Hello! We are a couple travelling to Tokyo in the middle of December. This is technically my second time to visit as I spent a couple of days way back 2017 on a business trip, while its the first time for my SO.
A few items are dependent on reservations/tickets and so suggesting alternatives for those will be very much appreciated. I have indicated points as well where recommendations are highly needed. Thanks in advance!
Details that might help – we're in our mid-30s, love anime, wiĺling to travel for delicious food and a good eating experience, not keen on thrift stores or 2nd hand shops, not keen on drinking, and not keen on theme parks or anything similar.
Day 1 – Saturday
- Arrive before lunch @ Haneda (12 hour non-stop flight from Europe)
- Travel to Ginza to stow luggage and check-in
- Have lunch nearby and do some window shopping
- Visit a Winter Illumination spot – Hibiya Magic Time @ Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (depending on jetlag we may just crash at the hotel)
Day 2 – Sunday
If jetlag owns us, early breakfast @ Tsukiji. If our body clocks adapt well, a quick konbini bite and off to Shinjuku we go.
– See the 3D cat (Cross Shinjuku space), Godzilla Head, and the King Kong statue
– Quick visit @ Hanazono Shrine
– Window shopping and depachika hopping across Isetan, Marui, and Takashimaya
– (Time-permitting) Catch the sunset/blue hour on the rooftop area of Takashimaya
– Watch the light show @ Tokyo Metropolitan Gov't Building
Eyeing to have dinner @ Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu but would only push for this if we get a reservation. They have a taiko performance every Sunday at 8 PM which I think makes going to this place worth it. Pass if we miss this. And so if the above does not work out, off to Omoide Yokocho for dinner, instead.
Day 3 – Monday
(interchangeable with Day 7 if weather outlook is bleak)
Wake up early to take the first express train out to Fujikawaguchiko for our Mt. Fuji day tour
– Quick snap of Fuji-san from the Shimoyoshida Information Center
– View from Arakurayama Sengen Park
– Arrive at Lake Kawaguchi area and head straight to the Maple Corridor
– Walk around the lake from the above up to Oishi Park
– Attempt to take the infamous Lawson Mt. Fuji photo
Upon return to Tokyo, head straight back to the hotel having dinner along the way
Day 4 – Tuesday
- Make our way to Meiji shrine the earliest we can
- Cross the Harajuku arch then stroll along Cat Street up to Miyashita Park
- We have booked a Jujutsu Kaisen (anime) walking tour. This will take up the majority of our afternoon.
- Shibuya Sky at sunset/blue hour (reserve)
- Visit a Winter Illumination spot – Tokyo Marunouchi
Day 5 – Wednesday
- Booked the first timeslot for teamLab Borderless
- Lunch @ Toranomon Hills (reserve)
- Hie Shrine
- High-end shopping center hopping – Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills
Day 6 – Thursday
- Ameyoko shopping street
- Visit the Tokyo National Museum
- Walk from Ueno Park towards Kaminarimon/Sensoji Temple – which street(s) or path(s) are best to take?
- Walk from Sensoji to Tokyo Skytree via Asakusa-dori
- Tokyo Solamachi (Winter Illumination + Christmas Market)
Day 7 – Friday
Head south for a Kamakura-Yokohama side trip
– Alight first at Kamakurakoko-mae station and spend a few moments at nearby Koshigoe Rakko Park to get that view from the Slam Dunk! OP
– Use the Enoden to reach Inamuragasaki Park
– Eyeing to eat beside the tracks @ Cafe Yoridokoro (reserve) – other recommendations where to eat in Kamakura as alternatives?
– Alight the Enoden at Hase station for Hasedera
– Afterwards, see the Giant Buddha at Kotoku-in
– Ride the bus to alight at Kamakura station
– Walk the length of Komachi-dori to reach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
– Track back to Kamakura station and take the train to Sakuragicho station (Yokohama) and ride the Air Cabin
– Visit Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse for the Christmas Market
– Stroll bay-side along Yamashita Park (Winter Illumination)
Day 8 – Saturday
- Try the hotel buffet breakfast
- This is our alloted day to shop at Donki – head out to MEGA Don Quijote in Shibuya the earliest we can
- Back to hotel to pack all that we've bought and prepare for departure
- Head out late afternoon to Odaiba, arrive early to see the Gundam and secure a good view for Rainbow Bridge fireworks @ 7 PM
- Visit Tokyo Station for Ramen Street
Depending on how much we were able to do the past nights, we'll either go see the illumination in Hibiya or explore more in Marunouchi
Day 9 – Sunday (Open Day)
- Visit Ghibli Museum (wish me luck on the tickets)
- Would like to visit the anime stores in Akihabara
- Looking for a nice and budget-friendly kaiseki place for lunch
- Other recommendations for this day?
Day 10 – Monday
Check out early as our outbound flight is in Narita, arrive at the airport no later than 10 AM
Thanks again in advance!
by frustratedbyfaii