Having lived in Tokyo for 5 years, whenever a friend visits, these are the spots I usually take them to. Whether it’s your first or 17th time in Tokyo, this is a mixture of local & touristy with some hidden gems so read on to gain insights on the best things to do, see, eat and drink from a local’s perspective!
Summary
Day 1- Arrival
Day 2- Traditional Tokyo
Day 3- Modern Tokyo
Day 4- Tsukiji Fish Market & Odaiba
Day 5- Hipster Town & Night Life
Day 6- Day Trip to Kamakura
Day 7- Last But Unforgettable Day
Day 1- Arrival
Depending on which airport you’re arriving from, below is a list of ways to get to your accomodation:
Haneda International Airport
Taxi/Uber: 30 minutes to central Tokyo | $40-$60
Limousine Bus: 45-60 minutes to central Tokyo | $8.50
Train (Tokyo Monorail): 25 minutes to central Tokyo | $4.45
Train (Keikyu Line): 25 minutes to central Tokyo | $3.20
*I usually just take an Uber to my place in Shibuya. Especially if you have luggage and don’t want to have to worry about public transportation after 12+ hours of travelling. If that’s not an option, Limousine Bus is the second most convenient.
Narita International Airport
Taxi/Uber: 1 hour to central Tokyo | $166-$180
Limousine Bus: 90-120 minutes | $20
Train (Keisei Skyliner): 1 hour to central Tokyo | $17
Train (JR Narita Express): 1 hour to central Tokyo | $20
*From Narita, the easiest and most affordable option is taking the train. JR Narita Express is my go to— it’s direct to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya Station.
Day 2- Traditional Tokyo
Districts: Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, Ginza
Food: Cafe, Kaiseki or Udon, Yakitori
Morning-
📍Asakusa
Asakusa retains the vibe of an older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food near the ancient Senso-ji temple.
Benitsuru
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Breakfast - Have you ever had fluffy Japanese pancake? Sweet or savory, they will not dissapoint!!
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Misojyu
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Breakfast- If you're craving a traditional Japanese breakfast: soup, rice and fish, don't hesitate...go here!! They open at 8AM.
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FUGLEN ASAKUSA
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Great coffee, they also have savory or sweet waffles!
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Sensō-ji
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The oldest temple in Tokyo, this is a must visit. If you arrive here early, it will be more enjoyable with less tourists.
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Tokyo Hotarudō
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If you're curious how the Japanese do antique stores, come to this one.
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Asahi Sky Room
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Ok, I know it’s the morning. But seriously, it’s 5’oclock somewhere ;) and that view, how can you resist?
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Tokyo Skytree
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Standing at a height of 634 meters, Skytree is the tallest building in Japan! Go up to the very top and have a 360 view of Tokyo or walk around on ground level filled with shops.
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Afternoon-
📍 Ueno
Known for Shinto, Zen landmarks, and museums. Here have lunch, check out some historical artifacts, and go to one of the most beautiful garden in Tokyo!
Tokyo National Museum
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It’s not just a museum, it’s an educational experience. Imagine being surrounded by over 110,000 fascinating artifacts, from ancient pottery to intricate samurai armor, and everything in between. It’s like stepping into a time machine that spans thousands of years of Japanese history.
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Ueno Park
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In Japanese, “hanami” literally means “flower viewing.” If you are here during cherry blossom season, this is one of the spots I recommend you visit! Let’s go hanami at Ueno Park! 🌸
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Ameyoko Shopping District
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A back alley with boutique shops selling fish, seaweed, and random things. There's also little restaurants here that you can sit at, have a beer and snacks and people watch!
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Inshotei
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Kaiseki restaurant opened in 1875. Kaiseki is all about showcasing seasonal and local ingredients in an artful, multi-course meal. You’ll get a sense of what Japanese cuisine means in one sitting.
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Nezu Kamachiku
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Lunch - just a heads up, there might be a line as it is popular amongst the locals. Udon with tempura, in a traditional Japanese house and garden setting. Totally worth the wait.
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Nenotsu
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Lunch - Hidden gem! Another amazing udon & tempura choice if the line at Nezu Kamachiku is too long. Inside is so cozy. Super local.
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Mid-Afternoon
📍 Yanaka
A retro miracle. Given what Tokyo has been through, Yanaka is a town that escaped the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and allied bombings of WWII.
Kayaba Coffee
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A scenic 10 minute walk through Ueno park is the symbol of Yanaka area since 1938. Serving up traditional Japanese dessert, cheesecakes, sandwiches, coffee, tea and matcha lattes with tatami seating on the 2nd floor. 🍵🍰
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Hanaju Yanaka Cafe
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Another cafe option if the Kayaba Coffee is full (that one is popular). This cafe is so cozy, there is even outdoor seating!
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Tokugawa Yoshinobu Haka
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Grave of the 15th & last Shogun of Japan! Totally worth it. The walk through this cemetery is magical, and so serene. Please keep quiet and be respectful in this area.
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Ueno Sakuragi Atari
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A cluster of prewar houses repurposed as a bakery, a deli and the Yanaka Beer Hall.
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Yanaka Beer Hall
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Even if you don't drink beer, visit this little neighborhood with a bakery, brewery and tea shop. You won't regret it!
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Nezu Shrine
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Just a short 15-minute walk from Ueno park is Tokyo’s most underrated shrine.
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Yanaka Ginza
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Local shopping street filled snacks and boutiques. Highly recommend walking through here!
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Evening-
📍Ginza
The capital of high-end Tokyo fashion. Evening in Ginza is charming with all the lights.
Kabuki-za
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Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama performance. If you wish to see live Kabuki, this is the place to visit. A show is held almost everyday and tickets price around €30 to €150. A “Single Act Ticket” is also available for €10.
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Takumi
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Japanese craft store that opened in 1933 with beautiful pottery. Perfect for souvenir shopping as they also have cute little hand made art like post cards or coin purse!
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Torishige
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Dinner - Yakitori restaurant opened in 1931. Our must not miss dinner spot in Ginza. We go here with the family and always bring our friends and guests coming in to Tokyo. *Make Reservations*
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GINZA MUSIC BAR
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Hidden gem! Retro vibes, record player, super relaxing. Perfect for a date night or just after having dinner. Highly recommend this spot.
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Sushi no Midori
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If you weren't so interested in meat skewered, here's another dinner options: Affordable, amazing quality. This one might have a long line. If it is, walk along the train station, this area is filled with great restaurants that don't require reservations.
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Dover Street Market Ginza
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8 floors of high-end designer. But like a museum. Where I saw Vice Ganda!
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Ginza Akebono
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The most delicious mochi ball filled with red bean paste.
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Day 3- Modern Tokyo
Districts: Shinjuku, Sendagaya Harajuku, Shibuya & Ebisu
Food: Breakfast Cafe, Bakery, Ramen or Udon, Yakiniku or Sushi
Morning
📍Shinjuku & Sendagaya
Most people refer to Shinjuku as business town in the day or party town at night. There's so much more to this area of Tokyo! Start your morning with a quiet walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of the largest gardens in Tokyo then a cozy brunch after.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
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Start your morning walk at the best & largest park in Shinjuku to view cherry blossom or just to walk around a classic Japanese garden! There’s also a beautiful Starbucks to sit and admire the serenity of this park. Probably my favorite park in all of Tokyo.
Closed on Mondays.
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GOOD MORNING CAFE NOWADAYS
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Breakfast is great, coffee is amazing, the vibes is cozy. Near by the garden, can't go wrong here.
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Japan National Stadium
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Even if you're not a big sports fan, this is the 2020/2021 Tokyo Olympics Stadium. The park around it is GORGEOUS. Not many tourists know about coming here, you won't regret it.
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Meiji Jingu Gaien
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Not many tourist know about this place. If you're in the mood for more walking, I highly recommend walking through here. If not, skip it and just go straight to Meiji Park.
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Meiji Park
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A new park built for local residents in the area. It's beautiful, clean, coffee and boutique shops here. Just walk around or sit down, admire the view and people watch Japanese live their life.
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TOURNAGE
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Owner of two Japanese ladies who have been best friends since high school and dreamt of opening up their very own bakery. An easy to miss humble bakery. Surprisingly delicious breads and pastries. Must try the mentaiko bagel (salmon roe- filled bagels with cheddar cheese).
My local neighborhood bakery & yes, you can mention my name, Veronica. I’m sure they will have a big smile and you will definitely make their day!
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📍Harajuku
Known for colorful street art and youth fashion, with quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along Takeshita Street.ff
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Takeshita Street
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In front of Harajuku Station is this famous and iconic street filled with shops and snacks.
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dotcom space Tokyo
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Hidden gem! Don’t miss this cafe near Harajuku station. Clean, hipster vibe. Coffee is great. Plus they make a pretty good hot cocoa for kids.
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Harajuku Mame Shiba Cafe
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An ancient Japanese breed, Shiba Inu are little but once employed as hunters!
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Afternoon-
📍Omotesando
Luxury street known for high end and vintage/second-hand stores.
2nd STREET Harajuku
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One of my top places to shop for used & vintage clothing!
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kindal harajuku second hand store
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Luxury second-hand store. So many high end brands. If you're looking for a vintage chanel, or just curious to see how the Japanese take care of their clothing/accesories, be sure to stop by at Kindal.
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Urasando Garden
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Hidden gem! Have you ever tried fluffy pancakes? Located in a residential neighborhood you will find an old Japanese house with a small garden. I highly recommend this spot!!
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uni
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Hidden gem: coffee, pastries, beer, cozy meals, they have it all. Sit inside - it's such a cozy vibe. I recommend their outdoor seating with a view of Omotesando street.
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Ichiran Ramen
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Most people ask if Ichiran is overrated given that there are over 80 chains in Japan, 19 of them are in Tokyo alone. My answer, no. It is not. Please go try this ramen at least once in your life. You will not regret!!! If this location has a long line, try to google other locations, they are in every major district.
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Oreryu Shio-Ramen
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Another amazing ramen spot in this area. If Ichiran line is too long, this one would be my next go to.
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Menchirashi
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Lunch - Must not miss Udon!! Usually very busy and you might have to line up, but I promise, that 1 hour wait will be so worth it, this might even become your favorite restaurant in Tokyo.
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Mid Afternoon
📍Shibuya
Tokyo’s lively epicenter, known for its iconic “scramble crossing.” Prepare yourself mentally, as it gets very crowded. How crowded you ask? Over 2.4 million people cross it everyday, roughly 2,500 pedestrians per crossing!!
Miyashita Park
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Newly built with modern shops, restaurants and even a rooftop park!
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Miyashita Cafe
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The vanilla soft serve is to die for. No joke.. I have tried so many soft serves in Japan, this one is #1.
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Shibuya Sky
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Newly built building with a rooftop offering 360 views of Tokyo! Sunset here is magical. Make sure to buy your tickets way in advance on their website.
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MEGA Don Quijote
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The best place to get souvenirs from affordable Japanese skin care, candies, snacks, booze, etc.
Don-Quiote is a chain, there are several locations but this one is the biggest and most popular for tourists. If you want to skip crows, try going out of the way a little to Naka-Meguro, just a couple train stops away from Shibuya.
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Evening
📍Ebisu
Dinner at a yakiniku (Japanese meat bbq) with a view!
Jojoen Ebisu Garden Place
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Our favorite yakiniku spot with a view of Tokyo! Try to reserve in advance.
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Matsue Sushi - Ebisu Main Store
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My favorite sushi restaurant in all of Tokyo. I usually come for lunch, omakase is $35.
Dinner is double that. But still so worth it. Reserve in advance.
It helps if you are with a friend who speaks Japanese, have them call and reserve seats instead of doing it online!
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A10
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Speakeasy bar, figure out how to enter. There’s no passcode, you just need to find the entrance door ;)
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JANAI COFFEE
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Psst, it's not a coffee shop! A speakeasy bar where you need to figure out the secret passcode to get in.
Hint: On their website, fill up the cup by swiping clockwise. Show this to the barista!
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Day 4- Tsukiji Fish Market & Odaiba
Morning
📍Tsukiji
Known for the largest fish market in the world and the best place to try the freshest sushi!
Toyosu Market
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If you are up for waking up at early to go see a live tuna auction at 5am, I highly recommend it. It's an experience.
Important: You must go on their website and book a spot a month before. It is a lottery system. If you have questions about this, feel free to message me.
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Tsukiji Outer Market
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Arrive before 9AM because after that is when it begins to get crowded.
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Matcha Stand Maruni TOKYO TSUKIJI
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Really good matcha to start your morning!!
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Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
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Michel Star under ¥1,500. Rice ball stuffed with various seafoods wrapped in seaweed.
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Afternoon
📍Ginza
Just a short 15-minute walk from Tsukiji, we’re back in Ginza! But this time, during the day. In the weekends, the main avenue is closed to vehicle traffic. Here we’ll have Michelin-Star Ramen, visit a Kabuki Theater and pop in to shops that carry hand-made pottery and chopsticks.
Chūka Soba Ginza Hachigou
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Michelin Star Ramen *Make Reservation*
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Kabuki-za
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Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama performance. If you wish to see live Kabuki, this is the place to visit. A show is held almost everyday and tickets price around €30 to €150. A “Single Act Ticket” is also available for €10.
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Takumi
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Japanese craft store that opened in 1933 with beautiful pottery. Perfect for souvenir shopping as they also have cute little hand made art like post cards or coin purse!
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Ginza Natsuno
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A wide range of chopsticks collection and they also provide option to personalize by engravement.
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Mid Afternoon
TORAYA TOKYO
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Traditional Japanese desserts. Perfect spot to just sit and relax and sip some tea!
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Evening
📍Shin-Kiba
Take a dinner cruise! The cruise is round trip including a full course dinner menu and an observation deck. It’s pretty magical.
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Day 5- More Hanami, Hipster Town & Shinjuku
Morning
📍Naka-meguro
This residential district is famous for Meguro river lined with cherry blossom trees! Morning is best, as crowds of tourists start to show later on the day.
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THE CITY BAKERY
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Breakfast - Located right at the Naka-meguro Station, this chain cafe/bakery specific location gives a NYC vibe. Located underneath Naka-Meguro Station, this is my go-to as they serve western-style breakfast (toast, eggs, bacon) early 7:30am which is unusual in Japan.
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Kyu Asakura House
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Hidden Gem! For 100 Yen ($1), you can visit this traditional Japanese home that was built in 1919 in the middle of the city.
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Afternoon
📍Daikanyama
A short 10 minute walk from Naka-meguro, Known as the hangout spot for Japanese celebrities, Daikanyama is a hipster town filled with boutiques and cafes.
DAIKANYAMA T-SITE
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Large bookstore where all of the cool kids hang out and “read.” There is an artsy cafe on the 2nd floor, a favorite spot to sip on hot green tea served with traditional Japanese sweets.
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Mid-Afternoon
📍Akihabara
The Tokyo of electronics, manga, anime, etc.
Here we’ll have lunch at one of the oldest running soba restaurant in Tokyo, and explore after!
Kanda Matsuya
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Serving up high quality hand-made soba noodles since 1884. The restaurant has a cozy, traditional Japanese ambience. No reservations required.
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Kanda Shrine
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Kanda Myojin Shrine enshrines three deities: Daikokuten - the god of good harvest and matrimony, Ebisu - the god of fishermen and businessmen, and Taira Masakado - a popular rebel lord of the 10th century.
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📍Shinjuku
We’ll end the day in a much needed relaxing dinner.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
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Start your morning walk at the best & largest park in Shinjuku to view cherry blossom or just to walk around a classic Japanese garden! There’s also a beautiful Starbucks to sit and admire the serenity of this park. Probably my favorite park in all of Tokyo.
Closed on Mondays.
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New York Grill
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From the movie, Lost in Translation, they have a luxurious menu offering wagyu with a view.
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Or if you’d rather have a not-so quiet night out head to:
Robatasho
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Dinner - A hidden gem 💎 The best food ever in an izakaya!!! Sashimi is served as a welcome starter, what?! You can order wagyu, deer meat, grilled fish, several veggie & rice options. Also a fun staff. Highly recommend for a dinner or night out!
Call & reserve !
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Omoide Yokocho
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An alleyway filled with little bars & izakaya. Try coming in the evening when all the lantern lights are turned on, it’s a vibe!
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Shinjuku Golden Gai
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Narrow alleyways with 200+ tiny bars. Even if you don't drink, it's fun to just see it all in person!
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Day 6- Day Trip
For this trip, take the train to Kamakura!
Option 1: JR Yokosuka Line (Best & Most Direct)
Time: ~1 hour
Cost: ¥950 (~$6 USD) one way
How to Take It:
Board Board the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station directly to Kamakura Station.
Option 2: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line
Time: ~1 hour
. Cost: ¥950 (~$6 USD) one way
How to Take It:
Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Kamakura Station.
Alternative option: Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
If you want to explore more coastal views, take the JR train to Fujisawa and transfer to the Enoden Line to Kamakura.
. Time: ~75 minutes
. Cost: ¥1,000-1,200 (~$7-8 USD) one way
Daytime-
📍Kamakura
Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamamura is a charming coastal town known for its rich history, beautiful temples and laid-back atmostphere. So if you’re tired of the concrete jungle, come out and take a day trip to Kamakura to see nature, beach, and of course The Great Buddha!
Kotoku-in
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Start with going to this iconic 13-meter bronze Buddha statue at Kotoku-in Temple
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Hasedera
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A short walk from the Great Buddha; beautiful gardens and views of the coast.
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Komachi Street
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Walk along this bustling street filled with local snacks, street food, and souvenir shops. Matcha ice cream, rice crackers and Kamakura-style ramen!
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Hokoku-ji
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End with a peaceful visit to this small temple known for its bamboo grove.
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Sushi Masa
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Chef previously owned an establishment near Ginza. He goes to Toyosu market everyday to get the freshes fish and ingredients!
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Evening
You’re probably tired and hungry!
Yakiniku Ushigoro Nishiazabu
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My all time favorite yakiniku restaurant. Make reservations!
P.S. don't get it confused with Ushigoro S.
Ushigoro is a little more affordable. Ushigoro S is more upscale. It really is up to you which one you would like to try!
High recommend: Get a bottle of Sake called: AKABU. Get it cold, it will be served in a white wine glass. It's sweet and not too dry. So good!
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Day 7 - Last but unforgettable day
Daytime
📍Roppongi
Known for Tokyo’s nightlife and upscale dining with lively bars and clubs, it’s also home to cultural landmarks like Mori Art Museum and Tokyo midtown. By day, explore its art galleries and stylist cafes; by night, see the Tokyo Tower lit up!
Imperial Palace
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If you are up for it, take a beautiful and relaxing 5 KM walk around the Imperial Palace. Or just go directly to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge to admire the primary residence of Japan’s emperor surrounded by peaceful gardens and historic moats.
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Bricolage bread & co.
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Brunch here! Great pastries, savory dishes, etc. Highly recommend!
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Afternoon
teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
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Must go! An immersive museum known for colorful and futuristic digital art. Make sure to buy tickets in advance!
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Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower
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A newly built shopping building - an also must go!
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Evening
Jomon Roppongi
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Dinner - Such a fun place to eat at. Affordable, loud, but very local. I highly recommend eating here at least once to everyone coming to Tokyo.
~Make sure to make a reservation!
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Sky Lounge Stellar Garden
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Classy bar with view of Tokyo Tower. Very affordable prices. See if you can reserve ahead of time for better seats!
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After seven incredible days, I hope you’ve fallen in love with Tokyo’s mix of tradition and modern energy. If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!
Check out my other blogs about Tokyo here:
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