Tokyo Guide: Itinerary and Top Attractions
Tokyo is located in the central part of the Kanto region of Japan, with a population of approximately 14 million. It is the political and economic center of Japan.
How to Get to Tokyo
Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Haneda Airport is 8 miles/14 kilometers from downtown Tokyo, while Narita International Airport is 43 miles/70 kilometers from downtown Tokyo. Check the following guides for more information:
Top 3 Ways to Travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo
Best Ways to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Staying near Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station is the most convenient. The following hotels are approximately a 5-minute walk from the above stations.
Shinjuku Tokyu Stay Shinjuku★★★ Location 9.1 | Facilities 8.7 | Value for money 8.4
Shinjuku Hotel Sunroute Plaza★★★★ Location 9.2 | Facilities 8.5 | Value for money 8.3
Tokyo Station Daiwa Roynet Hotel★★★ Location 9.0 | Facilities 9.1 | Value for money 8.8
Tokyo Station Super Hotel Premier★★★ Location 9.0 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.2
Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary
Day1:
First, visit Senso-ji Templeand Meiji Jingu Shrine to learn about Japanese religion, then take a walk in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. In the evening, go to Shibuya SKY to watch the sunset.
Day2:
Spend the day at either Disneyland or DisneySea.
Day3:
In the morning, visit the Doraemon Museum. In the afternoon, go to the Ghibli Museum. In the evening, go shopping in Akihabara or Ginza.
Getting Around Tokyo
In Tokyo, transportation mainly relies on JR (Japan Railways), the metro, and private railways. The ticket prices for these options are similar, and which one to choose depends on the attraction you are visiting.
You can use Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to check the routes.
Attractions accessible by both JR and metro:
- Meiji Jingu Shrine - Harajuku Station (JR & Metro)
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Shinjuku Station (JR), Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station (Metro)
- Shibuya SKY - Shibuya Station (JR & Metro)
Attractions accessible only by JR:
- Tokyo Disney - Maihama Station
- Ghibli Museum - Mitaka Station
Attractions accessible only by metro:
- Senso-ji Temple - Asakusa Station
- Tsukiji Outer Market - Tsukiji Station or Tsukijishijo Station
Attractions accessible only by private railways:
- Fujiko F. Fujio Doraemon Museum - Noborito Station (Odakyu Line)
- Sanrio Puroland - Tama Center Station (Keio Line or Odakyu Line)
Selected Video: Tokyo’s Train System, EXPLAINED
Selected Video: How To Get + Use JAPAN SUICA CARD
Top Attractions in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is the oldest and most visited Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Its main gate, called “Kaminarimon” (Thunder Gate), features a giant lantern sponsored by Konosuke Matsushita, making it one of Tokyo’s landmarks. Inside the main gate, there is a 250-meter-long shopping street selling souvenirs and snacks.
Hours: 24 hours (Shopping Street: 10am-6pm)
Admission: Free
Duration: 30 minutes
Transportation: Take the Tokyo Metro to Asakusa Station, then it’s a 5-minute walk
Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
Selected Video: Tokyo “Asakusa” guide by a local
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Japanese imperial family. It features an artificial forest and Japan’s largest torii gate. It is larger and quieter than Senso-ji Temple.
Hours: From sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free
Duration: 1 Hour
Transportation: Take the JR or Tokyo Metro to Harajuku Station. Click Here for a map of the park
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Selected Video: Exploring Meiji Jingu Shrine
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally part of a plot of land granted by Tokugawa Ieyasu to his retainer Naotane Naitō, the area features Japanese and Western gardens. After the Meiji Restoration, it became an imperial garden, and it was not until after World War II that it was converted into a public park. It is also the setting for the popular novel and anime film “The Garden of Words”.
Hours: 9am - 4/5/6pm closed every Monday
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen
Duration: 1 - 3 Hours
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/
Transportation: Take the JR to Shinjuku Station and get off at the South Exit. It’s then a 10-minute walk. Or take the Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, then it’s a 5-minute walk
Selected Video: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Market used to be Japan’s most famous fish market. Now, it’s mostly for tourists. It’s a great place to experience the lively atmosphere; however, restaurant prices here are generally higher compared to other eateries or shopping centers.
Hours: 9am - 2pm (Many shops are closed on Sundays)
Duration: 30 Minutes
Website: https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/
Transportation: Take the Metro to Tsukiji Station or Tsukijishijo Station, then it’s a 3-minute walk
Selected Video: Tsukiji Outer Fisher Market in Tokyo
Shibuya SKY
Shibuya SKY, standing 230 meters tall, is Tokyo’s most modern and beautiful observation deck.
Hours: 10am - 9.30pm
Admission: Adults 2200 yen, Children 1700 yen
Duration: 1 Hour
Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/sky/
Transportation: Take the JR or Tokyo Metro to Shibuya Station, then take the elevator to SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE. The entrance is on the 14th floor. After ticket inspection, take the elevator to the observation deck on the 45th floor
Selected Video: Shibuya Sky in Tokyo, Japan
- The view is most beautiful at sunset, and tickets for this time period sell out quickly.
- The famous Shibuya Crossing is right below the observation deck.
Tokyo Disney
This is the most popular attraction in Tokyo, with two parks:
Tokyo Disneyland - The classic Disneyland featuring characters like Mickey Mouse.
Tokyo DisneySea - A sea-themed park with more thrilling attractions.
Hours: 8/9am - 10pm, depending on the specific date
Admission: Adult 7900 - 10,900 yen, Junior 6600 - 9000 yen, Child 4700 - 5600 yen
Duration: 2 Days
Attraction Lists: Disneyland, DisneySea
Park Maps: Disneyland, DisneySea
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
Transportation: Take the JR to Maihama Station, then walk 5 minutes to Disneyland, or take the Disney Resort Line to DisneySea (ticket costs 300 yen)
Nearby Hotels:
Hilton Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel, Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay
Selected Video: Tokyo Disneyland ATTRACTION GUIDE
Selected Video: Tokyo DisneySea ATTRACTION GUIDE
Ghibli Museum
Ghibli is the name of a renowned Japanese animation studio, established in 1985. The studio has approximately 300 employees and was founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The name “Ghibli” was chosen by Miyazaki and is an Italian word meaning the hot wind blowing in the Sahara Desert.
Hours: 10am - 6pm closed every Tuesday
Admission: Adults 1000 yen, Children 700 yen, Tickets are not sold on-site. You must purchase tickets online
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Transportation: Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station, then it’s a 15-minute walk. You can also take the community bus that runs from JR Mitaka Station to the museum every 10 to 20 minutes while it’s open. Bus tickets are available for purchase at the vending machine by bus stop No.9
Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Selected Video: Ghibli Museum | A Complete Guide by a Local
It is recommended to watch the three films, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo before visiting the museum, as this will help you better understand the details on display
The first floor of the museum features exhibition halls, showcasing the world of Studio Ghibli with numerous original manuscripts, models, and more. On the second floor, visitors can explore the iconic Catbus and a souvenir shop. Additionally, the rooftop garden boasts a 5-meter-tall statue of the Giant Warrior from “Castle in the Sky” The basement level offers exhibition halls and screening rooms introducing the principles of animation.
Fujiko F. Fujio Doraemon Museum
The Doraemon Museum, built in Kawasaki City, the hometown of manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio, on September 3, w2011, to commemorate his passing in 1996.
Hours: 10am - 6pm closed every Tuesday
Admission: Adults 1000 yen, Children 700 yen, Tickets are not sold on-site. You must purchase tickets online
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Transportation: Take the Odakyu Line to Noborito Station, then take the shuttle bus to the museum (Shuttle bus fare is 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. Buses depart every 10 minutes on average, and the ride takes approximately 9 minutes)
Website: https://fujiko-museum.com/english.html
Selected Video: Doraemon Museum Tour
- 1st Floor: Explore Fujiko F. Fujio’s creative genius, but no photos allowed.
- 2nd Floor: Discover Nobita’s hideout, manga reading, kids’ playground, and Doraemon theater (20-minute film, one admission per ticket, 10-minute runtime).
- 3rd Floor: Enjoy the themed restaurant and rooftop garden with iconic Doraemon scenes.
Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is a great place for Sanrio fans of all ages.
Hours: 9am - 6pm depending on the specific date
Admission: Adults 3600 yen, Children 2500 yen
Duration: 3 Hours
Transportation: Take the Keio Line or Odakyu Line to Tama Center Station, then it’s a 5-minute walk
Website: https://www.puroland.jp/
Selected Video: Going to Hello Kitty Theme Park
- Sanrio Puroland is not large. See the floor map here.
- No outside food allowed. There is a themed restaurant on the 1st floor.
- You can take themed photos at various Photospots, play on the rides, and watch the performances (even if you don’t understand Japanese, you can probably guess the general meaning).
Top Spots in Tokyo for Cherry Blossoms, Summer Fireworks and Autumn Leaves
Cherry Blossoms
Viewing Period: Late March to Early April
Recommended Spots: Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi Moat, Meguro River
Selected Video: SAKURA in TOKYO 2024
Summer Fireworks
Viewing Period: July and August
Recommended Spots: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Adachi Fireworks
Selected Video: Firework Festivals in Tokyo
Autumn Leaves
Viewing Period: Mid-November
Recommended Spots: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Selected Video: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens in Autumn
Ginkgo Trees
Viewing Period: From mid-November to mid-December
Recommended Spots: Meijijiugu gaien with 146 ginkgo trees planted, it boasts Tokyo’s most beautiful ginkgo tree avenue
Selected Video: Unfiltered Meiji Jingu Gaien
Day Trips for Flower Lovers
Showa Kinen Park
Located a 40-minute train ride from downtown Tokyo, this large park features tulips in spring, cosmos in autumn, and red maple leaves in winter.
Hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm / 5pm / 6pm, depending on the specific date
Admission: Adults 450 yen
Transportation: Take the JR to Nishi-Tachikawa Station, then it’s a 2-minute walk
Website: https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/
Selected Video: Showa Kinen Park Tokyo in Spring
Hitachi Seaside Park
Located a 2.5-hour train ride from downtown Tokyo, it is the largest national park in Japan. In spring, you can see nemophila (baby blue eyes), and in autumn, kochia (bassia) and cosmos.
Hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm / 5pm / 6pm, depending on the specific date
Admission: Adults 450 yen
Transportation: Take the JR Joban Line to Katsuta Station, then take the non-stop bus from Katsuta Station East Exit Bus Stop No. 2 directly to the park’s west gate. It’s a 15-minute ride
Website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/
Selected Video: Beautiful Nemophila Flowers in full bloom
Selected Video: Hitachi seaside park Japan at the autumn
Ashikaga Flower Park
Located a 2.5-hour train ride from downtown Tokyo, it is the most famous wisteria park in Japan. The best time to visit is from late April to early May.
Hours: 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults 1100 - 2200 yen
Transportation: Take the JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Flower Park Station, then it’s a 3-minute walk
Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/index.html
Selected Video: Ashikaga flower park
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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