Tokyo 10 days

Tokyo's primary international gateway. Upon arrival, navigate immigration, collect luggage, and proceed to customs.

• Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for easy transit payments.
• Consider a Pocket WiFi or local SIM card for connectivity.

A comfortable and efficient train service connecting Narita Airport directly to Shinjuku Station. It's a great way to start your journey without the hassle of transfers.

• Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
• Enjoy the scenic views as you travel towards the city.

Check into your hotel, known for its central location and the iconic Godzilla head. Settle in and prepare for your Tokyo adventure.

A beautiful and expansive garden offering a tranquil escape with diverse landscape styles, including English, French, and traditional Japanese gardens. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely evening stroll.

• Note that the garden closes at 4:00 PM or 5:30 PM depending on the season.
• Enjoy the diverse flora and meticulously maintained landscapes.

A narrow alleyway packed with tiny, atmospheric izakayas (Japanese pubs) and food stalls. It's a nostalgic glimpse into post-war Tokyo, perfect for sampling yakitori and local drinks.

• Be prepared for close quarters and a lively atmosphere.
• Try the grilled skewers (yakitori) and local sake.

Tokyo's oldest temple, with a vibrant Nakamise-dori market leading to the main hall. Experience traditional Buddhist culture and find unique souvenirs.

• Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds.
• Try some local snacks from the Nakamise-dori stalls.

A unique street dedicated to restaurant supplies, featuring everything from exquisite Japanese knives and ceramics to realistic plastic food samples. It's a fascinating place for food lovers and souvenir hunters.

• Look for the incredibly detailed plastic food models for unique souvenirs.
• Bargaining is generally not expected, but check for tourist discounts.

A large public park home to several major museums, a zoo, and shrines. It's a cultural hub and a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

Japan's oldest and largest museum, housing an extensive collection of Japanese art and artifacts, including samurai armor, calligraphy, and ancient pottery.

• Focus on specific galleries if time is limited; the Japanese Gallery (Honkan) is a must-see.
• Audio guides are available for deeper insights.

A bustling street market under the train tracks, selling everything from fresh seafood and spices to clothing and cosmetics. It's a vibrant and sensory experience, with many food stalls offering affordable eats.

• Great place to try street food like takoyaki and fresh fruit skewers.
• Be ready for crowds, especially on weekends.

A serene oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk through the peaceful forest path to reach the main shrine buildings.

• Wear comfortable shoes for the walk through the forest.
• If you're lucky, you might witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession.

The epicenter of Tokyo's youth fashion and quirky culture. Explore colorful shops selling trendy clothing, accessories, and unique street food like crepes and rainbow candy floss.

• Try a Harajuku crepe – a quintessential experience.
• Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Often called Tokyo's 'Champs-Élysées,' this tree-lined avenue features high-end fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, and striking modern architecture. It offers a more sophisticated shopping experience compared to Takeshita Street.

The world's busiest intersection, where hundreds of pedestrians cross simultaneously from all directions. Experience the iconic scramble from street level or from a nearby vantage point.

• The Starbucks overlooking the crossing offers a popular, albeit crowded, viewpoint.
• Visit at night for a dazzling neon light show.

An open-air observation deck atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, including the iconic crossing below. It's an unforgettable way to see the city lights.

• Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• The best views are often at sunset and after dark.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the art and animation of Studio Ghibli. It's a magical experience for fans of films like 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Spirited Away.'

• Tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain and must be purchased months in advance.
• Photography is generally not allowed inside to preserve the magic.

Adjacent to the Ghibli Museum, this charming park features a large pond with swan boats, a small zoo, and street performers. It's a lovely place for a relaxing break.

The former site of Edo Castle, now a public park offering serene grounds, ancient moats, and impressive stone walls. It provides a glimpse into Japan's imperial history.

• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking.
• Check the official website for opening days and hours, as it's closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Tokyo's upscale shopping district, known for its flagship department stores, luxury boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. Even if not shopping, it's a sophisticated area for an evening stroll.

A vibrant market filled with stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, kitchenware, and street food. It's a fantastic place to sample local delicacies and experience Tokyo's culinary scene.

• Go early for the freshest selection and fewer crowds.
• Try the tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and fresh sushi.

A beautiful landscape garden located alongside Tokyo Bay. It features seawater ponds that change level with the tides and a charming teahouse on an island.

• Enjoy matcha tea and a traditional sweet at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse.
• The contrast between the traditional garden and the surrounding skyscrapers is striking.

Immersive digital art museums offering interactive light installations and stunning visual experiences. Borderless is a world of interconnected art, while Planets offers a more sensory, water-based journey.

• Book tickets well in advance, as they often sell out.
• Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting slightly wet (for Planets).

A man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its futuristic architecture, entertainment complexes, shopping malls, and waterfront views. It's especially beautiful at night with the Rainbow Bridge illuminated.

Purchase this pass for convenient access to various modes of transportation in Hakone, including trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and even a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi.

• The pass covers round-trip transport from Shinjuku.
• It's essential for navigating Hakone efficiently.

A stunning outdoor sculpture park set against the backdrop of the Hakone mountains. It features works by renowned artists like Picasso and Henry Moore.

• Allow ample time to explore the expansive grounds.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking quite a bit.

Ride the scenic ropeway with views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting) and the volcanic hot springs of Owakudani. Try the black eggs boiled in the sulfurous waters.

• The sulfurous fumes can be strong; if you have respiratory issues, consider skipping.
• The black eggs are said to add seven years to your life.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise across the picturesque Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship. The cruise offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine.

Travel back to Tokyo after a day of exploring Hakone's natural beauty and art.

A tranquil museum housing a private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, set within a stunning traditional Japanese garden.

• The garden is as much a highlight as the art collection; take your time to wander.
• Enjoy a quiet moment in the museum's tea house.

A charming, old-fashioned shopping street that retains a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. It's lined with local shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and everyday goods.

• Try the 'menchi katsu' (fried minced meat cutlet) from a local butcher shop.
• This area offers a glimpse into a slower-paced, local Tokyo life.

A beautifully ornate shrine within Ueno Park, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Its intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations are particularly striking.

The world-famous district for electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. Explore multi-story department stores filled with gadgets, arcades, and themed cafes.

• Visit a multi-story arcade like Taito Station or Sega.
• Maid cafes are a unique, if sometimes quirky, Akihabara experience.

A large, intricate mechanical clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki, located outside the NTV building. It performs a charming animation show several times a day.

• Check the showtimes in advance to catch the animation.
• It's a fun, quick photo opportunity.

A beautiful landscape garden located alongside Tokyo Bay. It features seawater ponds that change level with the tides and a charming teahouse on an island.

• Enjoy matcha tea and a traditional sweet at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse.
• The contrast between the traditional garden and the surrounding skyscrapers is striking.

Offers free panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation decks. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji. It's a great alternative to paid observation towers.

• Visit during the day for clear views, or at sunset for a magical transition.
• Security checks are in place, so allow a little extra time.

A network of narrow alleys packed with over 200 tiny, atmospheric bars, each seating only a handful of people. It's a unique and intimate nightlife experience.

• Many bars have cover charges, so be aware of pricing.
• Some bars are more welcoming to tourists than others; look for signs indicating English friendliness.

Tokyo's famous entertainment and red-light district, known for its dazzling neon signs, restaurants, bars, clubs, and the iconic Godzilla head.

• Be aware of touts trying to lure you into establishments.
• It's a vibrant and energetic area, best experienced with a sense of adventure.

Take a direct train from Asakusa or Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko Station. This is the most convenient way to reach Nikko from central Tokyo.

• Consider purchasing the Nikko Pass for discounted travel and entry to attractions.
• Enjoy the scenic journey through the Japanese countryside.

The lavishly decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its intricate carvings, including the famous 'see no evil, speak no evil, do no evil' monkeys, are stunning.

• The Yomeimon Gate is a masterpiece of Japanese art.
• Photography is restricted in some areas to preserve the structures.

Explore these important religious sites within the UNESCO World Heritage area. Futarasan Shrine is dedicated to the deities of Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai, while Rinnoji Temple is Nikko's most important temple.

A sacred red lacquered bridge that serves as a scenic entrance to the shrines and temples of Nikko. It's considered one of Japan's most beautiful bridges.

Travel back to Tokyo after a day immersed in the spiritual and natural beauty of Nikko.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or mementos from local shops near your hotel or a convenient station.

Complete the check-out process at your hotel.

Take the Narita Express from Shinjuku Station back to Narita Airport for your departure.

• Allow ample time for travel to the airport and check-in procedures.
• Consider purchasing snacks or a bento box for the journey.

Depart from Tokyo.