Categories

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• Experience\

Locations

1. 2D Cafe (Kabukicho Tower)

   Author’s favourite inside Kabukicho Tower.

2. A Happy Pancake

   Souffle pancake chain (author notes great experience in Hiroshima).

3. Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour

   Guided tour for anime/gaming fans around Akihabara.

4. Akihabara (Electric Town)

   Electronics/anime/video games; shops for gadgets and merch.

5. Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko)

   Open-air market under railway tracks; street eats and souvenirs.

6. Anamori Inari-jinja (Anamori Inari Shrine)

   Hidden shrine near Haneda Airport dedicated to aviation safety.

7. Asakusa

   Historic area; suggested as last stop on Day 3.

8. Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour

   Cultural walk with matcha making in Asakusa.

9. Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour

   Kimono photography experience in Asakusa.

10. Asakusa Tourist Information Center (8th floor view)

    Free views over Nakamise-dori/Senso-ji; also views of SkyTree and ‘Golden Poop’; go early.

11. Asakusa/Tsukiji/Akihabara Highlights Tour (5 hours)

    Combined highlights tour mentioned in guide.

12. Atago Shrine

    Hidden gem shrine with rare golden torii and steep ‘success’ stairs; associated with career success wishes.

13. Bentendo Temple (Ueno)

    Temple overlooking pond; swan paddle boats available.

14. Bunkyo

    Area referenced as location of Rikugien Gardens.

15. Cat Street (Harajuku)

    Boutiques and indie fashion stores; look for kawaii items.

16. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

    Shopping mall with kawaii/Sanrio merch (Hello Kitty, Gudetama, etc.).

17. Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya

    Recommended stay option in Shibuya/Harajuku area.

18. Edo & Hidden Gem Cycling Tour (Asakusa area)

    5-hour cycling tour around Asakusa and surrounding areas.

19. Edo Wonderland (Nikko)

    Attraction option for longer Nikko trip (historical theme park).

20. Family Mart rooftop gorilla (Sangenjaya)

    Photo spot: gorilla figure hanging from Family Mart rooftop in Sangenjaya.

21. Fujinomiya

    Author suggests best views of Mt Fuji from Fujinomiya (less-seen side).

22. Fuji TV Headquarters (Observation Deck)

    Observation deck views; see Statue of Liberty replica and Rainbow Bridge on clear days.

23. Ginza

    Upscale district with designer shops and interesting architecture; duty-free at Laox.

24. Golden Gai

    Shinjuku ‘Golden District’ with 200+ tiny bars; lively at night.

25. Gotemba Premium Outlets

    Shopping stop often included in Fuji day trip itineraries.

26. Gotoku-ji (Lucky Cat Temple)

    Setagaya temple associated with ‘Lucky Cat’ (maneki-neko).

27. Hachiko Statue

    Statue outside Shibuya Station; popular meeting/photo spot with Hachiko story (1930s).

28. Hakone

    Popular Mt Fuji day trip area but overcrowded; use Hakone Round Course / Free Pass if going.

29. Hakone Cable Car

    Part of Hakone Round Course transport loop.

30. Hakone Free Pass

    Pass covering trains/cable car/ropeway/boat/bus for Hakone Round Course (per guide).

31. Hakone Open Air Museum

    Hakone highlight (outdoor art museum).

32. Hakone Ropeway

    Part of Hakone Round Course transport loop (over volcanic areas).

33. Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Gateway station for Hakone; access via Odakyu Express from Shinjuku (~1h25).

34. Hamarikyu Gardens

    Edo-period gardens; meticulously pruned pines; matcha experience at Nakajima No Ochaya teahouse.

35. Haneda Airport

    Arrive via Haneda (closer to city). Suggested route: Haneda -> Hamamatsucho via Tokyo Monorail (~15 min). Cost ~JPY 500. Suica/IC card...

36. Harajuku Crazy Cute Kawaii Foodie Tour

    Kawaii culture + sweets tour in Harajuku.

37. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    Recommended stay option in Shinjuku; known for Godzilla.

38. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla Head)

    Look for Godzilla ‘hanging out’ by Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku.

39. Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Free gardens; author says not a priority (no actual palace, mostly remnants of Edo Castle).

40. Isetan (Shinjuku)

    Major department store in Shinjuku.

41. JAL City Hotel (near Haneda Airport)

    Recommended stay option outside Haneda Airport.

42. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    Nagano-area attraction; see snow monkeys (and babies in summer).

43. Jizo-dori (Sugamo)

    Shopping street in Sugamo with traditional stores and local feel.

44. JR Harajuku Station

    Reference point: Takeshita-dori is directly opposite the station.

45. Kabukicho

    Iconic neon district; red-light area; watch for touts.

46. Kabukicho Tower

    Dining/entertainment complex; includes eateries and the guide’s ‘secret favourite’ 2D Cafe.

47. Kabukiza Theatre

    Kabuki theatre venue in Ginza; Kabuki recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage (per guide).

48. Kamakura

    Day trip ~50 minutes; temples/shrines, famous Buddha, hikes.

49. Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)

    Iconic gate/entrance to Senso-ji area; check beneath the lanterns.

50. Kanda-jinja (Kanda Myojin Shrine)

    Shrine featured in anime; over 1,300 years old; unique ‘protect gadgets’ omamori.

51. Kappabashi (Kitchen Town)

    Near Asakusa; kitchen utensils/cooking goods; good for unique souvenirs.

52. Kawagoe (Little Edo)

    Old-world preserved town ~30 minutes from Tokyo; architecture, sweet treats, shrines.

53. Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes)

    Day trip (~2 hours); lakes with Mt Fuji backdrop; Fuji Shibazakura Festival in May (per guide).

54. Keio Department Store (Shinjuku)

    Major department store in Shinjuku.

55. Kirin City

    Izakaya/pub-like chain; Japanese ‘tapas’ style; local atmosphere.

56. Kiyomizu Kannon-do

    Temple hall in Ueno area; see the ‘Moon Pine’ through a circular branch.

57. Lake Ashi

    Hakone highlight; boat/sailing options; classic Mt Fuji views when clear.

58. Laox (Ginza)

    Duty-free shopping for electronics and Japanese souvenirs.

59. Le Shiner

    Harajuku: rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches.

60. Maidreamin'

    Maid cafe experience (author found it awkward); many other themed venues exist.

61. Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

    Major Shinto shrine; forested grounds with many donated trees; near Yoyogi Park.

62. Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station

    Recommended stay option for families/groups in Asakusa.

63. Minato

    Southern Tokyo area for Tokyo Tower, temples, gardens, shrines.

64. Miyashita Park

    Modern shopping/park complex in Shibuya (mentioned in guide’s Shibuya list).

65. Nagano

    ~3 hours; ski town that’s good in summer too; options include snow monkey park and Zenko-ji Temple.

66. Nakajima No Ochaya Teahouse

    Teahouse in Hamarikyu Gardens; traditional matcha on tatami mats.

67. Nakamise-dori

    Shopping street leading to Senso-ji; shops closed at night but fewer crowds.

68. Nakano Broadway

    Alternative anime merch spot; author warns prices can be higher than Pokémon Store Nihonbashi.

69. Narita Airport

    Arrive via Narita (further from central Tokyo). Suggested route: Narita -> Tokyo via Narita Express (~1 hour). Cost ~JPY 3,250 one-way.

70. Narita Airport Limousine Bus

    Alternative to N'EX; cheaper option. Tickets can be booked in advance.

71. Narita Express (N'EX)

    Train from Narita Airport to Tokyo (~1 hour). One-way adult ticket ~JPY 3,250.

72. Nezu Shrine

    Gem with impressive gardens; popular during azalea season (Tsutsuji Matsuri).

73. Nikko

    UNESCO World Heritage day trip (~2 hours from Tokyo); temples/shrines and nature scenery.

74. Nonbei Yokocho

    Narrow alley under railway tracks with tiny izakaya/bars; lively at night.

75. Odaiba

    Waterfront area for shopping, viewpoints, and attractions; near Rainbow Bridge.

76. Odaiba Statue of Liberty Replica

    Tokyo’s Statue of Liberty replica overlooking Rainbow Bridge.

77. Odakyu Express (Shinjuku -> Hakone)

    Train from Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (~1h25). Sit right side for Mt Fuji view (Tokyo->Hakone).

78. Omikuji at Senso-ji

    Fortune-telling ritual; offering JPY 100–200; tie bad fortunes on racks.

79. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

    Laneways with ramen/soba/sushi/yakitori. Nickname ‘Piss Alley’. Smoking often allowed.

80. Omotesando

    Designer shopping street (Gucci/Dior/Chanel etc.).

81. Oshino Hakkai

    Sacred ponds often included in Mt Fuji day trip itineraries.

82. Park Hotel Tokyo (Minato)

    Recommended stay option in Minato with landmark views.

83. Picasso Museum (Hakone)

    Hakone highlight mentioned in guide (confirm exact venue when mapping).

84. Private Zazen Meditation + Matcha & Sweets

    Temple zazen meditation experience with matcha and sweets.

85. Rainbow Bridge

    Iconic bridge visible from Odaiba/nearby viewpoints.

86. Rikugien Gardens

    Less-crowded garden option (Bunkyo).

87. Ryuguden Honkan (Hakone onsen)

    Onsen/hot spring experience option in Hakone.

88. Samsung Galaxy Harajuku (Level 4)

    Hidden mini teamLab + Sanrio experience on Level 4; good for kids; cafe for parents.

89. Samurai Restaurant (formerly Robot Restaurant)

    Over-the-top show venue (now 18+). Tourist-y but entertaining.

90. Sangenjaya

    Local-vibe area; known for a gorilla hanging from a Family Mart rooftop.

91. Santa Monica Crepes

    Harajuku: popular crepe shop.

92. Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo’s oldest temple (645 AD). Best visited at night to avoid crowds.

93. Setagaya

    Area near Sangenjaya; mentioned as location of Gotoku-ji.

94. Shibamata

    Quiet Kyoto-like alternative neighborhood; survived WWII air raids; retro stores and old-world feel.

95. Shibamata Taishakuten Temple

    Ancient temple; notable 500-year-old pine resembling a flying dragon; intricate wood carvings.

96. Shiba Park

    Park near Tokyo Tower; walk to Zojo-ji Temple.

97. Shiba Park Hotel (Minato)

    Recommended stay option in Minato.

98. Shibuya 109

    Iconic fashion mall near Shibuya Crossing.

99. Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour

    Nightlife tour visiting hidden izakaya pubs; includes food and drinks.

100. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

     Recommended stay option in Shibuya with landmark views.

101. Shibuya Ramen Tasting Tour

     Ramen tasting tour in Shibuya; mentions discount code Invisible5 (from guide).

102. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

     World-famous busy crossing in Shibuya; morning visit suggested.

103. Shibuya Sky

     Observation deck. Sunset slots are hard to get; consider daytime for fewer crowds.

104. Shibuya Street Food Tour

     Guided street food tour in Shibuya; 5 foodie stops incl. underground food market.

105. Shimbashi

     More local alternative night spot with izakaya under railway arches; near Minato.

106. Shimbashi Hidden Gem Food Tour

     Local food tour in Shimbashi (more local alternative night spot).

107. Shimokitazawa

     Neighbourhood where Tokyo’s ‘cool kids’ hang out; more like old Harajuku vibe.

108. Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour

     Bar hopping tour to lesser-known Shinjuku gems.

109. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

     Large park with Japanese/French/English garden areas; tranquil escape; popular for sakura.

110. Shinjuku Night Foodie Tour

     Food tour sampling ~10 Japanese foods in Golden Gai & Kabukicho areas.

111. Shinjuku no Nekomae (3D Cat Billboard)

     Resident cat on a 3D screen near Shinjuku East Exit; fun to watch.

112. Shinjuku Station

     Busiest station in the world; complex with 200+ exits; very crowded.

113. Sugamo (Jizo-dori)

     ‘Grandma’s Harajuku’ — tea shops, traditional candy stores, local vibe, fewer crowds.

114. Sumida Hokusai Museum

     Underrated rainy-day museum; features Hokusai works incl. ‘Great Wave off Kanagawa’.

115. Sumida River Cruise (Odaiba <-> Asakusa)

     Cruise option from Odaiba to Asakusa; dinner cruise also mentioned.

116. Sumida River Walk

     Walkway connecting Tokyo SkyTree area to Asakusa (~18 min); shops/restaurants along river.

117. Sumo Wrestling & Lunch Experience

     Watch sumo up close; includes lunch; sometimes includes wrestling a sumo.

118. Super Potato (Akihabara)

     Retro video game store (80s/90s toys, gifts, memorabilia) spread over several levels.

119. Takashimaya (Shinjuku)

     Major department store near Shinjuku Gyoen area.

120. Takeshita-dori (Takeshita Street)

     Harajuku’s famous shopping street opposite JR Harajuku Station; quirky shops & street food.

121. teamLab Planets (Toyosu)

     Immersive exhibition; in Toyosu; noted as open until 2027 (per guide).

122. The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon (Asakusa)

     Recommended stay option in Asakusa with landmark views.

123. Tobu World Square (Nikko)

     Attraction option for longer Nikko trip (theme park with miniature landmarks).

124. Togo Shrine

     Hidden gem north of Meiji Jingu; carp pond & landscaped gardens.

125. Tokyo Cooking Class

     Cooking classes ranging sushi/gyoza/mochi/wagashi and more.

126. Tokyo Disneyland

     Theme park day trip ~25 minutes from Tokyo; book tickets in advance.

127. Tokyo DisneySea

     Theme park day trip ~25 minutes from Tokyo; book tickets in advance.

128. Tokyo Geisha Experience (Kanda Shrine grounds)

     Learn traditional skills/culture from a geisha on Kanda Shrine grounds (book in advance).

129. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Observation Deck)

     Free city views (Shinjuku). Author doesn’t recommend due to crowds; go early if you do.

130. Tokyo Monorail (Haneda -> Hamamatsucho)

     Transport option from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo (Hamamatsucho). ~15 minutes, ~JPY 500.

131. Tokyo SkyTree

     Major landmark tower; panoramic views; may see Mt Fuji on clear days; shops/restaurants inside.

132. Tokyo Tea Ceremony & Wagashi Making

     Traditional sweets-making and tea ceremony experience with tea master.

133. Tokyo Tower

     Iconic tower (Eiffel Tower-inspired); observation deck tickets can be bought in advance.

134. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

     Tokyu Plaza building with a notable mirrored entrance.

135. Tokyu Stay Shimbashi Ginza

     Recommended stay option in Ginza/Shimbashi area.

136. Toshogu Shrine (Ueno)

     Shrine in Ueno Park area; noted for stunning details.

137. Totti Candy Factory

     Harajuku: pastel fairy floss bigger than your head.

138. Toyosu

     Area referenced for teamLab Planets and fish market context.

139. Toyosu Fish Market

     Largest wholesale fish market; inner market/tuna auction closed to tourists since Oct 2018 (per guide).

140. Tsukiji Outer Market

     Visit on your own or via foodie tour; alternative since tuna auction viewing is limited.

141. Ueno

     Underrated neighbourhood for markets, parks, and shrines.

142. Ueno Park

     Large park with gardens; popular for sakura; shrines within grounds.

143. Unko Museum (Odaiba)

     Novelty ‘poop’ museum; author says okay with young kids, otherwise not worth it.

144. Vegan Night Foodie Tour

     Food tour option tailored for vegans/vegetarians in Tokyo.

145. Villa Fontaine (Haneda Airport Terminal 3)

     Recommended stay option inside Haneda T3.

146. Yamamoto-tei

     1930s former merchant home with garden/boardwalk; enjoy wagashi and matcha.

147. Yanaka Foodie Tour

     Local-led foodie tour around Yanaka (author recommends).

148. Yanaka Ginza

     Old-world preserved neighbourhood; bakeries, artisan stores (knives/leather/clothes/coffee), cafes & bars.

149. Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

     Recommended stay option in Yokohama.

150. Yoyogi Park

     Park adjoining Meiji Jingu; known for early-blooming cherry blossoms.

151. Zenko-ji Temple

     Nagano attraction; often paired with tours incl. sake tasting.

152. Zojo-ji Temple

     17th-century temple; grounds feature many Jizo statues; memorial context—visit respectfully.