I lived there for almost two years. I moved without knowing anything about their culture. For me, Asia was very far from my reach. I didn't even take it into account then.
The most complicated thing was joining a group of people there. They were very respectful to the point that not even a couple showed love for each other in the streets. On the other hand, everything was new to me, so I took advantage of every second to explore and learn more about Japan and my favorite city there: TOKYO.
CURIOSITIES:
If you don't have Japanese blood, you can't apply for Japanese citizenship.
Did you know that Japan has the highest life expectancy rate in the world?
86 years for women and 79 for men. The longest life expectancy highest within Japan is located on the island of Okinawa.
In addition, Shinjuku station in Tokyo is the busiest in the world. According to Wikipedia, 3.64 million people pass through this station daily. The station has 200 exits.
The most important thing: It's not very expensive.
You can eat for €7-8 and water always is free.
You can find accommodation for €25-30 per person.
Tokyo Metro costs €1.70 per person per journey.
High-speed Shinkansen train lines are expensive (but it is the easiest way to travel around Japan).
In this guide you'll find:
ACTIVITIES
TEMPLES
BARS
RESTAURANTS
COFFEE SHOPS
Here's a 4-day guide to exploring the best of Tokyo.
Please note that this is a suggestion.
You can adapt it according to your preferences and interests.
DAY 1
IN THE MORNING: SHIBUYA AND HARAJUKU
Shibuya Crossing: Start your day at Shibuya's famous intersection. Cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and enjoy the energy of the area.
*Shibuya 109 Shopping Center: For fashion shopping and current trends.
*Meiji Shrine: Head to Harajuku and visit the Meiji Shrine, a haven of peace in the middle of the bustling city.
AFTERNOON: TAKESHITA STREET AND OMOTESANDO
*Takeshita Street: Explore the lively Takeshita Street in Harajuku, known for its extravagant shops and unique street fashion.
*Omotesando: Stroll along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, full of shops designers, boutiques, and cafes.
EVENING: DINNER IN SHIBUYA
Dinner at Ichiran Ramen: Enjoy an authentic ramen experience at Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya.
*Shibuya Sky Observatory: End the day with a panoramic night view from the Shibuya Sky Observatory. If you don't want to pay the entrance fee you can go to the bar building CE LA VI and see the free views there! Search CE LA VI on Google Maps and that's it!
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN THIS AREA:
The Rigoletto (Fancy restaurant)
Gyukatsu Motomura (Fried wagyu cutlets)
もんごろーや (Hot Pot)
Flipper's (fluffy pancakes)
Shibuya Eggs'nThings (Brunch)
COFFEE:
ANAKUMA
REISSUE
On Takeshita Street, you will find PET cafes (cafes that have dogs, cats, etc. and you can share with them while drinking coffee from a machine).
PUBS:
Ce La Vi
Tasuichi
Ottotto Brewery
HUB
DAY 2: ASAKUSA AND SUMIDA
MORNING: SENSO-JI TEMPLE
Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori: Explore Senso-ji Temple and the colorful shopping street Nakamise-dori.
Breakfast: Try a traditional Japanese breakfast in Asakusa.
AFTERNOON: GARDENS AND RIVER
Hamarikyu Gardens and Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy the Hamarikyu Garden and take a cruise along the Sumida River.
Lunch: Eat at a restaurant along the Sumida River.
EVENING: TOKYO TOWER
Dinner with a View: Dinner at a restaurant in Asakusa with views of the river.
*Tokyo Tower: Visit Tokyo Tower to see the city lights.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN THIS AREA:
In Asakusa:
*Sometaro Okonomiyaki (Okonomiyaki, a kind of Japanese pancake with ingredients of choice)
*Unagi Nakamura Asakusa Honten: Specialty: Grilled Unagi (eel), one dish classic Japanese.
*Sushi Zanmai Asakusa Sumidacho: Specialty: Fresh and varied sushi with a wide selection of options.
In Sumida:
*Yakitori Ton Ton Sumida: Specialty: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in a cozy atmosphere.
*Sushizanmai Skytree Town Solamachi: Specialty: Sushi with stunning views of the Skytree Tower.
*Shinshu Soba Komoro Sumida Skytree Town Solamachi:
Specialty: Soba, buckwheat noodles, in a modern setting.
PUBS:
Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori)
Kamiya Bar (神⾕バー)
Bar Quest
Asakusa Kurawood
Bar Six
Sumida Aquarium Skytree View
Ishibashi Bar
Kaminarimon 5 Sakura Terrace
Bar Roxanne
Monja Street Izakaya
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE UENO, SHINJUKU AND AKIHABARA AREA (ANIME)
MORNING: CONNECT WITH NATURE
Ueno Park and Museums: Visit Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo and the
museums.
Lunch: Enjoy food on Ameya-Yokocho Street.
AFTERNOON: LOSE YOURSELF IN THE MANGA
Akihabara: Explore the paradise of electronics and manga.
Theme Cafe: Stop at a theme cafe (Maidreamin Akihabara
LIVE RESTAURANT Heaven's Gate is one that I can recommend)
*Try to book in advance (at least a month before the trip)
Dinner: Dinner at a unique restaurant in Akihabara. There are many bars with people dressed as anime, I invite you to try some. (Another option is Sushiro which is next to Akihabara Station) *Japanese sushi that passes on a conveyor belt.
EVENING: SHINJUKU ALERT!!!
Shinjuku is a very large neighborhood and there are many things to do, if you stay longer days in Tokyo I recommend that you dedicate a day to this area. If you are fit of time choose what you would most like to see and do.
I leave you a list of activities so you can select what you want:
*Shinjuku Gyoen National Park:
Enjoy nature in this beautiful park, which combines gardens. It is a quiet place to take a walk and just relax.
*Kabukicho neighborhood:
Explore the lively entertainment district of Kabukicho, known for its neon lights, restaurants, bars, and theaters. Be careful, as
it is also known for being Tokyo's red light district.
*Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory:
Go up to the free observation deck at the Metropolitan Government building to enjoy panoramic views of the city of Tokyo.
*Golden Gai: (YOU CAN'T-MISS IT)
Discover the picturesque Golden Gai district, famous for its small theme bars. Each bar has its unique style and is a place fascinating to explore the local nightlife.
*Shopping in Shinjuku:
Make purchases in department stores like Isetan or in the district of shopping around Shinjuku station. From high-end fashion to specialized stores, you will find everything.
*Robot restaurant:
Experience a unique show at the famous Robot Restaurant in
Shinjuku. It is a colorful and extravagant show that combines lights, music, and robots.
*Omoide Yokocho (Street of Memories): (EAT OR DINNER IN ONE OF THEIR IZAKAYAS, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!)
Enjoy the authentic izakaya experience on this narrow street.
Full of small traditional Japanese restaurants and bars.
*Shinjuku Nichome: Explore the Shinjuku Ni-chome area.
*Samurai Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the samurai by visiting this small but fascinating museum. contains a collection of armor, weapons, and art.
related to Japanese warriors.
*Ghibli Puppet Theater (Ghibli Museum):
If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, visit their museum in Mitaka, near Shinjuku. It is a charming place full of interactive exhibits and an exclusive Studio Ghibli film.
Day 4: ODAIBA AND GINZA (also known as the luxury area of Tokyo)
MORNING
*TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless and Statue of Liberty: Visit the Lab team in Odaiba (get tickets in advance) and enjoy the views from the replica of the Statue of Liberty.
*Palette Town and Odaiba Seaside Park: Explore Palette Town and Odaiba Seaside Park.
Lunch in Odaiba: Eat at a restaurant with sea views.
AFTERNOON
*Ginza: Head to the Imperial Palace. If you want to enter on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be there an hour before (the visit is at noon).
Another option is to book online a month in advance (the visit is free, but you cannot enter the buildings currently they are state offices.)
Gourmet Dinner: Dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants in Ginza. (Recommendation: Ginza Steak)
Night Walk: Stroll through the illuminated streets of Ginza.
RESTAURANTS:
*Rainbow Bridge and Water Views:
Aqua City Odaiba Restaurant:
Features: Located in the Aqua City shopping center, this place offers a variety of restaurants with spectacular views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge. You can find options ranging from kitchen Japanese to international.
*International Cuisine and Entertainment:
Palette Town: Features: Within Palette Town, you will find a
wide selection of restaurants offering international cuisine and
entertainment. From themed restaurants to food options fast, there is something for everyone.
*Fresh Seafood and City Views:
The Garden Grill (ザガーデングリル): Features: With a view
panoramic views of the city and the Rainbow Bridge, The Garden Grill offers fresh seafood and grill dishes. It is an ideal place to enjoy a quiet meal with spectacular views.
OTHER BARS THAT I RECOMMEND YOU VISIT:
Virtu (Ginza)
The Bellwood (Shibuya)
Trench Bar (Shibuya, Ebisu area)
SG Club (Shibuya)
Ben Fiddich (reserve, is in Shinjuku)
Memento Mori (Ginza)
High Five (Ginza)
Gold Bar at Edition (Ginza)
Albatros Bar (Shinjuku in Omoide Yokocho)
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION:
FREE WALKING TOUR in Tokyo.
ENJOY YOUR WALK THROUGH TOKYO!
TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS AND TEST THEIR FOODS!
If you have any questions, write to me on the website or via Instagram.
WEB: https://valentinamiottifor.wixsite.com/valeviaja
INSTAGRAM: @valmiotti
