Tokyo a week

A vast and beautiful oasis offering diverse garden styles, including English Landscape, French Formal, and traditional Japanese gardens. It's a perfect place to unwind after your journey and experience a blend of nature and tranquility.

• Check for seasonal flower blooms.
• Picnics are allowed in designated areas.

A narrow alleyway packed with tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs) and eateries, retaining a nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for experiencing authentic local food and drinks in a lively setting.

• Many places are small, so be prepared to stand or squeeze in.
• Yakitori (grilled skewers) is a popular choice here.

Offers free panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation decks, including iconic landmarks like Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji on clear days. It's a fantastic way to see the city's sprawling lights after dark.

• Open late, making it a great evening activity.
• North and South towers have slightly different views.

Tokyo's oldest temple, famous for its vibrant Nakamise-dori market leading to the main hall and five-story pagoda. Experience traditional Japanese temple architecture and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Try some local snacks from the market stalls.

A large public park housing numerous museums, a zoo, shrines, and a pond. It's a cultural hub and a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

• Consider visiting the Tokyo National Museum within the park.
• Rent a swan boat on Shinobazu Pond.

A bustling street market under the railway tracks, selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, cosmetics, and street food. It offers a lively, down-to-earth shopping experience.

• Great place for bargain hunting.
• Sample street food like takoyaki or fresh fruit skewers.

A charming street in Asakusa known for its traditional izakayas, many with red lanterns and a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to sample local drinks and small dishes.

• Look for places specializing in motsuyaki (grilled offal).
• Enjoy the local 'Hoppy' drink.

A peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a dense forest. It offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with a large torii gate marking the entrance.

• Walk through the forest path for a calming experience.
• You might witness a traditional Shinto wedding.

The vibrant heart of Harajuku's youth culture, famous for its quirky fashion boutiques, colorful street food, and unique shops. It's a sensory overload of trends and creativity.

• Try a giant rainbow cotton candy or a decadent crepe.
• Explore the side streets for less crowded, unique finds.

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

• Visit the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku for its mirrored entrance.
• Admire the unique building designs.

The world's busiest intersection, where hundreds of people cross from multiple directions at once when the lights change. Experience the organized chaos from street level or a nearby cafe like Starbucks.

• The Starbucks overlooking the crossing offers a great vantage point.
• Look for the Hachiko statue, a famous meeting spot.

A cluster of tiny, atmospheric bars and eateries reminiscent of old Tokyo, located near Shibuya Station. It’s a great spot for a more intimate drinking and dining experience after the spectacle of the crossing.

• Be aware that some bars have cover charges.
• Enjoy the local vibe and small plates.

Immersive digital art museums that offer stunning, interactive light installations and sensory experiences. Borderless is about exploration without boundaries, while Planets offers a more sensory journey, including walking through water.

• Book tickets well in advance, especially for weekends.
• Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to get a little wet at Planets.

The former site of Edo Castle and now a public park surrounding the Imperial Palace. Explore the historic moats, stone walls, and guardhouses, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

• Closed on Mondays and Fridays.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Tokyo's upscale shopping district, known for its department stores, luxury boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining. It's a sophisticated area with impressive architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekend afternoons when the main street is closed to traffic.

• Visit the flagship stores of major international and Japanese brands.
• Enjoy a coffee or tea break at a stylish cafe.

A charming district with a French influence and a geisha district history, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, traditional ryotei (high-class Japanese restaurants), and hidden bistros. It offers a romantic and slightly off-the-beaten-path evening experience.

• Explore the side alleys for hidden gems.
• Many restaurants here require reservations.

The successor to the famous Tsukiji Market, this modern facility offers a glimpse into the wholesale tuna auction (requires early booking/lottery) and has a restaurant area for incredibly fresh sushi breakfasts. Observe the bustling wholesale operations from dedicated viewing decks.

• Tuna auction viewing requires advance registration and is often a lottery.
• Go to the restaurants for the freshest sushi breakfast.

A vibrant district renowned for its electronics stores, anime, manga, and gaming culture. It's a mecca for pop culture enthusiasts, offering everything from the latest gadgets to themed cafes.

• Visit a multi-story electronics store like Yodobashi Camera.
• Experience a themed cafe, like a maid cafe or Gundam cafe.

An ancient and colorful shrine located near Akihabara, known for blessing technology and business. It's a unique blend of tradition and modernity, often decorated with anime-themed ema (votive plaques).

• Look for the IT amulets for good luck with technology.
• It's a popular spot for anime fans.

A charming, old-fashioned shopping street that retains a nostalgic, 'shitamachi' (downtown) atmosphere. It's perfect for experiencing a more local side of Tokyo with traditional shops selling snacks, crafts, and daily goods.

• Try the menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat cutlet).
• Enjoy the slower pace and local interactions.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the animation of Studio Ghibli, designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself. It offers a magical journey into the worlds of Totoro, Spirited Away, and more.

• Tickets are notoriously hard to get and must be booked months in advance.
• Photography is not allowed inside.

A man-made island in Tokyo Bay, known for its futuristic architecture, entertainment venues, shopping malls, and museums. It offers great views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline.

• Ride the Yurikamome line for scenic views.
• Visit the teamLab Borderless or Planets if you didn't on Day 4.

An interactive science museum showcasing cutting-edge technology and the future of science, including robotics (like ASIMO demonstrations), space exploration, and environmental science.

• Check the schedule for live demonstrations.
• Engaging for all ages.

Large shopping and entertainment complexes in Odaiba offering a wide range of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, with excellent views of the Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge illuminated at night.

• Enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.
• Consider visiting the Joypolis indoor amusement park.

While the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains a vibrant hub for fresh seafood, produce, kitchenware, and street food. It's a fantastic place for a final taste of Tokyo's culinary scene and souvenir shopping.

• Enjoy a final sushi breakfast or seafood snack.
• Look for unique kitchen gadgets and Japanese knives.

A historic and architecturally significant train station, featuring the red-brick Marunouchi side. It also boasts an extensive underground shopping and dining area, Tokyo Station Ichibangai (First Avenue), with character shops and themed restaurants.

• Explore Character Street for souvenirs.
• Grab a bento box for your journey.

The primary international gateways to Tokyo. Ensure you allow ample time for travel to the airport and check-in procedures.