First of all, wanted to say I’m grateful this community exists and thank you to those who contribute, reply, comment, etc. It’s been really helpful to read prior posts during this planning process.
I am traveling with my spouse to celebrate his 40^(th) birthday, and I am planning everything as a surprise. We can only spend 6-7 days in Japan for childcare reasons (my MIL is doing us a huge solid by watching our kid back home, any longer and it’s just too cruel for her lol), so we’re going to spend it all in Tokyo except for a quick side trip to Hakone.
Things we like: we like to eat, drink (love wine, recently got into sake), shop, and go to great bars/lounges. He also likes watches, music (blues, jazz, etc), basketball if that helps
Things we don’t like: We’ve been to Japan once before a decade ago, and are not really interested in seeing super touristy things. We don’t love rushing from place to place, and would rather take our time wandering around a neighborhood. Also would love to not feel panicked if we missed a subway train because we have to be somewhere asap.
Somethings are already booked and can’t be changed, but looking for feedback/thoughts in general and especially in regard to:
Any interesting/fun bars or lounges for post-dinner drinks?
Is Teamlabs borderless worth it?
Restaurant recs?
The general gist I get from reading itinerary checks is that people tend to pack too many things in one day, and after our last trip to Japan that is exactly what I don’t want. I do feel I took it to an extreme and planned like…one thing a day lol so I’m open to any other ideas, thoughts, etc.
Sorry for the long explanation, and thanks in advance!!!!!
Day 1:
Land NRT at 8 pm, check into Hotel in Shibuya (hotel booked)
(any late night dinner recs in Shibuya?)
Day 2:
Leave for Hakone, stay in Ryokan (booked)
Day 3:
Depart Hakone back to Tokyo, hotel for remainder of trip in Shibuya (booked)
Shopping in Shibuya
Dinner (any recs?)
Day 4:
Go to Shinjuku, eat lunch there
Private Sake Testing in Shinjuku
Dinner (booked): Ten-Masa for tempura kaiseki
Post-dinner plans – looking for recs!
Day 5:
Ueno food stall
Shop around Ginza
Dinner (booked) Oniku Karyu for beef kaiseki
Post-dinner plans – looking for recs!
Day 6:
Teamlab borderless?
Dinner (booked) Sushi M
Post -dinner plans – looking for recs
Day 7:
Eat lunch, shop a little
Depart for airport : (
by Reasonable-North5501