from a different part of Japan and still visit regularly. In Tokyo, these are the things I enjoyed the most:
– Day trip to Kamakura + Enoshima
– Ueno park & nearby museums
– Harajuku (lots of animal cafes like owls and cats if you’re into that) and nearby Meiji Jingu temple
– Baseball game at Meiji Jingu Stadium (the local fan base is awesome)
– Wander around Kabukicho at night and have wagyu bbq for dinner
– TeamLabs (which you already bought tickets for)
– Day trip to a nearby mountain for a short hike. Some of them have monkey parks near the the trailhead.
If you are into photography and whatever you are taking with you is decent in low light do asakusa in the dark, late evening. The temple area will be way way quiter than during the day and it will be a completely different vibe. I stayed at a hotel right next to Kaminarimon Gate and the evenings were awesome.
Perhaps hit [Nintendo Tokyo](https://shibuya.parco.jp.e.aiv.hp.transer.com/shop/detail/?cd=025793) at the PARCO building in Shibuya? There’s a Pokemon Center next door as well if you’re into that.
This Nintendo shop mostly concentrates on Splatoon and Animal Crossing so if you’re a fan of those franchises, I would recommend it.
Start with the National Museum in Ueno. The Tokyo museum near the sumo stadium is also quite popular. Kamakura and Nikko make good day trips. There is a chair lift to the top of Takao-san.
Check out the Liquid Room or the BlueNote for some nightlife.
I would definitely recommend Yokohama/Minato Mirai area. If you go on a weekend (a vibrant time to go) I recommend getting the train to Chinatown then walking to Yamashita Park then Red Brick building, then Minato Mirai. Don’t bother going up Landmark Tower – small windows and underwhelming.
If you’re into sports of any kind, visiting a game can be fun.
We went to watch a football game in Kawasaki and my wife and sister (two different people!) who are both not that into football really enjoyed it too.
Other than that, we went to a fleamarket which was nice, most of the other stuff that isn’t just strolling around was already recommended here.
actually did a daytrip to Kamakura which was really nice, we went to few shrines and to the beach and it’s a good way to enjoy places near Tokyo without the crowds, maybe you can pair that with Yokohama
Some random things I really enjoyed:
* There’s an Edo Museum in Fukagawa that I found really neat. It has a whole recreation of an Edo Period village indoors, complete with big shutters on the ceiling to let light in and then occasionally close up to simulate nighttime.
* Nakano Broadway had a lot of neat shops and in general sported some cool Showa Era architecture.
* Nihonbashi is a really neat district with a lot of history. The bridge over Nihonbashi River is over 100 years old, acts as the zero kilometer for Japan (look for the little plaque in the middle of the road), and is one of the few places in modern Tokyo where you can see damage from the WW2 firebombings. The Japan Stock Exchange and the Bank of Japan Currency Museum are nearby. I found it a neat place to take photos since you get a bit of a clash of eras, because a freeway was built over the top of it.
* The Imperial Palace Gardens near Tokyo Station. It’s an incredible place to walk around. You got the gardens *and* castle ruins. And it’s free to the public!
* I agree with the other posts here: Kamakura and Enoshima are awesome if you can make it out there. The daibutsu was incredible. Just be sure to go early if you can, since it got super busy as it got later in the day.
This new building/mall opened near roppongi hills called “Azabudai Hills” and it’s got an observation deck at the top. Would be good views!