My family & I will be traveling to Japan from the second week of November to the end of November. It’ll be my husband and my two kids (16 & 11). My husband has been to Japan a few times for work and not really leisure. First time to Japan for the rest of us.
My biggest concern is if I’m trying to do too much and/or not really appreciating the distance between the various neighborhoods. After 7 days in Tokyo, we’ll head to Hakone for 3 days and then set up base in Kyoto or Osaka and do day trips from there. This is what I’ve tentatively for Tokyo. I would appreciate any suggestions with the itinerary that I’ve come up with so far.
\~We’re staying in Shibuya\~
Day #1: Main Focus: Getting to Japan
Arrive at Haneda airport around 3:30 PM
Get to accommodations
Relax/ Explore/Un-Jetlag
Try to stay awake until 9- 10 PM
Day #2: Main Focus: Asakusa & Akihabara
Tokyo Skytree
Kirby Cafe \[Toyko Tower\]
Sensō-ji
Akihabara
Video game arcades
Maid cafe \[@Home Cafe\] for lunch
Hitachino Brewing Lab for drinks
Day #3: Main Focus: Shibuya
Yoyogi Park
Nintendo Tokyo Shibuya (Shibuya Parco)
Shibuya Crossing
Hachiko Statute
Shibuya Sky
Day #4: Main Focus: Disney
Toyko (DisneySea)
Day #5: Main Focus: Odaiba
TeamLab Planets
Diver City Mall
Unicorn Gundam Statue
Rainbow Bridge
Day #6: Main Focus: Harajuku & Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Meiji Shrine
Look @ stores on Takeshita Street
Cat Street
Day #7: Main Focus: Imperial Palace & Ginza District
Tsukiji Fish Market
Kabuki Show @ 11 AM or 4 PM
Itōya Stationary Store
Ozu Washi \[paper making class\]
Imperial Palace & Gardens
Pokemon Center (Tokyo station)
Day #8: Main Focus: Checkout
Thrift Shop Shinokitazawa
Train to Hakone
2 comments
Meiji jingu in next to Yoyogi park, make no sense to do both on different days.
Generally not bad, keep in mind you do not have to do everything either, you can review your itinerary during the day and drop things if you see it’s too much, just take time to enjoy.
I’m usually one to advocate for a more relaxed schedule, but there are a few things you might be able to merge together here.
Shibuya likely won’t be a full day on its own. If you have time left, Harajuku is right next to it, and Shinjuku is right next to Harajuku.
Similarly, Odaiba might not be a full day on its own either (but can be). I’d say maybe you can do Tsukuji in the morning before Odaiba.
With an extra day spared, you might consider a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko, or find another part of Tokyo you’re interested in.