We are planning a trip to Japan in early November (borders permitting) and starting with 4 days in Tokyo. I am finding a bit difficult to do my itinerary around town as it seems there is too much to see and we don’t want to miss the main attractions. Here is my first draft:
**29/10**
**Morning Harajuku**
Meiji Shrine
Yoyogi Park Harajuku, with Takeshita-dori and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando
**Afternoon Shibuya**
Shibuya Crossing Walk around Shibuya, including Hachiko Statue, Patchinko
**30/10**
**Morning Shinjuku**
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
**Lunch Food Hall Isetan Store**
**Afternoon Ginza**
Imperial Palace
Uniqlo Ginza Store
TeamLab Planets
**Night Golden Gai Omoide Yokocho**
**31/10**
**Early Morning**
Tsukiji Market
**Afternoon Roppongi District**
Mori Art Museum
**01/11**
**Morning Asakusa**
Senso-Ji temple
Other temples
**Afternoon**
Walk around Sumida
Tokyo Skytower
Ameya Yokocho Market
Ueno Park
**Night option after dinner Akihabara**
Does this seems like a realistic route? Am I missing some thing?
Thanks for all in advance
12 comments
Day 1 : Yoyogi park can easily be skipped. The main reasons for me to go would be for cherry blossom (you are out of season) or for people watching during the weekend, so this is a maybe depending on the day and weather. Otherwise, it’s just a park, not a garden, so for that, Shinjuku Gyoen is better.
Day 2 While Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is nice because it is free, it is also not the observation deck I would recommend the most. I would rather do Shibuya Sky on day 1 as it have a view from the roof, or just completely skip it as you already have my other choice listed, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.
Day 3 : Make no sense to do Ginza and Tsukiji on two different days as these two neighborhoods literally touch each other. Move Ginza on that day if you really want to go. You can also consider Hama-Rikyu garden while in the area.
Day 4 : You noted “other temple” in Asakusa, but there is not especially any other known temple around. Yes, there is Asakuka-Jinja, that is a shrine, right next to Senso-ji, but not much more. You would have a bit more option for temple and shrine in Ueno park. Tokyo Skytree is already you third observation deck in 4 days, so that seems to be a lot.
You have a quick overall view of Tokyo with this itinerary, but you can also easily double your time in Tokyo. Some days might be a bit full, so I would suggest to make priority and do not rush and try to do everything, just try to enjoy the what you are doing at the moment.
I anything, I would skip Ginza, unless you are into shopping for luxury item or if you want to go see some Kabuki. Same for Roppongi, great if you go to Roppongi Hills, The National Art Center or even Tokyo Midtown, but otherwise, Roppongi is a bit more known for clubbing and nightlife than being a cool place to explore for a day.
Consider instead of a night walk in Akihabara, go during the day instead as it’s better for shopping. Asakusa is nearby and has loads of live jazz bars in the evening which should be more enjoyable imo.
I think that covers a lot of the major sights maybe with the exception of a visit to Odaiba. Only thing I’d say is that it’s a ton to pack into four days if you’re going to be arriving in Tokyo and dealing with jetlag.
Looks fine to me, honestly. Ginza might be a bit further away then the other two locations that day, but not to the point I’d find it burdensome put together in the same day.
The only thing I would look into for sure is if the Tsukiji Market is still opened to tourists. I know they had closed it awhile back, but I’m not sure if they changed their minds and re-opened. That being said, the outer market is worth exploring and fresh sushi for breakfast is a neat experience.
Yeah it looks ok. Just a couple of points:
30/10
You can skip the government building since the point is the view and you’re going somewhere better later on for views
31/10
Tsukiji market has closed. The new site is Toyosu market
1/11
There is no Tokyo sky tower, there is a Tokyo Tower and a Tokyo Skytree. I think you mean Skytree based on location
Tokyo Disney Sea is a MUST! Tokyo Disneyland is a lot like Magic Kingdom at WALT Disney World, but if you have a day to fit Disney Sea you absolutely should!!!
Yeah don’t listen to the people telling you about Tsukiji market! The wholesale part is meh anyway, the outer market is where it’s at and that’s still there!! Hands down the best uni and otoro I’ve ever had!
If I could only choose 1 Teamlab, it would be Teamlab Borderless in Odaiba. Don’t get me wrong, Planets is very fun and worth going to (and has exhibits that Borderless is missing), but Borderless is gigantic, and we ended up spending 3x the time wandering around Borderless. However, due to your tight itinerary, if you can only manage Planets, do it, it won’t disappoint.
Keep in mind that the imperial palace is closed to visitors unless you somehow get on the tour of it! You can walk around the outside of the gates but you won’t be able to see much of anything
Let’s hope the travel does open up in the Autumn. Nothing wrong with your plans. Just remember that they should just be a guide and adopt as needed.
Be aware that Tokyo transport works really well and buying tickets is easy which ever way you decide to do it. You can get around quickly despite the huge area.
Pachinko parlours were a bit overwhelming. Try to find one that caters to tourists as well as locals. Never fancied the fish market.
You need extra space to bring back souvenirs.
Are you planning a day trip to mt. Fuji at all?
I’m coming from Sydney, do we need to book tour guides to arrive in Tokyo?