Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city of contrasts: where ancient temples stand in the shadows of neon-lit skyscrapers, and serene gardens offer a break from the endless buzz of modern life. For the uninitiated, navigating its sprawling districts can feel like stepping into another world entirely—and that’s part of the thrill. But with so much to see and do, it’s daunting to plan a trip. How do you make the most of it? This guide to Tokyo is your blueprint to uncovering the heart of this extraordinary city. From street shopping in Asakusa to Yakiniku in Omoide Yokocho, let’s dive into a journey you’ll never forget.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Area Map
• When to Go
• Getting Around
• Staying Connected
• Where to Stay
• Being Respectful of the Local Culture
• Things to Do
  • Day 1 – Shibuya & Harajuku
  • Day 2 – Asakusa, Akihabara
  • Day 3 – Shinjuku, Kabukicho
  • Days 4-6 – Tokyo Disney Resort
    • Tokyo Disneyland
    • Tokyo DisneySea
  • Day 7 – Ginza, Roppongi
  • Day 8 – Temples, Ueno, Ameyoko
  • Day 9 – Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • Other Add-Ins To Consider
• What to Eat
• Souvenirs to Buy
• Other Resources to Consult

Introduction

This post is based closely on the itinerary that I followed for my first visit ever to Japan. I would recommend trying to complete this itinerary as best as possible, based upon a few notes / caveats:

• Most of what is listed below can be done in the time frame specified, but you’ll need to make some cuts based upon what is most interesting to you. (It’s not necessarily a good idea for everyone to try and do all of this stuff in 9 days.)
• This is an itinerary is designed for a couple. If you’re bringing kids along, plan to do about 1/3rd of this stuff, and focus on the Tokyo Disney Resort.
• The person or couple doing this itinerary must be in decent shape. Tokyo is a “walkable city,” but what a walk it is. Plan on averaging about 25,000 – 30,000 steps per day for this trip. If you’re only capable of 20,000 steps per day, plan on doing 2/3rds of each day. Just decide what looks best to you and slim things down.
• This is a whirlwind itinerary. There will be stuff that you won’t make it to. Look at this as a sort of “checklist.” While you can plan for every minute and every subway ride, you shouldn’t do this. You should have a good idea of when things are open and when things aren’t, what days are national holidays during your trip (if any) and how long you’ll need to see each location.
• There are two areas that I would have really liked to get to which I was unable to: Odaiba & Roygoku. This was partially due to time, but also due to availability. (Example: The Edo-Tokyo museum was closed for the duration of our visit, and I determined that the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena would be a challenge to secure tickets for, so I plan on doing the Roygoku area in another trip.)

To give you an idea of how big Tokyo is: The city seemingly never ends. For a basis of comparison: current population of the entire DFW Metroplex is 8.1 million. The current population of “Chicagoland” is about 9.4 million, the population of the greater Los Angeles are is 18.4 million, and the population of all 5 boroughs of New York City is 19.5 million people. The population of the greater Tokyo area is a whopping 41 million people. In short–plan that you’ll return someday, and know you won’t see everything.

Area Map

When to Go

This depends somewhat on what you’re aiming for on your trip.

If you want cherry blossoms, they bloom from late March through early May, peaking in April. April is going to cost you, though. (Note: If you go during the cherry blossoms time frame, you’ll want to research locations for “Hanami” (花見). This translates to “flower viewing,” and there’s specific locations which are ideal for Hanami which you’ll want to maximize on your itinerary. This includes a number of locations mentioned below, specifically Ueno park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi (near the imperial palace), and others.

I’m more of the school of thought of minimizing costs. In that vein, February & September are probably the best times to go and minimize your cost. November is a good bet if you want some fall colors and some slightly cooler weather, but it will cost a bit more. (December and January are inexpensive as well, but cold.)

Getting Around

Don’t bother with a car. They drive on the left side of the road in Japan and honestly, renting a car scares me in these circumstances. Plus they’re expensive to park. Tokyo has the most complex public transit system in the world, but it’s remarkably easy for one to navigate–even if you don’t know a word of Japanese. On the trains, their brilliant letter / number / shape system, usually very clearly marked platforms, and color coded (always indicated with a yellow sign) & numbered exits make it a cinch to use the system, especially when coupled with Google Maps. (The busses and street cars are a cinch as well, but you most likely won’t need many of those.)

For payment, if you’re planning to travel outside of Tokyo (outside the scope of this blog post), you may want to look into one of the rail passes available in Japan. In my experience, you’ll just want to use your smart device to put some money on a digital Suica card. The digital cards work extraordinarily well and can be used for purchasing things beyond subway tickets. (Suicas are accepted a form of payment at places like 7-Eleven–or any other convenience store for that matter–and vending machines.)

Note that for Google Maps, you’ll need to have a smart phone with you, and so you’ll need to think about…

Staying Connected

There are three main options for staying connected in Japan: use your phone’s roaming, rent a pocket WiFi, or get an eSIM.

1. Roaming with Your Cellular Provider: This option is convenient but often pricey, especially for calls. For example, Verizon’s TravelPass costs $10 per day with limited data. If you plan to make local calls and need to receive calls on your telephone line, this may be the best choice, but for data alone, other options are more cost-effective.
2. Pocket WiFi Device: Available for rent at airport kiosks (HND or NRT), a pocket WiFi device provides a mobile hotspot for all your devices at a low, flat rate. However, it’s an extra item to carry and charge daily, which some may find inconvenient.
3. eSIM (Recommended): I used World eSIM, purchasing two 10-day unlimited data plans for about $40 each in September 2024. Setup was quick—simply scan the provided QR code, and your eSIM activates upon arrival in Japan. Just remember to disable your regular SIM on the flight over. You can find easy setup tutorials on YouTube for any provider. I also recommend the website Tokyo Cheapo for good information here (and about virtually everything else in Tokyo as well!) Also, if you need to make calls from your iPhone while in Tokyo, it is possible to purchase an eSim with this capability, but delivery may take a bit longer.

Where to Stay

Where you stay in Tokyo is less critical than some might tell you. The city is incredibly safe, with only minor exceptions around areas like Kabukicho and Golden-Gai in Shinjuku at night. Generally, it’s safe even for solo travelers, including women. Focus on finding accommodations near the attractions you’re most interested in. Even if you choose a place that’s a tad off the beaten path, the public transit system is so phenomenal that location isn’t quite as critical as it would be in other destinations.

Shinjuku (pictured above) and Shibuya are popular choices, though they tend to be pricey. I considered the Best Western in Akihabara, which seemed like a solid, affordable option, and pretty centrally located within Tokyo. Ultimately, I chose the Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho (a Marriott property), which wasn’t as centrally located, but caters well to Western visitors. Although the area has nightlife, it felt safe and is conveniently close to Kinshicho Station (a 5–7 minute walk), offering great value compared to pricier locations. It was perfect for my wife and I.

For ZED fare travelers: Using airline discount rates with Best Western or Marriott can offer flexibility—often with free cancellations and no penalties. Booking with Marriott’s “Airline Leisure” discount code (Z31) at the Moxy meant that if my flight plans changed, I could cancel or adjust my reservation without consequence–even right after missing the flight. Always read the fine print, but the last minute cancellation ability often ends up being more important to me than saving a few extra bucks a night.

Being Respectful of Local Culture

Tokyo is a very different place–likely more unlike any other place you’ve ever been. There’s probably thousands of YouTube videos that highlight some of these differences, but here’s a greatest hits compilation of things to think about:

• Mirror your Surroundings – When in doubt, be mindful to what those are doing around you. Is it quiet where you are? Don’t make a lot of noise. Do you not see anyone else eating? Don’t eat.
• No Speaker Phone / Ringer in Public Areas – In fact, answering your phone in a public area isn’t probably the greatest idea whatsoever–and never on public transit.
• Do NOT Jaywalk.
• Do NOT tip.
• Always carry some cash. Most places do take touch-to-pay, but don’t count on it–especially in temples or some of the shopping streets (like Ameyoko or Nakamise in Asakusa.)
• Don’t point. Certainly don’t do it with one finger. You’re better off gesturing with your whole hand.
• Stand to the left side of the escalator / walk on the left side of the road. This is specific to Tokyo, as other parts of Japan DO stand on the right. Just be mindful of your surroundings.
• Phrases to Know – I was really worried about not knowing Japanese prior to arriving in Tokyo. It turned out that I only really needed these 3 expressions. It helps to know more, but these three are really all you need:
  • “Arigato” – Thank you.
  • “Sumimasen” – Excuse me.
  • “Kon’nichiwa” – Hello.
• Shrine / Temple Etiquette – If you’re planning on visiting shrines & temples (and hopefully collecting Goshuin! More on that later), make sure to follow the rules of the Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines you’re collecting them from. Here’s a great article that digs into the rules for the shrines / temples. Here’s another that focuses on the cleansing process and praying process.
• Don’t eat on the train. Also, don’t eat or drink while walking around in general.
• Don’t talk loudly on the train.
• When paying, put your money on the tray. Don’t hand it to the cashier directly.
• Plan on carrying your trash with you. Public trash cans in Japan are far less common then they are in the US. If you need one urgently, seek out a train station or–better still–a convenience store. Convenience stores almost always have one.
• Respect the line. I think queuing up is actually the national pastime–keep this in mind.
• When eating a bowl of rice, don’t pour a bunch of condiments over it. Keep it pure. Getting something like a beef bowl (more on that below) where stuff is on the rice already is a little different.
• Don’t shove your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice and leave them there. This (literally) is symbolic of death in Japan.
• Be careful with photography. You can take pictures, but public privacy laws in Japan are far more extensive than they are in the US.

There are other rules (like, “don’t wear shorts, even if it’s hot outside” and “don’t wear sunglasses”) which you can follow to try and match local culture, but some make a bigger deal out of these than they really should. Just be respectful. If it seems off, it probably is.

Things to Do

This blog post is meant to be first in a series of multiple blog posts about Japan, depending on interest and how much time I have. (I’m also hoping to add different self-guided “walks” here, suggesting a route to see the area efficiently without missing the highlights.)

Stealing from the “pyramid” system established by Rick Steves:

• 🔺🔺🔺means “Top sight–not to be missed!”
• 🔺🔺means “Try hard to see. Worth a detour.”
• 🔺means “Really worthwhile if you can make it.”
• No pyramid still means that the location is worth your time (everything here is), but isn’t as critical.

Day 1 – Shibuya, Harajuku

Here’s a link to a custom walk on GPSMyCity which I built. This walk is a great semi-guided tour for the first part of this day. (I hope to expand it soon to include Shibuya as well.)

• Meiji Jingu & Yoyogi Park 🔺🔺🔺 – The highlight here is really the Meiji Jingu shrine, which is a must see. It’s one of the most beautiful shrines in the city. Also, the gift shop of the shrine is fantastic, and probably the best I saw in any shrine or temple in the city.
• Harajuku – Tokyo’s vibrant center for youth culture, fashion, and creativity, known for its eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, street art, and colorful styles.
  • Takeshita Street 🔺🔺🔺 – Takeshita Street is a lively, colorful pedestrian street in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, famous for its quirky fashion boutiques, unique accessory shops, and fun street food, like crepes and rainbow-colored treats.
  • Togo Shrine – A tranquil Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Harajuku area, dedicated to Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a Japanese naval hero famous for his role in the Russo-Japanese War. Given the shrine’s proximity to Takeshita street and the local kawaii culture influence, this is a great place to nab a unique goshuin book: one with Hello Kitty on the cover. (Additionally, Hello Kitty amulets are available as well.)
  • Ōta Memorial Museum of Art 🔺🔺 – A small but renowned museum dedicated to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, featuring rotating exhibits that showcase famous works from artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige. This is one of the best places in the entire world to see Ukiyo-e prints.
  • Omotesandō Ave. 🔺- This is kind of like Tokyo’s version of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This tree-lined street is famous for it’s luxury boutiques, designer flagship stores, and sophisticated cafes.
• Shibuya – One of Tokyo’s most dynamic districts, famous for its bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment scene.
  • Hachikō Memorial Statue 🔺🔺🔺 – A beloved landmark outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo, commemorating the famously loyal Akita dog, Hachikō, who waited every day for his owner even after his passing.
  • Shibuya Crossing (AKA: “The Shibuya Scramble”) 🔺🔺🔺- The world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. An estimated 2,500 people cross each time the light turns at peak times. It’s organized chaos, and one of the best ways to finish your first day in Tokyo.

Day 2 – Asakusa, Akihabara

• Asakusa –
  • Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate) 🔺🔺 – The iconic outer gate of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is instantly recognizable by its massive red paper lantern emblazoned with the character for “thunder.”
  • Nakamise Shopping Street 🔺🔺🔺 – A lively, historical shopping street leading up to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, lined with stalls offering traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Dating back centuries, it’s one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, where visitors can sample treats like ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste–you can watch them make these with automated machines along the street) and shop for items like yukata, fans, and other Japanese keepsakes. The adjacent, covered streets on either side of Nakamise offer additional outstanding shopping opportunities.
  • Senso-ji Temple 🔺🔺🔺– Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple (pictured above), located in the Asakusa district. Originally built in 645 AD, it’s dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and features a majestic main hall, a five-story pagoda, and (of course) the aformentioned the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate).
  • Asakusa Shrine – A historic Shinto shrine located next to Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, dedicated to the two brothers who, according to legend, discovered the statue of Kannon that inspired Senso-ji’s founding. (Remember: Shinto ≠ Buddhist.)
• Akihabara🔺🔺🔺 -Tokyo’s renowned district for electronics, anime, and otaku (fan) culture. Known for its countless stores selling gadgets, video games, anime merchandise, and collectibles. Back in the day, this area of town was known as “electric town.”
  • Themed Cafes (Maid Cafe, Owl Cafe, Cat Cafe, etc) 🔺 – Depending on your interest, you should go to one of these. Maid cafes cater more towards men, but animal lovers rejoice with the animal-related cafes.
  • Kanda Myoujin Shrine – A historic Shinto shrine in Tokyo, revered for granting blessings of prosperity, business success, and good fortune. Located near Akihabara, it draws visitors ranging from traditional worshippers to tech enthusiasts who come to pray for protection in their ventures, studies, and even digital devices. (The IT protection amulet here is awesome and one of my favorite amulets I purchased while visiting Tokyo.)

Day 3 – Shinjuku, Kabukicho

• Shinjuku Goyen National Garden 🔺🔺🔺- One of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, known for its blend of Japanese, English, and French garden styles. Originally an imperial garden, it features expansive lawns, serene ponds, and vibrant cherry blossoms in spring, making it a popular spot for picnics and relaxation amid the city’s bustle. (I was here on a national holiday and enjoyed watching all of the young families picnicking.) It is a steal at ¥500 admission per person to get in (payable via Suica card).
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 🔺🔺- An iconic skyscraper complex in Shinjuku that houses Tokyo’s city government offices and offers free observation decks with panoramic views of the city. Standing 243 meters (that’s 797′) tall, the building provides stunning vistas of landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
• Omoide Yokocho🔺- Often called “Memory Lane” (or the more derogatory “Piss Alley,”) Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alleyway in Shinjuku filled with small, atmospheric eateries, mainly specializing in yakitori (grilled skewers) and traditional Japanese comfort food. This post-war-era area retains a retro charm with its cozy, lantern-lit stalls, making it a great way to get that “old Tokyo” feel.
• 3D Cat Screen – A massive, ultra-high-resolution digital billboard displaying a realistic, larger-than-life 3D cat that “interacts” with passersby.
• Kabukicho – Tokyo’s entertainment and red-light district, known for its neon lights, bustling nightlife, and diverse entertainment options.
  • Kabuki-chō Ichiban-gai Gate 🔺- The iconic entrance to Tokyo’s Kabukicho district (pictured above).
  • Godzilla Head – A massive sculpture of the iconic monster located atop the Toho Building in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, peering over the streets below. Unfortunately, when I visited, it wasn’t accessible. (I think it is normally accessible through the Hotel Gracery’s lobby bar.)
  • Shinjuku Golden-Gai 🔺- A historic, narrow alleyway district known for its collection of tiny, atmospheric bars and pubs that exude an old-world charm. (Again–very “Old Tokyo,” and looks like a scene out of Blade Runner.)

Days 4-6 – Tokyo Disney Resort

Before I get into the parks, I first have to offer a disclaimer: In order to get into the Tokyo Disney Resort, you’ll need to buy tickets via the clunky Tokyo Disney Resort app. Luckily, going between my Chase Sapphire Reserve card and my Chase Disney Visa allowed me (barely) to purchase tickets. But American credit cards are very finicky with Japan’s payment system. So, your mileage may vary. Others who have had an issue getting tickets are able to get them without issue through Klook. Use Klook as a backup option but if at all possible, purchase the tickets through the app before you arrive to the parks.

Second: If you only had 1 day–go to Tokyo DisneySea. It’s the greatest theme park in the world.

Third: Go into the parks having a plan. There is a rather confusing / hard to understand series of queuing systems built into the park. As of this writing, there are 4 different types. (They are all built into the Tokyo Disney Resort App.) Here’s a quick description of each.

• Disney Premier Access – This is the paid-per-ride, skip-the-line pass that allows guests to reserve specific attractions or shows and enjoy shorter wait times. (This is pretty much “Individual Lightning Lane” in Orlando.
• 40th Anniversary Priority Pass – A free pass allows you to skip the standby line for certain attractions. (This is pretty much like the old FastPass+ system in Orlando.)
• Standby Pass – This is a free virtual queue system is available for certain popular attractions, limiting the number of people waiting in physical lines. (It’s most like the virtual queue system in Orlando. Depending on your luck, it can be used to get you into the elusive “Fantasy Springs” area of Tokyo DisneySea, but more on that later.)
• Entry Request – Used for high-demand shows and character greeting locations. This functions like a lottery where you can request a time slot. If selected, you’re guaranteed entry; if not, “sorry ’bout-cha.” The only time I think I used this was for the Big Band Beat show in DisneySea (which was WELL worth it–and I’m not usually a “amusement park show” kind of guy.)

For both of these parks, plan on arriving at least an hour (and probably at least an hour and a half) before posted park opening, bring a “parade mat” if you have one, and plan on hammering your phone for Premier Access, Priority Passes, and Standby Passes as soon as you scan into the park. If you do this, you’re gonna have a good time.

Regarding food: Make sure to try the popcorn flavors. There’s some really strange ones. My favorite flavors were the “Napoleon” flavor at “The Big Pop,” and the “Honey” flavor out in front of Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. (You can see all of their current popcorn flavors–and their awesome popcorn buckets–on their official website.) Also, the ice cream is SUPER cheap (like, 1/3rd the cost of the US parks) and better. The dishes in all of the quick service restaurants are imaginative and delicious.

One last tip: I recommend riding the rides the first time without any translation / spoilers. Then, look up their translation on YouTube, watch the translated version of the ride, and ride them again. That way, you can fully appreciate the ride without spoiling it for yourself.

OK–now on to the parks!

• Tokyo Disneyland (1 Day) 🔺🔺🔺 – Tokyo Disneyland is a very well built park (better built than the US counterparts), and among Disney nerds like myself is kind of seen as a “greatest hits” compilation of Magic Kingdom style parks. (It’s nice to re-ride some of these rides that haven’t been modified due to the messed-up, “woke” US culture.) If you’re from the US (and you probably are, reading this article), you’re better off prioritizing the following items above all else, as they’re unique to or specifically different in Japan:
  • Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast 🔺🔺🔺- This trackless ride sets the bar for trackless rides. There’s one effect on this ride that still has me wondering how the heck they did it. You’ll know it when you see it. The animatronics and ride design are amazing, though.
  • Pooh’s Hunny Hunt 🔺🔺🔺- This Winnie the Pooh trackless dark ride makes the other Winnie the Pooh rides look really crappy.
  • Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek 🔺🔺- This is a “shoot ’em up” dark ride with flashlights instead of guns!
  • Character Greetings 🔺🔺- I saw tons of character greetings in Tokyo Disneyland for characters you NEVER see in the US (namely, Cheshire Cat, the white rabbit, and the three little pigs. There were more, but those were the most notable.)
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 🔺🔺- All of the Big Thunder Mountains are unique and awesome.
  • Splash Mountain 🔺🔺- The last remaining true-to-the original ride–and probably the best version of the 3 original versions.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean 🔺- They still “wants the redhead.”
  • it’s a small world 🔺- Sadly, I didn’t get to ride as it was closed for renovations during our visit. But all “small worlds” are different around the world and worth a re-ride.
  • The Happy Ride with Baymax 🔺- This is the same ride as Alien Swirling Saucers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, but I think this is the best version because the cast members are WAAAAY more into it.
  • Country Bear Theater 🔺- This is a unique show from the ones in the United States. (I saw it as “Vacation Jamboree.” It was funny seeing the Country Bears sing modern rock songs in Japanese.)
  • The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents “Aloha E Komo Mai!” – This one is much better than the “under new management” reboot in the Magic Kingdom.
  • Jungle Cruise – MUCH easier to get on than either of the ones in the US… and it’s all in Japanese which adds an element of hilarity.

• Tokyo DisneySea (2 Days) 🔺🔺🔺 – Tokyo DisneySea is apparently what happens when The Oriental Land Company opens up their wallet and tells Disney Imagineering to “make it happen.” The result is the most impressive theme park in the world with some of the best themed areas in the world. The park opened right before 9/11 in 2001 and some of the opening day attractions are still better than their US counterparts 25 years later. (I’m looking at you, Journey to the Center of the Earth…) Unlike Tokyo Disneyland, not much is skippable here, as most things are unique or distinctly different here. But, here’s a list to help you prioritize the attractions:
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth🔺🔺🔺- This ride is built into the “Mount Prometheus” icon in the center of the park within the Mysterious Island area. Despite it being an opening day attraction (and being based on the Test Track ride car system), it is still cutting edge and phenomenal almost 25 years later. Part of the reason the ride is amazing is that translation isn’t an issue–there’s no words on the ride, so everyone can enjoy it equally!
  • Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey🔺🔺🔺 – The headliner attraction of Fantasy Springs… but I didn’t get to ride it. Good luck getting on it! It’s supposed to be remarkable.
  • Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure🔺🔺🔺 – Probably the best “Spiderman” style ride (dark ride + 3D screens) in the world. Again, pretty challenging getting to ride it, given the current fervor around getting into Fantasy Springs. (Note that if you have specific Tokyo Disney Resort room reservations / package reservations, you can get in and ride it as much as you like!)
  • Raging Spirits🔺🔺- Great little roller coaster, though it’s better at night!
  • 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea🔺🔺 – Not to be confused with the old Magic Kingdom version from my childhood, this is a faux underwater dark ride in a little sub. It’s clever and well done! Plus the Mysterious Island part of the park is the coolest part of any amusement park I’ve ever been to.
  • Tower of Terror🔺🔺- It’s the best theming & pre-show of any of the Tower of Terrors (or Mission: Breakout), but the most tame ride. The idol is super cool and I love how they incorporated it. (Yes, fellow Disney nerds–Hightower is based on Joe Rohde.)
  • Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage 🔺🔺- Great little dark ride! You’ll have some questions after you get off the ride for the first time, but you should absolutely ride this. (You shouldn’t have to wait long for it.)
  • Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival🔺🔺- One of the best dark ride boat rides in the world. Very well done. Can be a challenge to secure a pass for. (Currently, this can be rode with a Standby Pass or a Premier Access pass.)
  • Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull🔺🔺- It’s actually pretty similar to the one in California, but still great fun.
  • Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster 🔺🔺- A decent, well-themed Togo kiddie coaster.
  • Aquatopia🔺- Basic but lots of fun and unpredictable–it’s like a trackless ride meets Autopia. Sort of. There’s really nothing like it.
  • Soaring: Fantastic Flight 🔺– It’s the best version of Soarin’, but this is largely due to the theming of the ride and the pre-show.
  • Nemo & Friends SeaRider🔺- A Star Tours type Finding Nemo-themed ride with a bigger ride vehicle than Star Tours.
  • Venetian Gondolas🔺- A nice little ride. (Pictured above.) They did a good job of capturing the Venice feel (though the Gondolas are much bigger than the real ones in Venice!)

Day 7 – Ginza, Roppongi

• Mitsukoshi🔺🔺- The original Mitsukoshi store (just north of the Ginza district, in the “Nihonbashi” district) dates back to 1673 and is considered Japan’s first department store, originally starting as a kimono shop. The shop would eventually define the genre of Japanese department stores. Today, the flagship location combines luxury shopping with traditional Japanese service, offering everything from high-end fashion to gourmet foods. Try to be at the main entrance at opening (probably 10 AM) as the welcoming ceremony is notable and distinctly Japanese.
• Ginza 🔺🔺🔺- Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district, known for its luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and high-end department stores. By day, it’s a hub for fashion and fine dining, while at night, its neon-lit streets and modern architecture create a stunning urban landscape.
  • Chuo-dori Street🔺- The main thoroughfare running through Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, famous for its luxury shopping, dining, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Ito-ya – A legendary stationery store in Tokyo’s Ginza district, known for its exceptional selection of high-quality stationery, art supplies, and unique Japanese gifts. Spanning multiple floors (each with it’s own theme), the store offers everything from premium pens and paper to handcrafted greeting cards and exclusive Japanese writing tools.
  • Seiko Museum🔺🔺- This free, multi-story museum offers an immersive look into the history and craftsmanship of Seiko, one of Japan’s most iconic watch brands, as well as the history of horology itself. The museum showcases Seiko’s innovations in timekeeping, from early mechanical watches to modern quartz technology, with exhibits that highlight the brand’s role in global horological advancements. Don’t miss the first-ever quartz wristwatch! (Note: It’s ideal to make reservations before going, but I think they’ll try to accommodate walk-ins.)
  • Harumi-Dori Street – The other main thoroughfare running through the Ginza district.
  • Ginza Wako – An iconic department store in Tokyo’s Ginza district, instantly recognizable by its clock tower and classic European-style architecture. Wako is the retail division of what is the Seiko corporation, and this iconic location was once the corporate headquarters of Seiko.
  • Hakuhinkan Toy Park🔺- The FAO Schwarz / Hamley’s of Tokyo, though Kiddy Land on Omotesando ave. poses some stiff competition.
• Giant Ghibli Clock🔺- (Pictured above.) A whimsical, oversized clock designed by Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki. Made of copper and iron, this elaborate clock has a steampunk-inspired look, featuring gears, pipes, and small figurines reminiscent of Ghibli’s magical world.
• Zojo-ji Temple 🔺🔺- A historic Buddhist temple located in Tokyo’s Minato ward, near Tokyo Tower. The temple’s location with Tokyo Tower in the background creates a striking blend of old and new in your pictures. It’s also notable that this location has hosted a stop on The Amazing Race multiple times.
• Roppongi (District)🔺- A vibrant district in Tokyo known for its cosmopolitan nightlife, upscale dining, and modern art scene.
• Nogi-jinja Shrine – A peaceful Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Akasaka area, dedicated to General Nogi Maresuke and his wife, who were known for their loyalty and samurai spirit. Once a month, this temple hosts a flea market.

Day 8 – Kagurazaka, Ueno, Ameyoko

• Kagurazaka 🔺- Historic neighborhood in Tokyo known for its narrow, winding streets, traditional atmosphere, and blend of Japanese and French influences. It’s known as “Tokyo’s little Paris.”
• Thunder Dolphin at Tokyo Dome City🔺🔺- A thrilling roller coaster located at Tokyo Dome City, known for its impressive height and unique track that weaves through and around buildings, and even the ferris wheel. Reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h (about 80 mph), this coaster offers both adrenaline-pumping drops and scenic views of Tokyo’s skyline.
• Nezu Shrine 🔺 – One of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Shinto shrines. Known for its iconic pathway of red torii gates and stunning azalea garden, Nezu Shrine offers a peaceful, traditional experience away from Tokyo’s bustling city life.
• Tennōji Temple – A historic Buddhist temple located in Tokyo’s Yanaka district, known for its peaceful atmosphere and centuries-old architecture.
• Ueno Park🔺🔺-
  • Kiyomizu Kannon 🔺- Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess Kannon, the deity of mercy. Established in 1631, it was modeled after the famous Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto and features a prominent wooden balcony overlooking beautiful views of Ueno.
  • Shinobazunoike Benten-do 🔺- Picturesque Buddhist temple located on an island in the middle of Shinobazu Pond within Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and water, the temple features a striking octagonal hall surrounded by lotus blooms in summer.
  • Gojo Tenjin Shrine – Shrine dedicated to medicine & learning. Admittedly, this was a stop for us due to my wife’s connection to medical education.
• Ameyoko Shopping Street 🔺🔺- One of the places where you can still really experience an “old Tokyo” feeling with some awesome shopping offerings.

Day 9 – Imperial Palace East Gardens

This is more of a half-day, allowing you to catch your flight back to the US in the afternoon. Follow (at least) the first part of the outstanding (but not created by me) Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour on GPSMyCity. Below, I describe the section of the tour that I took, which makes for a good abbreviated tour.

• Imperial Palace East Gardens🔺🔺- A beautifully landscaped area open to the public within the grounds of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. Once part of Edo Castle, these gardens showcase historical ruins, like the original castle foundations and guardhouses, surrounded by meticulously maintained Japanese gardens, ponds, and seasonal flowers. Offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Tokyo, the East Gardens provide visitors a glimpse of Japan’s imperial history and natural beauty.
  • Ote-mon Gate – The grand main entrance to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, historically significant as the primary gateway to Edo Castle from. the city.
  • Ninomaru Garden – A traditional Japanese garden known for its seasonal beauty and meticulous landscaping, reflecting Japan’s classic garden design.
  • Tokagakudo – The Imperial Music Hall. A unique octagonal building notable for its intricate mosaic exterior and its role in hosting traditional Japanese music performances.
  • Tenshu Stone Tower Base – This is the foundation of the former main keep of Edo Castle, symbolizing the scale and grandeur of Japan’s feudal architecture within the Imperial Palace East Gardens. (Standing on top offers a commanding view.)
  • Kitahanebashimon Gate – A well-preserved defensive gate in the Imperial Palace East Gardens, offering visitors insight into Edo Castle’s fortified structure and Japan’s samurai-era architecture.
• Nippon Budokan – Renowned arena in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward, famous for hosting martial arts events and legendary concerts from Cheap Trick to Eric Clapton to Bob Dylan and countless others, making it a cultural landmark for both traditional Japanese arts and modern music.
• Yasukuni-jinja Shrine🔺- A significant Shinto shrine in Tokyo (with some pretty HUGE Torii Gates), dedicated to honoring Japan’s war dead (in a somewhat controversial way).

Other Add-Ins To Consider

• TeamLab: Planets 🔺🔺🔺- This is what Meow Wolf in the United States wishes it was. TeamLab: Planets is an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo where visitors walk through interactive, multi-sensory installations that combine light, water, and sound. Created by the innovative art collective TeamLab (made up of artists, programmers, engineers, computer graphics animators, mathematicians, and architects), the experience invites you to explore surreal environments, such as rooms filled with floating flowers, mirrored spaces, and water-covered floors that respond to your movements.

• TeamLab: Borderless🔺 – From the same group that made “TeamLab: Planets,” this exhibit is a mesmerizing, interactive digital art experience with constantly shifting, wall-to-wall projections. Visitors move freely through rooms filled with digital forests, waterfalls, and surreal landscapes–many of which respond to movement and touch. (If you are trying to decide between “Borderless” and Planets, I’d suggest you go see “Planets.”)

• Gōtoku-ji Temple🔺 😻 – This can be quite a trip to get to, as it is more in suburban Tokyo, but it is a worthwhile stop. Gōtoku-ji is the temple which is the birthplace of the maneki-neko. There is an awesome “cat offering area” with countless thousands of maneki-nekos lined up, some on top of others, all beckoning to you.

What to Eat

I’m not one for going to a foreign country and dropping major coin on the most expensive meal available–I’m more for eating the “working class” food. I’m of the opinion that going to these places really teach you a lot about the local culture and their perspective on food.

As such, all of the below foods can be purchased inexpensively and in a fast-food type environment. The first 3 on the list below were my 3 favorite meals I had while visiting Japan, though not in any particular order:

• Gyūdon (Beef Bowl) – This is a Japanese rice bowl dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a mildly sweet and savory sauce. Specifically, I recommend hitting up Yoshinoya, which is one of the top fast food places in Japan.
• Curry Rice Dishes – Specifically, I recommend the chain CoCo Ichibanya. Basically, you get a bowl of rice, your selected protein, and you choose a spice level. Don’t pass on the (amazing) naan bread.
• Yakiniku – Japanese-style barbecue where diners grill bite-sized pieces of meat, typically beef, pork, or chicken, on a charcoal or gas grill at their table. I can’t believe how inexpensive this is in Japan… and by contrast, how expensive it is in the United States.
• Yakitori – Skewered, grilled chicken (and other meats also). I specifically recommend grabbing a highball and sitting down for fresh cooked yakiniku one evening on Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. (In the picture above, I’m doing just that…)
• Noodles – Of course, noodles are a big thing in Japan. You should try different types of noodles. There’s more than these 3 below, but these are probably the most prolific:
  • Soba – Made from buckwheat, soba noodles are thin and slightly nutty.
  • Ramen – Thin, wheat-based noodles served in a savory broth.
  • Udon – Thick, chewy wheat noodles, often served in a simple broth or as cold noodles.
• Sushi – In general, the sushi is great (as the fish is super fresh) and inexpensive, but not really that different compared to what you can get in the United States.
• Tempura – Again, pretty similar to what you can get in the United States, but still great and worth your time.
• Burgers
  • McDonald’s – Though McDonald’s has many commonalities with the US chain locations, you should go for the (awesome) differences. Some highlights I recommend: The Samurai burgers, the shrimp nuggets (Puripuri Ebi Purio), the incredibly better Happy Meal toys, the teriyaki burgers, the Kyoho grape frappe, and some of the other limited time offerings. Despite all of the fantastic food in Japan–much of it fast food–McDonald’s is still the #1 fast food chain in the country.
  • Mos Burger – A popular Japanese fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients, innovative menu items, and emphasis on quality. Unlike traditional burger joints, Mos Burger offers unique options for burgers, focused on more Japanese-inspired flavors and unusual sauces.
• Food Halls in Department Stores – In major Japanese department stores (like Mitsukoshi & Isetan, and generally, in their basement), there’s an exhaustive collection of food booths with essentially anything you can imagine from Japanese cuisine. The prices are on the higher side of reasonable, but the experience of buying food in the food hall and brining it up to the roof for a quiet, relaxing outdoor meal in the heart of the city is well worth experiencing.
• Convenience Stores (Konbini) – They’re not at all like the ones in the United States. Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, offer a level of service and variety that goes far beyond what’s typical in the U.S. They are impeccably clean, with a wide selection of fresh, high-quality meals like sushi, bento boxes, and onigiri, as well as essentials like toiletries and stationary. The three biggest are 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson.

What to Buy

There’s so much cool stuff to grab in Tokyo while you’re visiting. Here’s my tips for unique and memorable stuff to purchase. (It isn’t a bad idea to either pack an empty suitcase or plan on purchasing an inexpensive one there in order to bring back your purchases.)

• Goshuin – These are beautiful, hand-stamped seals given at Japanese temples and shrines as a record of your visit, symbolizing blessings or spiritual merit. Each goshuin features unique calligraphy and artwork, often stamped with red ink, and is collected in a special notebook called a goshuin-chō. Many travelers enjoy collecting goshuin as a meaningful souvenir and a way to honor the places they’ve visited, combining traditional artistry with personal memories of their journey through Japan.
• Japanese Watches – I’m a huge watch nerd, and Japan is one of the great horological places in the world. Specifically, Citizen, Casio, and (of course) Sekio are all based in Tokyo. Some of my favorite souvenirs from my trip are watches I picked up–specifically ones that are Japan Domestic Models. Not to be confused with “Made in Japan” models, Japan Domestic models are watches that are made for, and exclusively sold in, Japan. As for the place to purchase these watches, I highly recommend Bic Camera locations, the Mega Donki (Don Quixote) locations, as well as Yodobashi Camera Shijuku Nishiguchi Watch Pavilion. For older, out-of-production models, there are other places where you’ll see second-hand G-shocks in small shops in districts like Akihabara and Ameyoko which are also worth scoping out.
• Tenugui Towels – Tenugui are traditional Japanese cotton towels that are thin, lightweight, and versatile, often decorated with beautiful, hand-dyed patterns. Unlike regular towels, tenugui are typically flat-woven and fast-drying, making them perfect for use as hand towels, head wraps, gift wrapping, or even home decor. They’re a popular souvenir for their functionality and traditional Japanese artistry, capturing elements of Japanese culture in their intricate designs.
• At the Tokyo Disney Resort:
  • Popcorn Buckets – These are MUCH nicer than the ones in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. They’re more substantial, thicker, and generally have better mechanisms / animations. If you check out the official website, you’ll be able to see what popcorn buckets they’re offering right now–and even all of their popcorn flavors.
  • Shoulder Animals – The ones in America are magnetic and fall off your shoulder quite a bit. The ones in Japan use little plastic hand “clips” where the creature of your choice grabs onto your shoulder, looking cuter and being more securely fastened to your clothes. Additionally, each come with a ball-chain strand attached to it, further allowing you to secure the animal from falling off. They’re brilliant, cute, and cheaper than the ones in the United States.
  • Food Add-Ons – Many of the food items at the Tokyo Disney Resort come with the option to pay a little more and get a special cup, place mat, zipper pouch, or similar. This is generally VERY well worth it, and has a bunch of great options for souvenirs.
  • Parade Mat – Tokyo Disney sells different mats (branded with cool Disney designs) that come with a little carrying bag. The mat is designed to sit on the ground so you can sit and watch a parade without getting your butt dirty–or sit and wait in line as you wait for the parks to open. There’s nothing like them in the US Disney parks, and that’s a real shame… stock up on them here!

Other Resources To Consult

Of course, there’s a whole host of links that I’d recommend checking out regarding Tokyo tips.

• Tokyo Cheapo – Excellent resource for all things Tokyo. This proved to be an invaluable resource in planning my trip.
• TDR Explorer – Probably the best YouTube channel for Tokyo Disney Resort information.
• Mrs Eats – As informative as she is, she’s just funny as heck.

Did you pick up any cool goshuins that you think deserve a call-out? What’s your favorite Tokyo Disney Resort popcorn flavor? What’s your favorite crazy Japanese advertisement you saw on TV while visiting Tokyo? Or–did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!