It’s my first time heading to Japan, with family, and we start with 3 days in Tokyo in the middle of October. Would really love some suggestions on things to do, places to eat and if our itinerary seems possible.
We arrive at 8pm on a Monday so aren’t counting this day, once we get to the hotel we will likely go to bed.
Day 1: hop on – hop off bus. These are something my mum really enjoys to get her bearings in new places while seeing some sites. I haven’t heard too many reviews of this and wonder what people think, it seems like tourist buses like these aren’t as popular as they are in Europe. We’ve also considered private tours with a car but wouldn’t know where to go!
Day 1 evening: open to suggestions! Our hotel is in Koto but happy to travel around via trains.
Day 2: team labs booked 9am. Exploring the imperial palace and surrounding area. Lunch. A small rest in the afternoon.
Day 2 evening: likely starting early at 4pm visit Shibuya for shopping and Shibuya sky for sunset (not booked yet). Dinner near Omoide Yokochō. After dinner drinks and exploring near Golden Gai and Shinjuku.
Day 3: Studio Ghibli Museum 10am (trying to secure tickets). Lunch nearby. 2pm Gotokuji Temple. 4pm leaving Tokyo.
If there is anything you’d add or remove please let me know, thanks!
5 comments
We also know we will be slightly earlier for Halloween in Tokyo but wondering if this is a very big event and if there are any parades!
The issue with the hop-on hop-off bus in Tokyo is that the city is so big. Its not like a European city with a traditional core of historic sites. The buses in Tokyo actually have three different routes. I looked at it and didn’t think it was worthwhile.
That last day gives me concerns.
I can see Studio Ghibli working out, but Gotokuji? Unless you’re leaving from HND and only quickly seeing the Temple, I don’t think you have time for this. Is the plane ticket at 4PM (ie be there around 2:30/3PM) or around 6PM?
Rest sounds like it could be fun. I was personally disappointed with the Imperial Palace, since we didn’t have a guided tour, but there are some very pretty parks (and a small Godzilla statue!) in Hibiya right next door.
Mind you, Team Labs usually takes 1-2 hours, so you’ll probably be at the Imperial Palace around noon at the earliest. (Borderless or Planets? Planets was very nice when we went.)
As for suggestions:
Asakusa (mostly Senso-ji) in the evening is very pretty! I also recommend a small okonomiyaki-joint we found 5 mins away from there. (Matsuri Bayashi Asakusa)
I think the Ghibli tickets have already been released for October. They sell pretty quickly, and I think it’s difficult to secure resale tickets. If it s on a weekday you might still be able to buy them, best of luck.
Day 2: The Imperial Palace tours /entry hours are 10.30 and 13.30. If you go to team labs at 9 you can only make it for the 2nd round and the place. I would grab lunch between the two