FREE Tokyo walking guide - Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya

What you need to know

This itinerary took me from 10 AM till 6 PM to complete, with stops for lunch and shopping included. This could be longer or shorter depending on many factors. Please take note that it is roughly 20 000 to 25 000 steps, to get from start till end. 

Starting point: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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This garden was designed as an imperial retreat and has been open to the public since the 1950's. The locals love to hang out here for a picnic or to have a stroll with their dog and escape the busy city. In cherry blossom season you can see the famous trees bloom.

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This park is enjoyed by many locals and tourists alike. Highlights include the greenhouse and the Japanese garden. 

Starbucks Coffee - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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Make sure to stop at the Starbucks for lovely views and some breakfast. Take the exit near the cherry blossom garden to start walking to your next destination. 

Up next: Meiji Jingu

This shrine is on everyone's must see list. Enter the premisses through the North torii gate.

Meiji Jingu Kitasando Torii

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The torii's mark the boundary between the regular world and the sacred one.

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If you want to keep to shrine etiquette like locals, slightly bow once you get to the torri, then walk on the left or right side but never straight through the middle. Once you passed the torri, you will walk through a lovely forest.

Meiji Jingu

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The main shrine was built from unpainted cypress wood and a copper roof. If you want to make an offer, toss a 5 yen coin (considered lucky), bow twice, clap twice then bow again.

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Follow the signs and you will approach the main shrine. My favorite thing to do was to buy an Omikuji. It's a piece of paper that tells you for fortune, a very classy souvenir. 

Meiji Jingu Consecrated Sake Barrels

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Exit through the South Gate and walk the path to the consecrated sake barrels. 

Shopping time: Harajuku

This trendy neighborhood is full with second hand shops as well as up and coming brands. 

Omote-Sando Avenue

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Highlight shops include Tokyu Plaza and Omotesando Hills.

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Walk along Omote-Sando Avenue first, where you can find the big department stores and well known brands. 

Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

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Fast service and lovely food. There are QR codes to scan that explain in English the different sauces and how to best enjoy the Tonkatsu. The staff was also very kind and explained as best as possible.

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You must have gotten hungry by now as well, so I recommend stopping for some Tonkatsu. If you are pressed for time, they also have a take away counter with sandwiches. 

Cat Street

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Time to visit those second hand shops. Cat street has the best on offer and not touristy at all. Wonder around the area and shop for souvenirs. Don't forget to bring your passport if you want to shop tax free, available at most shops. 

Night life at Shibuya

Time to make your way over to Shibuya, a bustling area. Not to miss shops include Tower Records, the Disney shop and of course Don Quijote.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

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For free views, check out the train station, Starbucks or l'Occitane. If you wish to visit Shibuya Sky, make sure to get tickets in advance. Get dinner in the area, visit a bar or have it at karaoke.