Hi there! 😉
I’ve already created a post for our entire trip to Japan, but I’d love to focus specifically on our stay in Tokyo here.
We (two couples of friends) will be spending 6 full days there in early November.
Here’s what we’ve planned so far.
We’d really appreciate your feedback to validate—or not—our schedule, and especially to hear your tips.
Thanks in advance! 😉
DAY 0:
Arrival in Tokyo in the evening, so rest and dinner near the hotel.
DAY 1:
09:00 – Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Must-see:
✔ Japanese garden (red bridge, pond)
✔ French garden (perspective and rose garden)
✔ English garden (lawns and maple trees)
Photo spot: Red bridge + red maples (koyo).
11:00 – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Walking route:
Start with Takeshita-dori (kawaii fashion, Japanese crepes).
Walk up to Omotesandō (designer architecture: Dior, Prada).
Don’t miss:
✔ Kiddy Land (toys, souvenirs)
✔ Tokyu Plaza Omotesandō (entrance with escalators and mirrors → iconic photo)
12:30 – Lunch
Afuri Harajuku (yuzu ramen, light and fragrant).
Alternative: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing sushi, quick and fresh).
14:00 – Meiji-jingū (optional but recommended)
Access: From Omotesandō, enter through the large wooden torii.
Must-see:
✔ Decorative sake barrels
✔ Forest path (zen atmosphere)
✔ Main pavilion (respect the purification ritual at the entrance).
Duration: 45 min.
16:30 – Return to hotel / rest
JR Yamanote Line from Harajuku → Shinjuku (5 min).
18:30 – Evening in Yurakucho (Gado-shita)
DAY 2
09:00 – Visit to Asakusa
Walking route:
Kaminarimon Gate → photo under the large red lantern.
Nakamise-dori → shopping street (souvenirs, snacks: melon pan, senbei).
Sensō-ji Temple → main pavilion, five-story pagoda.
Don’t miss:
✔ Omikuji (fortune-telling draw)
✔ Photo with the pagoda and Tokyo Skytree in the background.
11:30 – Akihabara
Walking route:
✔ Yodobashi Camera (gadgets, electronics)
✔ Mandarake (figurines, manga)
✔ Super Potato (retro games)
13:00 – Lunch
Quick option: Ichiran Ramen (Akihabara).
Local option: Tendon Tenya (affordable tempura).
14:30 – Free time / shopping
Explore the small alleys for anime shops, figurines, gashapon.
16:30 – Departure for Toyosu (teamLab Planets)
Transport:
JR Yamanote Line from Akihabara → Shimbashi (15 min)
Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi → Shin-Toyosu (15 min)
Tip: Book a 6:30 PM slot to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
18:30 – teamLab Planets
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tip: Bring a towel (barefoot experience in water).
Mandatory reservation: (official website).
20:30 – Dinner
Option on-site: DMM Café (Toyosu).
Option back in Shinjuku: Izakaya (Torikizoku or Teyandei).
DAY 3:
Excursion to Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
DAY 4:
09:00 – East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Must-see:
✔ Ruins of Edo Castle
✔ Nijubashi Bridge (iconic photo)
✔ Museum of the Imperial Collections (free)
Duration: 1h15.
Tip: Open exceptionally this day (public holiday).
10:30 – Walk to Ginza
Walk: 15 min via Marunouchi Naka-dori (chic street with shops and cafés).
Tip: Enjoy the autumn decorations and designer façades.
11:00 – Ginza
Must-see:
✔ Ginza Six (modern shopping center)
✔ Nissan Crossing (futuristic car exhibit)
✔ Wako Clock Tower (iconic photo)
14:30 – Shibuya
Walking route:
✔ Shibuya Crossing (photo from Starbucks Tsutaya)
✔ Hachikō Statue
✔ Shibuya Scramble Square → Shibuya Sky (panoramic view of Tokyo and Mount Fuji if the sky is clear).
Shopping: Loft, Tokyu Hands, Shibuya 109 (fashion).
17:30 – Return to hotel / rest
JR Yamanote Line from Shibuya → Shinjuku (7 min).
19:30 – Dinner
Izakaya option: Izakaya Tofuro Shinjuku (traditional atmosphere).
Modern option: Nabezo Shinjuku (all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu).
DAY 5:
10:00 – Ghibli Museum
Duration: 2 hours.
Must-see:
✔ Permanent exhibits (Totoro, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away)
✔ Exclusive short films (Saturn Theater)
Tip: Photos are not allowed inside, but there are beautiful spots outside.
12:00 – Stroll in Inokashira Park
Must-see:
✔ Central pond (boat rental available)
✔ Benzaiten Shrine
Duration: 30 min.
14:30 – Nakameguro & Daikanyama
Transport: JR Chuo Line from Mitaka → Shibuya, then Tokyu Toyoko Line → Nakameguro (40 min).
Must-see:
✔ Walk along the Meguro River (trendy cafés, design shops)
✔ T-Site Daikanyama (magnificent architecture)
Coffee break: Onibus Coffee Nakameguro (artisanal coffee).
17:30 – Return to Shinjuku
Transport: Tokyu Toyoko Line → Shibuya → JR Yamanote Line → Shinjuku.
DAY 6:
Free morning (shopping or relaxation)
Suggestions:
✔ Shopping at Lumine Shinjuku or Isetan
✔ Stop by Don Quijote for souvenirs
✔ Or Thermae-Yu Onsen (if you want a relaxing morning before departure).
14:45 – Arrival in Odaiba
Walking route:
✔ Aqua City (shopping, bay view)
✔ Statue of Liberty (photo with Rainbow Bridge)
✔ DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (giant Gundam statue)
Immersive option: Immersive Fort Tokyo (if you want a fun indoor activity).
16:30 – Sunset over Rainbow Bridge
Best spot: Esplanade in front of Aqua City or Odaiba Beach.
Photo tip: Wait for the bridge lights to turn on (around 5 PM).
18:30 – Dinner in Odaiba
20:00 – Departure for Tokyo Tower
Transport:
Yurikamome Line from Daiba → Shimbashi → Oedo Line → Akabanebashi (30 min).
Tokyo Tower:
✔ Incredible night view of illuminated Tokyo.
✔ Duration: 45 min to 1 hour.
21:30 – Return to Shinjuku
Transport: Oedo Line → Shinjuku (15 min).
And there you have it—I hope I didn’t go on too long! 😉
Thanks everyone for your advice....
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