Tokyo

Tokyo

Romarin VanDerTang
Almost every trip to Japan starts in the amazing Tokyo. Here is a 4-day guide to experience both the traditional and trendy side of the city! While the guide sets out a rough day-by-day planning (including places to eat), there is also plenty of opportunity to incorporate your own wanna-sees/dos. All pictures are taken by myself. Includes: -Sightseeings -Neighborhoods -Recommendations for breakfast/lunch/dinner -Recommendations on where to stay
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Day 1: Meji Jingu, Harajuku, & Shibuya

Meji Jingu Shrine/Park

Meiji Jingu
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Start the day in the 'Central Park' of Tokyo. Don't miss the sake barrels and bonsai trees.
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Harajuku

Harajuku
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Get lost in the 'anime-district'.
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Shibuya 

Shibuya City
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End the day seeing the famous Shibuya crossing.
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Recommendation for Dinner:

Oreryu Shio-ramen Shibuya-main store
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Day 2: Public Toilets, Shinjuku, & Ginza

Public Toilets

A great way to navigate through the different neighborhoods of Tokyo is by ticking off some of the 17 trendy public toilets the city has to offer. See some of my favorites in the pictures below.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku City
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Don't forget to visit the street; Omoide Yokocho
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Recommendation for Lunch:

Kura Sushi Nishishinjuku
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Okay, this isn't the best sushi in town, but eating conveyor-belt sushi is a must-do. It's cheap too! 

Ginza

Ginza
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Shop, eat in luxurious restaurants, or keep it cheap (like we did: see recommendations below).
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Recommendations for Dinner: 

Gyozas

Chao Chao Gyoza Yurakucho
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Don't forget cash! Apart from the gyozas, try the spicy tofu!

Soba Noodles and Tempura 

Taimei-an
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Don't forget cash & you will need google translate because no English menus are available. Very helpful staff! 

Day 3: Tokyo Tower Area & Michelin-Starred Sushi

Recommendation for Breakfast:

A Happy Pancake Omotesando
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Try the famous Japanese fluffy pancakes. 

Tokyo Tower and Surrounding Neighborhoods 

Tokyo Tower
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Plan some time to explore the neighborhoods surrounding the tower as well!
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Udatsu: Michelin-Starred Omakase 

Udatsu Sushi
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Make sure to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Also possible for lunch.
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After all the eating, it is nice to stroll through Sarugakucho/ Daikanyama T-Site. 

Day 4: Tuna Action, Imperial Palace, & Senso-Ji

Toyosu & Tsukiji Market

Toyosu Market
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Very impressive to see the tuna auction. Make sure to be there before 05:30 AM.
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While the real tuna auction takes place at the newer Toyosu Market, it is nice to visit the older Tsukiji Market afterwards.  

Tsukiji Outer Market
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Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace
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You can combine this with visiting the National Diet Building.
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Senso-Ji Temple

Sensō-ji
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Quite touristic, but you can get a good view from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
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Where to stay?

Nine Hours Akasaka
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If you're in Japan, you should try the famous 'capsule hotel'. This is quite a trendy one. Good for the budget too!
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Hamacho Hotel
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Modern & clean. Quite small rooms, but good value for money!
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We booked 2 nights each! First experienced the capsule hotel, then spent a bit more on comfort! 

What else?

Yup, those were my recommendations for Tokyo... Luckily, Japan has so much more to offer! Check out my 14-day itinerary covering a diverse palette of what Japan has to offer; Mt. Fuji, tea districts, serene gardens, mysterious forests, and small islands.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Romarin VanDerTang
For me, to travel means to experience contrasts. Big cities, but also countryside. Michelin starred restaurants, but also cash-only $1 meals. Taxis, but also walking 5k because the metro is too expensive. Unique hotels, but also practical hostels.
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