First timer in Tokyo, landing next week, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things you can do there.
I am not including the arrival and departure days (we land in the evening and depart in the morning).
So, after selecting attractions from fellow redditors and sorting them using chatgpt by attractiveness I got the following (P.S. Our hotel is in Ginza so the distances are calculated using it as a reference point):
Day 1: Ginza & Nearby Attractions
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Although the inner fish market moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a bustling spot for fresh seafood, street food stalls, and small restaurants. You can enjoy sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and other delicacies. Distance: 1.2 km from Ginza (15-minute walk).
- Ginza: Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue. It’s home to flagship stores like Itoya for stationery lovers, Ginza Six for shopping, and the famous Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower.
- Imperial Palace Grounds: The residence of Japan’s Emperor, featuring beautiful gardens, moats, and stone bridges. While the inner grounds are generally off-limits, the East Gardens are open to the public. Distance: 2.3 km (about 30 minutes walk or 10 minutes by taxi).
- Tokyo International Forum: A stunning architectural marvel near Tokyo Station, known for its glass and steel design. It’s a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and concerts. Distance: 900 meters (12 minutes walk). Transportation: Walk.
- Daimaru Tokyo & Character Street: Daimaru is a luxury department store located at Tokyo Station, offering high-end fashion, gourmet foods, and souvenirs. Character Street is a shopping zone with stores dedicated to anime and manga characters, perfect for finding unique Tokyo memorabilia. Distance: 1.3 km (15 minutes walk or 10 minutes by taxi).
Day 2: Asakusa & Akihabara
- Sensō-ji: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, located in Asakusa. It’s known for its giant red Kaminarimon Gate and the lively shopping street, Nakamise-dori, leading up to the temple. Distance: 6.5 km (30 minutes by subway). Transportation: Take the Ginza Line from Ginza Station to Asakusa Station (20 minutes).
- Nakamise-dori Street: A bustling street lined with vendors selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts as you make your way to Sensō-ji. Distance: Near Sensō-ji, easily walkable.
- Sumida Park: Located along the Sumida River, this park offers scenic views of Tokyo Skytree and is especially famous during cherry blossom season.
- Akihabara: The heart of otaku (geek) culture, filled with shops dedicated to anime, manga, video games, and electronics. Visit Mandarake Complex for collectibles or Super Potato for retro gaming. Distance: 4 km (20 minutes by subway). Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line from Yurakucho Station to Akihabara Station.
- Aki-Oka Artisan Market: A hidden gem between Akihabara and Okachimachi, where you can find workshops and stores showcasing handcrafted goods, jewelry, and home décor. Distance: 500 meters from Akihabara Station (10-minute walk).
Day 3: Shibuya, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine
- Meiji Jingu: A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It’s surrounded by a lush forest, making it a peaceful escape within bustling Tokyo. Distance: 7 km (20 minutes by subway). Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line from Yurakucho Station to Harajuku Station.
- Harajuku (Takeshita Street): A vibrant, youthful neighborhood known for its quirky shops, fashion, and street food (especially crepes). Explore Omotesando Avenue for upscale shopping. Distance: Nearby (10-minute walk from Meiji Shrine).
- Yoyogi Park: Located next to Meiji Shrine, this large public park is great for a walk or picnic and often hosts cultural festivals and events.
- Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya is famous for its neon lights and iconic Hachiko Statue. Nearby is Shibuya Scramble Square, where you can get a panoramic view of the city. Distance: 2 km from Harajuku (15 minutes walk or 5 minutes by subway). Transportation: Walk or take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
Day 4: Ueno, Okachimachi & Tokyo Skytree
- Ueno Park & National Museum of Nature and Science: Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest and largest parks, home to the National Museum of Nature and Science, which offers fascinating exhibits on Japanese natural history and technology. Distance: 5.5 km (25 minutes by subway). Transportation: Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Ginza Station to Ueno Station.
- Okachimachi: A lively market area between Ueno and Akihabara, known for its street vendors selling everything from seafood to jewelry. Distance: 1 km from Ueno (10 minutes walk).
- Tokyo Dome: A massive entertainment complex, home to baseball games, concerts, and an amusement park. Tokyo Dome City also includes shopping and dining. Distance: 5 km from Ueno (15 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by subway). Transportation: Taxi or take the Oedo Line from Ueno to Suidobashi Station.
- Tokyo Skytree: The tallest structure in Japan, standing at 634 meters, offering panoramic views of the city from two observation decks. The Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo Solamachi Mall at its base offer additional entertainment.
- Asahi Group Head Office Building: Known for its unique architecture resembling a glass of beer, this building has a top-floor bar where you can enjoy drinks with great city views. Distance: 3 km from Asakusa (10 minutes by subway or taxi). Transportation: Take the subway from Asakusa Station to Oshiage Station for Skytree
Day 5: Day Trip to Mt. Fuji or Hakone Loop
- Mt. Fuji Day Trip: Visit Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can hike, take a bus tour, or visit Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Distance: About 100 km (2-3 hours by bus or train). Transportation: Take a bus from Shinjuku or a train from Tokyo Station (JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to Fuji-Q Highland train).
How does it look? Thank you for your input! Arigato gozaimasu!
by duckdamozz